Compliant lens block and tape

Abstract

The present invention provides a block assembly for mounting an optical lens blank onto a lens processing machine, comprising a compliant lens block with a relatively thin double-sided adhesive tape having differential adhesion. This assembly affords a very cost efficient system for attaching a lens blank to a lens processing machine. In contrast to traditional thick adhesive pads, the tapes of the present invention do not suffer from shear displacements which may cause processing errors or inaccuracies. In addition, the double-sided adhesive tapes of the present invention achieve greater adhesion to the lens block than to the lens. This feature promotes and ensures a "clean" removal of the tape from the lens when the block is deblocked. The present invention also provides a method for mounting an optical lens blank onto a lens processing machine. This method comprises the steps of: disposing a compliant block assembly in close proximity to an optical lens blank (the block assembly comprising a base structure having a compliant receiving surface adapted to conform to a surface on an optical lens blank to be processed in a lens processing machine and a mounting means for mounting the block onto a chuck of a lens processing machine, wherein at least a portion of said compliant receiving surface is covered with a thin double-sided adhesive tape having differential adhesion); adhesively attaching the optical lens blank to the compliant block by applying the block to the optical lens blank with sufficient pressure to conform the receiving surface to the surface of the optical lens blank while the adhesive tape joins the block and optical lens blank together; and mounting the block and the adhesive tape joined optical lens blank onto the lens processing machine.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.