Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus and method including a servo driven lens release head for releasing a cured lens in the dry state from the mold section in which it is adhered following mold release. The servo load parameters may be changed according to the lens type being processed. In a second aspect of the invention, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for retrieving the loosened lens from the mold section and transferring the lens to a lens inspection apparatus followed by either a lens rejection or transferring the passed lens to a receptacle for subsequent lens processing and packaging. The three substations of lens release, lens inspection and lens deposit are annularly spaced 120° from each other and three lenses may therefore be simultaneously processed through 120° incremental movement of three pick and place heads.

Abstract: A method for cutting lidstock units from a web of pre-printed lidstock, the steps of: a) providing a web of pre-printed lidstock comprising a plurality of lidstock units across its width and its length and provided with a plurality of registration marks, b) feeding the web in the direction of its length through a cutting region provided with a first and a second optical sensor, c) stopping the feeding of the web when the first optical sensor detects a registration mark, d) moving the web in the direction of its width until a second optical sensor detects the registration mark, e) cutting the web in the cutting region into lidstock units by means of cutters.

Abstract: A method for controlling a production line for the manufacture and/or packaging of contact lenses which production line simultaneous by processes at least two lots, the method comprising dividing at least a portion of the production line into a series of cells through which the contact lens pass sequentially, and providing a control system comprising at least three shifts registers each containing information about each of said cells, including: (a) a location shift register which indicates whether a cell should be empty or occupied, (b) a lot data shift register which is a non-binary shift register and contains manufacturing and/or prescription data about the contact lens which should be in the cell and (c) a condition shift register which provides an indication of the condition of the product in the cell, and simultaneously indexing all of said shift registers as a lens passes down the production line from one cell to the next cell.

Abstract: The method provides for monitoring pressure applied by a heat sealing tool. The heat sealing tool seals a lidstock to the flange of a rigid polymeric container with a well containing a contact lens and an aqueous storage solution. The flange includes an upper sealing surface and a lower surface. The tool includes a first plate adapted to contact the lower surface of the flange and a second plate adapted to press the lidstock against the sealing surface of the flange.

Abstract: A method for controlling a production line for the manufacture and/or packaging of contact lenses which production line simultaneous by processes at least two lots, the method comprising dividing at least a portion of the production line into a series of cells through which the contact lens pass sequentially, and providing a control system comprising at least three shifts registers each containing information about each of said cells, including: (a) a location shift register which indicates whether a cell should be empty or occupied, (b) a lot data shift register which is a non-binary shift register and contains manufacturing and/or prescription data about the contact lens which should be in the cell and (c) a condition shift register which provides an indication of the condition of the product in the cell, and simultaneously indexing all of said shift registers as a lens passes down the production line from one cell to the next cell.

Abstract: A method for tracking multiple SKUs of contact lenses in a manufacturing line comprising the steps of: a) moulding a plurality of contact lenses, b) providing a plurality of carriers each having a carrier indicator, c) inspecting each contact lens to determine information relating to its prescription, d) transferring each lens to a carrier, e) reading the carrier indicator of the carrier of step d) and f) storing in machine-accessible memory the information associated with the carrier indicator of the carrier of step (e) and the information relating to the lens for step (c).

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus and method including a servo driven lens release head for releasing a cured lens in the dry state from the mold section in which it is adhered following mold release. The servo load parameters may be changed according to the lens type being processed. In a second aspect of the invention, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for retrieving the loosened lens from the mold section and transferring the lens to a lens inspection apparatus followed by either a lens rejection or transferring the passed lens to a receptacle for subsequent lens processing and packaging. The three substations of lens release, lens inspection and lens deposit are annularly spaced 120° from each other and three lenses may therefore be simultaneously processed through 120° incremental movement of three pick and place heads.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inexpensively storing a quantity of packages awaiting transfer to a manufacturing process station includes a dispenser for quickly removing the packages from the container and directly into a secondary receptacle which is particularly adapted for feeding the packages to the process station. The provision of an inexpensive container to hold the packages is advantageous in that the more expensive secondary receptacles are not tied up for the sole purpose of holding packages which are awaiting the next process station.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inexpensively storing a quantity of packages awaiting transfer to a manufacturing process station includes a dispenser for quickly removing the packages from the container and directly into a secondary receptacle which is particularly adapted for feeding the packages to the process station. The provision of an inexpensive container to hold the packages is advantageous in that the more expensive secondary receptacles are not tied up for the sole purpose of holding packages which are awaiting the next process station.

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 package assembly includes packages that are connected to a common sheet of lidstock. Various packages are separated from other packages by severing the lidstock between the packages. The packages are supported in depressions in a tray, and the depressions are tapered to facilitate severance of the lidstock.