Abstract: A machine for grinding the peripheries of ophthalmic lenses to predetermined outlines is characterized by a head having a rotatable workholder for moving an edge of a lens against a rough grinding or finishing wheel and a pattern holder positioned vertically above the workholder for controlling movement of the lens toward and away from the grinding wheel. The head is mounted for horizontal, vertical and pivotal movement, is allowed to freely pivot during finishing or bevel edging of a lens but not during rough grinding, and is automatically locked against pivotal movement upon completion of bevel edging so that the lens may, if required, be returned to the same position against the finishing wheel.

Abstract: A machine for grinding the peripheries of ophthalmic lenses to predetermined outlines is characterized by a head having a rotatable workholder for moving an edge of a lens against a rough grinding or finishing wheel and a pattern holder positioned vertically above the workholder for controlling movement of the lens toward and away from the grinding wheel. The head is mountd for horizontal, vertical and pivotal movement, is allowed to freely pivot during finishing or bevel edging of a lens but not during rough grinding, and is automatically locked against pivotal movement upon completion of bevel edging so that the lens may, if required, be returned to the same position against the finishing wheel.

Abstract: A machine for grinding the peripheries of ophthalmic lenses to predetermined outlines is characterized by a head having a rotatable workholder for moving an edge of a lens against a rough grinding or finishing wheel and a pattern holder positioned vertically above the workholder for controlling movement of the lens toward and away from the grinding wheel. The head is mounted for horizontal, vertical and pivotal movement, is allowed to freely pivot during finishing or bevel edging of a lens but not during rough grinding, and is automatically locked against pivotal movement upon completion of bevel edging so that the lens may, if required, be returned to the same position against the finishing wheel.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for blocking semifinished lenses by the adjustment of each such lens until it occupies a prescribed position where an alloy hub or "block" is removable affixed to the lens by an adhesive pad so that the lens can be held for finishing, is characterized by magnetically securing the block to a chuck for carrying and affixing the block to the lens. The block may quickly and simply be secured to the chuck merely by being extended therein without the need for any mechanical devices, and upon being affixed to the lens is readily separable from the chuck upon withdrawal of the chuck therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for edging the periphery of an ophthalmic lens to a predetermined outline or edge configuration, is characterized by a pair of grinding wheels, one for rough grinding or shaping the lens and the other for peripherally beveling the edge of the lens, a workholder for supporting and rotating the lens and mechanisms for moving the rotating lens into engagement with the grinding wheels. Manual controls are on the apparatus and automatic control circuitry is in a module remote from but electrically connected with the apparatus, whereby the apparatus may be manually and/or automatically controlled to only shape a lens, to only bevel edge a lens or to both shape and bevel edge a lens.

Abstract: A method of grinding the peripheries of articles such as ophthalmic lenses and the like with a grinding wheel to a predetermined outline or edge configuration, is characterized by the steps of detecting the height of discrete positions on the grinding wheel surface between opposite sides thereof and generating signals having values representative of the height of the positions. The values of the signals are compared, and an indication is generated of the position on the grinding surface whereat the signals represent greatest height. The indication is then used to control movement of the article against the highest position on the grinding surface for being ground. In consequence, the wheel wears evenly, it retains a substantially cylindrical shape, all portions of its grinding surface are effectively used in grinding articles, and formation of a groove in its surface is prevented, whereby the wheel does not require retruing or reshaping and its useful life is significantly increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for edging the periphery of an ophthalmic lens to a predetermined outline or edge configuration, is characterized by a work holder for supporting and rotating a lens while moving an edge of the lens against a grinding surface of a grinding wheel. During grinding the lens is engaged with only a portion of the surface, and to prevent a groove from being formed in the surface a sensor automatically detects the highest point on the surface and controls movement of the work holder to move the lens thereagainst. In consequence, the wheel wears evenly, it retains a substantially cylindrical shape, all portions of its grinding surface are effectively used in grinding lenses, and formation of a groove in its surface is prevented, whereby the wheel does not require retruing or reshaping and its useful life is significantly increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for edging the periphery of an article, such as an ophthalmic lens to a predetermined outline or edge configuration, is characterized by a work holder for supporting and rotating a lens while moving an edge of the lens against a cylindrical grinding wheel. During grinding, the lens is engaged with only a portion of the grinding wheel, and to prevent a groove from being formed in the wheel successive lenses are automatically and periodically engaged with different portions of the wheel. In consequence, the wheel wears evenly, it retains a substantially cylindrical shape, all portions of its grinding surface are effectively used in grinding lenses, and the formation of a groove in its surface is prevented, whereby the wheel does not require retruing or reshaping and its useful life is significantly increased.