Infra-red heat source for demolding contact lenses

摘要

Disclosed are methods and corresponding apparatuses utilized in the production of ophthalmic lenses, and more specifically for the separation of the corresponding mold halves between which contact lenses are produced. The method to which the several variations of this invention are directed includes: (1) loosening one of the mold halves relative to the contact lens by applying a thermal gradient across the mold and lens, thereby weakening the adhesion therebetween; and (2) subsequent to the loosening step, separating the corresponding mold halves by prying or lifting them apart. There are herein disclosed several embodiments of the invention which achieve these steps in various ways. With respect to the step of loosening the molds relative to the contact lenses by applying a thermal gradient thereacross, there are described devices for directing infra-red energy, steam, or coherent light energy onto the mold half. With respect to the step of separating the mold halves, subsequent to the application of the thermal gradient, there are described devices for prying, rotating and lifting, or purely lifting the loosened mold half away from the other mold half and the contact lens therein. Each of the separating devices include component elements which hold stationary one of the two mold halves as the other is removed.