US3871803A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for producing an optical molding plaque
Assignee: Beattie Developments Co
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Filing: 1973-12-03
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Granted: 1975-03-18
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Expires: 1993-12-03
Abstract
Abstract A mold assembly for simultaneously molding a plurality of plastic lenses. The mold assembly includes a pair of plastic plaques each of which have a plurality of mold surface portions formed thereon separated from one another by a relatively flexible reference-web portion. The assembly further includes appropriate gasketing structure which is positioned between the reference-web portions of the plaques to define a plurality of substantially isolated lens molding cavities between the mold surface portions thereof. The gasketing structure additionally includes referencing means which cooperate with and maintain the reference-web portions of the plaques at a predetermined spacing regardless of any non-uniformity in the spacing between the mold surface portions of the plaques and hence independent of any nonuniformity in the cross-sectional shape of the lenses produced therebetween. The mold assembly is designed to permit rapid alignment of the mold surfaces, to enable easy separation of the plaques from the finished lenses, and in general, to substantially simplify the entire plastic ophthalmic lens manufacturing process.
Inventors
- 👤 John O Beattie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 01:43
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29D; B29D11/00; B29D11/00009; B29D11/00038; B29D11/00125; B29D11/00173; B29D11/00182; B29C; B29C33/00; B29C33/0038; B29D11/00413; B29D11/00432; B29L; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/76; B29L2031/7602; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S425/00; Y10S425/808
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
212 words
Apparatus for molding a replicate plaque from plastic monomer for use in simultaneously molding a plurality of plastic optical elements comprising: a. a first support plate; b. means on said first support plate for defining a mold surface, said mold surface including a plurality of master surfaces to be negatively reproduced on said replicate plaque; c. a second support plate; d. a flexible member having inner and outer surfaces supported by said second support plate, said flexible member having a plurality of sectors formed thereon, the outer surfaceS of said sectors having the same general shape as said master surfaces; e. means for supporting said first and second support plates in spaced relationship with said plurality of sectors being in substantial alignment with said plurality of master surfaces for defining a mold cavity between the inner surface of said flexible member and the mold surface of said first support plate within which said replicate plaque may be molded; f. means for filling said mold cavity with said plastic monomer; and g. means for applying a positive pressure to the outer surface of said flexible member during the molding of said plaque to cause said sectors to deform and maintain said plaque in intimate contact with said master surfaces during the molding thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
212 words
Apparatus for molding a replicate plaque from plastic monomer for use in simultaneously molding a plurality of plastic optical elements comprising: a. a first support plate; b. means on said first support plate for defining a mold surface, said mold surface including a plurality of master surfaces to be negatively reproduced on said replicate plaque; c. a second support plate; d. a flexible member having inner and outer surfaces supported by said second support plate, said flexible member having a plurality of sectors formed thereon, the outer surfaceS of said sectors having the same general shape as said master surfaces; e. means for supporting said first and second support plates in spaced relationship with said plurality of sectors being in substantial alignment with said plurality of master surfaces for defining a mold cavity between the inner surface of said flexible member and the mold surface of said first support plate within which said replicate plaque may be molded; f. means for filling said mold cavity with said plastic monomer; and g. means for applying a positive pressure to the outer surface of said flexible member during the molding of said plaque to cause said sectors to deform and maintain said plaque in intimate contact with said master surfaces during the molding thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said second support plate includes means for defining a plurality of apertures, and further includes means for supporting said plurality of flexible sectors adjacent said apertures for enabling them to deform and maintain the replicate plaque in contact with said master surfaces during the molding thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said outer surfaces of said flexible member sectors are accessible through said apertures to said positive pressure applying means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible member comprises a foil having a thickness of between about 0.003 to about 0.040 inches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said first support plate includes a plurality of apertures and wherein said plurality of master surfaces comprise a plurality of master elements recessed within said apertures.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said master elements are constructed of glass.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said first support plate includes means for supporting said plurality of master surfaces in a generally regular array.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said support plate support means comprises gasketing means for maintaining said mold cavity in fluid-tight condition.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 and further including means for controlling the temperature of said plaque during the molding thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said flexible member comprises a heat conductive foil for transferring heat between said temperature control means and said plaque during the molding thereof.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-17 | 1978-09-16 | 1979-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-17 | 1982-09-16 | 1983-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-17 | 1986-09-16 | 1987-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |