Abstract: A removable stem for handling and transporting articles such as optical lens blanks during “wet processing” is disclosed. The stem is dimensioned and configured to support such articles particularly in liquid baths, while directing “wet” materials along the surface of the stem and away from flow onto the article. The stem further provides a drip collection point to avoid disturbing the surface of a “wet bath” while an article is immersed in the bath.

Abstract: In a conveyor work-piece processing system, transport carriages move along a work path, each carriage carrying a plurality of work-piece articles. In the disclosed embodiment, the path is folded back upon itself forming two parallel paths, one above the other, with transport carriages moved vertically from the lower path to the upper path, so that the entrance to the track and the exit from the track are positioned in close proximity to each other. Each transport carriage has a long dimension and a relatively shorter dimension, and each carriage can be reoriented selectively so that the long dimension or the short dimension can be aligned parallel to the work path. Changing the alignment of the two dimensions relative to the direction of the path permits a work piece to remain for a longer time within a given process stage or area along the work path while achieving a system flow-rate of one carriage-in-one carriage-out.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus and method for facilitating surface treatment of articles of manufacture of the type having a given handling surface, such as, for example, blank forms for optical lenses, includes a support for holding the article in a stable position, a source for sequentially aligning elongate stem elements in a desired orientation relative to the article, a mechanism for advancing a free end of the stem into contact with the article, and a securing mechanism [26] for attaching the free end of the stem element to the article so that the stem extends from the article to serve as a handle for manipulation and support during processing. The handle is removed by cutting or breaking away.