Abstract A machine for centering a hydrophilic lens between rotatable spindles to engage a polishing pad for contouring the edge of the lens comprises a rotatable spindle having an extensible sleeve concentrically disposed about it for raising to form a chamber for holding a fluid for floating and centering a hydrophilic lens. A clamping spindle is provided for engaging and moving the hydrophilic lens against the rotatable support spindle and to thereafter cooperatively spin the lens to displace fluids therefrom to condition the edge of the lens for contouring by engaging a slurry coated polishing pad. A novel method for preparing the hydrophilic lens for polishing comprises the steps of floating the lens on the fluid filled chamber, centering the lens concentrically with the support spindle axis, concentrically clamping the lens upon the spindle and rotating the spindle to centrifugally displace at least some fluid from the lens and thereby condition the lens for contouring of its edge.
An apparatus for conditioning by rotation a fluid carrying lens in preparation for contouring of the lens at its edge, comprising: first means for rotatably supporting the fluid carrying lens; second means for centering the fluid carrying lens upon the first means; third means for shielding the fluid carrying lens at portions of the lens not at the edge of the lens to minimize fluid escaping from the shielded portions of the lens when rotated; and fourth means for rotating the shielded fluid carrying lens retained at the first means to remove fluid from the edge of the lens to thereby condition the lens in preparation for contouring of the lens at its edge.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
114 words
An apparatus for conditioning by rotation a fluid carrying lens in preparation for contouring of the lens at its edge, comprising: first means for rotatably supporting the fluid carrying lens; second means for centering the fluid carrying lens upon the first means; third means for shielding the fluid carrying lens at portions of the lens not at the edge of the lens to minimize fluid escaping from the shielded portions of the lens when rotated; and fourth means for rotating the shielded fluid carrying lens retained at the first means to remove fluid from the edge of the lens to thereby condition the lens in preparation for contouring of the lens at its edge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus, as defined in claim 1, further including means for contouring the lens edge.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of conditioning by rotation a fluid carrying lens in preparation for contouring of the lens at its edge, comprising the steps of: centering the fluid carrying lens on a rotatable support spindle; retaining the centered fluid carrying lens at the support spindle; shielding the fluid carrying lens at portions of the lens not at the lens edge to maintain a fluid carrying condition of the shielded portions of the lens when rotated; and rotating the shielded fluid carrying lens retained at the support spindle to remove fluid from the lens at the lens edge to thereby condition the fluid carrying lens in preparation for contouring of the lens at its edge.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of conditioning by rotation a fluid carrying lens in preparation for contouring of the lens at its edge, comprising the steps of: centering the fluid carrying lens on a rotatable support spindle; retaining the centered fluid carrying lens at the support spindle; shielding the fluid carrying lens at portions of the lens not at the lens edge to maintain a fluid carrying condition of the shielded portions of the lens when rotated; and rotating the shielded fluid carrying lens retained at the support spindle to remove fluid from the lens at the lens edge to thereby condition the fluid carrying lens in preparation for contouring of the lens at its edge.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of conditioning by rotation, as defined in claim 3, further including a step of contouring the lens at the lens edge.