US3810403A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contact lens edging machine
Assignee: Union Electronics Co Ltd
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Filing: 1972-08-09
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Granted: 1974-05-14
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Expires: 1992-08-09
Abstract
Abstract A contact lens is edged by holding it against a rotating faceplate by suction and moving a cutting tool against it at a controlled rate of travel below that which would dislodge the lens from the faceplate. Suitable apparatus is disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 J Ianuzzi
- 👤 G Hurlbut
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 03:03
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23B; B23B5/00; B23B31/00; B23B31/02; B23B31/24; B23B31/30; B23B31/307; B24; B24B; B24B9/00; B24B9/02; B24B9/06; B24B9/08; B24B9/14; B24B9/142; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T82/00; Y10T82/10; Y10T82/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
Lathe type apparatus for edging contact lenses comprising a headstock mounted on a frame, a hollow spindle mounted for rotation in the headstock and having a faceplate end, means for rotating the spindle, means connected with the spindle for creating suction at the faceplate end thereof, a tool holder adjustably positioned with respect to the headstock to hold a tool against the outer face of a contact lens mounted on the faceplate, a hollow inner spindle mounted for rotation in the spindle coaxial therewith, means for rotating the inner spindle, means for moving the inner spindle axially with respect to the spindle from a position in which an end of the inner spindle projects beyond the faceplate end of the spindle to a position in which that end of inner spindle is retracted within the spindle, and means connected with the inner spindle for creating suction at the faceplate end thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
Lathe type apparatus for edging contact lenses comprising a headstock mounted on a frame, a hollow spindle mounted for rotation in the headstock and having a faceplate end, means for rotating the spindle, means connected with the spindle for creating suction at the faceplate end thereof, a tool holder adjustably positioned with respect to the headstock to hold a tool against the outer face of a contact lens mounted on the faceplate, a hollow inner spindle mounted for rotation in the spindle coaxial therewith, means for rotating the inner spindle, means for moving the inner spindle axially with respect to the spindle from a position in which an end of the inner spindle projects beyond the faceplate end of the spindle to a position in which that end of inner spindle is retracted within the spindle, and means connected with the inner spindle for creating suction at the faceplate end thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus of claim 1 including fluid operated means for moving the tool holder crosswise of the faceplate, fluid operated retarding means positioned to be engaged by the tool holder and reduce its velocity, and adjustable stop means therefor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus of claim 2 in which the retarding means comprise a cylinder, a piston movable therein, a check stop adapted to be engaged by the tool holder mounted on the piston, a fluid reservoir, fluid conduit means between the reservoir and the cylinder, and a metering valve in those conduit means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus of claim 3 including means for moving the cylinder crosswise of the faceplate so as to adjust the position of the check stop.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
Apparatus of claim 4 in which the means for moving the cylinder comprise a hollow shaft journaled in the frame and having a theaded end mating with a nut attached to the cylinder and the adjustable stop means comprise an inner shaft coaxial with the hollow shaft having an end projecting beyond the cylinder but short of the check stop, the inner shaft being threaded into the hollow shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus of claim 1 having a tailstock spaced from said headstock and synchronized with said headstock through a timing belt drive on both.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
121 words
The method of edging a contact lens blank to provide a contact lens comprising positioning the concave face of the blank against the end of a rotating hollow spindle coaxial with and spaced from and intermediate a spaced tailstock and a rotating faceplate, applying suction to the blank through the hollow spindle so as to hold the blank in place thereon, centering the blank on the end of said spindle, retracting the spindle into the faceplate so as to position the blank concentrically thereto, applying suction to the blank at said face plate, and bringing an edging tool into contact with the convex face of the blank and edging it while it is held in place on the faceplate by suction.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
121 words
The method of edging a contact lens blank to provide a contact lens comprising positioning the concave face of the blank against the end of a rotating hollow spindle coaxial with and spaced from and intermediate a spaced tailstock and a rotating faceplate, applying suction to the blank through the hollow spindle so as to hold the blank in place thereon, centering the blank on the end of said spindle, retracting the spindle into the faceplate so as to position the blank concentrically thereto, applying suction to the blank at said face plate, and bringing an edging tool into contact with the convex face of the blank and edging it while it is held in place on the faceplate by suction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of edging a contact lens as claimed in claim 7 including the steps of withdrawing the edging tool from the blank, advancing both the hollow spindle and the tailstock until the blank is held between them spaced from the faceplate, rotating the blank between the tailstock and hollow spindle and forming a radius on the edgE thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-05-13 | 1977-11-12 | 1978-05-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-13 | 1981-11-12 | 1982-05-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-13 | 1985-11-12 | 1986-05-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |