Patent ID: 6039899
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: B29C,B29D,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for the automated manufacturing of contact lenses from a polymerizable hydrogel in a low oxygen environment, said apparatus comprising;(a) a molding station for injection molding fully degassed first and second polyolefin plastic mold parts for the production of soft contact lenses,(b) an enclosure for receiving said mold parts from said molding station and maintaining said mold parts in an inert gas environment for a period sufficient to remove substantially all of the oxygen from within the plastic mold parts,(c) a first automated station for receiving a plurality of first plastic mold parts and depositing therein a predetermined amount of a polymerizable hydrogel;(d) a second automated station for receiving said plurality of first plastic mold parts and assembling each first mold part with a second plastic mold part with said polymerizable hydrogel in a cavity formed therebetween;(e) a radiant energy source for polymerizing said polymerizable hydrogel in said cavity after said first and second halves are clamped together; and(f) a third automated station for removing said second plastic mold part and any excess hydrogel from said first plastic mold part and said molded contact lens.