Abstract:
A method and apparatus for transferring a wet object, such as a contact lens (92), comprising a probe (93) having a passage (124) for at least one vacuum source and a tip (94) at one end of the probe (93) for receiving the contact lens (92), the tip (94) comprising at least one aperture (126), the aperture (126) being in communication with the passage (124). The passage (124) has at least one relief hole (123) to provide for gas flow into the passage (124) when the contact lens (92) is present over the aperture (126) on the tip (94) of the probe (93). A cleaning apparatus and method for a transfer apparatus for a wet object is diclosed as well as a transfer apparatus for a wet object having aligning means for aligning the transfer apparatus.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for handling an ophthalmic lens in a manufacturing line where lenses are presented for picking and transport to a respective lens receptacle. The problem of lens fly-away is prevented by a cover which releasably couples to the lens picking means and is deposited over the lens receptacle immediately following release of the lens into the secondary receptacle and withdrawal of the lens picking means.
Abstract:
A method, device and trays for transferring ophthalmic lenses from one work station to another. The first tray supports the lenses after release from the mold. The second tray supports the lenses during further processing including surface treatment. The articles are precisely placed and inverted as they are transferred from the first tray unto the second tray. Additionally, both sides of the ophthalmic lenses may be plasma reacted while supported on the second tray.
Abstract:
A method for transferring a lens-shaped article (23) from a first support (25) to a centered position on a second support (31) employs a transfer tool (1) having a slideable plunger (11) and plunger sleeve (21) that cooperates with the first and second support to ensure that the article is oriented in a desired manner when transferred.
Abstract:
A method producing contact lenses, including the step of: holding the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens (600) attached to the one of the female mold half or the male mold half (400) with a vacuum supplied with a suction cup; deforming a surface of the one of the female mold half or the male mold half (400) having the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens (600) attached to with a pin (300) so as to separate the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens (600) from the mold half (400) attached to and to transfer the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens (600) to the suction cup; moving the suction cup away from the pin while the suction cup continues to hold the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens (600) remains; applying a compressed gas to blow the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens (600) away from the suction cup into a container.
Abstract:
An un-hydrated contact lens (110) is removed from a concave mould piece (115) while holding the mould lensuppermost, by applying a downward force to a flange portion of the mould, applying an upward force (F) to the convex backside of the mould piece. The resulting deformation breaks adhesion between the lens and the concave optical surface of the mould piece, while the lens is captured and removed by a lifting probe (130, 134). Many lenses are processed in parallel. The dry, un-hydrated contact lenses (110) are deposited by the probe (130, 134) into respective packaging blister cavities (145). Each cavity is pre-dosed with a spot of fluid (150). The contact of fluid between lens and receptacle captures the lens consistently in the base of the receptacle, neutralising the disruptive effects of electrostatic charges in particular. With the dry lens (110) in the packaging cavity (145) a finishing head is used comprising adjacent inlet and outlet nozzles (230, 240) for hydrating the lens, for flushing away contaminated hydrating fluid (220), prior to dosing the cavity with packaging fluid (260).
Abstract:
An assembly for fluid processing of an array of ophthalmic lenses includes a support having an array of holes (20) in which an array of lens receptacles are removably positioned for fluid processing. A cover (50) is placed over the support and lenses and include a series of grooves (52G) forming fluid passages for the entry and exit of fluid as the assembly is submerged and removed from a bath of processing fluid. The assemblies may be stacked upon each other and placed in a frame for processing batches of lenses at a time.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for handling an ophthalmic lens in a manufacturing line where lenses are presented for picking and transport to a respective lens receptacle. The problem of lens fly-away is prevented by a cover which releasably couples to the lens picking means and is deposited over the lens receptacle immediately following release of the lens into the secondary receptacle and withdrawal of the lens picking means.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus (1;2) for removing an ophthalmic lens from a mold half (3;4), comprises: a ring member (10;20) movable towards and away from the mold half (3;4), the ring member (10;20) comprising a central opening (103;203) and a plurality of nozzles (100;200) circumferentially distributed about the ring member (10;20), each nozzle (100;200) having an outlet opening directed towards the mold half (3,4) as the ring member (10;20) is placed on the mold half (3;4), and a gripper member (11;21) arranged to be movable towards and away from the mold half (3;4) through the central opening (103;203) of the ring member (10;20).