Patent ID: 6106366
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
A machine for cutting/grinding an ophthalmic lens blank comprising:a lens spindle aligned on a vertical longitudinal axis for supporting the lens blank at an upper end thereof;means for rotating said lens spindle and the lens blank supported thereon about said longitudinal axis;means for vertically reciprocating said lens spindle and the lens blank supported thereon;a tool spindle aligned on an axis angled in relation to said vertical axis for supporting a cutting/grinding tool at a lower end thereof;means for rotating said tool spindle and said cutting/grinding tool supported thereon about said angled axis;means for linearly horizontally reciprocating said tool spindle and said cutting/grinding tool supported thereon; anda microprocessor for coordinating rotation and reciprocation of said spindles to cause said cutting/grinding tool to cut/grind the lens blank to a predetermined contour;said cutting/grinding tool having a spherical cutting/grinding surface having a diameter approximating but not greater than twice a radius of a steepest curve of said predetermined contour.