Abstract: A machine for aligning and mounting a lens precursor on a support block includes apparatus for depositing a predetermined amount of adhesive on one of the precursor and the support block and then translating the other along an alignment axis to bring them into engagement with one another in precise alignment. Optionally, the precursor and support block can be rotated relative to one another while they are brought into engagement to spread the adhesive evenly on their interfacing surfaces. A novel pitch block onto which a lens precursor can be mounted and a device for removing a precursor from a pitch block are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for positioning the curved surface of a lens beneath a radiuscope provides a variable distance between the lens surface and a pivot point for the lens to thereby accommodate lenses having different curvature radii. The device includes a pair of X- and Y-axis slides for providing adjustment of the lens in a horizontal plane. A first Z-axis slide connected to the X- and Y-axis slides enables the height of the lens relative to the radiuscope to be varied. A second Z-axis slide is pivotably attached to the first Z-axis slide. The lens to be examined is accommodated in a lens holder that is attached to the second Z-axis slide. Movement of the second slide along its translational axis varies the distance between the lens and the pivot point for the slide.

Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of optical surfaces on an optical lens precursor, desirably a "soft" contact lens button or blank, to yield a lens adapted for proximate or intimate contact with an eyeball and defined by at least one posterior surface, an edge and at least one anterior surface, is comprised of forming a precision lens precursor, assembling the precursor in a microsurface generating apparatus, ultra-precisely forming the curves or geometry comprising the posterior surface and a portion of the edge to yield a semi-finished lens, blocking the semi-finished lens on an adhesively coated lens block fixture having an ultra-precisely preformed face for intimate precision mating with the posterior surface of the semi-finished lens, reassembling the semi-finished lens/fixture in the microsurface generating apparatus, ultra-precisely forming the curves or geometry comprising the anterior surface and another portion of the edge, and demounting a finished, ultra-precision lens from the blocking fixture.

Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of optical surfaces on an optical lens precursor, desirably a "soft" contact lens button or blank, to yield a lens adapted for proximate or intimate contact with an eyeball and defined by at least one posterior surface, an edge and at least one anterior surface, is comprised of forming a precision lens precursor, assembling the precursor in a microsurface generating apparatus, ultra-precisely forming the curves or geometry comprising the posterior surface and a portion of the edge to yield a semi-finished lens, blocking the semi-finished lens on an adhesively coated lens block fixture having an ultra-precisely preformed face for intimate precision mating with the posterior surface of the semi-finished lens, reassembling the semi-finished lens/fixture in the microsurface generating apparatus, ultra-precisely forming the curves or geometry comprising the anterior surface and another portion of the edge, and demounting a finished, ultra-precision lens from the blocking fixture.