Abstract: The present invention relates to a router tool for edging the peripheral edge of eyeglass lenses. The tool comprises a longitudinally extending body rotatable on the axis thereof. A first blade extends axially and radially from the body, and has a first cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens to a first configuration. A second blade is provided that is axially spaced from the first blade. The second blade extends axially and radially from the body, and has a second cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens to a second configuration different than the first configuration. The present invention also relates to an edger having the disclosed router tool, and a method for shaping the edge of eyeglass lenses.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a system and method for aligning reference marks defining the optical center or major reference point on a lens blank with a series of alignment marks, or “fiducials”. The fiducials comprise first and second alignment bars displayed on a display operably associated with a computer, and overlay the reference marks, also displayed on the display. The fiducials may be adjusted to accurately precisely align the lens blank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for shaping and polishing an edge of an eyeglass lens. The tool includes a longitudinally extending body rotatable on the axis thereof, with a proximal portion and a distal portion. A first cutter extends axially and radially from the distal portion, and includes a first blade for shaping an edge of a lens. The distal portion has a first diameter defined by the first blade. A polishing hub is secured to and extends coaxially from the distal portion and is rotatable therewith. A second cutter is secured to and extends coaxially from the polishing hub and is rotatable therewith. The second cutter has a second blade for shaping the edge of the lens. The second blade defines a second diameter less than the first diameter. The present invention also relates to an edger having the disclosed tool, and a method of edging.

Abstract: A lens blocking device is disclosed that includes a frame, a light source mounted on the frame, a carriage having a first end and a second end mounted on the frame for sliding movement between first and second positions, a first mirror mounted on the carriage first end and a lens block holder mounted on the carriage second end and shiftable between third and fourth positions with respect to the carriage, a stage disposed between the light source and the carriage, and including an opening, for supporting an object, an at least partially translucent screen generating a display image operably connected to the support frame, at least one second mirror arranged to reflect an image of an object on the stage from the first mirror, when the carriage is in the first position, onto the screen, and an actuator operably connected to the carriage.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a system and method for aligning reference marks defining the optical center or major reference point on a lens blank with a series of alignment marks, or “fiducials”. The fiducials comprise first and second alignment bars displayed on a display operably associated with a computer, and overlay the reference marks, also displayed on the display. The fiducials may be adjusted to accurately precisely align the lens blank.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a pivotally actuated tracer which traces an object (e.g., a frame mount of an eyeglass frame, a lens, or a lens pattern) while the object is held in a more-vertical-than-horizontal orientation. The control system comprises a trace control element and a gravity compensation element. The trace control element applies control signals to the pivotally actuated tracer. In response, the object engager of the tracer is pivotally actuated against and along the object to be traced with a biasing force toward the object. The gravity compensation element is adapted to compensate for the effects of gravity on the object engager by causing a varying pivoting force to be exerted on the object engager. The pivoting force varies depending on the rotational orientation of the object engager to keep the biasing force substantially constant along the object. Also provided is a data acquisition system for the tracer.

Abstract: A combination tool for edging and polishing the edge of eyeglass lenses comprises an axially extending rotatable cutter body having first and second peripherally disposed and axially extending cutter portions. Each cutter portion has a first notch therein for shaping an edge of a lens. The first notches are equiaxially spaced along the body. An axially extending polishing tool is secured to the body and is rotatable therewith. The tool has a second notch formed therein for shaping an edge of a lens. An abrasive coating is applied to the polishing tool for polishing the lens edge.

Abstract: A combination tool for edging and polishing the edge of eyeglass lenses comprises an axially extending rotatable cutter body having first and second peripherally disposed and axially extending cutter portions. Each cutter portion has a first notch therein for shaping an edge of a lens. The first notches are equiaxially spaced along the body. An axially extending polishing tool is secured to the body and is rotatable therewith. The tool has a second notch formed therein for shaping an edge of a lens. An abrasive coating is applied to the polishing tool for polishing the lens edge.

Abstract: An adhesive blocking system, for generating and for fining and polishing eyeglass lenses, utilizes a collar which slides over and engages a lens block, which lens block is secured to a lens blank by a relatively thick adhesive pad, to uniformly transfer pressure from the cylinder machine to the lens blank without deforming the adhesive pad, which deformation adversely affects the optics. In this manner, a lens blank is blocked only once for both generating and fining and polishing. In addition, the environmental risks and heating effects of current solder blocking systems are avoided.

Abstract: A lens blocker assembly has a first support table moveable in a first direction. A second support is carried by the first support and is moveable in a second direction, with the second direction being angularly disposed relative to the first direction. Variable output drives are operably associated with the supports for selectively moving the supports in the associated directions. A lens block applicator is operably associated with the second support for applying a lens block to a lens blank disposed on the second support.

Abstract: The generator for plastic lenses comprises a rotatable chuck for rotating an optical lens blank on a first axis. A drive system displaces the chuck and thereby the lens blank generally transverse to the first axis. A cutter is operably associatable with the chuck for engaging the lens blank and causing shaping thereof. The cutter includes a high speed rotary element rotatable on a second axis angularly disposed relative to the first axis. A second drive system for selectively displacing the cutter parallel to the first axis is provided. A computer control is operably associated with the first and second drive systems for coordinating displacement of the associated chuck and cutter for causing a selected curvature to be generated on the blank.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is directed to a lens shaper and finisher which can readily accommodate large sized lens blanks. The preferred embodiment includes a chuck for supporting a lens blank and a lens pattern. A cutter is operably associated with the chuck. A plurality of piston and cylinder assemblies displace the chuck relative to the cutter between a first position wherein the lens blank is removed from the cutter and a second position wherein the lens blank engages the cutter. A control device is operably connected to a least one of the piston and cylinder assemblies to vary the rate at which the lens blank is fed to the cutter. Accordingly, the feed rate may be readily adjusted such that during a rough cutting cycle a lens blank is fed at a slower rate than during a finish cutting cycle to reduce the likelihood of shattering of the lens blank during the cutting process.

Abstract: A plastic lens shaper and finisher has a bed to which a first frame is mounted for reciprocation along the first axis. A second frame is mounted to the bed for reciprocation along the second axis generally transverse to the first axis. A third frame is secured to the bed adjacent said first and second frames. Displacement devices are operably connected to each of the first and second frames causing reciprocation thereof. A motor is mounted to the first frame and has a rotary cutter secured to the distal end thereof for cutting the blank. A second motor is mounted to the second frame and includes a first blank holding portion at one end and a first pattern holding portion at the other end. The second frame includes a portion carrying the second blank holding portion and a cylinder and piston assembly for driving the second portion for clamping and releasing the blank.