Lens Patents (Class 451/42)
  • Patent number: 7210983
    Abstract: An exemplary method for grinding workpieces is provided. Firstly, a plurality of workpieces (18) are bonded together. The bonded workpieces have a central axis (181). Secondly, a grinding wheel (10) is provided. The grinding wheel has a rotating axis (100), and the rotating axis is perpendicular to the central axis. Thirdly, the bonded workpieces are rotated around the central axis. Fourthly, the grinding wheel is placed near to the bonded workpieces, and the rotating axis and the central axis are separated by a predetermined perpendicular distance. Finally, the grinding wheel is rotationally moved along the central axis to grind the workpieces whilst maintaining the predetermined distance between the rotating axis and the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Yang-Chang Chien
  • Patent number: 7207863
    Abstract: An aspheric-surface processing method according to the present invention, uses a cuffing apparatus including at least one turning tool movable in the same direction as the rotating axis of the work and is also movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotating axis of the work. This method includes moving the turning tool at a predetermined feed pitch in a fixed direction over at least a part of the work region extending from the center of the rotating axis of the work to a peripheral portion of the work and also moving the turning tool in another direction perpendicular to the rotating axis of the work in order to process the work for forming an axis-asymmetric aspheric surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Miyazawa
  • 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: 7195538
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: a processing tool that processes a periphery of an eyeglass lens; a lens chucking shaft that holds the lens; a rotating unit that rotates the chucking shaft; a first moving unit that relatively moves the chucking shafts with respect to the processing tool; a lens holding arm that is provided with first and second lens holders for holding the lenses; a second moving unit that moves the lens holding arm; and a controller that controls the first and second moving units so that the first lens holder and the chucking shaft are moved to a first transfer position to transfer the lens therebetween, and, following the processing of the lens which is held by the first lens holder, the second lens holder and the chucking shaft are moved to a second transfer position to transfer the lens therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motoshi Tanaka
  • 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: 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: 7187859
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards adhering a contact lens button on a fixture for use in shaping, forming and/or otherwise configuring a contact lens. For example, in accordance with one exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a combination of adhesive materials are used to adhere the lens to the fixture. For example, a first layer of water soluble adhesive is placed on the lens button. A second layer of non-water soluble adhesive is then placed on the first layer, and the button is mounted to the fixture. Both layers are subsequently removable by placing the button in a water bath, dissolving the water soluble layer and likewise separating the water insoluble layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Paragon Vision Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Hank Stute
  • Patent number: 7169013
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: a lens rotating unit having lens chucking shafts which hold an eyeglass lens, and a first motor which rotates the chucking shafts; an axis-to-axis distance changing unit having a second motor which changes an axis-to-axis distance between a center axis of rotation of a processing tool which processes a periphery of the lens and a center axis of rotation of the chucking shafts; a torque detector which directly or indirectly detects torque transmitted to the chucking shafts; a torque level setting unit which variably sets an allowable torque level; and a driving controller which controls at least one of driving of the first motor and driving of the second motor to adjust at least one of a rotational speed of the chucking shafts and a processing pressure of the lens so that the torque falls below the allowable torque level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Mizuno, Kyoji Takeichi
  • 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: 7163446
    Abstract: A method of restoring a discolored automobile headlight lens without removal of the lens from the automobile consistent with certain embodiments involves wet abrading an outer surface of the lens with successively finer grit wet sanding disks, using a low speed rotary or orbital tool having a flexible sanding holder holding the sanding disks, until a smooth surface is achieved exhibiting no discoloration, wherein the wet sanding disks comprise disks starting from approximately 220 to 400 grade down to approximately 2000 grade; polishing the outer surface of the lens with an aqueous paste abrasive polish containing aluminum oxide abrasive particles; cleaning any residue from the outer surface of the lens by wiping the lens with a lint free cloth; and spraying a film forming aqueous polymer dispersion containing an ultraviolet protectant to the outer surface of the lens, wherein the sealer comprises of acrylic urethane copolymers, Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers, benzotriazole UV light absorbers, 1-methyl-2-py
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: John Ray Cole, Ravonda Lynn Cole
  • 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: 7140950
    Abstract: A method of polishing a remote grip optical connector comprises providing an optical fiber having a stripped terminal end. The fiber is inserted through a connector body and ferrule, where the connector body has a gripping region. The optical fiber is secured in the gripping region of the connector body. The connector is heated to heat the optical fiber and the ferrule to an elevated temperature and the heated terminal end of the optical fiber is polished flush with the heated end face of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James R. Bylander, Johnny P. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7128638
    Abstract: A method and system for the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses comprising a computer (102) and a CNC machining platform (104) in operative connection with the computer. The CNC machining platform includes a mounting stage (110), a block (106) in releasable connection with the mounting stage, and a machining tool (112). When an unfinished lens blank (108) is properly mounted on the block, the computer is operative to direct the CNC machining platform to perform both back surface generation and patternless edging of the lens blank in one machining cycle. The computer is further operative to direct the CNC machining platform to machine a lap tool for each lens and machine a block for receiving each lens. The block is machined by the platform to include scribe lines for facilitating proper alignment of lens blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: NCRX Optical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry K. Siders, Donald F. Baechtel
  • Patent number: 7125314
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing a lens to fit the lens into a rim, includes: an edge measurement portion that measures a path of an edge position of the chucked lens based on a 2-D outline shape is a projection shape of the rum in its warp direction and a layout of the optical center of the chucked lens; and an arithmetic operation portion that obtains an inclination angle of the edge path or a temporary bevel path obtained based on the edge path with respect to a center axis, obtains a corrected 2-D outline shape which is a projection shape onto a plane perpendicular to the center axis based on the inclination angle and the 2-D outline shape, and obtains a final bevel path to form a bevel in the periphery of the lens chucked at the optical center based on the corrected 2-D outline shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Shibata
  • Patent number: 7125315
    Abstract: When a forming a bevel on a lens, the value of the bevel curve is calculated based on the value of the curve of the concave face, a reference axis of the bevel curve is determined to be in the same direction as the curvature of the concave face, a reference position on the peripheral edge of the lens in the first portion having the minimum thickness is determined based on the thickness of the first portion, a correction for the initial reference axis of the bevel curve is obtained, an angle of inclination from the direction of the initial reference axis of the bevel curve is obtained based on the correction and the locus of the bevel is determined based on the value of the bevel curve, the reference position and the angle of inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Jinbo, Takashi Daimaru
  • Patent number: 7121931
    Abstract: A method for processing a first optical face and a second optical face of a lens, where a lens blank is positioned and gripped by a gripping device relying on reference datum indications rendering it possible to obtain topographic orientation for processing both faces of the lens, and wherein not more then one reference datum indication extends on a face of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: KTI Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Oded Katzman, Youval Katzman
  • Patent number: 7118449
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical element having an optical surface extending close to a periphery of a substrate comprises: providing a substrate having a main surface extending beyond a periphery of the optical surface and also performing a polishing of the optical surface in regions of the main surface extending beyond the optical surface. Thereafter, material of the substrate carrying a portion of the surface extending beyond the optical surface is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Udo Dinger, Frank Eisert, Siegfried Stacklies, Martin Weiser, Guenther Seitz
  • Patent number: 7108590
    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: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Mizuno, Yoshinori Matsuyama, Hirokatsu Obayashi
  • Patent number: 7097305
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a correctable lens for glasses from an injectable thermo-plastic polymer material, or other moldable polymer, includes the step of molding a polymer blank provided with the contour of the corrective lens. The polymer blank is joined with a peripheral piece having the same internal radius of curvature as that of the polymer blank creating a lens blank. The internal face of the lens blank is ground and polished to obtain the desired ocular correction. The polymer blank is then separated from the lens blank, the lens blank now being the corrective lens ready for assembly with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignees: Thomas SA, Marc Delery
    Inventors: Marc Delery, Patrick Thomas
  • Patent number: 7090559
    Abstract: A tool for gripping ophthalmic lenses including a vacuum gripper, a shaft associated with said vacuum gripper, the shaft having two ends and being slidably attached at one end thereof to a support structure, a resilient member which biases the vacuum gripper in a direction away from said support structure and a locking member which locks the shaft in a desired position during a lens gripping operation. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a lens hold down mechanism for holding lenses in a lens tray. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic communications scheme for a robotic manufacturing operation. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an ophthalmic lens manufacturing cell layout wherein ophthalmic edging machines have an opening that faces away from a robotic arm. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an arrangement for holding an ophthalmic edging machine within an ophthalmic manufacturing cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: AIT Industries Co.
    Inventors: Matthew Vulich, Bhaven Patel, Santiago Albert
  • Patent number: 7083499
    Abstract: When a forming a bevel on a lens, the value of the bevel curve is calculated based on the value of the curve of the concave face, a reference axis of the bevel curve is determined to be in the same direction as the curvature of the concave face, a reference position on the peripheral edge of the lens in the first portion having the minimum thickness is determined based on the thickness of the first portion, a correction for the initial reference axis of the bevel curve is obtained, an angle of inclination from the direction of the initial reference axis of the bevel curve is obtained based on the correction and the locus of the bevel is determined based on the value of the bevel curve, the reference position and the angle of inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Jinbo, Takashi Daimaru
  • Patent number: 7083498
    Abstract: When a forming a bevel on a lens, the value of the bevel curve is calculated based on the value of the curve of the concave face, a reference axis of the bevel curve is determined to be in the same direction as the curvature of the concave face, a reference position on the peripheral edge of the lens in the first portion having the minimum thickness is determined based on the thickness of the first portion, a correction for the initial reference axis of the bevel curve is obtained, an angle of inclination from the direction of the initial reference axis of the bevel curve is obtained based on the correction and the locus of the bevel is determined based on the value of the bevel curve, the reference position and the angle of inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Jinbo, Takashi Daimaru
  • Patent number: 7077729
    Abstract: An aspherical surface processing method involves a workpiece to be processed by rotating around a rotation axis, and a rotational tool movable relative to the workpiece in the same direction as the rotation axis of the workpiece and in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the workpiece. The rotational tool is shifted in a fixed direction with a predetermined feed pitch in a partial or entire region from a center of the rotation axis of the workpiece to a periphery of the workpiece in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the workpiece to process the workpiece into a non-axisymmetrical and aspherical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 7074119
    Abstract: A polishing jig for mounting a working object lens on a polishing apparatus that polishes the concave surface of the working object lens, a conveyor tray for exclusive use for conveying the polishing jig, and a conveying method and a conveying apparatus for conveying the polishing jig or the like with the working object lens held thereon to a working apparatus such as the polishing apparatus. The polishing jig (1) includes a mounting potion (2) to be mounted on a chuck of a polishing apparatus, a ring-shaped closely contacting portion (3) for closely contacting with a convex surface (11) of a working object lens (10), and a filling gap portion (4) having an opening at the closely contacting portion for being filled with adhesive substance (7) which adheres to the convex surface of the working object lens closely contacted by the closely contacting portion to hold the working object lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Miyazawa, Isao Karasawa, Yoshio Hori
  • Patent number: 7070474
    Abstract: An aspheric-surface processing method according to the present invention, uses a cutting apparatus including at least one turning tool movable in the same direction as the rotating axis of the work and is also movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotating axis of the work. This method includes moving the turning tool at a predetermined feed pitch in a fixed direction over at least a part of the work region extending from the center of the rotating axis of the work to a peripheral portion of the work and also moving the turning tool in another direction perpendicular to the rotating axis of the work in order to process the work for forming an axis-asymmetric aspheric surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 7065984
    Abstract: A substrate for use as a disk substrate in a hard disk drive or the like, an information recording medium such as a magnetic disk, and a starting material glass plate which is a starting material of the substrate for information recording media. The forming conditions of the starting material glass plate are controlled such that the starting material glass plate has a long-wavelength waviness of not more than 6 nm. This starting material glass plate is polished so as to have a long-wavelength waviness of not more than 6 nm using CeO2 abrasive grains having a mean grain diameter of not less than 0.0l ?m and a 90% diameter of the volume grain size distribution of not less than 0.02 ?m. The resulting substrate for an information recording medium has an excellent planarity, can be obtained in a short time and with a low polishing amount, and the resulting information recording medium is able to cope with increased data zone recording density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignees: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd., Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Kezuka, Koji Okuhata, Kensuki Matsuno, Takeo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7056191
    Abstract: The moving trajectory that a robot hand 16 depicts when chamfering a glass sheet G is a trajectory A that a center of rotation 01 of the robot hand 16 vertically moves along a straight line Q connecting between the center of rotation 01 of the robot hand 16 and a rotation 02 of a grinding wheel 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hideo Takatsuji, Akihiko Aritomi, Masao Goto, Keiji Fujikawa, Tatsuya Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 7052386
    Abstract: A curved surface cutting method in which a surface of a material is cut by a bite to form a specified curved surface, a cutting edge of the bite is provided with a flat section and corner sections at both ends of the flat section; the posture of the cutting edge of the bite is adjusted such that a ridge line along the flat section of the cutting edge of the bite is in parallel with a tangent drawn at the curved surface; and the surface of the material is cut with the cutting edge of the bite retained in the posture while feeding the cutting edge in a predetermined feeding direction, thereby forming a first band-like cut surface having a width corresponding to the width of the cutting edge of the bite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7044835
    Abstract: The present invention is a fixed abrasive article for grinding or polishing the surface of a glass workpiece. The abrasive article for grinding glass has abrasive composites containing agglomerates having diamond particles, and optionally other abrasive particles. The abrasive composites are integrally molded to a backing. The abrasive articles, when used to grind glass, provides a high stock removal rate but provides a smooth surface finish. Lubricant can be used to improve the grinding characteristics of the abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovaive Properties Company
    Inventors: Ashutosh N. Mujumdar, Todd J. Christianson, Mark G. Schwabel
  • Patent number: 7011571
    Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention provides a blocking apparatus and a blocking method for precisely aligning a button holder against a block during blocking process of lens manufacturing. According to another aspect, the invention provides a blocking apparatus a blocking method for automatically applying a wax material on a button. In one embodiment, the blocking apparatus includes an automatic wax delivery system having an automatic retractable dispensing nozzles for wax delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Radtek Corporation
    Inventors: Konrad Bergandy, Wieslaw Bergandy
  • Patent number: 6974363
    Abstract: A unit for form machining the edges of spectacle lenses, comprising a CNC-controlled machine tool for form machining of a spectacle lens, a determining device for determining lens parameters, or for attaching a block or a sucker in a correct position and at a correct angle, a lens conveyor past the unit, a manipulator for removing blank lenses from the conveying device, for inserting a blank lens into the determining device, for removing the blank lens from the determining device, for inserting the blank lens into the machine tool, for removing a finished-machined spectacle lens from the machine tool and for returning the spectacle to the conveyor, the manipulator having a transversely movable slides, slide having a first gripper for holding a blank lens and having a second gripper, movable independently of the first gripper, for holding a finished lens in the spectacle-lens edging machine. A method of operation of the foregoing is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Weco Optik GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Werner, Klaus Krengel
  • Patent number: 6964599
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a holding device, which includes a volumetrically controllable material and a volume controller in operable communication with that material. The volume controller is configured to subject the material to a condition that causes a physical change in volume of the material without a change in mass of the material. The volumetric change causes the holding power. Further disclosed herein is a method for creating a lower than atmospheric pressure between a volumetrically controllable fixed mass material and a separate object. The method includes introducing to the material an increase condition calculated to volumetrically increase the material without changing the mass of the material. The separate object is then brought to contact the material following which a decrease condition calculated to volumetrically decrease the material without changing the mass of the material is introduced to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Gerber Coburn Optical, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Incera, Jeff Murray, Robert Shanbaum
  • Patent number: 6958003
    Abstract: A method of improving aspects critical to the reflector making process by defining a reflector surface definition of specularity by its solid angle measurement and a repeatable execution process. The controlled specularity on a hardened steel tool is replicated on a reflector by forcing the reflector surface to yield in extra compression yield failure and permanently set the desired specularity in the reflector. Next, a physical as well as analytical model of the reflection behavior, based on the solid angle geometry, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Marcus P. Hogue and Leveta P. Hogue
    Inventor: Marcus Paul Hogue
  • Patent number: 6955585
    Abstract: A curved surface machining method that performs finishing of the surface of a workpiece into a curved surface. The method includes the steps of: setting a workpiece in a rotating or stationary state in a water tank filled with an abrasive-containing solution into which an abrasive with a grain size of less than 1 ?m has been admixed; and spraying a high-speed fluid in the abrasive-containing solution while a position, direction, and angle thereof is controlled relative to the workpiece, thus grinding and finishing the surface of the workpiece to an intended surface roughness and profile accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignees: Nakashima Propeller Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Mitsuishi, Shinichi Warisawa, Kouichi Kuramoto, Takayuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 6945849
    Abstract: A polishing method particularly suitable for mirror-polishing the concave surface of a lens and a polishing device, the method characterized by including the step of polishing work surfaces (50a, 50b) while allowing parts of the dome-shaped parts of elastic polishing objects (10a, 10b) matching the curved shapes of the concaved work surfaces of the works (50a, 50b) selected from among the plurality of the elastic polishing bodies having the dome-shaped parts (11a, 11b) different in curvature and larger in area than the concaved work surfaces of the works (50a, 50b) to come into contact with the generally entire surfaces of the work surfaces, wherein the curvature centers (40) of the dome-shaped parts are generally aligned with the swing centers (41) of the works, whereby the concaved work surfaces can be rapidly and uniformly polished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 6945848
    Abstract: A lens shape data processing apparatus and a lens grinding machine having the same apparatus in which the lens shape data reading out and the layout setting work for another spectacle lens can be conducted during the lens edge measurement or the grinding process is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Takahiro Watanabe, Yoshiyuki Hatano, Yasuhito Eto, Takumi Uchiyama, Toshihiro Iwai, Kenichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6942550
    Abstract: An intermediate lens pad having a side secured to curved surface of a lens tool when the pad is in use. The pad has a surface on its other side which is substantially smooth, but which is formed with a multiplicity of substantially uniformly distributed holes or recesses which are at least of an order of magnitude smaller than the pad itself, or the surface is defined by the outer surfaces of a multiplicity of protuberances uniformly distributed over the pad such that the minimum space between adjacent protuberances is of an order of magnitude smaller than the pad itself. A lens surfacing pad having a peel-off adhesive on one side and a working surface on its other side, can be secured by its adhesive side to the intermediate pad so that it inhibits movement between the pads during surfacing, whilst allowing manual removal of the surfacing pad for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Cerium Group Limited
    Inventors: Clive L. Sangster, Clifford M. Giles, Timothy Noakes
  • Patent number: 6942542
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing a periphery of an eyeglass lens, includes: a lens rotation shaft which holds and rotates the lens, the shaft being rotatable about a first axis; a grooving grinding stone which forms a groove in an edge surface of the lens; a holder which rotatably holds the grooving grinding stone; an inclination mechanism for relatively inclining the holder with respect to the lens rotation shaft to change inclination of a rotation axis of the grooving grinding stone with respect to the first axis; and a controller for obtaining desired inclination of the rotation axis of the grooving grinding stone correspondingly to a radius vector angle at each processing point of grooving locus, thereby controlling the inclination by the inclination mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Shibata
  • Patent number: 6932675
    Abstract: A method of determining the condition of a grinding wheel is provided to avoid over use or premature changing of the grinding wheel in a grinding machine, such as for crankshaft or camshaft grinding. The grinding machine has a motor which drives a grinding spindle carrying an abrasive coated hub acting as a grinding wheel. Sensors detect the level of grinding force and motor torque required to grind a workpiece into a desired shape. The information is relayed to a controller, which averages and compares the grinding force and torque information to force and torque limits to determine the condition of the wheel. In addition, the controller compares grinding force and motor torque over a series of grinds to determine the level of increase between grinds to further determine the condition of the grinding wheel. If the level of increase exceeds an increase limit, the controller actuates a fault signal to stop the grinding machine indicating that the wheel is near the end of its life cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Shane E. Bremer, Scott A. Hucker, Philip E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 6932678
    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: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Toyoshima, Hideo Toriumi, Shin-ichiro Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6926597
    Abstract: An intermediate lens pad having a side secured to curved surface of a lens tool when the pad is in use. The pad has a surface on its other side which is substantially smooth, but which is formed with a multiplicity of substantially uniformly distributed holes or recesses which are at least of an order of magnitude smaller than the pad itself, or the surface is defined by the outer surfaces of a multiplicity of protuberances uniformly distributed over the pad such that the minimum space between adjacent protuberances is of an order of magnitude smaller than the pad itself. A lens surfacing pad having a peel-off adhesive on one side and a working surface on its other side, can be secured by its adhesive side to the intermediate pad so that it inhibits movement between the pads during surfacing, whilst allowing manual removal of the surfacing pad for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Cerium Group Limited
    Inventors: Clive L. Sangster, Clifford M. Giles, Timothy Noakes
  • Patent number: 6918822
    Abstract: A lens layout block device comprising a seal feeding device that supplies an elastic seal to a seal sticking position (A5). The elastic seal is loaded in a tape loading part in the form of a seal tape covered by a mount and a protective sheet and wound in a roll shape and fed by driving a motor. The protective sheet is separated by a protective sheet separating mechanism. At the seal sticking position (A5), a sensor detects the leading edge of a positioning hole in the mount and stops the conveyance of the seal tape after the seal tape is fed from the detection position for a specified time. The stop position is determined as the reference sticking position of the elastic seal and a lens holder is pressed against the elastic seal from above. The mount is pulled down by the seal separating mechanism to separate the mount from the elastic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Michio Arai, Shuichi Sato
  • Patent number: 6913510
    Abstract: A lens processing system (1) includes a lens stocking device (400a; 400b) capable of stocking a plurality of lenses (LE); and a lens grinding device (100a; 100b); and a lens conveying device (200) which conveys one of the plurality of lenses between the lens stocking device and the lens grinding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Mizuno, Yoshinori Matsuyama, Hirokatsu Obayashi
  • Patent number: 6908363
    Abstract: A method for polishing targeted areas of an IOL while leaving other areas unpolished such as sharp posterior edges designed to inhibit PCO. In the preferred embodiment, the polishing method utilizes a stream of polishing agent directed at the IOL which is mounted to a holder during the polishing operation. In this manner, only the targeted areas of the IOL polished while the other areas remain unpolished and sharp as intended. The method is suitable for in-line automated IOL manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: George F. Green
  • Patent number: 6902468
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the machining of the edges of spectacle lenses, comprising at least one CNC-controlled processing machine (1) for machining a spectacle lens, at least one device (3, 4) for determining the optical values, the optical focus, the axis position of a cylindrical or prismatic polish, the position of the near portion and/or the position of a progression channel of a spectacle lens (6) that is configured as a continuous vision lens. The installation also comprises at least one handling device (9) for removing blanks (6) from a conveyer device (8), for inserting a blank into the device, for removing said blank from said device, for introducing a blank into a respective processing machine, for removing a finished machined spectacle lens from the respective processing machine (1) and for replacing said lens on the conveyer device (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: WECO Optik GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Luderich, Fritz Kötting, Ralf Werner
  • Patent number: 6902467
    Abstract: A apparatus comprises a portion for setting a load 133 which sets the load of pressing a lens to a rotating tool, a portion for setting the rotation speed of a lens shaft 132 which sets the rotation speed and the direction of rotation of a lens-holding shaft and a portion for setting the condition of water supply 134 which sets the condition for injecting a cooling liquid to the lens. These conditions are set in each step of the processing of the lens. The load, the relative directions of rotation of the lens and the rotating tool (the up cut or the down cut) and the condition for injecting the cooling liquid are controlled based on the conditions of the processing set by the above portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Jinbo
  • Patent number: 6896594
    Abstract: A method for grinding lens is provided in the invention. First, a lens which has an optical surface and a surface-to-be-grinded is placed on a polishing pad. Next, cover up the lens with a fluid guiding tube wherein the fluid guiding tube has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet with the fluid outlet being situated at the top of the polishing pad for accommodating the lens. After that, a fluid is introduced into the fluid guiding tube through the fluid inlet and is discharged from the fluid outlet, and the flow of the fluid follows the normal direction of the optical surface and applies force evenly thereon. Last, the polishing pad is moved along with the tangent line of its surface for the surface-to-be-grinded to be grinded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Yi-Chang Tsao, Wen-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 6890241
    Abstract: The invention relates to management systems for unitarily managing and controlling information of a plurality of types of lens processing machines for manufacturing a glass lens of predetermined shape from a grass material. Its object is to construct production systems relying upon no experts, improve the reliability of quality management, make the products per worker the maximum, and make the stock in each process the minimum. To achieve this object, in a lens processing system comprising the plurality of types of processing machines for lens processing and an operation terminal connected with the processing machines through a network and capable of changing the settings of the processing machines, the operation terminal or a server unitarily manages various data every series unit and calculates the optimum settings for the processing machines every series unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kozakai, Izuru Shinohara
  • Patent number: 6890244
    Abstract: A polishing pad for polishing semiconductors and other planar substrates in the presence of a slurry comprising abrasive particles and a dispersive agent is disclosed. The polishing pad includes a soluble component within a polymer matrix component. The soluble component includes particles soluble in the slurry sufficiently to provide a void structure in the polishing surface of the pad. The void structure enhances the polishing rate and uniformity by increasing the mobility of the abrasive particles while reducing scratching of the polished surface. Additives that further enhance polishing and/or assist in the removal of residues generated during polishing, such as surfactants and removers, are optionally incorporated in the soluble particles or topographically coated on the soluble particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Freudenberg Nonwovens Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Oscar K. Hsu, Jean K. Vangsness, Scott C. Billings, David S. Gilbride
  • Patent number: 6887405
    Abstract: A cutting method for cutting an optical lens and/or a molding die therefor includes rotating the optical lens and/or the molding die about the optical axis, moving a cutting blade in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis to cut the optical lens and the molding die, and varying the feed pitch of the cutting blade in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis in accordance with the position of the optical lens and/or the molding die in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Tohara, Takashi Numao