Abstract: A method and mold assembly to control the polymerization of a molded article. In one embodiment, an amorphous posterior mold comprising a non-critical surface having a controlled radius of curvature is used to produce molded articles. In an alternate embodiment, ophthalmic lenses are produced using a posterior mold in which the concave surface of the non-critical surface is filled with a liquid having a similar refractive index as the mold material. In still another embodiment, a positive lens is placed at a predetermined distance adjacent to the mold assembly to alter the irradiation path to the mold assembly. In still another embodiment, a positive lens is placed within the concave surface of the posterior lens.

Abstract: An assembly and method for inspecting ophthalmic lenses includes a light source and a 360° light structuring aperture configured to direct structured light toward an open center where a lens is positioned for imaging by an imaging device positioned beneath the assembly. The structured light is directed at the entire periphery of the lens and is internally reflected by the lens in the manner of a fiber optic conduit whereby the lens appears dark at clear areas of the lens. If there are defects or imprints on the lens, the internally reflected light will scatter at that point and appear as a bright spot to the imaging device.

Abstract: A method and mold assembly to control the polymerization of a cast optical device. The mold assembly includes at least one mold portion having a non-critical surface with fresnel or diffractive geometry. Alternately, a fresnel lens or diffractive lens may be placed at a predetermined distance from the mold.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens system including a higher diopter positive intraocular lens and a lower diopter negative intraocular lens. The positive intraocular lens includes a positive optic portion having an outer peripheral edge and two or more haptic elements. The negative intraocular lens includes a negative optic portion having an outer peripheral edge and two or more haptic elements. Each haptic element is formed to have specific flexibility characteristics so as to be less resistant to bending in a plane generally parallel to an eye's optical axis than in a plane generally perpendicular to the eye's optical axis. The accommodating intraocular lens system is so designed with specific flexibility characteristics to facilitate axial displacement of the positive optic portion with respect to the negative optic portion along the eye's optical axis under a compression force.

Abstract: An eyewear loupe having one or more magnifying lenses for removable attachment to an eyewear includes up to three eyewear-engaging spaces allowing attachment to a variety of different sized eyewear. An adapter for attaching to the shield of shield-type eyewear is provided allowing the loupe to be attached to safety glasses, for example.

Abstract: A refractive anterior chamber iris fixated intraocular lens including an optic portion having an outer peripheral edge and two or more but preferably two haptic elements. Each haptic element is manufactured to have an inner portion and an outer free end portion for supporting the optic portion in a patient's eye. The inner portion of each haptic element is preferably permanently connected to the outer peripheral edge of the optic portion. Each haptic element also includes a tissue clasp for secure attachment of the intraocular lens to the non-mobile periphery of the iris of an eye.

Abstract: A method for removable attachment of a mask to an IOL to protect a sharp peripheral edge of the IOL optic during polishing.

Abstract: An assembly for orienting and fixturing an array of contact lenses in a lens-fixturing tray to enable automated picking of the lenses includes an array of tubes to which a first support tray having an array of lens receptacles each having a respective contact lens therein is removably mounted. A lens-fixturing tray having an array of lens receptacles is removably mounted to the other end of the tubes and the assembly is rotated and submerged in a fluid bath whereby the lenses release from the first support tray and float downwardly through a respective tube coming to rest in a centered, concave side-up position in a respective receptacle of the lens-fixturing tray.

Abstract: A handling assembly for ophthalmic mold parts between processing stations of a manufacturing line comprises a planar mold cartridge adapted to hold about 1000 mold parts at a time.

Abstract: This invention is a device for inserting a flexible intraocular lens (12) into an eye comprising a tubular member (16) and a plunger (18). The tubular member includes a staging area (45), a lumen, and an open distal end (95). The staging area supports unstressed state prior to engagement by the plunger. In the unstressed state, the optic (48) of the lens is suspended in a pocket to avoid any substantial contact with interior portions of the tubular member. The plunger includes a slot (132) in its distal tip fo receiving and gripping the lens. With this construction, the lens can be inserted into the eye in one continuous motion. Further, the plunger holds the lens when the lens is moved out of the tubular member.

Abstract: Method for removing unwanted excess material from a mold section is particularly adapted for removing a monomer ring adhered within a reservoir of a female mold section used to mold a contact lens. The invention involves piercing the monomer ring and rotating the piercing members (e.g., annularly spaced pins) relative to the mold section whereby the monomer ring is sheared from the mold section to which it was adhered while the molded lens is left intact in the mold section.

Abstract: A process of dry polishing molded or lathe cut intraocular lenses or like medical devices to removing flash, sharp edges and/or surface irregularities therefrom. The process includes gas and/or rotational tumbling of the intraocular lenses or like medical devices in a dry polishing media. The process is suitable for single piece and multipiece intraocular lenses of varying composition.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for edging an ophthalmic lens comprises a spindle on which a lens is removably positioned and set rotating to engage with a web of abrasive material which is secured at only one end thereof. The free end of the web is allowed to dangle and is also preferably set into an oscillating, vertical movement which edges both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens adjacent the lens periphery to thereby smooth the periphery of the lens.

Abstract: A combined fluidized bed dryer and absorption bed allows an absorbant to be dried to remove any moisture therefrom immediately followed by treating a product material with the dried absorbant, all in the same vessel, such that the absorbant is at its optimum dryness prior to treating the product material therewith The invention has particular application in the ophthalmic lens production where the absorbant is alumina and is used to remove methacrylic acid from liquid monomer prior to using the monomer in producing lenses.

Abstract: A tray assembly for holding small devices such as polymeric ophthalmic lenses includes a mesh insert having a plurality of wells for containing individual lenses. The assembly may also include a support tray having a perimeter substantially conforming in shape to the outer edge of the mesh insert. Contact is maintained between the support tray and the mesh insert to confine the lenses within the assembly. A stack assembly includes a plurality of multiwell circular mesh trays and corresponding mesh tray covers stacked and secured on a center shaft and provides substantially enhanced efficiency and productivity in processes such as extraction or hydration. Additionally, portions of the mesh insert and support tray may be used with such processes such as lens coating and surface treatment.

Abstract: A seat for supporting an infant which may be configured to resemble a flower. The seat may also be used as a pet bed. The seat includes a center portion upon which the infant is seated with one or more side supports extending outwardly therefrom to substantially surround the infant. The side supports may be configured to resemble the petals of a flower (e.g., a rose, a daisy, a black-eyed susan, a sunflower, etc.) with the center portion being the center part of the flower. The seat is especially useful for an infant that cannot yet support themselves in a sitting-up position by stopping them from fully tipping over in any direction.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for inhibiting posterior capsular opacification, or secondary cataract, includes an optic having a periphery provided with at least two sharp edges which lie radially spaced from each other with respect to the optical axis of the lens optic.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling an ophthalmic lens in a manufacturing line where lenses are presented for picking and transport to a respective lens receptacle. The problem of lens fly-away is prevented by a cover which releasably couples to the lens picking means and is deposited over the lens receptacle immediately following release of the lens into the secondary receptacle and withdrawal of the lens picking means.

Abstract: A refractive anterior chamber iris fixated intraocular lens including an optic portion having an outer peripheral edge and two or more but preferably two, three or four balanced haptic elements. Each haptic element is of a relatively narrow arch-like form. Each haptic element is also manufactured to have an inner portion and an outer portion for supporting the optic portion in a patient's eye. The inner portion of each haptic element is permanently connected to the outer peripheral edge of the optic portion. Each haptic element also includes a fixation clamp on the outer portion thereof and a central portion located between the outer portion and the inner portion.

Abstract: A method, device and trays for transferring ophthalmic lenses from one work station to another. The first tray supports the lenses after release from the mold. The second tray supports the lenses during further processing including surface treatment. The articles are precisely placed and inverted as they are transferred from the first tray unto the second tray. Additionally, both sides of the ophthalmic lenses may be plasma reacted while supported on the second tray.