Patent ID: 6077031
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: B29C,B29D,B29L

Abstract:
A method for efficient and rapid removal and transportation of molded contact lens articles from a molding station at a first location, said articles being removed in a first spatial distribution, and being deposited at a remote fourth location in a second spatial distribution, the method comprising the steps of:removing the articles from the molding station with a linearly reciprocating first assembly and transporting the articles to a second location;receiving the articles from the first assembly in a linearly reciprocating second assembly at the second location and transporting the articles to a third location, wherein said linearly reciprocating second assembly performs the step of spacing a plurality of articles and comprises:a platform comprising:a plurality of blocks, each block having at least one receiving port therein for receiving an article;at least one guide rail on which said plurality of blocks are mounted, said blocks being mounted such that they may translate along said at least one guide rail; andmeans for reciprocating said plurality of blocks along said at least one guide rail such that the at least one receiving port of each block is translated with respect to one another;means for linearly reciprocating said platform between the second and third locations; andreceiving the articles from the second assembly in a linearly reciprocating third assembly at the third location and transporting the articles to a fourth location, said linearly reciprocating third assembly performs the step of altering the spatial distribution of the articles and comprises:a vacuum head comprising:at least two vacuum plates; andmeans for reciprocating said vacuum plates together and apart;means for linearly reciprocating said vacuum head between said third and fourth locations.