Apparatus for eyeglass lens curing using ultraviolet light
AssigneeQ1200, Inc.
InventorsOmar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for making a plastic lens is described. More particularly, an apparatus for applying alternating periods of ultraviolet light to a lens forming composition is described. The lens forming composition is cured while the rate of heat generation and/or dissipation is controlled via manipulation of the duration of the ultraviolet light or the cooling in the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is preferably directed toward the lens forming composition which is disposed in a mold cavity formed by two mold members. The ultraviolet light may be directed in pulses or continuously.
Claims54
An apparatus for making an eyeglass lens, comprising:
- a first mold member having a casting face and a non-casting face;
- a second mold member having a casting face and a non-casting face, the second mold member being spaced apart from the first mold member during use such that the casting faces of the first mold member and the second mold member at least partially define a mold cavity for holding a lens forming composition during use;
- a first pulse light generator configured to generate and direct a pulse of ultraviolet light toward at least one of the first and second mold members to at least contribute to curing of the lens forming composition during use;
- and
- a controller configured to control the first pulse light generator such that ultraviolet light is directed in a plurality of pulses toward at least one of the first and second mold members, at least one of the pulses having a duration of less than one second;
- and wherein the ultraviolet light pulses comprise a plurality of wavelengths.
A system for making an eyeglass lens, comprising:
- a lens forming composition comprising a photoinitiator;
- and an apparatus for curing a lens forming composition, the apparatus comprising:
- a first mold member having a casting face and a non-casting face;
- a second mold member having a casting face and a non-casting face, the second mold member being spaced apart from the first mold member during use such that the casting faces of the first mold member and the second mold member at least partially define a mold cavity for the lens forming composition;
- a first pulse light generator configured to generate and direct a pulse of ultraviolet light toward at least one of the first and second mold members to at least contribute to curing of the lens forming composition during use;
- a controller configured to control the first pulse light generator such that ultraviolet light is directed in a plurality of pulses toward at least one of the first and second mold members, at least one of the pulses having a duration of less than one second;
- and
- wherein the system is configured to cure the lens forming composition to form a substantially clear eyeglass lens in less than 30 minutes, and wherein the ultraviolet light pulses comprise a plurality of wavelengths.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.