OPHTHALMIC LENS MANUFACTURING METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS THAT INCLUDE FLASH REMOVAL FROM LENS MOLD MEMBERS

摘要

Methods, systems, and apparatus for removing flash from contact lens mold members are described. Flash is removed from contact lens mold members by cutting the flash from the mold member. The flash is removed by rotating a deflashing element or rotating a mold member, or both. After the flash is removed, the unfinished contact lens attached to the mold member can be further processed, which may include cutting an optical surface onto the contact lens.

主权项

1. Apparatus for removal of flash from a contact lens mold member following manufacture of an unfinished polymerized contact lens body in a mold assembly, the contact lens mold member comprising a mold surface for carrying an unfinished polymerized contact lens body and a peripheral surface, the apparatus comprising:
a support for supporting the mold member during de-flashing; a de-flashing element for separating flash from the peripheral surface of the mold member, the de-flashing element comprising a cutting edge; an axial driver arranged to bring together the de-flashing element and the mold member supported on the support such that at least a portion of the cutting edge is in a position proximal to the peripheral surface of the mold member; and a rotary driver arranged to rotate the de-flashing element and/or the mold member supported on the support relative to each other when at least a portion of the cutting edge is proximal to the peripheral surface of the mold member, thereby separating flash from the peripheral surface of the mold member.