Lathe for producing an aspherical surface on an optical lens blank

Abstract

A lathe for producing an aspherical surface on an optical lens blank has a horizontal base, and a spindle is arranged for disposition in a preselected adjusted position on the base to rotatably mount the optical lens blank about a first preselected axis. A support is arranged on the base for pivotal movement about a second preselected axis. The support includes a roller cam follower rotatable about a third preselected axis and having a cylindric cam follower surface, a cutting tool disposed in a preselected adjusted position on the support for forming the aspherical surface on the optical lens blank, and a fluid pressure motor conjointly urging the roller cam follower and the cutting tool in a direction generally perpendicular to the third preselected axis. A roller cam disposed in a preselected adjusted position is rotatable about a fourth preselected axis, and a cylindric cam surface on the roller cam is associated in a rolling point of contact with the cylindric cam follower surface on the roller cam follower. All the preselected axes are coplanar, and the second, third and fourth preselected axes are disposed in respective plans having a predetermined angular relationship with the first preselected axis at least when the spindle, the cutting tool, and the roller cam are in the respective preselected adjusted positions thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.