Abstract: This invention provides for the fabrication of ophthalmic lenses via the utilization of DMD shows and/or DMD files. More specifically, the use of the DMD shows and/or DMD files to generate lens precursor designs comprising described features to form part of a substructure for the fluid reactive media portion of the lens precursor and wherein the lens precursor can generate particular ophthalmic lens designs in a free-form manner using methods described herein.

Abstract: This invention describes methods and apparatus for implementing a Convergence Process to Converge a Lens Design wherein a previous DMD Show may be modified for a subsequent Iteration. In preferred embodiments, an Iterative Loop may be initiated during a Convergence Process wherein one or more of various: techniques, modalities, and thickness correction methods may be implemented.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining control inputs to a manufacturing apparatus to manufacture a product are described. A processor may receive model data including initial state data indicating an initial state of an input material, a set of model control inputs, and target measurement data associated with a target product. The processor may learn a causal predictive model based on the target data. Each state of the causal predictive model may be based on an application of the model control inputs on a previous state of the causal predictive model. The processor may compare a final state of the causal predictive model with the target measurement data to determine a difference. The processor may determine, based on the difference, a set of control inputs to be assigned to one or more controls. The one or more controls may define a design of the manufacturing process of an end product.

Abstract: This invention describes methods and apparatus for implementing a Convergence Process to Converge a Lens Design wherein a previous DMD Show may be modified for a subsequent Iteration. In preferred embodiments, an Iterative Loop may be initiated during a Convergence Process wherein one or more of various: techniques, modalities, and thickness correction methods may be implemented.

Abstract: This invention provides for the fabrication of ophthalmic lenses via the utilization of DMD shows and/or DMD files. More specifically, the use of the DMD shows and/or DMD files to generate lens precursor designs comprising described features to form part of a substructure for the fluid reactive media portion of the lens precursor and wherein the lens precursor can generate particular ophthalmic lens designs in a free-form manner using methods described herein.

Abstract: This invention provides for the fabrication of ophthalmic lenses via the utilization of DMD shows and/or DMD files. More specifically, the use of the DMD shows and/or DMD files to generate lens precursor designs comprising described features to form part of a substructure for the fluid reactive media portion of the lens precursor and wherein the lens precursor can generate particular ophthalmic lens designs in a free-form manner using methods described herein.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method and a wavefront measuring apparatus used to measure, in one or continuous measurements, one or more ophthalmic devices directly on a forming mandrel, in non-hydrated state and in a much faster way with high spatial resolution.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a translating multifocal contact lens including one or both of multiple Optic Zones and a lower-lid contact surface, and method steps and apparatus for implementing the same. In preferred embodiments, a translating multifocal lens may be Free-formed comprising a lower-lid contact surface capable of limiting the amount of translation of a lens across a surface of an eye when an eye changes from one Optic Zone to another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a translating multifocal contact Lens including one or both of a lower-lid contact surface and an under-lid support structure. More specifically, a translating multifocal contact Lens whereby a lower-lid contact surface may include multiple geometric variations and Blend Zones, and an under-lid support structure that may be designed based upon one or more various techniques including one or more of a function-driven technique, a uniform axial thickness technique, a uniform radial thickness technique, and a MES technique.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a translating multifocal contact lens including one or more of multiple Optic Zones, a lower-lid contact surface, and an under-lid support structure and method steps and apparatus for implementing the same. In preferred embodiments, a translating multifocal lens with at least a portion of one surface may be Free-formed comprising one or both of a lower-lid contact surface and an under-lid support structure capable of limiting the amount of translation of a lens across a surface of an eye when an eye changes from one Optic Zone to another.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method and an ophthalmic lens thickness profile measuring apparatus. More specifically, the apparatus which is capable of measuring the ophthalmic lens in a precursor state after it is free-formed on an optic forming mandrel on which it can be formed. Additionally, the present invention can also allow for a design profile of the formed ophthalmic lens to be compared to the resulting free-formed ophthalmic lens to ensure it meets specified convergence design criteria.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a translating multifocal contact lens including one or both of multiple Optic Zones and a lower-lid contact surface, and method steps and apparatus for implementing the same. In preferred embodiments, a translating multifocal lens may be Free-formed comprising a lower-lid contact surface capable of limiting the amount of translation of a lens across a surface of an eye when an eye changes from one Optic Zone to another.

Abstract: This invention provides for the fabrication of ophthalmic lenses via the utilization of DMD shows and/or DMD files. More specifically, the use of the DMD shows and/or DMD files to generate lens precursor designs comprising described features to form part of a substructure for the fluid reactive media portion of the lens precursor and wherein the lens precursor can generate particular ophthalmic lens designs in a free-form manner using methods described herein.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method and a wavefront measuring apparatus used to measure, in one or continuous measurements, one or more ophthalmic devices directly on a forming mandrel, in non-hydrated state and in a much faster way with high spatial resolution.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a translating multifocal contact Lens including one or both of a lower-lid contact surface and an under-lid support structure. More specifically, a translating multifocal contact Lens whereby a lower-lid contact surface may include multiple geometric variations and Blend Zones, and an under-lid support structure that may be designed based upon one or more various techniques including one or more of a function-driven technique, a uniform axial thickness technique, a uniform radial thickness technique, and a MES technique.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved methods and systems for inspecting an ophthalmic lens by exposing the ophthalmic lens to a processing aid solution that includes RCO2CH2CH20(CH2CH2O)xCH2CH2O2CR where R comprises (equals) at least one of: CF3CF2(CF2)xCH2; CH3CH2(CH2)xCH2; and Ry[Si(CH3)2o]x(CH2)3, while the lens is contained in a ophthalmic lens receptacle, in order to facilitate the removal of bubbles and center the lens in the ophthalmic lens receptacle with a reduced incidence of ophthalmic lenses being folded over on themselves. The decreased incidence of bubbles and proper positioning of the ophthalmic lens in turn facilitates accurate inspection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging contact lenses. The apparatus includes a compliant head, improved heater and improved heat seal die.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing colorant to a colorant cup apparatus that is adjacent to a pad printing cliché. The fluid colorant is fed from a colorant container through a feed conduit to the cup and an inline viscometer external to the colorant container measures the viscosity of colorant within the feed conduit. A control mechanism can dispense colorant solvent into the colorant container based upon a viscosity measurement performed by the inline viscometer. The disclosed systems, colorant cups and methods are useful in the preparation of tinted contact lenses.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, in a preferred embodiment multiple sets of assemblies are provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. As a result of locating these devices beneath these stations, the desired movement of the carriers can be achieved without increasing the footprint of the station. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, a complete set of assemblies is provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. This set of assemblies accomplishes this movement in a completely automated, high speed, mass production basis. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.