Toric surface generator

Claim 1

Lens surfacing apparatus comprising: a machine base; an independently axially rotatable cutter head having a pivotal tool post; means for rotating said cutter head about its axis; a cutting tool extended diametrally through said tool post and said post having an axis extending orthogonally through said axis of rotation of said cutter head wherewith settings of predetermined amounts of extension of said tool through said post and degree of rotational adjustment of said post in said cutter head provide universality of adjustment for said tool cutting edge displacement from said axis of said cutter head, said tool having an effective cutting edge displaced from said axis of said cutter head a distance corresponding to a first of two orthogonal radii of curvatures to be cut on a surface of the lens to be worked, there being means for selectively locking both said tool in said tool post and said tool post in said cutter head at desired settings of the above adjustments; a work-supporting head; said cutter and work-supporting heads being mounted upon said base with one adapted to swing in a direction across the other, the radius of said swing corresponding to the second of said radii of curvature to be cut upon said lens; and means for adjusting the length of said radius of swing of said one head according to respective radii of curvature desired upon said surface of said lens.