Abstract: A transport apparatus for moving a plurality of article transport devices into and out of a plurality of stations includes an endless band conveyor which moves above the stations, a plurality of article transport devices being supported on and moved by the conveyor past the stations, a first motor connected with the conveyor for moving the conveyor to move the article transport devices to each of the stations in turn, a second motor connected with the entire conveyor apparatus for raising and lowering it thereby to move the transport devices and the articles they support at each station into and out of the stations for treatment, and a common control unit connected with the motors for moving the conveyor past the stations and for moving the conveyor up and down and for coordinating these operations. The conveyor itself comprises a pair of parallel endless bands on which the transport devices are supported and are moved.

Abstract: A method of dyeing an optical article in which the article is immersed in a dyeing solution which is heated and subjected to ultrasonic energy. The article is immersed for a time span commensurate with the desired tint or hue after which the article is cleaned and dried. As a result, eyeglass lenses made of a plastic material, or mineral glass, can be produced at a reproducible quality of dye and color gradient.

Abstract: Optical lenses mounted by means of a low melting alloy to blocking tools are separated therefrom under influence of heated water and ultrasonic waves and residues of the alloy are removed from the lenses and the blocking tools. The lenses are held in a holding device and the blocking tools are collected in a grid; the mounting material is collected in a sump such that the lenses and blocking tools can be separately removed out of the water. The water and the mounting alloy kept in a liquid state of aggregate are discharged batchwise.