Abstract: Finished and semi-finished ophthalmic lenses are made by polymerizing the monomer while it is sealed in an oxygen-impermeable envelope.

Abstract: Apparatus for finishing or polishing a surface of a lens with a finishing tool. The apparatus includes a main frame, a shaft pivotally mounted to the main frame, and eccentric drive means driving the shaft in a predetermined orbital motion. Lens finishing means are fixedly secured to one end of the shaft. A lens carrier is slidably mounted to the main frame such as to be reciprocable along a path perpendicular to the orbital axis of the shaft. The lens is removably mounted to the carrier and is biased by a biasing device against the lens finishing tool.

Abstract: A lens tray for holding optical lenses aligned horizontally in a lateral array wherein the tray is capable of holding lenses in such manner that the active surfaces of the lenses do not contact any foreign surface that may mar or scratch the active surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed, in a method for preparing a preformed thermoplastic/thermoset wafer for lamination to a prefinished ophthalmic lens, the improvement comprising: storing the preformed thermoplastic/thermoset wafer immediately after manufacture under refrigerating conditions; and subjecting said stored wafer to a temperature of 90.degree. to 120.degree. F. at 50% to 70% RH for no more than 48 hours just prior to lamination of same to an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: A device to prevent optical distortion in glass-plastic composite lenses comprising an open outer ring having adjusting means, an inner ring held by the outer ring, and an elastic material in stretched position covering the inner ring and held in stretched position by a force exerted on the outer ring by the tightening of the adjusting means.

Abstract: A computer-controlled lens generating arrangement (1) has a calibration gauge (14) mountable on a lens chuck (28) and moveable into a calibration position for detecting a worn or eroded condition of a tool (18). When a worn or eroded condition of tool (18) is detected, data are provided to a computer (60) which recomputes positioning data for the chuck (28), and repositioning of the chuck (28), as well as the angle of the cutting tool (18), takes place.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convex lap comprising a plurality of polishing elements which are radially adjustable to ensure that the effective radius of the polishing surface remains constant as the polishing elements are worn down. A means is provided to radially set individual and independent clusters to enhance polishing of certain compound curves.

Abstract: A digital gauge for measuring the sagittal depth and thickness of a lens comprises an encoder for deriving electrical signals corresponding to the saggital depth and thickness of the lens, a first digital circuit responsive to the electrical signals corresponding to the sagittal depth of the lens for producing a first digital output representing the sagittal depth, a second digital circuit responsive to the electrical signals corresponding to the thickness of the lens for producing a second digital output representing the thickness, and a display unit responsive to the first and second digital outputs for displaying the sagittal depth and thickness, respectively, of the lens. A first embodiment employs dual encoders and associated dual moveable plungers, while a second embodiment employs a single encoder and associated moveable plunger, together with a fixed stop in alignment with the plunger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and dispersing a coolant and/or working fluid in ophthalmic lens processing equipment and the like. The apparatus includes a dispersing member (50) including a landing surface (52). An extension strip (62) projects away from the landing surface and includes a leading edge (64) having a compound arcuate contour. In operation a columnar flowing fluid (60) is directed onto the landing surface where it is spread into a sheet of flowing fluid (80). The sheet of fluid is guided away from the landing zone and onto working members operably intended to receive the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic edge beveller for removing the sharp peripheral edges of ophthalmic lenses. It comprises (a) first apparatus for positioning an ophthalmic lens perpendicular to a first axis which extends through the lens, (b) second apparatus for rotating the lens about the first axis, (c) third apparatus for translating the ophthalmic lens parallel to the first axis, (d) a grinding wheel, and (e) fourth apparatus for rotating the grinding wheel about a second axis which intersects the first axis at an acute angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a block releasably adhered to the surface of an ophthalmic lens.The apparatus includes a base and a first and second stanchion extending upwardly from the base. First and second opposing gripping members are mounted at the distal ends of the first and second stanchions respectively wherein an operator may place lateral surfaces of a block adhered to the surface of an ophthalmic lens between the opposing gripping members and peel the lens away from the secured block using the first gripping means as a fulcrum.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing toric surfaces of ophthalmic lenses. The apparatus includes a frame and a first assembly for providing an orbital, break-up motion to a lapping tool having a polishing surface of a selected base curve and cross curve. A second assembly is also mounted upon the frame for providing an orbital, break-up motion to a lens to be finished. Adjustment means are provided for selectively adjusting the amplitude of the orbital, break-up motion of both the lapping tool and the lens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a lens blank upon a lens blocking device. The apparatus comprises a transparent aligning member, attached by arm means to a stanchion on the lens blocking machine. Vertically aligned perpendicular intersecting linear indicia are imprinted upon the upper and lower surfaces of the transparent member for vertically aligning an underlying lens without introducing a parallax error. A lens retaining member is also carried by the stanchion and is selectively pivoted into position to retain the aligned lens blank for blocking. The method consists of rotating a lens blank upon a lens blocking machine until perpendicularly intersecting linear indicia on the surface of the lens are vertically aligned with perpendicularly intersecting indicia on the upper and lower surfaces of a transparent aligning member.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously grinding a peripheral shape and edge surface upon a pair of ophthalmic lenses including an abrading wheel and first and second floating heads for rotatably supporting a pair of ophthalmic lenses on either side of the abrading wheel. The lenses are biased toward the wheel and are incrementally rotated about mutually parallel axes which lie parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the abrading wheel. An electronic control system is operably connected to each of the lenses and serves to control incremental rotation of each of the lenses as well as lateral engagement of the lenses with the central abrading wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously grinding a peripheral shape and edge surface upon a pair of ophthalmic lenses with a single pattern. The apparatus includes an abrading wheel and first and second floating heads for rotatably supporting a pair of ophthalmic lenses on either side of the abrading wheel. The lenses are biased toward the wheel and are incrementally rotated about mutually parallel axes which lie parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the abrading wheel. A control system is operably connected to each of the lenses and serves to control incremental rotation of each of the lenses as well as lateral engagement of the lenses with the central abrading wheel.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation in the anterior chamber of the human eye is provided. The lens is convexo-planar with the planar surface facing the cornea.

Abstract: A follower travels the inside contour of a rotating eyeglass frame and the movement caused by changing radii is detected by a linear variable differential transformer and converted into electrical signals which actuate an electrically operated valve. The valve, in turn, controls the movement of a hydraulic cylinder which dictates the positioning of a lens blank to be edged relative to the grinding periphery of an abrading wheel taking into account the position of the lens edge on the abrading surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for blocking an ophthalmic lens blank by means of a vacuum. The lens blank rests on the chuck and forms an air pocket or cavity therebetween which is evacuated by means of a vacuum pump. After evacuation, an elastic plug is inserted in an aperture in the chuck by atmospheric pressure to maintain the vacuum. The lens is disengaged from the chuck by peeling the plug back and thereby releasing the vacuum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for blocking an ophthalmic lens blank by means of a vacuum. The lens blank rests on the chuck and forms an air pocket or cavity therebetween which is evacuated by means of a vacuum pump. After evacuation, an elastic plug is inserted in an aperture in the chuck by atmospheric pressure to maintain the vacuum. The lens is disengaged from the chuck by peeling the plug back and thereby releasing the vacuum.