Conformal tool operating apparatus and process for an ophthalmic lens finer/polisher

Abstract

A tool for fining/polishing an opthalmic lens has a spindle and a pliant casing containing a conformable filler connected to the spindle for rotation therewith. A pliant pad adhered to the casing has a plurality of slots extending from its perimeter toward its center defining a plurality of fingers which are contoured to the surface of the lens by the filler. Preferably, the lens is rotated about a vertical fixed axis substantially transverse to the lens and the tool is rotated about a fixed axis intersecting the lens and substantially normal to a surface of the lens to be fined/polished with the tool disposed above the lens. The axis of the horizontal displacement of the tool can be selectively varied in relation to the lens axis. The angular disposition of the tool axis in relation to the lens axis can be selectively varied. The radial displacement of the tool in relation to the lens along the tool axis can be selectively varied to bring the pad into and out of abutment with the surface of the lens and to vary the pressure exerted on surface of the lens by the tool.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.