Lens Patents (Class 451/42)
  • Patent number: 11307436
    Abstract: A finished uncut spectacle lens has a curved front surface including an optical bowl with a convex curvature and a peripheral lentic zone surrounding the optical bowl. The curvature of the curved front surface in the peripheral lentic zone is flatter than in the optical bowl. The optical bowl size is large enough that a lens filling the entire frame can be glazed from it. The inclusion of a flatter peripheral lentic zone enables a larger diameter of the finished unglazed lens (d) with larger edge thickness than would be possible if the same back surface was cut on a semi-finished blank having a uniform spherical front, without compromise to the finished lens center thickness. In addition, a method of manufacturing such a spectacle lens and a semi-finished lens blank used in the method are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH
    Inventors: Angela Nolan, Michael Gall
  • Patent number: 10449649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a retainer ring structure for a CMP apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same. The retainer ring structure may include screws for fixing the retainer ring structure mounted on a polishing head during a CMP process, the screw being made of a high-strength metallic material, and the method for manufacturing the retainer ring structure may be simplified. Thus, a coupling force with the polishing head may be increased to reduce a defect rate, and the process may be simplified to reduce an operation time and a manufacturing cost, thereby increasing merchantability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: CNUS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bu Soon Kim, Heung Sun Choi
  • Patent number: 10359644
    Abstract: A method includes: providing lens blank data relating to the first, second and peripheral blank surfaces of the lens blank; providing optical lens data relating to the first, second and peripheral optical surfaces of the optical lens; virtually positioning the optical lens in the lens blank in a position so that at least one of the first optical surface or the second optical surface is included within the lens blank; evaluating a manufacturing prism cost function, the machining prism cost function corresponding to a weighed sum of the first manufacturing prism to be used when blocking the lens blank on the second surface to machine the first optical surface and of the second manufacturing prism to be used when blocking the lens blank on the first optical surface to machine the second optical surface. The positioning and evaluation steps are repeated so as to minimize the manufacturing prism cost function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Thierry Baudart, Florence Morel
  • Patent number: 10328549
    Abstract: A polishing head includes a carrier head and a plurality of pressure units arranged on the carrier head. At least two of the pressure units are located on the same circumferential line relative to a center axis of the carrier head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu-Bin Hsu, Ren-Guei Lin, Feng-Inn Wu, Sheng-Chen Wang, Jung-Yu Li
  • Patent number: 10195713
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to lapping pads which include an abrading layer, wherein the abrading layer includes a working surface and a second surface opposite the working surface having a projected area Ap, and at least one cavity having a cavity opening located at the second surface, the at least one cavity being defined by at least one rib, each rib having a distal end at the second surface; and a phase transition material having a thermally reversible phase transition, wherein the phase transition material is disposed in the at least one cavity. The present disclosure further relates to a lapping system, the lapping system includes a lapping pad of the present disclosure and a working fluid; a method of making a lapping pad; and a method of lapping using a lapping pad of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Masahi Norimoto
  • Patent number: 9962803
    Abstract: A lens edging system includes: an edger configured to perform edging to a spectacle lens in accordance with three-dimensional edging locus data obtained from edging shape data by calculation; a three-dimensional circumferential length measurement device configured to measure a circumferential length of the spectacle lens edged by the edger; and an edging size management device configured to correct a calculation parameter used for calculating the edging locus data, based on a difference between a measured circumferential length obtained by a three-dimensional circumferential length measurement device, and a theoretical circumferential length obtained by calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Suzue, Tsukasa Sato
  • Patent number: 9261876
    Abstract: A machining method for machining a surface of a spectacle lens at a fixed rotation speed, includes a step of determining the rotation speed from geometric characteristics of the surface, characterized in that the step of determining the rotation speed includes the following steps: a value (Maxdiff) representative of the largest difference in geometric value of the mean sphere on the surface is determined; and the rotation speed is deduced from the value (Maxdiff) of the largest difference in geometric values of the mean sphere on the surface and from a geometric value of the cylinder (FV torus) at a predetermined far-vision control point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventors: Guillaume Martin, Marc Reignault
  • Patent number: 9248582
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method (1) for fabricating a matt ceramic part (13, 14, 15, 17, 19) comprising the following steps: a) fabricating (2) a ceramic part; b) sand blasting (7) portions of the ceramic part to make them matt; According to the invention, the method includes the following final step: c) lapping (9) the matt portions in order to level out the surface of the matt portions. The invention concerns the field of timepieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Comadur S.A.
    Inventors: Sylvain Boucard, Jean-Mary Hawrylko
  • Patent number: 9187947
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) panel includes a first glass panel and a second glass panel spaced from the first glass panels. A spacer is disposed between the first and second glass panels. The spacer includes first and second generally opposed faces, and a plurality of sides extending therebetween. The spacer is processed using tumbling and polishing operations to preferably round all corners of the spacer and form a circular contact footprint on opposed side faces of the spacer. The spacer surface break conditions are measured during tumbling and/or polishing operations using optical flat measuring equipment. Following the polishing operation the spacer is thermally processed to strengthen the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Rayotek Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: William Raggio
  • Patent number: 9149964
    Abstract: Molded articles, such as a lens, are produced by multiple repetitions of a transfer process composed of the transformation step of bringing a transfer member (62) provided with a transfer configuration area consisting of the same configuration as that of a lens part with aspherical configuration or the configuration opposed to the lens part with aspherical configuration into contact with a photohardening resin to thereby transform the photohardening resin in conformity with the transfer configuration of the transfer member (62); the hardening step of irradiating at least a transformed area of the transformed photohardening resin with light by the use of a light irradiation unit (60) to thereby attain hardening; and the departing step of letting the photohardened resin and the transfer member depart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: AJI Co., ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9155190
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of preparing a flexible substrate assembly. Other embodiments of related methods and structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: AZ Board of Regents, a body corporate of the State of AZ Acting for and on behalf of AZ State University
    Inventors: Jesmin Haq, Scott Ageno, Douglas E. Loy, Shawn O'Rourke, Robert Naujokaitis
  • Patent number: 9132522
    Abstract: A method of surfacing a surface of a spectacle lens, includes a step of determining a fixed rotation speed (Vrot) of the lens based on geometric characteristics of the surface, wherein the step of determining the rotation speed (Vrot) includes the following steps: generating (102), based on the geometric characteristics of the surface (12), a file of geometric altitude values of the surface, the file being centered on a zero geometric altitude value at a predetermined reference point; determining (103) a value representative of the greatest difference (MaxHk) in geometric altitude values on the surface; deducing (107) the rotation speed (Vrot) from the value of the greatest difference (MaxHk) in geometric altitude values on the surface and from a geometric value of the cylinder at a predetermined far-vision control point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventor: Xavier Bultez
  • Patent number: 9095948
    Abstract: Use of a thermoplastic material for blocking an optical substrate (100) in a machining position, wherein the thermoplastic material is formulated from a composition comprising a shellac and a plasticizer where the shellac and the plasticizer are chosen so as to have the softening point of the thermoplastic material greater than or equal to 60° C. and smaller than or equal to 85° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventors: Romain Paillet, Yohann Felten, Yannick Gordiet, Jose Alcorta, Maxime Olive
  • Patent number: 9030671
    Abstract: A measuring assembly for measuring an inside of a lens frame of a spectacle frame, said lens frame at least partially delimiting an inscribed surface area F that corresponds to a lens shape, comprising a holding device for mounting the spectacle frame, at least one light source for generating a light beam to be projected on a region of the lens frame to be evaluated, and at least one sensor that can be coupled to an evaluation unit for detecting the reflected light beam, wherein the holding device can be rotated about a rotational axis r and moved in the direction of a movement axis x, and the movement axis x comprises at least one movement component in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis r. The holding device is used to fix the spectacle frame by spectacle frame bows, wherein at least one free space is provided in the region of the holding device, said free space being used to receive the spectacle frame bows of a spectacle frame to be held which are not folded in or cannot be folded in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Torsten Gerrath, Ulf Boerner
  • Patent number: 9017143
    Abstract: An electronic grade synthetic quartz glass substrate is manufactured by machining a synthetic quartz glass substrate to form a recess, channel or step and polishing the bottom and side surfaces of the recess, channel or step to mirror finish by a working portion of a rotary polishing tool while keeping the working portion in contact with the bottom and side surfaces under independent constant pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daiyu Okafuji, Masaki Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9017144
    Abstract: An electronic grade synthetic quartz glass substrate having a recess, channel or step is manufactured by machining at least one surface of a synthetic quartz glass substrate having a maximum birefringence of up to 3 nm/cm in its entirety to form a recess, channel or step, and removing the residual stress due to machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daiyu Okafuji, Masaki Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20150105002
    Abstract: A tool for the polishing of an optical surface has a base which has an active surface facing the optical surface. An intermediate layer is arranged on the active surface of the base. A polishing agent carrier is arranged on the elastic intermediate layer. The elastic intermediate layer projects radially beyond the active surface of the base and the polishing agent carrier projects radially beyond the elastic intermediate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Gerd Nowak, Georg Michels
  • Patent number: 9004979
    Abstract: The invention relates to a replaceable fine machining membrane (19) for fixing on a tool head (1), to which pressure can be applied, of a stationary fine machining tool for fine machining a workpiece surface. A fine machining means substrate (27) is integrated in the fine machining membrane (19), said fine machining membrane (19) having a crosslinked elastomer (40) and said fine machining means substrate (27) being embedded in the crosslinked elastomer (40). The invention also relates to a method for producing such a fine machining membrane (19) and to a stationary fine machining tool with a tool head (1) to which pressure can be applied and which has a removable fixing means (31) for fixing such a replaceable fine machining membrane (19). Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing the novel fine machining membrane (19). The invention allows the precise reproducible fine machining of workpiece surfaces even with highly convex or freely shaped membranes (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventor: Roland Tuecks
  • Patent number: 8965557
    Abstract: Method for determining movement data representing the movement of a machining tool of an optical lens 3D machining device for machining a surface of an optical lens, wherein the method comprises: a machining tool data providing stage, a surface data providing stage, a machining rule providing stage, a 3D surface determining stage in which the 3D surface corresponding to the surface consisting of all the positions of the reference point of the machining tool that allow the profile of the cutting edge of the machining tool to tangent the derivable surface of the optical lens is determined, a movement data determining stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventor: Alexandre Gourraud
  • Patent number: 8961267
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmic machining machine comprising machining means and means for supporting a blank. The invention is characterized in that the machine is capable of transferring marks to said blank that can be identified by monitoring means for repositioning the blank on said supporting means after machining the opposite surface. The invention also relates to a workholding tool. The invention is characterized in that said supporting means are mounted on a bearing surface, which is oblique in relation to a surface of a carriage, by depression of an opening surrounded by an O-ring seal and a fixed bearing. The invention also relates to a machining method according to which the markings are transferred to a blank, the position of said markings is assessed by monitoring means which position machining means for the machining process, and each surface of the resulting lens is polished with polishing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Guy Monnoyeur
  • Publication number: 20150050864
    Abstract: A polishing method for machining an optical surface of an optical lens uses a polishing wheel which has a wheel axis and a polishing face. The polishing wheel is moved in relation to the lens over the surface of the latter along a spiral machining path. The polishing wheel is rotated about the wheel axis, and is (simultaneously) rotated about an axis of rotation oriented perpendicularly to the wheel axis. The rotational speed of the polishing wheel about the wheel axis and/or the axis of rotation is reduced at the spiral center of the movement path. A workpiece fixture for receiving an optical lens stands opposite the polishing wheel, with the workpiece fixture and the polishing wheel being mounted movably in relation to one another along a spiral movement path. The rotational speed of the wheel axis can be coupled kinematically to the rotational speed of the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Sebastian STAHRINGER, Roland MANDLER
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150038053
    Abstract: Polishing method comprising a step of receiving a surface to be polished, a configuration step during which the polishing machine is configured, and a polishing step during which the optical surface is polished, wherein the angle of inclination of the pin is between 2° and 20°, the inner cusp point is between ?10 mm and 10 mm, the outer cusp point is between R?15 mm and R?5 mm, the speed of advance is between 100 mm/min and 2000 mm/min; the speed of rotation is between 500 rpm and 3000 rpm; and the bearing force is between 50 N and 180 N.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Alain Batard, Eric Gacoin, Jonathan Saulny, Jean Stephane
  • Patent number: 8944315
    Abstract: A device and a method for processing an optical lens are proposed, whereby lens-production data and/or geometric data of the lens are determined from desired optical data of the lens when a corresponding activation code is acquired. Preferably, the lens or a block piece and/or an assigned shipping container is/are provided with the activation code and/or other information relative to the lenses that are to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunter Schneider
  • Publication number: 20150024663
    Abstract: A component manufacturing method includes causing a holding member to hold a workpiece such that a spherical center of a processed surface of the workpiece is located on a supporting member; rotating the workpiece by rotating the holding member; and polishing the workpiece by moving the supporting member to move the workpiece on a polishing tool, with the spherical center of the processed surface located at a spherical center of a processing surface of the polishing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Takehiro Torikai, Hitoshi Hashizume
  • Publication number: 20140329443
    Abstract: The invention refers to a blocking piece, comprising at least two parts, at least one part being designed for multiple use and at least one part being designed for single use, wherein a surface for supporting one face of an optical article to be blocked is constituted at least in part by the reusable part and at least in part by the single use part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Marc Savoie
  • Publication number: 20140329442
    Abstract: The invention provides for a blocking piece comprised of at least two materials having different rigidity/stiffness/hardness, wherein at least one among the two materials is translucent and defines an annular junction surface with respect to the other material. The invention also provides for a process using such a block piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Marc Savoie
  • Publication number: 20140315472
    Abstract: A blocking device and a method for blocking of eyeglass lenses on blocking pieces with a base body, with a blocking piece receiver which is located on the base body for the blocking piece which is to be attached to the eyeglass lens and with a positioning unit which is located on the base body for aligning and holding the eyeglass lens which is to be blocked, the blocking piece receiver and the positioning unit can be fixed on the eyeglass lens by activation being movable relative to one another via a lifting axis, the approach motion between the positioning unit and the blocking piece receiver being limited in the direction of the lifting axis by an adjustable stop means in at least two positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Ulf Börner
  • Publication number: 20140235142
    Abstract: The device for polishing optical lenses includes a lens holder; a device for positioning the lens holder; and a device for rotating the lens holder about an axis. There is also a polishing tool; a tool holder; a device for positioning the tool holder; and a device for rotating the tool holder about an axis. The device for polishing also includes a ball joint arranged between a shaft secured to the tool holder and the device for positioning the tool holder, or between a shaft secured to the lens holder and the device for positioning the lens holder, so as to enable a spherical movement of the polishing tool and of the lens. The invention also relates to a method for polishing using the device according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Guy Monnoyeur
  • Patent number: 8784160
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing spectacle lenses includes the steps of: providing a lets blank having a first face that possesses a final curvature and is coated with an antireflection coating as an outer layer, a second face, and an edge; blocking with a blocking material the lens blank with its first face on a block piece; processing the blocked lens blank on the second face and to obtain a processed lens; deblocking the processed lens from the block piece; and applying on top of the first face antireflection coating of the processed lens a top coating selected from at least one of hydrophobic, oleophobic or dust repelling coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventor: Frank Breme
  • Patent number: 8771042
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus is provided for polishing an optical fiber connector. The optical fiber connector includes a connector housing and a ferrule. The polishing apparatus includes a mount to receive and hold the optical connector and a polisher housing supported by a base. The polisher housing houses a polisher that comprises a platen that supports a polishing media, the platen being coupled to a planetary gear system. The mount is disposed on a cover that encloses the polisher housing when the cover is placed in a closed position. A rotatable knob is exposed at an opening of the base, the rotatable knob being engaged with the planetary gear system to move the planetary gear system. The polishing media is disposed proximate to a fiber tip extending from an end face of the ferrule of the optical connector disposed in the mount when the cover is placed in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald P. Pepin, Richard L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8749771
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a thickness of a lens is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first support, a second support, a third support, a first positioning element, a second element and a measuring element. The lens is disposed on the third support. The first positioning element is fixed to the first support to press against a first face of the lens beforehand. The second positioning element is movably mounted to the second support. The second positioning element can move towards the lens to press against a second face of the lens. The measuring element calculates the thickness of the lens according to the moving distance of the second positioning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Wei Kuo
  • Patent number: 8727834
    Abstract: A method for polishing lens surfaces, in which a) prior to the polishing process, for the purpose of determining an abrasion profile, at least one point of a workpiece is polished by means of a polishing tool to be used, using at least one pre-defined parameter; b) the polishing abrasion thus achieved on the workpiece side is determined by measuring; c) on the basis of the abrasion profile, at least one parameter is set for a subsequent polishing process, and the polishing process is completed at least partially. A method for polishing lens surfaces, in which the polishing point is places at least outside of the workpiece center at a distance a from a plane which is tensioned by the tool spindle axis and the workpiece spindle axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Helwig Buchenauer, Stephan Huttenhuis, Frank Flesch
  • 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: 8684795
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus is provided with: a lens chuck shaft that holds an eyeglass lens; and a beveling tool for forming a bevel on the periphery of the lens. The beveling tool includes a first processing part for forming a rear bevel on the lens rear side; and a second processing part for forming a bevel foot coupled to the rear bevel. In the second processing part, the distance from a line parallel to the lens chuck shafts and passing through a point of border with the first processing part gradually increases from the point of border as the starting point to the endpoint of the second processing surface and the increase rate of the distance gradually increases at least in two steps toward the endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Shibata
  • Patent number: 8671532
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: a mode selector for selecting an auxiliary lens processing mode; an eyeglass data input unit for inputting a first target lens shape of the eyeglass lens and a right target lens shape-to-left target lens shape distance; a first hole data input unit for inputting a position of a first hole, to which a first magnet is attached; a determination unit which determines second target lens shape of the auxiliary lens, a position of a second hole to which a second magnet is attached, positions of third holes to which a bridge is attached; and a processing controller which processes the auxiliary lenses based on the second target lens shape data, and drills the auxiliary lenses based on the second and third hole positions in the auxiliary lens processing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoji Shibata, Shinji Koike
  • Patent number: 8672730
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming or polishing a concave or convex radius surface on a work-piece is described herein. The apparatus includes a carrier that is configured to support a work-piece. A substantially hollow rotatable tool, which includes a circumferential surface for either forming or polishing the radius surface, is positioned adjacent the carrier. An axis of rotation of the tool is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the work-piece and a longitudinal axis of the carrier. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of the work-piece may be laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the carrier. The apparatus further includes provisions for rotating the hollow rotatable tool for forming or polishing a radius surface on the surface of the work-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Elliot McAllister
  • Publication number: 20140073227
    Abstract: A device and a method for machining, especially for polishing of an optical lens, are proposed, there being both a lens changing apparatus and also a separate tool changing apparatus. The lens changing apparatus is located between a working space and a conveyor apparatus for lenses and is pivotally mounted around a horizontal axis. The tool changing apparatus is located laterally next to the working space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Helwig Buchenauer, Ulf Börner, Klaus Krämer
  • Publication number: 20140038494
    Abstract: A device and a method for polishing of an optical lens by means of rotary tool are proposed, a fixture for the lens being pivotable around a pivoting axis transversely to the axis of rotation by means of a push-rod adjustment and being pivotable up out of a machining position such that the lens can be changed from overhead. This allows a compact structure and easy changing of the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Schneider Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Helwig Buchenauer, Ulf Börner, Klaus Krämer
  • Publication number: 20140024296
    Abstract: A polishing pad, for polishing of a work piece having portions that are non-planar, the polishing pad comprising a first side and a second side of the polishing pad. The first side is substantially flat, and the second side is configured to polish the non-planar work piece. The polishing pad further comprises a concentric annular channel in the polishing pad, wherein the concentric annular channel comprises a channel surface, wherein the second side of the polishing pad comprises an inner surface, the channel surface, and an outer surface, and wherein the channel surface is recessed relative to the inner surface and outer surface. The polishing pad further comprises a plurality of islands located within the concentric annular channel, wherein the islands comprise an island surface that is raised relative to the channel surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Brent Muncy, James Anderson, Scott B. Daskiewich, George James Wasilczyk
  • Patent number: 8630731
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating drill depth of an ophthalmic processing device. A number of drill cycles are selected for drilling an expected number of holes in a lens blank. The selected number of drill cycles is performed. The drill depth of each consecutive drill cycle varies incrementally. An actual number of locations the drill bit contacted the lens blank during the drill cycles is compared to the expected number of holes. The drill depth is adjusted depending on the compared values. A method of calibrating drill hole size is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt W. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 8597078
    Abstract: A method for creating a concave section of glass from a glass substrate having flat surfaces includes the use of a grinding wheel and a turntable. The method includes the steps of securing the glass substrates to the turntable. The turntable is then spun to create a turntable axis of rotation. The grinding wheel is rotated about a wheel axis of rotation such that the wheel axis of rotation is perpendicular to the turntable axis of rotation. The grinding wheel and the turntable move relative to each other along the turntable axis of rotation. The glass substrate is ground by the grinding wheel contacting the glass substrate to create the concave section of glass while the glass substrate is rotating about the wheel axis of rotation and moving relative to the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Wilson, Paul R. Henion, Brian Glombowski
  • Patent number: 8597079
    Abstract: Ophthalmic abrasive wheel including a plurality of swarf clearing grooves formed across the cutting surface and having closed profiles such that the swarf clearing grooves do not open to or exit the side of the abrasive wheel. The swarf clearing grooves are spaced around the cutting surface of the wheel and are configured so as to be substantially angled either towards or away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Inland Diamond Products Company
    Inventors: Ronald C. Wiand, Dennis R. Raffaelli
  • Patent number: 8562781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating an optical lens coated on at least one of the main surfaces thereof with a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic external coating, to make it capable of undergoing an edging process, comprising a step of depositing onto at least one part of the hydrophobic and/or oleophobic external coating a temporary adhesive composite film, said adhesive composite film comprising a pre-formed film, one main surface of which is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, said adhesive layer directly contacting the hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating, the pre-formed film modulus of elasticity in tension E? being higher than or equal to 4200 MPa, and the rupture stress of the assembly composed of said adhesive film bonded to a polycarbonate specimen coated with a fluorinated silane layer, measured under tensile stress in accordance with the shear strength evaluation standard NF EN 1465, being higher than or equal to 0.05 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventor: Chefik Habassi
  • Patent number: 8550883
    Abstract: An apparatus for machining a spectacle lens by abrasion of material in the area of a joining surface to be formed is provided. The apparatus comprises a tool provided with a cutting end face whose axis of rotation is movable in a forward direction relative to a holding device and covers a reference plane. The holding device comprises a support surface, a contact surface aligned perpendicularly thereto and a stop edge. The support surface and the contact surface extend perpendicularly to the reference plane and the stop edge extends perpendicularly to the support surface and in parallel to the reference plane and has a distance from the reference plane which is variable. The support surface is interrupted such that the projecting end face of the tool can be moved along the interruption. When provided at its machining position the lens rests on the support surface, contacts the contact surface and abuts with its edge against the stop edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Anton Baumgartner, Erwin Rinnerthaler
  • Patent number: 8523633
    Abstract: A method for producing a semi-finished product for a plus or minus power lens having a toroidal or atoroidal back that is configured as a prescription surface. According to the method, a blank having a diameter DR and a front having a radius of curvature rV is fixed on its front for the purpose of machining the back and is subjected to cutting, the prescription surface being produced only across a part of the diameter D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Stephan Huttenhuis
  • Patent number: 8491353
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a high-precision mold whereby a feature matching a desired feature design is carved into a hard mold material (41) using, for example, a diamond grinding wheel and/or a diamond turning point. Inherent imprecision and errors (49) introduced by the use of the grinding wheel/turning point are measured to determine deviations from the desired feature design. An ultrafast shortpulse laser is then activated to desirably ablate the deviations, thereby correcting the errors and conforming the feature to the desired shape. Furthermore, a thin film (1602) may be formed over the feature either prior to or after the laser ablation process, where the error measurement and laser ablation processes detects and ablates errors on the surface of the thin film, respectively. Additionally, the laser ablation process may be applied directly to, for example, an optical lens (1400) formed from an imprecise mold to remove any errors and imperfections thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenao Kataoka, Xinbing Liu, Christian F. Greig
  • Patent number: 8480455
    Abstract: A lens machining apparatus is provided that can execute everything required in machining eyeglass lenses, from measurement to various kinds of machining, and still ensures high-precision machining. The apparatus includes a lens holding unit 12 which holds a lens 1 and causes the same to turn, a cutter 131 which cuts (edges) the circumferential surface of the lens in a prescribed cross-sectional shape, an end mill 141 which machines a groove in the circumferential surface of the lens whose circumferential surface has been cut (edged) and chamfers edges at the lens circumferential surface, and a lens measurement unit 15 which measures the shape and the position of the lens held by the lens holding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Igarashi, Shuichi Sato, Yoshihiro Kikuchi, Michio Arai, Satoshi Annaka
  • Publication number: 20130148079
    Abstract: Systems and methods for polishing a lens having a freeform design cut into a surface of the lens are provided. The system may include a lap blank having a substantial inverse of the freeform design cut into a surface of the lap blank, or a conformable lap blank having an inverse of the freeform design molded into a surface of the lap blank. The system also includes a deformable pad mounted on the surface of the lap blank. The surface of the lens is separated from the surface of the lap blank by the deformable pad, and the lens and the lap blank are arranged such that the freeform design of the surface of the lens is substantially aligned with the substantial inverse of the freeform design of the surface of the lap blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Coburn Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew John Brown, Steven Glenn Bedford
  • Patent number: 8460062
    Abstract: A polishing machine for lenses with at least one first polishing spindle having a polishing axis (K) and a tool holder disposed on the first polishing spindle for a first polishing disc designed as a tool, further comprising at least one first workpiece spindle having a rotary axis (C) and a workpiece holder disposed on the first workpiece spindle for a lens, wherein the workpiece holder and the tool holder are disposed so as to be movable in translation in the direction of a telescoping axis (Z) disposed parallel to the polishing axis (K) and in the direction of a translation axis (X) disposed at right angles to the rotary axis (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunter Schneider