Abstract: A preferred process for degassing a mold piece includes inserting the mold piece into an internal volume within a canister, sealing the internal volume, drawing a vacuum in the internal volume, and introducing into the internal volume a gaseous fluid suitable for degassing the mold piece.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial lenses containing metals and methods for their production.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and appartus for facilitating release of an ophthalmic lens from a mold part used to fashion the lens. Subsequent to formation of the lens, the lens may be adhered to the mold part and a lens swelling substance is utilized to cuase a portion of the lens to separate from the mold part and create a pathway for a hydration solution to enter between teh lens and the mold part an effect release of the lens.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and system for the automated packing of products, such as ophthalmic lens product cartons, using various identifiers associated with a particular order to track the shipping container and its filling with component contents. The invention also pertains to a dunnage article.

Abstract: This invention provides packaging for housing at least one prescription product comprising customized graphics on at least some surface area of said packaging, said customized graphics being selected by the individual doctor prescribing said prescription product or the patient to receive said prescription product.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and apparatus for automatically sorting and sequencing a random assemblage of products associated with a particular order for same. In one embodiment, the invention sequences the random products to match a predetermined label application sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a molded ophthalmic lens from between the mold portions in which it is produced. A source of intense electromagnetic radiation is applied to at least one of the mold portions in a predetermined scanning pattern through the intermediary of galvanometer-driven mirrors. Differential expansion of the heated mold polymer relative to the cooler polymer shifts one surface with respect to the other, and the shear force breaks the polymerized lens/polymer mold adhesion and assists in the separation of mold portions. The greater the temperature gradient between the surfaces of the mold portions, the greater the shearing force and the easier the mold portions separate. The heated back mold portion is promptly removed so that very little energy is transferred to the polymer lens, avoiding the possibility of thermal decomposition of the lens.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for employing a surfactant which is provided in order to assist in the release from each other of mold components of a multi-part mold employed in the molding of polymeric articles; for instance, such as a hydrophilic contact lens, upon completion of the molding process for the polymeric articles. The surfactant is applied in the form of a film or coating on surface portions of one of the mold components in order to facilitate the disengagement between the mold components during demolding, and the removal of excess polymeric molding material adhesively deposited on surfaces thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing and transporting ophthalmic lens mold sections from a mold, and generally comprising first, second, and third assemblies. The first assembly removes the lens mold sections from the mold and transports the lens mold sections to a first location, the second assembly receives the lens mold sections from the first assembly and transports the lens mold sections to a second location, and the third assembly receives the lens mold sections from the second assembly and transports the lens mold sections to a third location. Preferably, the first assembly includes a hand to receive the lens mold sections from the mold and to releasably hold the lens mold sections, and a support subassembly connected to the hand to support the hand and to move the hand between the mold and the first location.