Lens Abrader Patents (Class 451/277)
  • Patent number: 10239180
    Abstract: An optical element processing tool for grinding or polishing an optical element includes: a base plate including a fixing region having a predetermined curvature; and a plurality of grindstones each formed in a columnar body having a same initial height, one end surface of the columnar body having an initial shape molded into a first spherical shape conforming to a processing target spherical shape of the optical element, and the other end surface of the columnar body being fixed to the fixing region of the base plate. A grindstone deviant from a condition among the plurality of grindstones, which is the grindstone not meeting a condition determined by a processing tool diameter of the processing tool, includes an outer end portion cut out at least in parallel to a center axis of the base plate so as to meet the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shuji Mukaiyama
  • Patent number: 9914195
    Abstract: A system of polishing a concave surface of an external piece for a timepiece, including a securing device including a support that carries the piece, and a grinding device including an abrasive mechanism rotatably mounted along a first axis and configured to polish the piece along a first curvature. The securing device further includes a moving mechanism of the support so that the support imparts a back-and-forth motion along a second axis and a contact surface of the abrasive mechanism is curved to polish the piece along a second curvature in addition to the first curvature. The system can be applied to the field of crystals for a timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Comadur S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Tassetti, Gilles Derriey, Patrice Dumont
  • Patent number: 9778644
    Abstract: A method for control of a drive for a tool or workpiece uses pilot control and a device with a control apparatus, the pilot control taking place depending on a frequency of movement. At least one of a frequency component of the reference value, a spectrum of the reference value, and a part thereof is used as the frequency of movement. At least one pilot factor is determined depending on the frequency of movement, and the at least one determined pilot factor, multiplied with a pilot value that corresponds to or is a derivative of the reference variable is used for pilot control. In this way, a contouring error can be advantageously reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Christoph Klein
  • Patent number: 9751131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for processing plastic workpieces. A machine housing surrounds a working chamber located between a workpiece spindle for rotationally driving the workpieces about a workpiece axis of rotation and a fast tool servo for producing an oscillating feeding movement of a rotary tool in the direction of the workpieces. The workpiece spindle is provided with a carriage which can be driven and is guided on at least two guide surfaces of a guiding arrangement in order to produce a relative advancing movement between the workpiece and the rotary tool. The advancing movement runs transversely with respect to the feeding movement and defining therewith a processing plane in which during processing the rotary tool engages with the workpiece. The guiding arrangement is mounted on the machine housing such that the processing plane extends between the two guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer, Marc Savoie
  • Patent number: 9694464
    Abstract: An apparatus for polishing the edges and sides of granite and other stones includes a hollow rectangular base for sliding along a stone surface, a yoke mounted on the base, a disc polisher pivotally mounted in the yoke for rotation around a horizontal axis between a variety of polishing orientations, and an indexing mechanism for releasably locking the polisher in such orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Vasile Lupsac
  • Patent number: 9643291
    Abstract: A polishing method comprising: arranging a polishing tool and a workpiece on lower and upper shaft sides of a polishing device, respectively, the polishing tool including: a polishing surface having a spherical zone shape; and a hole that is provided inside the polishing surface and concentric with an outer edge of the polishing surface around a rotation axis on a projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis, a ratio of an outer diameter of the polishing surface to an inner diameter of the polishing surface being greater than 1.0 and 6.0 or less; and swinging the polishing tool relative to a reference point while rotating the polishing tool around the rotation axis. The reference point is positioned where a straight line, which passes through a center of the workpiece and intersects with the rotation axis, passes through a center of a spherical zone of the polishing surface in width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Genichiro Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 9446494
    Abstract: A device for grinding and/or polishing of, in particular, precision-optical spherical lens surfaces has a machine frame, a tool spindle for rotational drive of a tool about a tool axis of rotation and a workpiece spindle for rotational drive of a workpiece about a workpiece axis of rotation. The tool spindle and workpiece spindle are capable of axial relative adjustment in first and second directions extending perpendicularly to one another and in addition pivotable about a pivot axis in a pivot plane relative to one another. Equipment for cross-grinding adjustment is provided, which has an adjusting mechanism to position the workpiece spindle in a third direction extending perpendicularly to the first and second directions. A clamping mechanism activatable independently of the adjusting mechanism serves the purpose of fixing the workpiece spindle, once positioned, with respect to the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Benjamin Becker, Joachim Diehl, Carsten Stroh, Robert Zeuke
  • Patent number: 9302367
    Abstract: In a non-conventional lap tool, i.e., not a stiff tool nor a conformable tool, and related method for grinding/polishing a substrate surface, includes a rigid base plate and attached work surface to define a cavity containing a non-Newtonian fluid. The non-Newtonian fluid behaves as a solid when the work surface is subjected to high shear stress, i.e., rapid tool stroke, yet behaves like a liquid when the tool is moved around the substrate surface when the shear stress of the work surface is low. A diaphragm can be used to further define the cavity and to seal within the non-Newtonian fluid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventors: James H. Burge, Dae Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 9186686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifuge including a rotatable centrifugal drum and a drive spindle to drive the centrifugal drum. The drive spindle is rotatably mounted via a bearing in a housing supported elastically on a machine framework. Further included is a drive device including a drive motor to rotate the drive spindle and a lubricant system to lubricate the bearing. The lubricant system is configured to deliver lubricant from a lubricant supply tank through a lubricant channel into a region of the bearing. An injection device is arranged downstream of the lubricant-supply tank and is configured to deliver the lubricant into the region of the bearing by dispensing quantities of lubricant in temporally discrete pulses with a limited-time air stream. A method is disclosed of directing lubricant into a region of a bearing of the centrifuge as noted above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equiptment GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Marie-Theres Sedler, Thomas Bathelt, Thomas Kleimann, Andreas Penkl, Bernd Terwey
  • Patent number: 9162233
    Abstract: A separator including a rotatable centrifugal drum having a vertical axis of rotation and an inflow line for a material to be processed by the separator. Also included is a drive spindle for the drum rotatably mounted via a mounting to a housing supported elastically on a machine stand section. A drive device includes an electric drive motor having a stator and a rotor which is aligned with the drive spindle. A lubricant system is configured to lubricate the mounting and the lubricant system includes a lubricant circuit to convey lubricant and has a lubricant collecting container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Thomas Bathelt, Andreas Penkl, Andreas Schulz, Marie-Theres Sedler
  • Patent number: 8574035
    Abstract: A polishing device for polishing optical lenses having a tiltable base part for directly or indirectly receiving a polishing plate, which base part is connected to a polishing spindle having an axis of rotation D in order to be rotationally driven, wherein a rotary joint for supplying a polishing agent is provided, which rotary joint is at least partly arranged opposite said polishing spindle, relative to the base part, and a coupling element is provided by means of which the rotary joint can be detachably push-fitted or clipped onto a polishing spindle. A method for polishing selected zones of aspherical lenses which are not rotationally symmetric using a polishing plate which is guided by a polishing spindle so as to be tiltable, wherein during polishing, a polishing agent is introduced between said polishing plate and the lens via a rotary joint arranged between said polishing spindle and said polishing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Helwig Buchenauer, Klaus Krämer, Ulf Börner
  • Patent number: 8460062
    Abstract: A polishing machine for lenses with at least one first polishing spindle having a polishing axis (K) and a tool holder disposed on the first polishing spindle for a first polishing disc designed as a tool, further comprising at least one first workpiece spindle having a rotary axis (C) and a workpiece holder disposed on the first workpiece spindle for a lens, wherein the workpiece holder and the tool holder are disposed so as to be movable in translation in the direction of a telescoping axis (Z) disposed parallel to the polishing axis (K) and in the direction of a translation axis (X) disposed at right angles to the rotary axis (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunter Schneider
  • Patent number: 8057284
    Abstract: A tool for polishing and fine-grinding optically active surfaces in precision optics has a main body which can be attached in a rotationally fixed manner to a tool spindle of a machining machine. A guide element is arranged concentrically in the main body and is mounted such that it can be displaced axially therein. A machining disk is replaceably attached to the outer end of the guide element. The main body is rigidly connected in a rotationally fixed manner, over the full displacement travel, to the guide element mounted such that it can be displaced axially therein, and in that the machining disk is rigidly fixed in a non-tiltable manner on the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Satisloh GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Leonhardt
  • Patent number: 8011996
    Abstract: A polishing head for polishing machines, in particular for polishing optical surfaces, has a polishing plate that is connected to a rotationally drivable drive shaft. The polishing plate is articulated to, and rotates with, the drive shaft. A ball hexagonal socket joint provides the articulated connection. Rotating by means of the articulated connection, the polishing plate can follow the surface of the workpiece to be processed, so that the polishing covering on the polishing plate always rests on a maximally large area on the surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Vision GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Kuebler
  • Patent number: 7938715
    Abstract: A polishing machine for optical elements includes: —a spindle arranged to rotationally drive an optical element; —a polishing tool mobile relative to the spindle; —a front face provided with a door enabling the access to the spindle and to the polishing tool. The polishing tool is mounted on a body which is rotationally mounted on sliding members by way of a first axis, the sliding members being substantially perpendicular to the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: James W. Drain, John Roderick Keller, Steven L. Reid, Joseph K. Bond, Maggy Perrier, Laurent Marcepoil, Eric Comte
  • Publication number: 20100035524
    Abstract: While having a milling cutter, equipped with a rotary shaft and a blade portion projecting in the direction intersecting with the axial line direction of the rotary shaft, rotated about the axial line of said rotary shaft, the milling cutter and the base material for forming an optical device are relatively moved in the cutting-in direction and the feed direction to form machining faces that constitute the device face. At the boundary part of the machining faces, the rotary shaft is directed in the direction orthogonal to the boundary part to cut the lower machining face of two adjacent machining faces. The objective is to provide a method for manufacturing an optical device in which a step can be formed at the boundary part between two adjacent machining faces when manufacturing an optical device or a mold by cutting, and to provide an optical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Hanaoka, Kenichi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7396275
    Abstract: A polishing machine for optical elements, comprising: a spindle arranged to rotationally drive an optical element; a polishing tool mobile relative to the spindle; a front face provided with a door enabling the access to the spindle and to the polishing tool; wherein the polishing tool is mounted on a body which is rotationally mounted on sliding means by way of a first axis, the sliding means being substantially perpendicular to the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie General d'Optique)
    Inventors: James W. Drain, John R. Keller, Steven L. Reid, Joseph K. Bond, Maggy Perrier, Laurent Marcepoil, Eric Comte
  • Patent number: 7198547
    Abstract: A lens edger which is capable of measuring the curvature of an eyeglass lens is disclosed. The lens edger includes a carriage which rotatably fixes a pair of lens fixing shafts and moves the position of the lens fixing shafts clamping a lens to be processed; a lens rotation motor for rotating the lens fixing shafts; a carriage driving means for moving the carriage; and an apparatus for measuring a curvature of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Huvitz Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Hun Kim, Soon Yong Shim
  • Patent number: 7066794
    Abstract: A tool (10) is disclosed for fine machining of optically active surfaces (F), with a base body (12) that can be attached to a tool spindle of a machine tool, and an elastic membrane (14) that has a machining section (16) to which connects a gaiter section (18) by means of which the membrane is attached to the base body such that it can be rotated therewith. The base body and the membrane delimit a pressure medium chamber (20) which via a channel (22) can be optionally pressurized with a pressure medium in order to apply a machining pressure via the machining section during machining of the optically active surface. A guide element (24) guided longitudinally mobile on the base body is actively connected with the machining section so that the machining section can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the guide element and held in the transverse direction to the guide element, although under an elastic deformation of the gaiter section it is tilt-mobile in relation to the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Satisloh GmbH
    Inventors: Gilles Granziera, Reiner Herold, Peter Philipps, Karl-Heinz Troβ
  • Patent number: 6932678
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus includes a polishing jig. The polishing jig includes an elastic balloon member, a fixture, and a fluid supply portion. The fixture airtightly closes the rear opening portion of the balloon member. The fluid supply portion supplies a fluid into a space formed by the fixture and balloon member. The balloon member has a cup shape constructed by a dome portion and a cylinder portion extending backward from the outer periphery of the dome portion. The fixture fixes the opening portion of the cylinder portion of the balloon member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Toyoshima, Hideo Toriumi, Shin-ichiro Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20040224619
    Abstract: A tool (10) is disclosed for fine machining of optically active surfaces (F), with a base body (12) that can be attached to a tool spindle of a machine tool, and an elastic membrane (14) that has a machining section (16) to which connects a gaiter section (18) by means of which the membrane is attached to the base body such that it can be rotated therewith. The base body and the membrane delimit a pressure medium chamber (20) which via a channel (22) can be optionally pressurized with a pressure medium in order to apply a machining pressure via the machining section during machining of the optically active surface. A guide element (24) guided longitudinally mobile on the base body is actively connected with the machining section so that the machining section can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the guide element and held in the transverse direction to the guide element, although under an elastic deformation of the gaiter section it is tilt-mobile in relation to the guide element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Gilles Granziera, Reiner Herold, Peter Philipps, Karl-Heinz Tross
  • Patent number: 6749925
    Abstract: The invention relates to different methods for distortion-free production of data carriers having at least in partial areas a transparent plastic layer with a surface structure in the form of a lens structure. The surface structure can be produced by cutting method or embossed by applying heat and pressure. Alternatively the surface structure can be produced as a separate element which is connected after its production with the data carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Hoppe, Yahya Haghiri-Tehrani, Arno Hohmann, Josef Strassmaier, Wolfgang Gauch, Matthias Bergmann, Gustav Dax
  • Patent number: 6733369
    Abstract: An apparatus for polishing or lapping an aspherical surface of a work piece comprises a tool rotatable about an axis, the working surface area of the tool being smaller than the work piece, and an arrangement by means of which the tool and the work piece are adjustable relative to each other in all three directions in space, by means of which the orientation of the tool relative to the work piece is adjustable about at least two axes, and by means of which the work piece is rotatable about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Semiconductor Manufacturing Technologies, AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Stacklies, Yaolong Chen
  • Patent number: 6599171
    Abstract: A cup attaching apparatus for attaching a cup for eyeglass lens processing to a subject lens to be processed, includes: an imaging optical system, which obtains an image of the lens by illuminating the lens with rays of light shaped to be larger in diameter than the lens; a display; a display control unit, which displays, on the display, the obtained lens image and an alignment mark superimposed on the obtained lens image, the alignment mark having substantially the same contour as a small lens portion of a bifocal lens; a first input unit, which inputs an amount of offset of the alignment mark with respect to a cup attachment center; and a second input unit, which inputs layout data for layout of the lens with respect to a target lens shape, wherein the display control unit determines a display position of the alignment mark based on the inputted offset amount and layout data, and displays the alignment mark at the determined display position on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6582286
    Abstract: An end face polishing apparatus has a jig plate for supporting at least one workpiece having an end face and a polishing member for polishing the end face of the workpiece. A support mechanism supports the jig plate to undergo movement in a direction toward the polishing member to bring the end face of the workpiece into pressure contact with the polishing member solely under the weight of the jig plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Minami, Katsuaki Kita
  • Patent number: 6561886
    Abstract: A retainer for retaining an abrasive pad on a lens making machine and an abrasive pad adapted to such retention comprises a retainer nestable with a lap of a lens making machine wherein when such retainer is nested, a pad placed upon the lap before nesting will be trapped in the desired position. The pad of the invention includes radially outwardly extending members beyond the working area of the pad whose purpose is to be trapped by the retainer. The invention enables automatic loading and unloading of pads on the lens making machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Gerber Coburn Optical Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Roberts, Jonathan Dooley, Lawrence Wolfson, Michael J. Goulet, Jeffrey Murray
  • Patent number: 6374011
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for polishing the side surfaces of fiber optics destined for devices in which the evanescent optical field of the optics must be accessed through polished side surfaces thereof. A plurality of fiber optics are temporarily affixed to a rounded surface, for polishing of the outer-facing surfaces thereof. In one embodiment, fiber optics are positioned across a cylindrical lens, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof, and are temporarily affixed thereto using a wax. Polishing commences, which can be monitored for progress using visual or optical power measurements. The fiber optics are thereafter removed from the lens, ready for installation into their respective devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Molecular OptoElectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Wagoner, Kevin J. McCallion, Kim R. Labarge
  • Patent number: 6350190
    Abstract: A template holder that is used in measurement of a target shape of an eyeglass lens and that attaches at least one of a template and a dummy lens thereon, includes a template attaching portion and a holding arm. The template attaching portion includes: a template placement portion, on which positioning pins to be inserted into small holes of the template are disposed, for placing the template along a measurement plane; a support shaft to be inserted into a central hole of the template, the support shaft being movable relative to the template placement portion to slide the template on and along the measurement plane; an urging mechanism for urging the support shaft to be moved in an urging direction; and a moving mechanism for moving the support shaft in a direction opposite from the urging direction against a urging force of the urging mechanism when the template is to be attached or detached. The holding arm holds the template attaching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 6250992
    Abstract: A mirror surface grinding method processes an optical glass material into a lens shape using a cup-shaped grinding stone. The grinding stone is pupplied with a polishing solution which contains charged fine particles, thereby electrically attaching the charged fine particles to the grinding stone. The grinding stone is rotated and moved relative to the optical glass material along a final shape to be generated from the optical glass material, thereby grinding an unnecessary portion of the optical glass material to remove it, using a peripheral face portion of the grinding stone, and at the same time polishing the final shape surface of the optical glass material using charged fine particles attached to an annular face portion of the rotating and moving grinding stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Ikeno, Takayuki Kishida, Masaru Saeki
  • Publication number: 20010003086
    Abstract: A retainer for retaining an abrasive pad on a lens making machine and an abrasive pad adapted to such retention comprises a retainer nestable with a lap of a lens making machine wherein when such retainer is nested, a pad placed upon said lap before nesting will be trapped in the desired position. The pad of the invention includes radially outwardly extending members beyond the working area of the pad whose purpose is to be trapped by the retainer. The invention enables automatic loading and unloading of pads on the lens making machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: Douglas J. Roberts, Jonathan Dooley, Lawrence Wolfson, Michael J. Goulet, Jeffrey Murray
  • Patent number: 6227952
    Abstract: A method for creation of a surface from a rough blank for spectacles is which is suitable for both brittle-hard materials and for plastics uses makes use of a disk-shaped, rotation-symmetrical tool of relatively large diameter, by means of which the material to be taken off the rough blank is removed with high grinding or milling efficiency in at least two work steps—a plunge-cut step and a shaping step with material removed along a spiral path. The outcome of the last work step is a machining path traveling in a spiral from the outside to the inside with low residual apex height and relatively large apex spacing. The resulting surface needs only slight fine-grinding and polishing aftertreatment. As an option, both a rim machining step adapted to the form of the eyeglass frame and a work step faceting the rim of the eyeglasses can be integrated into the method. Furthermore, tools are proposed for carrying out the grinding and milling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Loh Optikmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Joachim Diehl, Ronald Lautz, Karl-Heinz Tross
  • Patent number: 6080044
    Abstract: A machine for fining/polishing ophthalmic lenses has a horizontal and vertical plates rigidly fixed in an inverted T. Eccentric shafts journalled 180 degrees out of phase on the horizontal plate orbit tools on one side of the vertical plate. A swing frame pivotally mounted on the other side of the vertical plate has a horizontal shaft parallel to the vertical plate. Shafts orthogonal to the horizontal shaft are journalled for see-saw motion about the horizontal shaft, for rotational motion about their own longitudinal axes and for sliding motion along the horizontal shaft. Block adapters on the orthogonal shafts hold lenses in vertical alignment above the tools. Separate linkages reciprocate the horizontal shaft in parallel relationship to the vertical plate and the orthogonal shafts in orthogonal relationship to the vertical plate. The shaft linkages have a timing ratio such that the block adapters travel in laterally reciprocating horizontal figure eight patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Gerber Coburn Optical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Lanham, Harry K. Seim, Fred A. Haddock, Steven C. Schneidewent
  • Patent number: 6048258
    Abstract: A lens grinding apparatus that can process the edge of a lens to have a satisfactory polished surface and fit snugly into the user's eyeglass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Shibata
  • Patent number: 5890949
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens grinding machine for processing lenses to be fitted in an eyeglass frame. Frame configurational data of an eyeglass frame and layout data of a lens are input to the machine, and a layout of the lens is determined based on the frame configurational data and the layout data. An edge position of the lens in the thickness direction is obtained based on the determined layout, and lens processing data is computed based on the layout and the edge position. An insufficiency in the diameter of the lens relative to the lens processing data is detected. A predetermined reference range relative to the insufficiency is set, and a judgement is made as to whether or not the insufficiency is within the predetermined reference range. A processing command signal is entered based on the result of this judgement. When the insufficiency is detected and the processing command is entered despite the insufficiency, a grinding operation is performed with the insufficiency left, based on the lens processing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Shibata
  • Patent number: 5577950
    Abstract: A tool for fining/polishing an opthalmic lens has a spindle and a pliant casing containing a conformable filler connected to the spindle for rotation therewith. A pliant pad adhered to the casing has a plurality of slots extending from its perimeter toward its center defining a plurality of fingers which are contoured to the surface of the lens by the filler.Preferably, the lens is rotated about a vertical fixed axis substantially transverse to the lens and the tool is rotated about a fixed axis intersecting the lens and substantially normal to a surface of the lens to be fined/polished with the tool disposed above the lens. The axis of the horizontal displacement of the tool can be selectively varied in relation to the lens axis. The angular disposition of the tool axis in relation to the lens axis can be selectively varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Coburn Optical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Stephen Kulan
  • Patent number: 5525096
    Abstract: An apparatus for grinding spherical surfaces of workpieces includes a grinding section having a grindstone rotating mechanism for rotating around an axis of a shaft thereof with a grindstone held at an end of the shaft, a feeding mechanism for feeding the grindstone rotating mechanism toward the workpiece in a direction along the shaft, and a fixing mechanism for holding the grindstone rotating mechanism and the feeding mechanism and determining an angle 1 inclination of the short of the grindstone rotating mechanism with respect to the workpiece. A plurality of workpiece holding mechanisms are provided for holding the workpieces at ends of shafts thereof, the workpiece held by at least one of the workpiece holding mechanisms being opposed to the grindstone. A workpiece rotating mechanism is provided for rotating the workpiece holding mechanism which holds the workpiece opposed to the grindstone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Mayahara, Mamoru Inoue, Keniti Matumura
  • Patent number: 5408792
    Abstract: A process, a block or sucker, and an apparatus for machining the edge and optionally the optical surfaces of eyeglass lenses. The block or sucker is of circular shape and has a diameter which, at least in some areas, extends beyond the dimensions of the finished outline of the eyeglass lens. The block or sucker is attached to one major surface of the eyeglass lens blank during the machining operation. The block or sucker is inserted in a holder of a device for machining the edge of the eyeglass lens blank. The edge of the eyeglass lens is machined in accordance with the prescribed outline. The block or sucker may be machined at least in certain areas down to the outline of the eyeglass lens itself, whereafter the block of sucker is detached from the completely machined eyeglass lens and disposed of. Prior to edging the eyeglass blank, the optical surface may also be machined using the same block or sucker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Lutz Gottschald