Abstract: The difference in optical performance, such as astigmatism, the radius of curvature of a first surface, etc., of left and right lenses is kept at or below a specific level, and the difference in optical performance and the radius of curvature of the first surfaces between new and old lenses when the wearer changes lenses is also kept at or below a specific level, the result being lenses that are more comfortable to wear and are more attractive.

Abstract: To provide a template holder in which parts such as screws for mounting a template to a template mounting member is not lost. A template holder, in which in a state in which an elastic strut 94 is inserted into a holding hole 81 of a template 80, the template 80 is pressed and is caused to abut upon an end surface 91b of a base member 91a by the elastic strut 94 by operating a pressing strut 95, whereby while the template 80 is mounted to a holding member 91, the holding member 91 is departed from the template 80 by operating the pressing strut 95 to thereby enable the template 80 to be removed from the elastic strut 94 and the holding member 91, wherein the pressing strut 95 and the elastic strut 94 are held by the holding member 91 when the template 80 is attached and detached.

Abstract: A measurement instrument for establishing an angle by which each lens-mounting rim of a spectacles frame having two lens-mounting rims joined by a spectacles bridge is tilted in a horizontal plane in front of an eye of a spectacles wearer comprises a supporting plate onto which a spectacles frame can be positioned with the upper or lower outside edges of the lens-mounting rims downward; a marking line on the surface of the supporting plate for alignment of the spectacles frame; and at least one adjustable means permitting measurement of an angle between an imaginary line connecting a nasal and a temporary edge of a lens-mounting rim and the marking line.

Abstract: A spectacle frame shape measuring apparatus includes a measurement element holding mechanism. The measurement element holding mechanism holds a measurement element in a substantially loadless state along a frame groove formed in the inner circumferential surface of a rim of a spectacle frame. The measurement element holding mechanism includes a rod, balance spring, and evacuating mechanism. The rod is vertically movable and has an upper end portion on which the measurement element is mounted. The balance spring pushes the rod upward to hold the measurement element at a loading position during shape measurement. The evacuating mechanism regularly evacuates the measurement element to an evacuation position, thereby performing three-dimensional measurement of a rim shape. A spectacle frame shape measuring apparatus holder is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting a pair of framed eyeglasses relative to an electronic scanner whereby the scanner then generated digital data defining the geometry of the frame. This data is entered into a computer to cause it to control a milling machine which shapes a blank to form a filter lens for an accessory that clips onto the frame and has a matching geometry.

Abstract: A lens shape measuring apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of identifying a size of an outer-diameter shape of a lens fixing jig by using a measuring element also used for measuring a lend shape. This lens shape measuring apparatus comprising: a lens fixing jig installed in an eyeglass lens to be processed to clamp the eyeglass lens; a lens rotation shaft for clamping and rotating the lens to be processed; a measuring element abutted on a refracting surface of the lens clamped by the lens rotation shaft; a measuring element position switching mechanism for controlling rotation of the measuring element around a rotation shaft roughly parallel to the lens rotation shaft; and a measuring unit for measuring a moving distance of the measuring element in a direction roughly parallel to the lens rotation shaft.

Abstract: To provide a template holder in which parts such as screws for mounting a template to a template mounting member is not lost. A template holder, in which in a state in which an elastic strut 94 is inserted into a holding hole 81 of a template 80, the template 80 is pressed and is caused to abut upon an end surface 91b of a base member 91a by the elastic strut 94 by operating a pressing strut 95, whereby while the template 80 is mounted to a holding member 91, the holding member 91 is departed from the template 80 by operating the pressing strut 95 to thereby enable the template 80 to be removed from the elastic strut 94 and the holding member 91, wherein the pressing strut 95 and the elastic strut 94 are held by the holding member 91 when the template 80 is attached and detached.

Abstract: A tracer is provided for tracing a lens mount of an eyeglass frame, a lens or a lens pattern. The tracer comprises an object engager and an actuator. The object engager is adapted to engage the lens mount, the lens or the lens pattern. The actuator is adapted to move the object engager into contact with and then along the lens mount, the lens or the lens pattern in such a way that during movement therealong, the object engager remains against the object being traced even when the shape thereof includes high wrap. Preferably, the tracer has a shift mechanism adapted to shift the object engager from alignment with the lens mount to alignment with a second lens mount of the eyeglass frame. The actuator preferably is further adapted to trace the second lens mount in substantially the same way as the first. The actuator further includes a rotator and a pivot mechanism. The rotator is adapted to rotate the object engager along the object being traced.

Abstract: A target lens shape measuring device for measuring a target lens shape of an eyeglass lens has a measuring section including: a template feeler contactable with a periphery of a template; a first supporting base to which the template feeler is attached; a first motor and a link mechanism that move the template feeler and the first supporting base between a measuring position and a retracted position, wherein the link mechanism located between the measuring position and the retracted position is engaged with the first supporting base, and the link mechanism located at the measuring position is disengaged with the first supporting base; a second motor that moves the template feeler and the first supporting base in a radius vector direction of the template; and a first encoder that detect an amount of movement of the template feeler and the first supporting base in the radius vector direction of the template.

Abstract: A workpiece (22) having a periphery is centered using a centering apparatus (20) having a workpiece spindle (24, 28) operable to rotate the workpiece (22) about a rotational axis (26), and a centering head (29). The centering head (29) includes a mount (30) movable in a movement direction lying in a plane (40) perpendicular to the rotational axis (26), and generally along a radial line (38) extending outwardly from the rotational axis (26). A swivel head (32) is pivotably supported on the mount (30) and is pivotable about a pivot axis (46) parallel to the rotational axis (26). The swivel head (32) has a pair of bearings (66) spaced apart along a direction lying generally perpendicular to the movement direction, with the bearing axis of each bearing (46) parallel to the rotational axis (26). A distance measuring device (34) is operable to measure the distance between the periphery of the workpiece (22) and a measurement location on the mount (30).

Abstract: A control system is provided for a pivotally actuated tracer which traces an object (e.g., a frame mount of an eyeglass frame, a lens, or a lens pattern) while the object is held in a more-vertical-than-horizontal orientation. The control system comprises a trace control element and a gravity compensation element. The trace control element applies control signals to the pivotally actuated tracer. In response, the object engager of the tracer is pivotally actuated against and along the object to be traced with a biasing force toward the object. The gravity compensation element is adapted to compensate for the effects of gravity on the object engager by causing a varying pivoting force to be exerted on the object engager. The pivoting force varies depending on the rotational orientation of the object engager to keep the biasing force substantially constant along the object. Also provided is a data acquisition system for the tracer.

Abstract: A tracer is provided for tracing a lens mount of an eyeglass frame, a lens or a lens pattern. The tracer comprises an object engager and an actuator. The object engager is adapted to engage the lens mount, the lens or the lens pattern. The actuator is adapted to move the object engager into contact with and then along the lens mount, the lens or the lens pattern in such a way that during movement therealong, the object engager remains against the object being traced even when the shape thereof includes high wrap. Preferably, the tracer has a shift mechanism adapted to shift the object engager from alignment with the lens mount to alignment with a second lens mount of the eyeglass frame. The actuator preferably is further adapted to trace the second lens mount in substantially the same way as the first. The actuator further includes a rotator and a pivot mechanism. The rotator is adapted to rotate the object engager along the object being traced.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracing the perimeter shape of the lens holding aperture of an eyeglass frame, or an eyeglass lens, includes a holder to releasably hold an eyeglass frame or lens for tracing measurement. A tracing stylus has a 3 axis movement control apparatus to move the stylus around an axis of rotation and in a vertical and a horizontal direction of a plane rotatable about the axis of rotation. The stylus is urged into horizontal contact with the frame or lens to be traced by a horizontal axis motor dynamically controlled to optimize the contact force between the tracing stylus and frame or lens during the trace process. Control of the vertical movement axis of the stylus optimally provides a weightless behaviour of the stylus permitting it to move vertically responsive to external vertical forces.

Abstract: A lens shape measuring apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of identifying a size of an outer-diameter shape of a lens fixing jig by using a measuring element also used for measuring a lend shape. This lens shape measuring apparatus comprising: a lens fixing jig installed in an eyeglass lens to be processed to clamp the eyeglass lens; a lens rotation shaft for clamping and rotating the lens to be processed; a measuring element abutted on a refracting surface of the lens clamped by the lens rotation shaft; a measuring element position switching mechanism for controlling rotation of the measuring element around a rotation shaft roughly parallel to the lens rotation shaft; and a measuring unit for measuring a moving distance of the measuring element in a direction roughly parallel to the lens rotation shaft.

Abstract: In a target lens shape measuring device for measuring a target lens shape used to process an eyeglass lens, movement of a feeler in a radius vector direction is detected by a first detection system, and movement of a holding base by a moving system is detected by a second detection system. Calibration data is obtained based on the detection result by the second detecting system during the movement of the holding base by the moving system, and the detection result by the first detecting system is calibrated based on the obtained calibration data.

Abstract: To provide a template holder in which parts such as screws for mounting a template to a template mounting member is not lost. A template holder, in which in a state in which an elastic strut 94 is inserted into a holding hole 81 of a template 80, is pressed and is caused to abut upon an end surface 91a of a base member 91a by the elastic strut 94 by operating a pressing strut 95, whereby while the template 80 is mounted to a holding member 91, the holding member 91 is departed from the template 80 by operating the pressing strut 95 to thereby enable the template 80 to be removed from the elastic strut 94 and the holding member 91, wherein the pressing strut 95 and the elastic strut 94 are held by the holding member 91 when the template 80 is attached and detached.

Abstract: The accuracy of the axial degree of a lens in an eyeglass production is improved. In an eyeglass frame measuring apparatus, first and second frame data on the eyeglass frame consisting of first and second frames are entered. The entered first frame data are inverted to obtain a third frame data. On the basis of the third frame data and the entered second frame data, an amount of deviation of the second frame data with respect to the third frame data in a rotation direction is obtained. An eyeglass lens is processed on the basis of the rotation deviation amount and the third frame data.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a pivotally actuated tracer which traces an object (e.g., a frame mount of an eyeglass frame, a lens, or a lens pattern) while the object is held in a more-vertical-than-horizontal orientation. The control system comprises a trace control element and a gravity compensation element. The trace control element applies control signals to the pivotally actuated tracer. In response, the object engager of the tracer is pivotally actuated against and along the object to be traced with a biasing force toward the object. The gravity compensation element is adapted to compensate for the effects of gravity on the object engager by causing a varying pivoting force to be exerted on the object engager. The pivoting force varies depending on the rotational orientation of the object engager to keep the biasing force substantially constant along the object. Also provided is a data acquisition system for the tracer.

Abstract: A tracer is provided for tracing a lens mount of an eyeglass frame, a lens or a lens pattern. The tracer comprises an object engager and an actuator. The object engager is adapted to engage the lens mount, the lens or the lens pattern. The actuator is adapted to move the object engager into contact with and then along the lens mount, the lens or the lens pattern in such a way that during movement therealong, the object engager remains against the object being traced even when the shape thereof includes high wrap. Preferably, the tracer has a shift mechanism adapted to shift the object engager from alignment with the lens mount to alignment with a second lens mount of the eyeglass frame. The actuator preferably is further adapted to trace the second lens mount in substantially the same way as the first. The actuator further includes a rotator and a pivot mechanism. The rotator is adapted to rotate the object engager along the object being traced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for displaying a contour of a lens-shaped template formed to be fit in a lens frame of an eyeglass frame. The contour is displayed on a display in a same size of a real lens-shaped template. The apparatus includes a display for displaying a cross-sectional V-shaped edge figure, a position, and a thickness at an arbitrary point of the contour. The invention also relates to an apparatus for displaying a lens shape. The apparatus includes first display means for displaying a contour of a lens-shaped template formed to be fit in a lens frame of an eyeglass frame, second display means for displaying a cross-sectional V-shaped edge figure at an arbitrary point of the contour, and third display means for displaying a first mark indicating a position of the contour corresponding to positions of at least two edge figures displayed by the first display means.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the contour of a lens frame of an eyeglass frame and measuring the shape of a template. The apparatus has at least a pair of holding hooks (43, 44) for holding the rim of the eyeglass frame from above and below. The apparatus is constructed to hold a template holder (100) of a template (T) by the holding hooks (43, 44).

Abstract: A holding assembly for holding spectacles, having an adjustable grip for fitting around a pair of spectacles. The adjustable grip is slidably mounted to allow alignment one after the other of each lens along a single predetermined axis perpendicular to the plane of the lens, such that the aligned lens has a clear line of sight to a lens measuring device.

Abstract: A non-spherical surface shape measuring device and method that measures the shapes of object surfaces that have rotationally symmetrical non-spherical surface shapes on the basis of relative deviation values from the shape of a reference surface, the non-spherical surface shape measuring device includes a measuring means for obtaining relative deviation values between a reference surface and an object surface by measuring corresponding sampling points on the surfaces of the reference surface and the object surface and storing predetermined coefficients of variables prior to measurement. A first operating means approximates the partial differential coefficients for the predetermined variables and models the relative displacement, between the object surface and the reference surface and the XY-coordinates of the sampling points, into functional equivalents of the partial differential coefficients.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring a contour of a lens-shaped template formed to be fit into a lens frame of an eyeglass frame. The apparatus includes a lens-shaped template holding device (111) for holding a lens-shaped template (112) formed to be fit into a lens frame (LF, RF) of an eyeglass frame (MF), a measurement element (219) for measuring the contour of the lens-shaped template (112) held by the lens-shaped template holding device (111), a measurement starting device (13) for starting the measurement of the lens-shaped template (112) by the measurement element (219), and a measurement element positioning device (700) for positioning the measurement element (219) at a reference point when the measurement starting device (13) starts the measurement element (219) measuring the lens-shaped template (112).

Abstract: A machine for marking the location for determining the correct prescription of progressive optical lens including a diffused light source, a platform for supporting the progressive lens intended to be marked in the illumination from the light source, an optical reference element having visible indicia thereon for contact against the progressive lens to locate the symbols on the lens that indicate the position of a reference line thereon, and a marker including adjustable marker elements for contact against the lens in alignment with the reference line, to apply temporary opaque symbols on the progressive lens from which the lens prescription can be determined.

Abstract: Device and method for accurately recreating verification markings with removable ink on progressive ophthalmic lenses and molds are provided. The device includes (a) a stage which defines a coordinate system and which is adapted for receiving a lens or mold; (b) a magnifying device for locating the reference marks on the lens or mold surface; (c) a computer for storing coordinates from the platform wherein the coordinates represent the locations of two reference marks on the lens or mold surface; and (d) a pen device adapted to be positioned over the surface of the lens or mold wherein the pen device is controlled by the computer for applying the verification markings on the lens or mold surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately observing a toric contact lens rotation for determining the prescription of a contact lens on an astigmatic eye, by providing a lens line guide alignment plate having a gravity responsive pivotal indicator, angle indicia arranged about the indicator, and a guide edge spaced from the indicator, a contact lens having at least one indicator marking, a slit lamp or other device for projecting a slit light beam on the lens to bisect the lens, rotationally orienting the slit light beam into alignment with the contact lens indicator marking, angularly orienting the guide edge to be in alignment with the rotated slit light beam, and reading the angle of the pivotal indicator relative to the indicia to ultimately determine the toric lens prescription.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring a contour of a lens-shaped template formed to be fit into a lens frame of an eyeglass frame. The apparatus includes a lens-shaped template holding device (111) for holding a lens-shaped template (112) formed to be fit into a lens frame (LF, RF) of an eyeglass frame (MF), a measurement element (219) for measuring the contour of the lens-shaped template (112) held by the lens-shaped template holding device (111), a measurement starting device (13) for starting the measurement of the lens-shaped template (112) by the measurement element (219), and a measurement element positioning device (700) for positioning the measurement element (219) at a reference point when the measurement starting device (13) starts the measurement element (219) measuring the lens-shaped template (112).

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus for providing optical information regarding spectacles in which are mounted first and second lenses, the apparatus includes a spectacles mapper operative to compute a map, within a single coordinate system, of at least one optical characteristic over both of the two lenses, and a spectacles analyzer operative to provide an output indication of optical information related to the map.A method for providing optical information regarding spectacles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Designed to be fitted to an ophthalmic lens grinding machine to be calibrated instead of an ophthalmic lens, a calibration template is in the general form of a disk with a circular contour over at least part of its perimeter. Its contour forms two localized angular points circumscribed by a common circumference and having a relative angular offset.

Abstract: A machine for marking the location for determining the correct prescription of progressive optical lens including a light beam, a table for supporting the progressive lens in the light beam, an optical protractor having visible indicia thereon for contact against the progressive lens to locate the symbols on the lens that indicate the position of the reference line thereon, and a stamp including adjustable stamp pads for contact against the lens in alignment with a reference line, to apply at least one temporary opaque symbol on the progressive lens from which the lens prescription can be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the curvature radii of spherical and cylindrical surfaces is provided. The apparatus comprises a base, a probe and four ball rings of the same size, wherein the four ball rings are provided on the base and arranged into a square having a side length C. The probe is upward and downward movably mounted on the top surface of the base at the center of the square. There is also provided a method for measuring the curvature radii of spherical and cylindrical surfaces, wherein a ball-ring-distance is equal to C for the cylindrical surface or is equal to .sqroot.2C for the spherical surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the shape of a frame of spectacles is provided wherein the shape of a frame is measured with a measuring element which is held in contact with a groove in a rim of the frame while being moved along the groove. To accurately position the measuring element with respect to the groove of the frame before the start of measurement, positioning means is provided which moves the measuring element horizontally toward the frame, presses the measuring element against the frame with a biasing force, and which positions the measuring element at a measurement position. Further, to permit smooth vertical movement of the measuring element and to achieve accurate shape measurement, thrust means is provided which pushes the lower end face of a measuring element supporting shaft upward at a location displaced from the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a lens frame configuration is provided which comprises an apparatus body provided with a measuring reference surface, a frame holder movably retained by the apparatus body and adapted to hold right and left lens frames of an eyeglass frame so as to rotate and incline a holding plane of the lens frame with respect to the reference surface, a rotating device for rotating and inclining the frame holder, a measuring portion for measuring coordinates of each point in a circumferential direction of a V-shaped groove of the lens frame with respect to the measuring reference surface, and an arithmetic circuit for calculating an inclination of the lens frame in the V-shaped groove with respect to the reference surface from a result obtained by the measuring portion.

Abstract: A design system for designing shapes of eyeglasses. In the system, image data expressing the face of a person are first subjected to image processing such as color compensation and profile emphasis. Subsequently, feature points representing the facial features of the face are extracted, and a plurality of horizontal, vertical and inclined auxiliary lines and auxiliary points on the auxiliary lines are set based on the feature points. Anchor points of a Bezier curve which defines the shapes of the lenses and frame of the eyeglasses are then determined. The Bezier curve is converted to data composed of polar coordinates, and the converted data are transmitted to machine tools. Control points provided at the anchor points are controlled based on words which represent a desired design image for the eyeglasses. The design system can automatically generates the shapes of the lenses and frames of eyeglasses based on features of individuals and their design preferences.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the shape of a frame of spectacles is provided wherein the shape of a frame is measured with a measuring element which is held in contact with a groove in a rim of the frame while being moved along the groove. To accurately position the measuring element with respect to the groove of the frame before the start of measurement, a positioning device is provided which moves the measuring element horizontally toward the frame, presses the measuring element against the frame with a biasing force, and positions the measuring element at a measurement position. Further, to permit smooth vertical movement of the measuring element and to achieve accurate shape measurement, a thrust device is provided which pushes the lower end face of a measuring element supporting shaft upward at a location displaced from the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: An arithmetic and control circuit 600 calculates an angle .theta. of inclination of one of lens frames 501, 501 of an eyeglass frame 500 from the maximum and minimum of height data Z.sub.n of frame configuration information L (.sub.o .rho..sub.n, .sub.o .theta..sub.n, Z.sub.n) about the lens frame (left lens frame) 501. If the angle .theta. exceeds a given angle .beta., the arithmetic and control circuit 600 adjusts a frame holder 100 holding the eyeglass frame 500 so as to make the angle .theta. smaller than the given angle .beta.. After that, the arithmetic and control circuit 600 again calculates height data Z.sub.n in the direction of a Z-axis relative to radius vector information (.sub.o .rho..sub.n, .sub.o .theta..sub.n) to obtain first true frame configuration information L (.sub.o .rho..sub.n ', .sub.o .theta..sub.n, Z.sub.n) about the lens frame 501 in three dimensional directions. Further, the arithmetic and control circuit 600 calculates a radius vector data difference .DELTA..rho..sub.n (.DELTA..

Abstract: A lens shape measuring instrument includes a slide base plate in parallel with a chucking shaft of an eyeglass lens, a flat contactor arranged on a first measuring bar disposed on a first rotating shaft, and a V-shaped contactor disposed on a second measuring bar disposed on a second rotating shaft, so that the flat contactor and the V-shaped contactor can be brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the eyeglass lens at the same time. The thickness center of the peripheral surface of the eyeglass lens can be detected by detecting positional change of the slide base plate, and the thickness of the peripheral surface of the eyeglass lens can be detected by rotation difference between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft corresponding to the positional change and from shape of the V-shaped contactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating the geometrical center of a lens, whether in or out of an eyewear frame, includes a flat platform adapted to seat an eyewear lens thereon and a framework mounted on the platform and having first and second pairs of opposite side members extending in substantially orthogonal relationship to one another and intersecting with one another so as to define a substantially rectangular enclosure having first and second pairs of diagonal corners. The side members of the pairs thereof are mounted to the platform for undergoing relative movement so as to adjust the distances therebetween and thereby the length and width of the enclosure to fit about the lens seated on the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for subjectively (and in some cases at least partially objectively) determining the proper positioning of progressive power or other corrective lenses are disclosed. The apparatus includes a target such as a small fiber optic or other light source and one or more marking rods which may be activated by the patient (or, in some cases, by the practitioner). While wearing pre-fitted frames and fixating on a remote target, the patient (or practitioner) places the light source against or immediately adjacent the exterior surface of the simulated or other lens within either of the frames and positions the light so that it is centered in the patient's line of sight. Once the light is centered the marking rod is activated which contacts, and marks, the exterior surface of the lens.

Abstract: An apparatus containing four linear gauges (I, II, III and IV) allows simultaneous measurement of the main parameters of a lens blank, namely the vertex radius (or asphericity), the centre thickness, and the front surface sag. A first head member (6) presents contacts (12) which contact the front conicoid surface of a lens blank (101) on a first circle. A measuring head (8) presents contacts (13) on a second circle. Gauges (I and II) measure relative displacements between the contacts (12 and 13) and the end of pointer (3), from which the asphericity or vertex radius can be calculated. Gauges (III and IV) are coupled respectively to the rear and front surfaces of the lens blank (101). The perimeter (106) of the lens blank (101) is aligned with a reference plane (R). The displacements of the gauges (III and IV) can be used to calculate the centre thickness and front surface sag of the lens.

Abstract: A device having a single protractor scale for determining a therapeutic axis for toric contact lenses based on a prescription axis. The device comprising a coaxially mounted card, protractor dial and reference symbol. Alternate embodiments if the invention are set forth, depending on the specific embodiment the protractor scale may be depicted in a counter-clockwise or clockwise orientation. Additionally, methods for employing alternate embodiments of the present invention are set forth.

Abstract: A lens meter for measuring the optical character of spectacle lenses by projecting a measurement target onto the spectacle lens comprises a first position control member for moving a spectacle frame in a horizontal direction, and a second position control member for moving the spectacles in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first position control member. The position of the second position control member is detected by a potentiometer, and the pupilary distance is calculated based on the distances from the second position control member to the bridge center of the spectacle frame and to each lens optical center on the spectacle frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for subjectively determining the proper positioning of progressive power or other corrective lenses are disclosed. The apparatus includes a target such as a small fiber optic or other light source and one or more marking rods which may be activated by the patient. While wearing prefitted frames and fixating on a remote target, the patient places the light source against or immediately adjacent the exterior surface of the simulated or other lens within either of the frames and positions the light so that it is centered in his or her line of sight. Once the light is centered the patient activates the marking rod which contacts, and marks, the exterior surface of the lens. Because the light source and marking rod or rods are designed to obstruct very little of the patient's vision, his or her peripheral vision remains intact during the process, thereby allowing binocular fusion to occur and avoiding introduction of phoria errors into the positioning process.

Abstract: An eyeglasses frame tracing device used in an eyeglasses lens grinding machine. The eyeglasses frame tracing device of the invention comprises a horizontally movable base portion, a rotary base rotatably supported on the base portion, a shaft including a measuring element at its upper end, the shaft being retained on the rotary base so as to relatively move in the vertical and lateral direction with respect to the rotary base, a light-shielding plate which moves in association with the vertical movement and lateral movement of the measuring element shaft and which has openings to allow a part of light to pass therethrough, and a pair of a light emitting section and a light receiving section which are provided opposite to each other with the light-shielding plate interposed therebetween and which moves integrally with the rotary base.

Abstract: A spherometer for measuring the radius of curvature of 1 lens is disclosed. The spherometer comprises a spherometer ring having an annular portion or a part of an annular portion, a measuring member coaxially secured to the spherometer ring, a supporting member for supporting the spherometer ring, and a tilt facilitating member interposed between the spherometer ring and the ring supporting member.

Abstract: A contour follower device suitable for reading off the contour of eyeglass frame rims or surrounds includes a support table with holding means for supporting the article whose contour is to be read off. A feeler has a rotatable contact head adapted to be applied to the article and is carried by a carriage which is movable relative to the support table. The contact head is rotated by rotational drive means such as a motor-gearbox unit.

Abstract: A device for tracing a surface such as one defining the lens opening of an eyeglass frame includes a tracer element moved automatically about a rotational axis surrounded by the traced surface and arranged perpendicularly to the area enclosed by the surface. As this rotation occurs a carrier for the tracer element is moved along a second axis extending perpendicularly to the rotational axis in response to a position error signal developed by the tracer element to maintain the position error signal at a substantially zero value through the use of feedback circuitry. The positions of the carrier about the rotational axis and along the second axis are repeatedly captured during the tracing movement to provide point data defining the shape of the traced surface. Results are a smooth steady movement of the tracer element along the surface with a minimum amount of force being exerted on the traced surface by the tracer element.

Abstract: A support device for eyeglass frames whereby the contour of one or both rims or surrounds of the frame can be read comprises a plurality of retaining means on a plate and on a flap pivoted to the plate. The retaining means are adapted to hold an eyeglass frame above a hole in the plate. The flap is pivoted to the plate and its inclination relative to the plate is adjustable.

Abstract: The real surface of the mirror is represented by a set of values corresponding to radial or approximately radial distances between points distributed over the surface of the mirror and a spherical reference surface. The method is implemented by using apparatus comprising a support provided with at least three abutments suitable for supporting the support and distributed or suitable for being distributed as points on the surface of a sphere, the support also carrying at least one distance sensor. The invention is particularly suitable for inspecting the optical parameters of a plane, spherical, or aspherical mirror, and in particular mirrors for telescopes.