Machining spectacle lenses

Abstract

Apparatus for conducting operations on one or more spectacle lenses comprising: means for mounting on the apparatus one or more operating tool(s) adapted for at least shaping and/or drilling and/or buffing the or each lens, using one or more drilling and/or shaping tool(s) comprising one or more cutting diameters, means for displacing three-dimensionally the operating tool so that the tool is able to follow the path or paths of operation necessary to carry out its functions, one or more clamps each holding in use a single spectacle lens.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . Apparatus for conducting operations on at least one spectacle lens whose perimeter is initially essentially circular, the apparatus comprising: 
 means for mounting on said apparatus at least one operating too,    said operating tool incorporating means for shaping said lens;    means for displacing three-dimensionally said operating tool, whereby the tool is able to follow the path of operation necessary to carry out its functions, and    wherein said apparatus comprises at least one clamp for holding in use a single spectacle lens, in a manner exposing the perimeter of the lens sufficient for the tool to achieve shaping of the perimeter, whereby the lens may be readied for use in spectacles.    
   
   
       17 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein said clamp holds in use a single spectacle lens, in a manner exposing the perimeter of the lens sufficient for the tool to achieve shaping of the perimeter in order for the lens to be ready for use in spectacles and to achieve a drilling operation essentially normal to the surface of the lends.  
   
   
       18 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , further comprising means for machining two lenses in one overall operation, and at least two operating tools which perform substantially simultaneously under pre-programmed control.  
   
   
       19 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein said clamp comprises: 
 a stand which is adapted to be immobilized,    a head fixed to said stand which at its top end has means for engaging a lens support and preventing said support from rotating, and    an arm which is capable of applying a downward force to the top surface of a spectacle lens when the lens is mounted on said support; wherein the stand comprises a column on to which the head is fixed and around which a hub is placed so as to rotate around said column, and wherein the arm extends from the hub in order to rotate together with the hub while applying a downward force to the top surface of a spectacle lens in use.    
   
   
       20 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein said clamp comprises: 
 a stand,    an appropriately resilient lens support located on or forming part of the top of the stand,    means for preventing the lens support for rotating about the stand in use when the spectacle lens is placed on the top surface of the lens support to be machined, and    means for transmitting to the interface between said spectacle lens and said lens support a suction a suction force which is capable of immobilizing said spectacle lens.    
   
   
       21 . Apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the lens support's interfacing surface does not comprise a layer of adhesive and the stand comprises a column which the lens support forms parts of or on to which the lens support is placed and around which a hub is placed so as to rotate around said column, and wherein the arm extends from the hub in order to rotate together with the hub while applying a downward force to the top surface of a spectacle lens.  
   
   
       22 . Apparatus according to  claim 19 , further comprising means for returning the arm and hub to their original position after the arm and hub are rotated around the column.  
   
   
       23 . Apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the support is an integral part of the stand.  
   
   
       24 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the clamp comprises: 
 a stand for immobilizing lens, the stand having at its top end, means for engaging a lens support;    a hand-operable means such as a wheel which in a first position allow said lens support to be one of inserted into and removed from the top end of the stand and which in a second position allow said lens support to be held to the stand; and    a twist-and-hold connection between said hand-operable means and the lens support engaging means.    
   
   
       25 . Apparatus according to  claim 24 , and in which there are at least two stands whose respective hand-operable means are linked such that operation of one automatically—and preferably simultaneously causes operation of the other.