JP2004538169A - Lens block and related deblocking device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for deblocking a lens from a lens block is provided, wherein a fluid passage is provided through the lens block to a lens mounting surface where the lens is mounted adjacently. Pressurized fluid is introduced into the fluid passage and is thereby carried to the interface between the lens mounting adhesive and the lens mounting surface. The device includes a lens block, a receptacle for housing the lens block, a clamp for fixing the lens block to the device, and a pump for supplying a pressurized fluid from a fluid source to a passage of the lens block. The lens block may also have an embedded RFID tag embedded in the lens block and a fluid pressure responsive piston mounted between the lens block and the lens.

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention generally relates to attaching an ophthalmic lens blank and ophthalmic lens to a lens block for support during a lens surfacing operation and removing the lens from the lens block after lens surfacing.
[Background Art]
[0002]
The traditional method of bonding a lens blank to a lens block is by using a fusible bonding material, such as a wax. Although wax is an affordable and practical bonding agent, it has disadvantages with respect to its use. Wax tends to foul both during its injection and its removal. The wax tends to leave a residue on the lens blank and needs to be cooled sufficiently to solidify for a considerable amount of time (approximately 15 minutes), and the heat applied to the lens and the stresses associated with the solidification process are related. The distortion can cause optical defects in the product lens.
[0003]
More recently, adhesive compounds for lens blocking have been developed that can be cured by exposure to ultraviolet ("UV") and visible light rather than thermal curing. Such UV-curable compounds have beneficial properties when compared to waxes, however, they pose their own challenges with respect to exfoliation. Many of these compounds contain agents that react with solvents to help soften the adhesive for deblocking. However, such agents are undesirable because they generally require a significant amount of time to effect deblocking. Also, such agents can be affected by liquid lubricants used in lens surface finishing operations.
[0004]
A common method for deblocking a wax mounted lens is to place the lens in a cylindrical tube that contains the lens block and engages around the lens. The tube is then struck against a rigid surface with the lens block opposite the surface. The tube prevents movement of the lens towards said surface, while allowing movement of the lens block such that it separates from the lens.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0005]
Using a tube in a conventional deblocking method for deblocking the UV compound to which the lens is attached can work, unless the adhesion is not too great, but it does block to provide adequate momentum. A problem arises when the has only insufficient mass. Conventional blocks are generally metallic. To cure the UV curable compound, it is desirable to use a UV transparent plastic lens block. Plastic lens blocks will of course have significantly less mass than those of similarly sized metal.
[0006]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a deblocking device ("deblocker") and method that allows rapid deblocking without relying on the inertia of the lens support to provide the deblocking force.
[0007]
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lens block for using a UV-curable lens mounting compound that provides uniform curing of the UV-curable compound.
[0008]
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wireless transmission lens block that allows the use of an RFID tag embedded in the lens block.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0009]
A lens block for mounting an ophthalmic lens is provided. The lens block has a body having a base, a lens support surface opposite the base, and engaging means for engaging a clamping means for fixing the block to a deblocking device. At least one passage extends through the body and is in fluid communication with the lens support surface. This block is made of a radiation-transmitting material having a wavelength suitable for curing a radiation-curable compound used in lens blocking.
[0010]
The engagement means may be a groove at least partially surrounding the body substantially parallel to the base.
[0011]
In one embodiment, the passage extends between the base and the lens support surface.
[0012]
A deblocking device having a housing having a receptacle for accommodating a lens block is provided. Releasable clamping means is associated with the housing to engage the lens block to secure the lens block to the receptacle. The device has a fluid outlet that matches the fluid passage inlet of the lens block. The apparatus further includes a pump having a pump inlet for receiving the deblocking fluid, the pump in fluid communication with a fluid outlet, and supplying pressurized fluid to the outlet. A fluid controller is provided to control the flow of the deblocking fluid to the fluid outlet, and a fluid seal is provided to provide a seal between the fluid outlet and the fluid passage inlet.
[0013]
The deblocking device preferably has a cover mounted on the housing to protect the lens mounted on the block during deblocking, the cover having an open position to allow installation and removal of the lens block; It is movable between a closed position that protects the operator from the lens and the deblocking fluid. A latch is provided for releasably securing the cover to the closed position.
[0014]
The cover is operably engageable with the clamp means such that the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, and moves the clamp means from the release position to the engaged position. The cover preferably has a lens bumper that matches the lens in the closed configuration to limit displacement of the lens away from the lens block.
[0015]
The clamping means may have at least one laterally swingable jaw pivotally connected to one of the housing and the receptacle and having an inwardly projecting projection that matches a groove in the lens block. Each jaw can have a cam surface that matches a corresponding cam surface of the cover so that the projections urge toward the groove in response to the cover being biased toward the closed position.
[0016]
A tapered surface corresponding to the protrusion and the depression may be provided, and the lens block is biased toward the receptacle such that the protrusion is biased against the depression.
[0017]
The deblocking fluid may be water. The pump may be pneumatically usable and may provide pulsating water at the fluid outlet. The fluid controller may be a valve that controls the flow of pressurized air to the pump.
[0018]
The lens block may have a groove extending to the lens mounting surface and surrounding the fluid outlet.
[0019]
An identification tag can be embedded in the lens block that provides coded information about the lens attached to the lens block, and this information is communicated through the lens block.
[0020]
The identification tag may be an RFID ("wireless identification tag") tag.
[0021]
The lens block may have an alignment index for alignment of the lens block with respect to the chuck of the lens creation machine.
[0022]
The passage can be slidably received by a piston proximate the lens support surface, the piston being axially displaceable by fluid pressure in the passage and protruding from the lens support surface.
[0023]
The piston may have a lens mounting surface that faces away from the lens block and is substantially flush with the lens support surface at the storage position of the piston.
[0024]
The piston may have alignment indicators to indicate the orientation of the lens and the piston, and the passage facing the piston may be formed such that the piston is axially aligned within the lens block.
[0025]
A shape for axially aligning the piston within the lens block is possible by forming the piston and the passageway, respectively, such that they coincide with each other in a fixed axial alignment.
[0026]
The lens block can also have optical features such as Fresnel lenses formed on its bottom surface to improve the light intensity uniformity for the UV curable compound.
[0027]
The lens block may be translucent, rather than transparent, to at least diffuse some of the light passing therethrough during curing of the lens attached thereto to reduce shadows.
[0028]
Translucency can be obtained by finishing the surface of the lens block.
[0029]
(i) supplying a pressurized fluid through a lens block to an interface between a lens mounting surface of the lens block and an adhesive fixing the lens to the lens mounting surface;
A method is provided for deblocking a lens comprising a lens from a block.
[0030]
How to deblock the lens from the lens block
(ii) providing a pressurized fluid to a fluid pressure responsive piston mounted between the lens and the lens block, and biasing the lens away from the lens block.
[0031]
In either method, the deblocking fluid may be water,
(iii) mounting a shock absorber adjacent the lens to limit movement of the lens away from the lens block during deblocking;
(iv) shielding the lens block and the lens during deblocking;
Can be further provided.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0032]
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033]
A deblocker according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings. The lens block used with the deblocker 10 is indicated generally by the reference numeral 100.
[0034]
The lens block 100 has a main body 102 having a base 104, a lens support surface 106 on the opposite side of the base 104, and a groove 108 -shaped engaging means extending around the main body 102. Groove 108 engages the clamping means of deblocker 10 in a manner described in more detail below.
[0035]
A fluid passage 110 extends through the body 102 of the block 100 to provide a fluid passage through the block 100 to the lens support surface 106. The fluid passage 110 in the illustrated configuration extends between the base 104 and the lens support surface 106. However, it will be appreciated that this is not essential except to provide a fluid inlet to passage 110 that matches the fluid outlet of deblocker 10. Thus, the block 100 and the deblocker 10 may be able to be reshaped to provide a fluid inlet to the passage 110 without passing through the base 104.
[0036]
The lens block 100 may further include a positioning indicator, such as a hole 120 or a flat 122 around the base, to align the block with a chuck of a lens surfacing machine.
[0037]
Assuming it is desired to cure the UV-curable lens mounting adhesive via the block 100, the body 102 is preferably a material such as a plastic material that transmits UV and visible wavelength light energy. For radiation-curable compounds that cure with radiation outside the UV and visible wavelengths, other materials can be considered.
[0038]
In practice, it has been found that it is preferred that the lens block 100 be translucent, rather than completely transparent. This is because the light intensity in any given area of the adhesive significantly affects the speed and degree of curing of the adhesive that blocks the UV-curable lens. Thus, any shading effect will tend to cause abnormalities, which will eventually affect lens surface quality in subsequent lens surface creation.
[0039]
Translucent rather than transparent lens blocks thereby provide light diffusion and more evenly disperse the light passing through the lens blocks, minimizing any light blocking effects, and thereby providing a more uniform cure. This translucency can be achieved by various techniques such as translucent finishing, molding lens blocks with matte finishes, sandblasting the surface to "rough", or adding an appropriate light dispersing medium to the material from which the lens blocks are formed. Can be achieved via any of the well-known methods.
[0040]
By incorporating appropriate optical features into the lens block, it is also possible to improve the light intensity uniformity for UV compounds. For example, as shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, the lens block 100 can incorporate a Fresnel lens indicated by reference numeral 150 into its base 104. A larger amount of additional Fresnel lenses can be incorporated into the base, as shown at 152 in FIGS. 29-31. Fresnel lenses are advantageous in that they have little effect on the depth of the lens block 100 or can be placed on a flat surface, but other shapes may be possible.
[0041]
Other optical features are possible. One of the features is shown in FIGS. A simple lens 160 is formed on the base 104 instead of the Fresnel lens. FIG. 28 shows the diffusion of light by the simple lens 160.
[0042]
The optics of block 100 should preferably be optimized based on the lens curvature covered by a particular block. The underlying curvature of the lens mounting surface 106 can vary depending on the type of lens supported thereby.
[0043]
Modifications incorporating Fresnel lenses 150 or other features to improve the uniformity of light intensity for UV compounds can be applied to transparent lens blocks 100 without the present deblocking mechanism. For example, UV curable compounds of the type that are stripped with a solvent are expected to provide improved results as well.
[0044]
Although the lens 200 is shown attached to the lens mounting surface 106 by an adhesive (not shown), a space 202 may occupy between the lens 200 and the mounting surface 106.
[0045]
The deblocker 10 has a housing 12 to which a receptacle 14 accommodating the lens block 100 is attached. Clamping means in the form of a block clamp 16 is provided adjacent to the receptacle 14 and is laterally oscillatably coupled to the fixed portion 18 and a pivotal shaft 22 so as to pivot therewith as shown. And a jaw 20 that moves about a pivot 22 in the direction indicated by arrow 24. The jaw 20 is movable between a release position shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and an engagement position shown in FIGS. 5 to 7.
[0046]
The fixing portion 18 and the jaw 20 have projections 30 and 32 protruding inward so as to match the grooves 108 of the block 100, respectively. Preferably, the projections 30 and 32 are cam surfaces that respectively match the corresponding cam surfaces 112 of the grooves 108 to urge the block toward the receptacle 14 in response to the jaws 20 being urged toward the securing portion 18. 34 and 36.
[0047]
It will be appreciated that a groove 108 completely surrounding the block 100 is not required. For example, a pair of shorter grooves can be provided, and the projections 30 and 32 can be relatively shorter. Other clamping means having the desired effect of securing the block 100 to the receptacle 14 can also be used, for example, by screwing the block 100 onto the receptacle 14 or by appropriately forming a correspondingly formed clamping corresponding to the receptacle 14. A downwardly projecting claw gripped by the part may be provided.
[0048]
The clamping means can have more than one jaw 20, and can be released and moved in response to movement of the cover 80 so as to avoid having to rock the jaw 20 as a separate step before closing the cover 80. It will further be appreciated that each jaw 20 can be operably connected to the cover 80 in an engaging manner.
[0049]
The deblocker 10 further includes a fluid delivery port 40 having a fluid outlet 42 that matches a fluid inlet 114 of the fluid passage 110. A seal in the form of an “O” ring 44 may be provided around outlet 42.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 1, a pump 50 mountable within housing 12 directs fluid through fluid delivery port 40 to fluid outlet 42. The pump 50 has an inlet 52 for receiving the deblocking fluid.
[0051]
The deblocking fluid may be water or other suitable incompressible fluid. It is also possible to use compressible fluids, such as air, but these tend to impart undesired propulsion to the lens 200 with respect to deblocking. It is believed that incompressible fluids provide more easily controllable results. Fluid can be stored in a reservoir 70 having an outlet 72 and an inlet 74.
[0052]
Although the pump 50 can be operated manually or electrically, in the illustrated embodiment, the air-operated pump 50 receives compressed air from an air inlet 56 connected to a valve block 58 and is controlled by a push button 60. Used. The valve block 58 functions as a controller that controls the operation of the pump 50, and thus also functions to control the flow of deblocked fluid to the fluid outlet 42.
[0053]
In use, the lens block 100 is secured to the receptacle 14 by the clamping means 16 together with the lens 200 mounted thereon, the fluid inlet 114 matches the fluid outlet 42 and the base 104 is sealed by the O-ring 44 to the receptacle 14. Engages. The pump 50 operates and draws and pressurizes liquid into the pump inlet 52, passes it through the fluid port 40 and discharges it through the fluid outlet 42. Pressurized fluid enters the fluid passage 110 of the block 100, which is directed to the lens support surface. This pressurized fluid then provides a separation between the lens support surface 106 and the adhesive to deblock the lens 200.
[0054]
As a practical matter, it has been found that it is beneficial to supply fluid from pump 50 in a short "spout" or "pulsation" rather than under continuous pressure. It has also been found that it is beneficial to provide a shallow groove 116 extending to the lens support surface 106 and surrounding the fluid flow path 110 to avoid leakage of the fluid to one side, rather than providing complete deblocking. Was. It has also been found that a plurality of non-centralized fluid passages 110 without grooves 116 provide stable deblocking. Perhaps a combination of multiple fluid passages 110 and grooves 116 would also work, but this could be somewhat overkill.
[0055]
A cover 80 is provided which can be hingedly mounted on the housing 12 to catch the lens 200 when it is deblocked and to prevent the deblocking fluid from escaping around the receptacle 14. The cover 80 is movable between an open position as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and a closed position as shown in FIGS. In the open position, the cover 80 allows the mounting of the lens block 100 and the lens 200 on the receptacle 14. The cover, lens 200 and lens block 100 in the closed position is to shield the operator from the lens 200 and the deblocking fluid.
[0056]
The cover 80 includes a frusto-conical cam surface 82 acting on the corresponding cam surface 26 of the jaw 20 to bias the jaw 20 toward its locking position in response to the closing force applied to the cover 80. Can have.
[0057]
The cover 80 may have a latch 82 for being operated by the handle 84 to engage the housing 12 to keep the cover 80 in its closed position.
[0058]
To avoid damage to the lens 200 that may be caused by the lens 200 being knocked on the cover 80 during deblocking, the lens damper 86 must be in a position within the cover 80 that matches the lens 200 when the cover 80 is closed. Is provided. This lens shock absorber may be an elastic member projecting between the cover 80 and the lens 200.
[0059]
The deblocker 10 can be operated as a total loss system for the working fluid, but preferably the deblocked fluid will be captured and returned to the reservoir 54. This can be achieved by providing a drain 56 at the upper end of the housing 12 and a drain 60 from the housing 12 that directs fluid to the reservoir 74 to the inlet 74. Recirculation may be by gravity or optionally by a pump. Alternatively, the housing 12 itself can be formed to function as a sump.
[0060]
To prevent the passage of the lens mounting adhesive through the passage 110 of the lens block 100 during blocking, a removable filling pin (not shown) can be used to fill the passage 110 during blocking.
[0061]
The advantage of using the plastic lens block 100 is in lens identification. Since plastic is capable of transmitting wireless signals, RF tags (or "RFID tags") with coded information having an identification code and possibly other information regarding the orientation, type, shape, etc. of the lens. )) Can be embedded in the lens block 100. Conventional metal blocks do not carry radio signals. This shows that the receptacle 302 that accommodates the RFTD tag 300 extends to the lens block 100.
[0062]
14 to 16 show another embodiment of the lens block according to the present invention. FIGS. 17 to 22 show still another embodiment of the lens block according to the present invention. Since most of the features of the lens blocks of these two alternative embodiments are the same as the lens block 100 described above, similar parts are numbered with similar reference numerals and the above description applies.
[0063]
The major difference between the lens block 100 of the two alternative embodiments and the lens block described above is in the attachment of the fluid responsive piston 140 to the fluid passage 110 facing the lens attachment surface 106.
[0064]
As shown in FIGS. 14-19, the passage 110 has a hole 130 at the opposite end of the inlet 114 for slidably receiving a piston 140 proximate to the lens support surface 106. Piston 140 is axially displaced along hole 130 by fluid pressure along passage 110 such that it projects above lens support surface 106.
[0065]
The piston 140 has a lens mounting surface 146 and is substantially flush with the adjacent lens support surface 106 in the retracted position shown in FIGS.
[0066]
In use, the piston 140 of the lens mounting block 100 fits into the hole 130 of the body 102. The lens 200 (not shown in FIGS. 9-19) is mounted to the lens mounting block 100 using a suitable lens mounting adhesive as in the previous embodiment described above.
[0067]
To deblock lens 200, a method similar to that described above is used, ie, pressurized fluid is introduced into fluid passage 110. Deblocking is not just the action of the pressurized fluid acting directly on the lens 200, as described above, but rather the fluid has a large effect on the piston 140, which travels along the hole 130 towards the lens 200. Move the lens in the axial direction and push the lens away from the lens support surface 106. Some fluid may leak between the piston 140 and the bore 140 and will serve as an auxiliary deblocking mechanism, much like that described above.
[0068]
In fact, the use of piston 140 has been found to provide a more stable deblocking than merely applying fluid pressure. If only fluid pressure is used, fluid will occasionally leak before deblocking is complete. As soon as the fluid encounters the leak path, it becomes difficult (if possible) to obtain sufficient pressure to complete deblocking. The use of the piston 140 ensures that the lens 200 is displaced from the dominant force of the lens block 100, before the leakage of the fluid becomes large.
[0069]
In fact, it has been found that in most cases, after deblocking from the remaining block 100, the piston 140 remains adhered to the lens 200. This may be advantageous as it provides a gripping surface on the piston that is smaller in diameter than the lens 200 and can be used to handle the lens in subsequent edging operations. In the case of asymmetric lenses, the correct orientation of the lens must be maintained during the framing operation, since the lens must be correctly oriented when mounted on the frame. Therefore, some action should be taken on piston 140 to provide lens alignment information.
[0070]
As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, one or more grooves 142 and 144 can be provided in the piston 140 that interface with a suitable key (not shown) in the hole 130, and the piston 140 When in the retracted position, the orientation between the piston 140 and the body of the lens block 102 is maintained. These grooves 142 and 144 can also be matched with chucks or other holding means used during the edging operation.
[0071]
Other alignment indicators than grooves and keys can be utilized. For example, the bore 130 and the piston 140 can be formed into an ellipse with another non-circular cross-sectional shape.
[0072]
The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, rather than limiting. Modifications to the precise apparatus and method described, as defined by the following claims, will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0073]
FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional projection view of a deblocker according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of the deblocker of FIG. 1 in an open configuration.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an enclosed area specified by reference symbol E in FIG. 3;
5 is a plan view from above of the deblocker of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a surrounding area F in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a stereoscopic view from below of another embodiment of the lens block according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8, but shows a fluid path and a path for accommodating the RFID tag by a chain line.
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the lens block of FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10, but the internal features that are not visible in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a front view of a lens block according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 12, but details of the inside are shown by a dashed line outline.
FIG. 14 is an exploded stereoscopic view of yet another lens block embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 14, but details of the inside are shown by a dashed line outline.
16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG.
FIG. 16A is a bottom view of the lens block of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16B is a sectional view taken along line 16B-16B in FIG. 16A.
FIG. 16C is a three-dimensional projection view from below of a piston portion of the lens block of FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a still further embodiment of a lens block according to the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a view corresponding to FIG. 17, but details of the inside are shown by a dashed line outline.
FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the lens block of FIG. 17;
21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG.
FIG. 22 is a three-dimensional projection view of a piston portion of the lens block of FIG. 17;
FIG. 23 is a stereographic view of the bottom of a lens block according to the present invention, having a Fresnel lens as an optical feature for diffusing light illuminated therethrough.
FIG. 24 is a bottom view corresponding to FIG.
FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a lens block according to the present invention, which includes a curved bottom surface as a feature for diffusing light during curing of the lens.
FIG. 27 is a bottom view corresponding to FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the same lens block shape as that of FIG. 23, but showing a wider Fresnel surface.
FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the lens block of FIG. 29.
FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing diffusion of light through a lens block having a flat base.

Claims (31)

A lens block on which an ophthalmic lens is mounted, comprising a body having a base, a lens support surface opposite the base, and at least one extending through the body to direct fluid to the lens support surface. A lens block comprising a passage. Further comprising engaging means for engaging a clamp means for fixing the lens block to a deblocking device;
2. The lens block according to claim 1, wherein said engagement means is a groove at least partially surrounding said body and substantially parallel to said base. The passage extends between the base and the lens support surface;
The lens block according to claim 1, wherein the lens block is made of a material that transmits at least light having a wavelength in an ultraviolet region. The lens block according to claim 2, wherein the passage extends between the base and the lens support surface. A receptacle for housing the lens block,
Releasable clamping means for engaging the lens block and fixing the lens block to the receptacle;
A fluid outlet matching the fluid passage of the lens block;
A pump having a pump inlet for receiving deblocked fluid and directing fluid to the fluid outlet to supply pressurized fluid to the fluid outlet;
A fluid controller for controlling the flow of the deblocking fluid to the fluid outlet. An open position mounted to protect the lens attached to the lens block during deblocking and allowing installation and removal of the lens block, and a closed position shielding an operator from the lens and the deblocking fluid. With a cover that can move between
A latch for releasably securing the cover in the closed position;
The deblocking device of claim 5, further comprising a fluid seal providing a seal between the fluid outlet and an inlet of the fluid passage. The shield is operably engaged with the clamp means, and moves the clamp means between an unlocked position and an engaged position such that the shield moves from the open position to the closed position;
7. The deblocking device of claim 6, wherein the shield has a lens bumper that matches the lens in the closed position to limit displacement of the lens away from the lens block. The clamping means includes at least one movable jaw coupled to one of the housing and the receptacle and having an inwardly projecting projection that matches a groove in the lens block;
The respective at least one jaw has a cam surface that engages a corresponding cam surface of the cover, the jaws directing the projections into the groove in response to the cover being biased toward the closed position. The deblocking device according to claim 7, wherein the deblocking device is biased. 9. The projection and the depression are provided with corresponding tapered surfaces on which the lens block is biased toward the receptacle such that the projection is biased on the depression. A deblocking device according to item 1. The deblocking fluid is water;
The pump is pneumatically operable;
The pump supplies pulsating water to the fluid outlet;
The deblocking device according to claim 9, wherein the fluid controller is a valve that controls the flow of pressurized air to the pump. The lens block according to claim 4, wherein the lens block has a groove extending to the lens mounting surface and surrounding the fluid outlet. The lens block according to claim 11, further comprising an identification tag embedded therein and providing coded information about a lens attached to the lens block. 13. The lens block according to claim 12, wherein the tag is an RFID ("radio frequency identification") tag. 14. The lens mounting block according to claim 13, further comprising an alignment index for aligning the lens block with respect to a chuck of a lens surface finishing machine. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a shield for shielding an operator from the lens and the deblocking fluid during deblocking. (i) deblocking the lens from the lens block, comprising supplying a pressurized fluid to the lens through an adhesive interface between the lens mounting surface of the lens block and the lens via the lens block and the lens. how to. The deblocking fluid is water;
(ii) mounting a shock absorber adjacent to the lens to limit movement of the lens away from the lens block during deblocking;
(iii) shielding the lens block and the lens during deblocking. (i) providing a pressure fluid to a fluid pressure responsive piston mounted between the lens and the lens block, causing the piston to bias the lens away from the lens block. A method of deblocking a lens from the lens block. The deblocking fluid is water;
(ii) mounting a shock absorber adjacent to the lens to limit movement of the lens away from the lens block during deblocking;
(iii) shielding the lens block and the lens during deblocking. The passage accommodates a piston proximate to the lens support surface so as to slide, and the piston is axially movable in the passage by fluid pressure so as to protrude from the lens support surface. The lens block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The piston has a lens mounting surface facing the opposite side to the lens block,
21. The lens block according to claim 20, wherein the piston has a storage position where the lens mounting surface is substantially flush with the lens support surface. The piston has an alignment indicator that indicates alignment of the lens for lens edging or another subsequent alignment operation;
22. The lens block according to claim 21, wherein the piston and the passage facing the piston are formed to axially align the piston within the lens block. 23. The lens block according to claim 22, wherein the formations are each shaped such that the piston and the passage match each other in a fixed axial orientation. 4. The lens block of claim 3, wherein the lens block is translucent, rather than transparent, to provide at least some diffusion of light therethrough during curing of the lens attached thereto to reduce shadows. The lens block according to any one of claims 4 to 11, and claims 20 to 23. The lens block according to claim 24, wherein the translucency is obtained by a surface treatment of the lens block. The lens block according to claim 3, wherein at least the base has an optical feature to equalize the intensity of light passing therethrough during curing of a lens attached to the lens block. The lens block according to any one of claims 11 to 14, and claims 20 to 23. 27. The lens block according to claim 26, wherein the optical feature is a component selected from the group consisting of a Fresnel lens and a simple lens formed on the base. A lens block to which an ophthalmic lens is attached,
A body having a base and a lens support surface opposite the base,
The block is made of a material that transmits light having a wavelength within at least the ultraviolet region,
A lens block, wherein at least the base has an optical feature to equalize the intensity of light passing therethrough during curing of a lens attached to the lens block. 29. The lens block according to claim 28, wherein the optical feature has at least one component selected from the group consisting of a Fresnel lens shape, a simple lens shape, and translucency. 30. The lens block according to claim 29, wherein the translucency is provided by a surface treatment of the lens block. A lens block for attaching an ophthalmic lens to the lens block,
The lens block is RF transparent;
The lens block has an embedded RFID tag.

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