Rotational indexing base curve deposition array

摘要

A rotational indexing base curve deposition array for assembling contact lens base curves and front curves with a prescribed and programmable angular orientation to produce a contact lens having a selected axis placement therein, such as a toric axis for a toric contact lens. An array of front curve molds are arranged in a support pallet with a dosed amount of monomer mixture deposited into each of the front curve molds. An array of deposition tubes, positioned in a support plate and coupled to a vacuum source, is used to pick up and support an array of base curve molds. Each of the deposition tubes is then angularly rotated in to the support plate to a selected angularly indexed position therein. A common angular rotational drive is coupled to each of the deposition tubes in the array to angular index each of the deposition tubes to a precise angular position in the support plate. The common angular rotational drive is driven by a stepper motor which can be controlled in a programmable manner to change the selected angularly indexed position. The stepper motor drives moveable racks, which drive pinion gears around the deposition gears. The angularly indexed array of base curve molds is then assembled over the array of front curve molds to produce toric lenses having first and second optical surfaces which are precisely angularly indexed relative to each other.