Patent EP0462357A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3763597A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for producing contact lenses
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-10-13
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Granted: 1973-10-09
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Expires: 1991-10-13
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for producing contact lenses, in which the cutting tool for cutting the base curve into a contact lens blank pivots about a point that is movable to vary the radius of curvature of the cutting tool, without moving the relative positions of the cutting tool tip and the blank. The blank with the base curve cut thereon is conveyed to supporting structure so that the base curve will be polished as it faces upwardly. The lens blank is held by a vacuum chuck during cutting of the power curve, and the power curve is polished with a wood polishing device.
Inventors
- 👤 W Schlotfeldt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:44
CPC Classifications
B; B24; B24B; B24B13/00; B24B13/0025; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T82/00; Y10T82/14; Y10T82/148
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
In apparatus for forming contact lenses, the improvement comprising, in combination: means for underlying and supporting a contact lens blank having a base curve so that the base curve faces upwardly, said supporting means including a vertically movable base within a channel, rotating polishing means for polishing the base curve, said polishing means including a downwardly extending polishing tool for engaging the base curve, means for conveying the lens blank to said supporting means, said conveyor being positioned to convey a lens blank to said channel whereupon the blank will overlie said base, and means for moving said base upwardly to position the base curve adjacent said polishing tool.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
In apparatus for forming contact lenses, the improvement comprising, in combination: means for underlying and supporting a contact lens blank having a base curve so that the base curve faces upwardly, said supporting means including a vertically movable base within a channel, rotating polishing means for polishing the base curve, said polishing means including a downwardly extending polishing tool for engaging the base curve, means for conveying the lens blank to said supporting means, said conveyor being positioned to convey a lens blank to said channel whereupon the blank will overlie said base, and means for moving said base upwardly to position the base curve adjacent said polishing tool.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said supporting means base includes a centrally located detent for receiving a downwardly extending protuberance from the undersurface of the lens blank.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
84 words
In apparatus for forming contact lenses, the improvement comprising, in combination: means for underlying and supporting a contact lens blank having a base curve so that the base curve faces upwardly, polishing means for polishing the base curve, said polishing means including a downwardly extending polishing tool for engaging the base curve, means for rotating said polishing means, means for rocking said polishing means back and forth during rotation of said polishing means, and means for conveying the lens blank to said supporting means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
84 words
In apparatus for forming contact lenses, the improvement comprising, in combination: means for underlying and supporting a contact lens blank having a base curve so that the base curve faces upwardly, polishing means for polishing the base curve, said polishing means including a downwardly extending polishing tool for engaging the base curve, means for rotating said polishing means, means for rocking said polishing means back and forth during rotation of said polishing means, and means for conveying the lens blank to said supporting means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as described in claim 3, including downwardly extending means for introducing polishing fluid to said base curve prior to polishing thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
In apparatus for forming contact lenses, the improvement comprising, in combination: means for underlying and supporting a contact lens blank having a base curve so that the base curve faces upwardly, polishing means for polishing the base curve, said polishing means including a downwardly extending polishing tool for engaging the base curve, means for rotating said polishing means with the axis of rotation of said polishing means being directed generally toward said lens blank, and means for conveying the lens blank to said supporting means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
85 words
In apparatus for forming contact lenses, the improvement comprising, in combination: means for underlying and supporting a contact lens blank having a base curve so that the base curve faces upwardly, polishing means for polishing the base curve, said polishing means including a downwardly extending polishing tool for engaging the base curve, means for rotating said polishing means with the axis of rotation of said polishing means being directed generally toward said lens blank, and means for conveying the lens blank to said supporting means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1438909A
Cited
US2632288A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-08 | 1977-04-09 | 1977-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-08 | 1981-04-09 | 1981-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-08 | 1985-04-09 | 1985-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |