Lens Holder Patents (Class 451/384)
  • Patent number: 11947140
    Abstract: A suction method is provided as a method of performing, by using a suction collet, suction of a Fabry-Perot interference filter including a substrate and a laminated structure that is provided on the substrate and that includes a main surface facing the side opposite to the substrate, the method including a first step of arranging the suction collet so as to face the main surface, a second step of bringing the suction collet into contact with the Fabry-Perot interference filter after the first step, and a third step of suctioning the Fabry-Perot interference filter by using the suction collet after the second step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Masaki Hirose, Katsumi Shibayama, Takashi Kasahara, Toshimitsu Kawai, Hiroki Oyama, Yumi Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 11865701
    Abstract: A suction method is provided as a method of performing, by using a suction collet, suction of a Fabry-Perot interference filter including: a substrate; a laminated structure that is provided on the substrate and that includes a main surface facing a side opposite to the substrate; and a thinned portion that is located outside the laminated structure when viewed in a direction intersecting the main surface and that is recessed to a side of the substrate with respect to the main surface, the method including: a first step of arranging the suction collet so as to face the main surface; a second step of bringing the suction collet into contact with the Fabry-Perot interference filter after the first step; and a third step of suctioning the Fabry-Perot interference filter by using the suction collet after the second step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Masaki Hirose, Katsumi Shibayama, Takashi Kasahara, Toshimitsu Kawai, Hiroki Oyama, Yumi Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 11618125
    Abstract: A method of connecting a ferrule to an optical fiber polishing fixture assembly comprises obtaining a fixture base to which a clamping assembly is operatively connected, positioning a lever in an unlocked position thereby creating a gap between first and second base portions, obtaining a fiber optic connector and cable assembly including a ferrule operatively connected to a cable, positioning the ferrule in a ferrule bore, and moving the lever from the unlocked position to a locked position thereby causing the first and second base portions to engage the fiber optic connector and cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Domaille Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Schumacher, Jill B. Christie, Erin L. Schleusner, Dennis J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10564067
    Abstract: An opaque adhesive can be used to secure the convex surface of a lens blank to a lens blocking piece. This opaque adhesive can include a resin that is curable under ultraviolet light and contains many dispersed pigment particles. The pigment particles may absorb light in the wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 800 nm such that the adhesive appears substantially opaque. A lens-on-block (LOB) system that uses the opaque adhesive to adhere a lens blank to a lens blocking piece facilitates on-block inspection of surface defects by increasing the contrast of light reflected from the surface being inspected. Put differently, the defects in the lens blank's surfaces stand out more when viewed in front of the opaque adhesive The inspection results can be used to carry out rework loops that eliminate or correct the detected defects, providing a streamlined method for on-block manufacturing of ophthalmic lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Shamir Optical Industry Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy Mechrez, Zohar Kadmon, Ofer Markman, Gil Perlberg, Haim Hainebach, Youval Katzman
  • Patent number: 10557773
    Abstract: A lensmeter system may include a mobile device having a camera. The camera may capture a first image of a pattern through a lens that is separate from the camera, while the lens is in contact with a pattern. The mobile device may determine the size of the lens based on the first image and known features of the pattern. The camera may capture a second image of the pattern, while the lens is at an intermediate location between the camera and the pattern. The second image may be transformed to an ideal coordinate system, and processed determine a distortion of the pattern attributable to the lens. The mobile device may measure characteristics of the lens based on the distortion. Characteristics of the lens may include a spherical power, a cylinder power, and/or an astigmatism angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: JAND, INC.
    Inventors: David Howard Goldberg, Joseph Carrafa
  • Patent number: 10543578
    Abstract: The invention proposes a blocking calculation module (1) configured to calculate blocking data of an ophthalmic lens member (2) on a blocking element (3) of a blocking station (4), comprising:—receiving means (11) configured to receive input data from a remote device, the input data comprising optical data related to the ophthalmic lens member,—calculation means (15) configured to calculate the blocking data from the input data, and—transmitting means (17) configured to make the blocking data available to the blocking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Essilor International
    Inventors: Sebastien Piraube, Vincent Godot
  • Patent number: 10371963
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ophthalmic lens comprising: an ophthalmic lens data providing step (S1) during which ophthalmic lens data corresponding are provided, a semi-finished lens blank providing step (S2) during which a semi-finished lens blank is provided, a transfer function determining step (S3) during which the transfer function to be applied to the first optical surface of the ophthalmic lens so as to correspond to the first lens blank surface is determined, an one side lens data calculating step (S4) during which one side lens having second surface that corresponds to the second optical surface calculated by applying the transfer function, a machining step (S5) during which the semi-finished lens blank is machined according to the one side lens data, a deforming step (S6) during which the machined semi-finished lens blank is deformed so as to obtain the ophthalmic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Essilor International
    Inventors: Cyril Guilloux, Jean-Marc Padiou
  • Patent number: 10131029
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ophthalmic lens, includes the steps of providing, mounting and blocking a substrate (10) on a machining support unit (65), surfacing an upper face (12) of the substrate, edging a peripheral edge (13) of the substrate, wherein the machining support unit includes a surfacing member (40) and an edging member (30) which are separable, the surfacing member having a cavity (51) in which the edging member is located during the step of surfacing, the surfacing and edging members being configured so that the substrate is mounted and blocked on the machining support unit in a first predetermined position for the surfacing and the edging and, between the steps of surfacing and edging, the method further includes the step of withdrawing the surfacing member from the machining support unit by retaining the substrate on the edging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Peiqi Jiang, Gabriel Keita, Leanirith Yean, Gilles Baillet
  • Patent number: 9791719
    Abstract: Method for determining a position of an optical lens member placed on a lens blocking ring (22). A reference system, blocking ring data, and optical lens member surface data are provided. Position parameters are provided defining a position of a reference point of the surface of the lens member with respect to the main plane of the reference system and an orientation, about the main axis of said placed surface at said reference point. The position of the placed surface is determined according to the position parameters. During a repositioning step (S6) the placed surface is virtually translated and rotated. During an altitude determination step (S7) a difference in position between the blocking ring and the placed surface is determined. The repositioning and altitude determining steps (S6, S7) are repeated so as to minimize the difference in position between the blocking ring and the placed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventor: Thierry Baudart
  • Patent number: 9421659
    Abstract: A carrier device (10) is for handling a lens (12) which is received therein and which has a lateral edge (21), in particular for handling an eyeglass lens (12) in a machining or finishing process. The carrier device (10) comprises a main body (14) and has a connecting member (24) for releasably connecting the main body (14) to the received lens (12). The connecting member (24) forms, with the main body (14), a protective cover (15) surrounding the lateral edge (21) of the received lens (12) and a surface (30) of the received lens (12) directed toward the main body (14). The connecting member (24) is releasably connected to the main body (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Meschenmoser, Joerg Puetz, Thomas Schirle, Norbert Kurz
  • Patent number: 9308617
    Abstract: A securing structure for an optical piece is disclosed and which comprises: a hub portion; a surrounding portion connected to the hub portion; a plurality of recess structures formed or otherwise provided in at least one of the hub portion and the surrounding portion and which are at least partially open on at least one side; and a rib structure that at least partially separates the plurality of recess structures. The structure is capable of use with an apparatus for securing and clamping optical lenses (e.g., spectacle lenses) requiring edge-machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Satisloh North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 9278421
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for centering grinding of workpieces, for example optical lenses by a grinding tool using an actuator for generating an advancing movement between the grinding tool and the workpiece, wherein the actuator and a current regulator for an actuator current which determines an advancing force of the actuator are integrated in a position control loop using a predetermined control cycle. For each control cycle: (i) a desired direction of movement (Rsoll(n)) of the advancing movement and an actual direction of movement (Rist(n)) of the advancing movement are ascertained; then (ii) the ascertained actual and desired directions of movement are compared to one another; and (iii) when the comparison results in a deviation between the actual and desired directions of movement, a predetermined current limit (Isollmax) for the actuator current emitted via the current regulator is decreased in a defined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Joachim Diehl, Steffen Moos, Achim Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9168628
    Abstract: A device and a method for blocking of an optical lens and to release the blocked lens by an expelling pulse being applied off-center to a block ring which is assigned to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co, KG
    Inventor: Gunter Schneider
  • Patent number: 8951097
    Abstract: Method for mounting an optical lens (10) to be polished on a spindle (20) of a polishing device, the optical lens (10) comprising a first and a second main surface (101, 102), the method comprising: an optical lens (10) providing step (S1), in which an optical lens (10) whose first main surface (101) is to be polished is provided, a mounting step (S2), in which the optical lens (10) is mounted on the spindle (20), wherein, the mounting step (S2) further comprises a support device positioning step (S3), in which a support device (30) is positioned between the spindle (20) and the second surface (102) of the optical lens (10) so as to be rotated by the spindle (20) and to have a contact surface (31) partly in contact with the second main surface (102) of the optical lens (10) that partly extends beyond the second main surface (102) of the optical lens (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventor: Eric Gacoin
  • Patent number: 8870628
    Abstract: The invention discloses a device (10) for clamping particularly an eye glass lens blocked on a block piece for processing and/or coating said eye glass lens, comprising a receiving space (34) having a center line (M) for a clamping section of the block piece, and a plurality of clamping surfaces (36) provided in a boundary region of the receiving space, which may optionally be engaged in the clamping section of the block piece in order to clamp the block piece. In order to avoid excessive deformation of the clamped block piece, the clamping surfaces are positioned opposite of each other in pairs at a radial distance to the center line and can be displaced optionally toward or away from each other by a clamping piece (38) in order to clamp the clamping section of the block piece by way of clamping forces (F), which are substantially oriented in a tangential direction at a radial distance to the center line, or in order to release the block piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Holger Schäfer, Herbert Wagner, Edward McPherson, Marc Savoie
  • Patent number: 8733930
    Abstract: A method of deblocking an ophthalmic lens component (100) blocked on a thermoplastic layer (310) arranged on the holding surface (210) of a lens holding block (200) comprising the step of applying a pushing force on the thermoplastic layer (310), wherein the pushing force is greater or equal to 100 N and smaller or equal to 1000 N and wherein the pushing force is applied in a region of the thermoplastic layer (310) situated at a distance of at least 17.5 mm from the fitting point or prism reference point of the ophthalmic lens component (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Yohann Felten, Matthieu Le Gall
  • Patent number: 8690639
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an eyeglass lens, which comprises a step of conducting polishing processing of a non-optical surface of a semifinished lens, one surface of which is an optical surface and the other surface of which is the non-optical surface, to create an optical surface. The semifinished lens comprises an acrylic coating on an optical surface of a lens substrate, a surface of the acrylic coating having a contact angle relative to water of equal to or less than 90°, prior to the polishing processing, a protective film is adhered through an adhesive layer of the film to the surface of the acrylic coating, and the polishing processing is conducted by polishing a non-optical surface of the lens substrate in a state where the protective film surface is secured in a block jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Eiichi Yajima
  • Patent number: 8616150
    Abstract: A device for blocking workpieces for the processing and/or coating thereof, has a support surface for positioning the workpiece to be blocked, a blocking station in which the workpiece can be blocked on a blocking piece by a temporarily deformable blocking material, and a transport device which has a retaining head for the workpiece and by which a relative movement can be created between the workpiece being retained at the retaining head, and the support surface and the blocking station. The transport device has at least four position-controlled movement axes, by which to position the workpiece in a defined manner in consideration of the orientation and geometric information relative to a blocking piece located in the blocking station, and can be retained in the defined relative position to the blocking piece during blocking while leaving a blocking material accommodation gap between the workpiece and the blocking piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Marc Savoie, Holger Schäfer, Steffen Wallendorf, Peter Jost, Jochen Wagner
  • Patent number: 8460069
    Abstract: A lens holder (8) includes a metal holder main body (12) and an elastic member (14) which holds the processing center portion (13) of a processing target lens (7). The holder main body (12) has a fitting hole (20) formed at a front surface center. The elastic member (14) includes a fitting shaft portion (14A) to be slidably fitted in the fitting hole (20), and a lens holding portion (14B) integrally provided to the fitting shaft portion (14A). The front surface of the lens holding portion (14B) forms a lens holding surface (24) which holds the processing target lens (7). Before holding the processing target lens (7), a suitable gap (g) is formed between the front surface (18) of the holder main body (12) and the lens holding surface (24). When the lens holding surface (24) is urged against the processing target lens (7), the lens holding portion (14B) elastically deforms toward the rear surface and is urged against the front surface (18) of the holder main body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Annaka
  • Patent number: 8382932
    Abstract: A new lens blocking material (adhesive composition 78) is proposed that essentially overcomes the drawbacks of previous blocking materials. This new material combines traditional UV and/or visible light (VIS) curable polymer materials with specially selected filler (s) as a non polymerizing solid in order to achieve or improve certain desirable material properties, including those of low shrinkage, low exothermic heat of polymerization, and improving the ability to deblock, while simultaneously reducing the high cost associated with such UV/VIS radiation curable materials. The new material is being used in methods for blocking a lens blank (54) onto a lens block (62) with a lens mounting face (64) that has a predetermined block curve, in which the number of different block curves required to cover the full range of standard lenses is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventor: Marc Savoie
  • Patent number: 8323078
    Abstract: Hands free removal of layers of material simultaneously from a number of dies is accomplished by temporarily positioning a plurality of die holding devices into different segmented open areas of a template mounted over the grinding surface. In one embodiment, frictional force imparted to each holding device by the grinding wheel serves to position the holding device against a stop within the confines of each opening. The stop in each segment could be positioned at a different radial distance from the center of the grinding wheel in order to use different portions of the grinding wheel to grind each of the dies. In some embodiments, the segments are offset from each other around the template in order to increase the effective working area of the grinding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher Leigh Marble
  • Publication number: 20120238191
    Abstract: A securing structure for an optical piece is disclosed and which comprises: a hub portion; a surrounding portion connected to the hub portion; a plurality of recess structures formed or otherwise provided in at least one of the hub portion and the surrounding portion and which are at least partially open on at least one side; and a rib structure that at least partially separates the plurality of recess structures, The structure is capable of use with an apparatus for securing and clamping optical lenses (e.g., spectacle lenses) requiring edge-machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SATISLOH NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Steven M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8177607
    Abstract: A locking device includes a rigid base (2) and a deformable pocket (3) containing a granular material (13). Discharging elements (4) are provided for gas exchange between the inside and the outside of the deformable pocket (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Patrick Herbin, Jean-Marie Keller
  • Patent number: 8141220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for uncoupling the support and removing a protective film from lenses during production. The method consists of: a phase comprising the weakening of the layer (5) of fluxing material, specific to a matching support (4), with the application of a hot fluid in order to soften same; the lateral projection of a jet (7) of pressurized liquid onto the support (4) in order to detach said support; the lateral projection of an orientable pressurized jet (8) onto the edge of the lens (1) in order to raise the protective sheet (3) to be found on the front face of the lens and to detach same fully from the lens; and the draining of the lens (1) in order for same to be delivered to an outlet tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Insomec Integra Soluciones, S.L.L.
    Inventor: Jose Guardia Aura
  • Patent number: 8128459
    Abstract: A holder for workpieces with end surfaces thereof being polished comprises a main body and a framework in which the main body is provided with a plurality of fixtures for holding the workpieces and the ring-shaped first supporting portion, and the framework is provided with the second supporting portion surrounding the outer side of the first supporting portion. The second supporting portion limits the angular movement of the first supporting portion to enable the main body to keep parallel to the polishing surface during the end surface of the respective workpiece is brought into contact with the polishing surface. The structure of the holder is capable of reducing the fabrication time and cost of the first supporting portion tremendously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Kow-Je Ling
  • Publication number: 20110124272
    Abstract: A method for blocking and/or deblocking an optical lens (100) on a heat conducting holding unit (200) comprising an upper assembling surface (210) comprising the steps of: a) providing first layer consisting of an adhesive tape (330) on the upper assembling surface (210) of the holding unit; b) providing a second layer consisting of a layer (310 comprising a thermoplastic material arranged on said adhesive tape (330); c) providing the optical lens (100) with a third layer consisting of an adhesive tape (320) arranged on the bottom surface (120) of said optical lens; d) placing the optical lens (100) with the third layer (320) on the second layer (310) consisting of a layer comprising a thermoplastic material when the thermoplastic material is soften or melted. A method for deblocking said optical lens (100) thanks to heating the holding unit (200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale D'Optique)
    Inventors: Yohann Felten, Matthieu Le Gall
  • Patent number: 7942726
    Abstract: A holder for supporting an end surface of a workpiece during polishing comprises a main body and a framework which are respectively provided with fixing portions corresponding to each other; at least one of the two fixing portions has at least one set of upper and lower contact portions, and the upper and the lower contact portions on each set are respectively disposed above and below a contact plane formed between the end surface of the workpiece and a polishing surface; when the upper and lower contact portions and another one of the fixing portions one another, the main body is capable of keeping parallel to the polishing surface, and the pressure acting on the end surface of each workpiece is capable of being approximately uniform. Hence, the number of end surfaces of the optical fibers can be increased tremendously during polishing so as to enhance the polishing speed and quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Kow-Je Ling
  • Patent number: 7749051
    Abstract: In the case of a method and an apparatus for manually aligning ophthalmic spectacle lenses (5), in particular semifinished products of progressive lenses, the spectacle lens is held for the purpose of machining the free side of the spectacle lens by a first holder via a connecting material situated therebetween. The holder is inserted into a cutout of a retaining device, the free side being machined. After machining of the free side of the spectacle lens, the first holder is inserted into a cutout of an adapter part that is provided with markings. Thereafter, the spectacle lens is aligned with the aid of the markings of the adapter part, the spectacle lens being held in a second holder via a further connecting material situated therebetween. The second holder is subsequently inserted in the retaining device. Finally, the first holder is removed from the spectacle lens together with the adapter part and the connecting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventor: Michael Zaiser
  • Publication number: 20100112915
    Abstract: A lens holder (8) includes a metal holder main body (12) and an elastic member (14) which holds the processing center portion (13) of a processing target lens (7). The holder main body (12) has a fitting hole (20) formed at a front surface center. The elastic member (14) includes a fitting shaft portion (14A) to be slidably fitted in the fitting hole (20), and a lens holding portion (14B) integrally provided to the fitting shaft portion (14A). The front surface of the lens holding portion (14B) forms a lens holding surface (24) which holds the processing target lens (7). Before holding the processing target lens (7), a suitable gap (g) is formed between the front surface (18) of the holder main body (12) and the lens holding surface (24). When the lens holding surface (24) is urged against the processing target lens (7), the lens holding portion (14B) elastically deforms toward the rear surface and is urged against the front surface (18) of the holder main body (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Satoshi Annaka
  • Patent number: 7661819
    Abstract: A method includes the following steps: a step of automatically measuring centering characteristics of the lens; a step of blocking the lens on a cutting-out element; a step of cutting out the lens; and a plurality of steps of acquiring axial coordinates of acquired points of a face of the lens, including a first acquisition of axial coordinates of the lens prior to blocking the lens on the cutting-out element, and a second step of acquisition by feeling that is subsequent to the blocking step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventor: Gael Mazoyer
  • Patent number: 7578725
    Abstract: This apparatus includes a unit for adhering an elastic seal to a lens holder, a unit for causing the lens holder, to which the elastic seal is adhered, to hold a lens, a pivotal arm, an arm driving unit for pivoting the pivotal arm, a clamp unit attached to the pivotal arm to be vertically movable to hold the lens holder, and a clamp driving unit for vertically moving the clamp unit. The pivotal arm is pivoted to sequentially adhere the elastic seal to the lens holder and hold the lens by the lens holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Igarashi, Shinichi Yokoyama, Michio Arai, Masahiko Samukawa, Shuichi Sato
  • Patent number: 7500903
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus includes a polishing jig. The polishing jig includes an elastic balloon member, a fixture, and a fluid supply portion. The fixture airtightly closes the rear opening portion of the balloon member. The fluid supply portion supplies a fluid into a space formed by the fixture and balloon member. The balloon member has a cup shape constructed by a dome portion and a cylinder portion extending backward from the outer periphery of the dome portion. The fixture fixes the opening portion of the cylinder portion of the balloon member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Toyoshima, Hideo Toriumi, Shin-ichiro Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7494402
    Abstract: A ferrule holder assembly for an optical-fiber-end-face grinding apparatus comprises a ferrule holder board supported to be moved upward and downward in parallel with a grinding board of the optical-fiber-end-face grinding apparatus, a ferrule sleeve provided at the ferrule holder board for receiving and supporting an optical fiber ferrule while putting the tip at the grinding board, an adapter for retaining the optical fiber ferrule or a connector for supporting the optical fiber ferrule in a state where the optical fiber ferrule is inserted into the ferrule sleeve, and an urging unit for urging the adapter in a direction opposite to the grinding board from the ferrule holder board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Yamada, Takehiko Narita
  • Patent number: 7422510
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machining machine for lenses, which comprises a first workpiece drive, configured as the transport receptacle and having a workpiece spindle, a workpiece changer for exchanging workpieces between the workpiece drive and a workpiece stock, and a machining station for machining a workpiece. The workpiece spindle of the workpiece drive can be rotated about an axis of rotation (c1). The workpiece drive can be swiveled about a first swiveling axis (b1) which is arranged at a right angle to the axis of rotation (c1). The work piece drive can be rotated about an axis of rotation (k) which is arranged at a right angle to the first swiveling axis (b1). The machining machine according to the invention is characterized in that at least one further workpiece drive is provided and has a spindle that can be rotated about a respective axis of rotation (c1, c2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Helwig Buchenauer, Klaus Krämer
  • Publication number: 20080132157
    Abstract: The invention relates to a block piece for holding an optical lens to be machined, with a coupling part for holding in a workpiece chuck and with a holding part for fastening the lens. The holding part has a convex or concave holding surface corresponding to a first side of the lens. The holding surface is, according to the shape of the lens to be held, provided in the form of a negative free-forming surface, and the block piece is made from a plastic that can be machined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Helwig Buchenauer, Ulf Borner, Klaus Kramer
  • Publication number: 20080119111
    Abstract: A fiber optic polishing apparatus is disclosed including a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) gear transmission system, a pressurizing module, a fixture module, and a housing assembly. The single DOF gear transmission system would enable a fiber optic polishing machine, . or polisher to be driven by only one motor, or by human hand. The manual polisher is a unique field polishing machine where electricity or battery is not available or not allowed. Both manual polisher and motorized polisher have the following features: polishing up to four connectors or ferrules simultaneously; adjustable force ensures consistent finish for a wide variety of connector types and the number of connectors in the fixture; quick release for convenient removal of polish fixture; low center of gravity for high stability; small footprint for multiple-machine operation to avoid time-consuming film change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Princetel, Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Boying B. Zhang
  • Patent number: 7369238
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Donald Wagner, Daniel Edward Andrews, David William Gerding, Henrik Arthur Schutz, Jennifer Snyder Shanks, David Matthew Smith, Curtis Kenneth Deckert
  • Publication number: 20080085658
    Abstract: A substrate polishing apparatus includes a substrate holding mechanism having a head for holding a substrate to be polished, and a polishing mechanism including a polishing table with a polishing pad mounted thereon. The substrate held by the head is pressed against the polishing pad on the polishing table to polish the substrate by relative movement of the substrate and the polishing pad. The substrate polishing apparatus also includes a substrate transfer mechanism for delivering the substrate to be polished to the head and receiving the polished substrate. The substrate transfer mechanism includes a substrate to-be-polished receiver for receiving the substrate to be polished, and a polished substrate receiver for receiving the substrate which has been polished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Seiji Katsuoka, Masahiko Sekimoto, Junji Kunisawa, Mitsuru Miyazaki, Teruyuki Watanabe, Kenichi Kobayashi, Masayuki Kumekawa, Toshio Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20080051017
    Abstract: A process is provided for rapidly holding an optical article having a convex surface on a holder of a lens machining equipment, the holder being equipped with a suction chuck comprising a cavity with a side wall and sealing means on a front end of the side wall, comprising the following steps: /a/ providing a flexible curved wafer with a concave surface arranged to close the cavity at the front end of the side wall; /b/ a fixing step in which the wafer is fixed onto the holder by providing vacuum between the concave surface of the wafer and the suction chuck; and /c/ a pressing step in which the concave surface of the optical article is pressed onto the concave surface of the wafer, an adhesive material being arranged between the wafer and the optical article The assembly is tight enough for sustaining machining forces, and the lens can be released rapidly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Peiqi Jiang, Arnaud Glacet, Gevan Peacock
  • Patent number: 7326104
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a plurality of lenses, including: a block having a mounting surface; a cavity defined in the block at the mounting surface; and a through hole defined in the block, the through hole being in communication with the cavity, wherein the mounting surface is configured for mounting of the lenses thereon whereby the lenses cooperatively substantially close the cavity at the mounting surface. Because of the cavity has a vacuum therein, the lenses can be retainable attached on the mounting surface by means of the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsai-Shih Tung, Hsin-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7309278
    Abstract: A lens presser for holding an eyeglass lens includes: a base member which is to be attached to a distal end of a lens chucking shaft; an abutting member which has an abutting surface which is to be abutted on a rear refractive surface of the lens; a movable member to which the abutting member is to be attached; a circular-arc-shaped concave portion which is formed in one of the base member and the movable member and has a radius center of a circular arc on a central axis of the chucking shaft; and a circular-arc-shaped convex portion which is formed in the other of the base member and the movable member and is fitted into the concave portion so as to slide only in a direction of the circular arc. The movable member is tiltable with respect to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Shibata
  • Patent number: 7278906
    Abstract: An adhesive tape which is to be arranged between a lens and at least one of a plurality of chucks in an edge-machining apparatus comprises an adhesive face for being in contact with the lens. A measurement of an adhesive strength of the adhesive face is 4 gf (0.0392 N) or more when a polyethylene terephthalate plate which has been subjected to a surface treatment with a fluorine-modified silicone parting agent is used as a test plate in an adhesive strength test method based on a 180°-peeling method as defined in JIS Z 0237 “adhesive tape/adhesive sheet test method”. A technique which can be used to edge the lens in which an antifouling layer is formed by using a fluorine-containing silane compound having an excellent antifouling effect is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Akiko Kawase, Hiroshi Katagiri, Keiichi Suzuki, Katsuyoshi Takeshita
  • Patent number: 7255634
    Abstract: A draining device for removing processing water attached to a lens includes: a first lens holding shaft to which a cup attached to a refractive surface of the lens as a processing jig can be fitted; and a rotating unit which rotates the first lens holding shaft to remove the water by centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Mizuno, Yoshinori Matsuyama, Hirokatsu Obayashi
  • Patent number: 7252578
    Abstract: An apparatus for cylindrically grinding workpieces includes a first holding tool (10) and a second holding tool (12). The first holding tool is configured for positioning pre-grinding workpieces (18). The first holding tool defines a first groove (103) for containing the pre-grinding workpieces. A first stopping board (106) is detachably connected to one side of the first holding tool, and a first pressing mechanism (107) is elastically connected to another side. The first pressing mechanism and the first stopping board cooperatively press the pre-grinding workpieces into the first groove. The second holding tool (12) is configured for positioning the partially ground workpieces. The second holding tool defines a second groove (123) for containing the partially ground workpieces. A second stopping board (126) is connected to one side of the second holding tool, and a second pressing mechanism (127) is elastically connected to another side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Chieh Yen
  • Patent number: 7198547
    Abstract: A lens edger which is capable of measuring the curvature of an eyeglass lens is disclosed. The lens edger includes a carriage which rotatably fixes a pair of lens fixing shafts and moves the position of the lens fixing shafts clamping a lens to be processed; a lens rotation motor for rotating the lens fixing shafts; a carriage driving means for moving the carriage; and an apparatus for measuring a curvature of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Huvitz Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Hun Kim, Soon Yong Shim
  • Patent number: 7189148
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus includes a polishing jig. The polishing jig includes an elastic balloon member, a fixture, and a fluid supply portion. The fixture airtightly closes the rear opening portion of the balloon member. The fluid supply portion supplies a fluid into a space formed by the fixture and balloon member. The balloon member has a cup shape constructed by a dome portion and a cylinder portion extending backward from the outer periphery of the dome portion. The fixture fixes the opening portion of the cylinder portion of the balloon member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Toyoshima, Hideo Toriumi, Shin-ichiro Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7189147
    Abstract: This apparatus includes a unit for adhering an elastic seal to a lens holder, a unit for causing the lens holder, to which the elastic seal is adhered, to hold a lens, a pivotal arm, an arm driving unit for pivoting the pivotal arm, a clamp unit attached to the pivotal arm to be vertically movable to hold the lens holder, and a clamp driving unit for vertically moving the clamp unit. The pivotal arm is pivoted to sequentially adhere the elastic seal to the lens holder and hold the lens by the lens holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Igarashi, Shinichi Yokoyama, Michio Arai, Masahiko Samukawa, Shuichi Sato
  • Patent number: 7169026
    Abstract: An end face polishing apparatus has a jig plate for supporting at least one workpiece having an end face and a polishing plate mounted for undergoing movement. A polishing member is mounted on the polishing plate for undergoing movement therewith to polish the end face of the workpiece. A slidable contact member is disposed on the jig plate for slidable contact with the polishing plate during a polishing operation to thereby regulate a polishing amount of the end face of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Minami, Junji Taira
  • Patent number: 7150672
    Abstract: A cup attaching apparatus for attaching a cup, used during processing of an eye glass lens, to the lens, the apparatus includes: a placing portion onto which the lens is placed; a holding portion for detachably holding the cup; a supporting portion for supporting the holding portion; a moving mechanism for moving the supporting portion in an optical axis direction of the placed lens; and a pressure regulating mechanism for preventing a cup attaching force from exceeding a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7144306
    Abstract: An apparatus for cylindrically grinding workpieces includes a first holding tool (100) for positioning pre-grinding workpieces (60) and a second holding tool (200) for positioning partially ground workpieces (i.e. workpieces which have been ground on one side only). The first holding tool defines a first groove (12) for containing the pre-grinding workpieces to be partially ground and the second bonding defines a second groove (22) for containing the partially ground workpieces. A stopping board (23) connects one side of the second groove, and the stopping board has a projection (231) for transferring the partially ground workpieces from the first groove to the second groove. The present invention also provides a process for cylindrically grinding workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Shih-Chieh Yen