Abstract: A fining apparatus to finish the surface of an ophthalmic toric lens including a frame, a compound arcuate tool, a lens holding assembly, a motor for driving the tool in an orbital motion and the operative length of the tool is defined by the equation L=1/k.theta. for a half angle of orbit excursion .theta. between 0.25 and 2.25 degrees.

Abstract: A toric finer-polisher for the fining and/or polishing of a toric lens comprises a lap table for holding a tool, a spindle on which the lap table is mounted, a rocker arm assembly for holding the lens in contact with the tool, and a motor for driving the spindle and lap table so as to cause relative motion between the tool and the lens, thereby finishing the surface of the lens. The spindle is fixed at its lower end to a gimbal, and is contacted at an intermediate point along the spindle by a timing belt connected to the motor, so as to maximize a gimbal radius of the lap table assembly, thus maintaining a parallel relationship between the tool axis and the lens axis during finishing of the lens surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blocked lens thickness gauge for measuring the thickness of a semi-finished lens that is blocked for surfacing of the concave side thereof. A lens contacting sensor shaft is supported between two sets of orthogonally mounted ball bearings and a needle shaft, the latter being supported on spring-loaded bearings such that the needle shaft is urged toward the lens contacting sensor shaft by the spring loading. A slipping clutch is also provided to allow the needle shaft to absorb inertia forces resulting from abnormal shocks.

Abstract: A dynamically variable oscillating adjustment assembly including a frame and a first link means pivotally connected at one end to the frame and an adjustment mechanism positioned intermediate the one end of the first link means and the frame to adjustably position the first link means with respect to the frame. A second link means pivotally connected at one end to the other end of the first link means and pivotally connected at the other end to a first arm of a bell crank pivotally mounted upon the frame. A second arm of the bell crank is operable to oscillate in response to oscillation of the other end of the first link means. An adjustment mechanism may be interposed between the frame and the intermediate pivot of the bell crank such that the position and stroke of the other arm of the bell crank may be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for polishing the edges of lenses, such as eyeglass lenses. The apparatus includes a lens holder, a motor for rotating the lens holder, a hand screw mechanism for opening and closing the lens holder, a polishing pad, a motor for rotating the polishing pad, a hand pivot mechanism for pivoting the polishing pad towards and away from the lens holder, a container for polishing abrasive, and a hand screw mechanism for translating the the polishing pad axially to bring different portions of the polishing pad into engagement with lenses gripped by the lens holder.

Abstract: A small autoclave for bonding composite lenses comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel adapted to contain therein a lens tray for holding optical lenses aligned horizontally in a vertical array.

Abstract: A lens polisher-finer apparatus has a frame and gimbal mounted assembly for providing an orbital break-up motion to a lens lapping tool. The apparatus includes an X-Y motion assembly connected to the frame and lens for providing smooth, Lissajous figure motions to the lens. Commonly driven first and second cams provide the motions in the X and Y directions.

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.