Abstract: A machine for grinding the peripheries of ophthalmic lenses to predetermined outlines is characterized by a head having a rotatable workholder for moving an edge of a lens against a rough grinding or finishing wheel and a pattern holder positioned vertically above the workholder for controlling movement of the lens toward and away from the grinding wheel. The head is mounted for horizontal, vertical and pivotal movement, is allowed to freely pivot during finishing or bevel edging of a lens but not during rough grinding, and is automatically locked against pivotal movement upon completion of bevel edging so that the lens may, if required, be returned to the same position against the finishing wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for machine polishing plastic ophthalmic lenses to a translucent finish using a polishing wheel with 7 micron or less sized diamond particles held in a binder, such as a resin or bronze. The polishing wheels of the present invention may be in the form of a wheel for polishing edges of the lenses, or a wheel called a generator tool or bell for polishing the optical surfaces of the lenses. Either form of wheel may also be used on glass lenses. Each form may be used on a special ophthalmic machine adapted for its use, which may be capable of automatic or semi-automatic operation, to easily and quickly produce finished lenses. With the generator form polishing wheel of the present invention, a new type ophthalmic machine may be made using generator tools for both forming or cutting and finer finishing or polishing the optical surfaces of either, or both, plastic and glass lenses.

Abstract: A machine for grinding the peripheries of ophthalmic lenses to predetermined outlines is characterized by a head having a rotatable workholder for moving an edge of a lens against a rough grinding or finishing wheel and a pattern holder positioned vertically above the workholder for controlling movement of the lens toward and away from the grinding wheel. The head is mountd for horizontal, vertical and pivotal movement, is allowed to freely pivot during finishing or bevel edging of a lens but not during rough grinding, and is automatically locked against pivotal movement upon completion of bevel edging so that the lens may, if required, be returned to the same position against the finishing wheel.

Abstract: A machine for grinding the peripheries of ophthalmic lenses to predetermined outlines is characterized by a head having a rotatable workholder for moving an edge of a lens against a rough grinding or finishing wheel and a pattern holder positioned vertically above the workholder for controlling movement of the lens toward and away from the grinding wheel. The head is mounted for horizontal, vertical and pivotal movement, is allowed to freely pivot during finishing or bevel edging of a lens but not during rough grinding, and is automatically locked against pivotal movement upon completion of bevel edging so that the lens may, if required, be returned to the same position against the finishing wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for edging the periphery of an article, such as an ophthalmic lens to a predetermined outline or edge configuration, is characterized by a work holder for supporting and rotating a lens while moving an edge of the lens against a cylindrical grinding wheel. During grinding, the lens is engaged with only a portion of the grinding wheel, and to prevent a groove from being formed in the wheel successive lenses are automatically and periodically engaged with different portions of the wheel. In consequence, the wheel wears evenly, it retains a substantially cylindrical shape, all portions of its grinding surface are effectively used in grinding lenses, and the formation of a groove in its surface is prevented, whereby the wheel does not require retruing or reshaping and its useful life is significantly increased.