Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. The lens forming unit may include an LCD filter disposed between activating light sources and a mold assembly. The mold assembly preferably includes two mold members held together by a gasket. The gasket preferably includes four protrusions spaced at 90 degree intervals about the gasket. A lens forming composition may include a first photochromic compound, a second photochromic compound and a light effector. The light effector may alter the color of a lens when exposed to photochromic activating light, when compared to a lens formed from a lens forming composition which does not include a light effector.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a plastic lens is described. More particularly, an apparatus for applying alternating periods of ultraviolet light to a lens forming composition is described. The lens forming composition is cured while the rate of heat generation and/or dissipation is controlled via manipulation of the duration of the ultraviolet light or the cooling in the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is preferably directed toward the lens forming composition which is disposed in a mold cavity formed by two mold members. The ultraviolet light may be directed in pulses or continuously.

Abstract: Method for making a plastic lens is provided. More particularly, a method for applying alternating periods of ultraviolet light to a lens forming composition is described. The lens forming composition is cured while controlling the rate of heat generation and/or dissipation via manipulation of the duration of the ultraviolet light or the cooling in the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is preferably directed toward the lens forming composition which is disposed in a mold cavity formed by two mold members. The ultraviolet light may be directed in pulses or continuously.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens forming composition containing light absorbing compounds which may undergo light initiated polymerization is provided. Typically, lens forming compositions that absorb light do not permit enough activating radiation to penetrate into the depths of the lens cavity to adequately initiate polymerization of the lens forming composition. An embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for curing such a lens forming composition to form a lens that does not transmit ultraviolet light. Activating light is used having a wavelength greater than the wavelengths of light which the light absorbing compounds absorb. The power of the formed lenses may be controlled by varying the lens forming conditions. Additionally, the lens forming process may be controlled using a microprocessor based control system.

Abstract: Method for making a plastic lens is provided. More particularly, a method for applying alternating periods of ultraviolet light to a lens forming composition is described. The lens forming composition is cured while controlling the rate of heat generation and/or dissipation via manipulation of the duration of the ultraviolet light or the cooling in the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is preferably directed toward the lens forming composition which is disposed in a mold cavity formed by two mold members. The ultraviolet light may be directed in pulses or continuously.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source. Air may be directed toward the mold cavity to help remove heat from the lens. An in-mold scratch resistant coating may be formed from two separate material which both contain a photoinitiator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making [and coating] a plastic lens is provided. [Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source.] More particularly, the invention relates to applying alternating periods of ultraviolet light to lens forming composition. Such composition is cured while controlling the rate of heat generation and/or dissipation via manipulation of the duration of the radiation or the cooling in the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is directed toward the lens forming composition which is preferably disposed in a mold cavity formed by two mold members. The ultraviolet light may be directed in pulses or continuously.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens forming composition containing light absorbing compounds which may undergo light initiated polymerization is provided. Typically, lens forming compositions that absorb light do not permit enough activating radiation to penetrate into the depths of the lens cavity to adequately initiate polymerization of the lens forming composition. An embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for curing such a lens forming composition to form a lens that does not transmit ultraviolet light. Activating light is used having a wavelength greater than the wavelengths of light which the light absorbing compounds absorb. The power of the formed lenses may be controlled by varying the lens forming conditions. Additionally, the lens forming process may be controlled using a microprocessor based control system.