Abstract: An eyeglass lens forming composition containing light absorbing compounds which may undergo light initiated polymerization is provided. Typically, lens forming compositions that absorb light do not permit enough activating radiation to penetrate into the depths of the lens cavity to adequately initiate polymerization of the lens forming composition. An embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for curing such a lens forming composition to form a lens that does not transmit ultraviolet light. Activating light is used having a wavelength greater than the wavelengths of light which the light absorbing compounds absorb. The power of the formed lenses may be controlled by varying the lens forming conditions. Additionally, the lens forming process may be controlled using a microprocessor based control system.

Abstract: Method for making a plastic lens is provided. More particularly, a method for applying alternating periods of ultraviolet light to a lens forming composition is described. The lens forming composition is cured while controlling the rate of heat generation and/or dissipation via manipulation of the duration of the ultraviolet light or the cooling in the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is preferably directed toward the lens forming composition which is disposed in a mold cavity formed by two mold members. The ultraviolet light may be directed in pulses or continuously.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source. Air may be directed toward the mold cavity to help remove heat from the lens. An in-mold scratch resistant coating may be formed from two separate material which both contain a photoinitiator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making [and coating] a plastic lens is provided. [Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source.] More particularly, the invention relates to applying alternating periods of ultraviolet light to lens forming composition. Such composition is cured while controlling the rate of heat generation and/or dissipation via manipulation of the duration of the radiation or the cooling in the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is directed toward the lens forming composition which is preferably disposed in a mold cavity formed by two mold members. The ultraviolet light may be directed in pulses or continuously.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens forming composition containing light absorbing compounds which may undergo light initiated polymerization is provided. Typically, lens forming compositions that absorb light do not permit enough activating radiation to penetrate into the depths of the lens cavity to adequately initiate polymerization of the lens forming composition. An embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for curing such a lens forming composition to form a lens that does not transmit ultraviolet light. Activating light is used having a wavelength greater than the wavelengths of light which the light absorbing compounds absorb. The power of the formed lenses may be controlled by varying the lens forming conditions. Additionally, the lens forming process may be controlled using a microprocessor based control system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and composition for making and coating a plastic lens. The method includes disposing a liquid composition and a photosensitive initiator into a mold cavity and directing ultraviolet light to act on the lens forming material in the cavity to produce a lens therefrom. An improved postcure process and scratch resistant coating process is disclosed.

Abstract: The method includes disposing a liquid monomer or a monomer mixture and a photosensitive initiator into a mold cavity defined by mold members and directing ultraviolet light to act on the lens forming material in the cavity to produce a lens therefrom. The mold members are cooled by air.

Abstract: Hard substrates such as ophthalmic lenses or molds are coated with a UV curable monomer which is polymerized to construct a scratch resistant coating on a surface of the lens. The present invention is directed to an apparatus for and method of applying the UV curable monomer to the surface of the ophthalmic lens or mold. Polymerization of the monomer occurs by radiation of UV light while the lens is encased in a curing chamber. The spin coater of the present invention has the following advantages: Excess monomer is collected in a dish away from UV exposure and is readily disposed of. The substrate is revolved at a high rate of speed during the application of the coating to achieve a uniform coating of monomer. Only the holder and substrate are moved to the curing chamber minimizing the items exposed to UV light. The UV light is electrodeless, it has a standby mode and operates cyclically during use so as to prolong its life and to allow a greater degree of control over extent of polymerization.

Abstract: Method, for making a plastic lens. The method includes disposing a liquid monomer or a monomer mixture and a photosensitive initiator into a mold cavity and directing ultraviolet light to act on the lens forming material in the cavity to produce a lens therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a plastic lens. Mold members are spaced apart to define a mold cavity. Ultraviolet light is directed through a filter and against at least one of the mold members. The mold members are cooled by air.

Abstract: A method for making a plastic lens and a plastic lens made thereby. The method comprises disposing a liquid monomer or a monomer mixture and a photosensitive initiator into a mold cavity and directing ultraviolet light to act on the lens forming material in the cavity to produce a lens therefrom. The liquid monomer mixture may include one or more of diethylene glycol bis(allyl)-carbonate, bisphenol A diallyl carbonate, 1,6 hexanedioldimethacrylate, trimethylol propane triacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, tetrahydrofurfurylmethacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate and styrene. The photosensitive initiator may be selected from the group of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1- phenyl-propan-1-one and 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone.