AUTOMATED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HYDRATING SOFT CONTACT LENSES

摘要

An automated apparatus for hydrating a molded hydrophilic contact lens. The apparatus comprises a first robotic assembly for removing a plurality of contact lens molds from a carrier. Each mold has a contact lens therein. The molds are assembled with a lens transfer plate to form a first hydration carrier. A second robotic assembly is provided for immersing the first hydration carriers in a hydration bath to hydrate the lens and release the lens from the mold and allow the lens to transfer from the mold to the lens transfer device. A pick unit is provided for removing the first hydration carriers from the bath after a predetermined time. A third robotic assembly is provided for removing the molds from the lens transfer plate and transporting the lens transfer plate and the lenses to a subsequent processing station.