Abstract:
A combination tool for edging and polishing the edge of eyeglass lenses comprises an axially extending rotatable cutter body having first and second peripherally disposed and axially extending cutter portions. Each cutter portion has a first notch therein for shaping an edge of a lens. The first notches are equiaxially spaced along the body. An axially extending polishing tool is secured to the body and is rotatable therewith. The tool has a second notch formed therein for shaping an edge of a lens. An abrasive coating is applied to the polishing tool for polishing the lens edge.

Description:
This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 08/316,780 U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,511, filed Oct. 3, 1994. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a machine for edging, polishing, and safety beveling the edge of an eyeglass lens. The machine utilizes a two-part tool for edging the lens to an initial predetermined size and configuration, thereafter polishing the resulting edge with a diamond bonded polishing tool, and then forming a safety bevel about the inner corner. The method of the invention is implemented when the two-part tool is engaged with a rotating lens blank, with a water spray being directed at the tool during the polishing and safety beveling operations. The polishing tool of the invention may be used with lenses formed of glass and polymeric materials. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many eyeglass lenses are manufactured today from polymeric materials, including polycarbonate material. Polymeric or plastic lenses are preferred by consumers in part because of their reduced weight, which increases user comfort when the eyeglasses need to be worn for an extended period. The lens blank is frequently cast in circular configuration, so that each blank needs to be edged, or shaped, to size in order to thereafter be mounted in the frame which has been selected. A further requirement is that a safety bevel be formed about the lens, particularly adjacent the wearer. 
     Eyeglass frames have two spaced openings in which the finished lenses are mounted. The lens openings come in any number of sizes and configurations. Because there is no standard shape or size, nor a standard prescription, then the optician must shape each lens in a machine, known as an edger, preparatory to fitting the lens into the frame opening. 
     The frame openings frequently have a bevel or a groove which interfits with a complementarily shaped groove or bevel, respectively, formed about the peripheral edge of the lens. The interfit between the complementary bevel and groove helps to secure the lens within the opening, thereby preventing removal as otherwise could occur. The edging machine forms the bevel or groove about the lens. The position of the bevel or groove is not necessarily fixed relative to the front or back surfaces of the lens, so the edging machine may need to take into account not only formation of the bevel or groove but also where that bevel or groove is to be positioned intermediate the lens surfaces. 
     Some eyeglass frames have openings which do not completely encircle the lens. The bevel or groove is still provided in order to snap into the frame position, and the bevel or groove is continuous about the lens edge. When a lens is edged, the resulting edge will frequently have a smokey appearance caused by microscopic grooves scored into the edge by the grinding or cutting tool. The smokey finish is undesirable for those frames which have an opening not completely encircling the lens, and the smokey finish should be removed. Polishing is one technique used to remove this smokey finish in order for the finished lens to be acceptable to the user. 
     The lens edge may be polished through various means in order to remove the smokey finish. Removal of the lens from the edger to permit polishing on a subsequent machine is inconvenient, both because of increased cost and the possibility of loss, damage, or the like, to the lens. Polishing is one of the last steps prior to placing the lens into the frame, so damage to the lens is to be avoided because of the costs already accrued in forming the lens. 
     Edging of the lens, whether made of glass or polymeric material, can result in a sharp corner at the intersection of the inner surface and the peripheral edge. The sharp corner may present a safety concern, and therefore should be removed. A bevel may be ground about the lens in order to remove the sharp corner, thus forming an angled surface known as a safety bevel. 
     The disclosed invention is a dry edger which utilizes a two-part combination tool for edging the lens to an initial predetermined size and configuration with a first part of the tool, thereafter with a second part of that same tool completing the edging and size reduction process through a diamond bonded polishing tool which removes the smokey appearance on the edge, and then forming a safety bevel with that same second part. The combination tool of the invention avoids the need to remove the lens from the edger for polishing and safety beveling, thus minimizing handling and damage costs. Polishing of the edge by the polishing tool is facilitated by a water spray directed at the polishing tool. A vacuum removes the water droplets and lens blank particles from the interior of the edger cabinet, thus avoiding damage to electrical components and the like. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A tool for edging and polishing the edge of an eyeglass lens comprises an axially extending rotatable cutter body having first and second radially disposed and axially extending cutter portions. Each cutter portion has a first notch therein for shaping an edge of a lens. The notches are equiaxially spaced along the body. An axially extending polishing tool is secured to the body and is rotatable therewith. The polishing tool has a second notch formed therein for shaping an edge of a lens. The polishing tool has an abrasive coating applied thereto for reducing and polishing the lens edge. 
     A combination tool for edging and polishing the edge of an eyeglass lens comprises a longitudinally extending generally cylindrical body rotatable on the axis thereof, and a longitudinally extending generally cylindrical polishing tool secured to the body and rotatable therewith. The body includes an edger securable end portion and an oppositely disposed tool contacting portion. The tool contacting portion has an annular radially extending shoulder and an axially extending projection. A bore extends through the shoulder into the body, and the bore is intermediate the projection and the periphery of the body. A threaded bore extends into the projection. The polishing tool has a distal end portion and an oppositely disposed body contacting portion. The body contacting portion includes an annular shoulder and first and second bores, the first bore sized and configured to accept the projection and the second bore sized and configured to correspond to the body shoulder bore. A third bore extends axially through the polishing tool from the distal end portion to the first bore. A bolt extends through the first and third bores, and has a threaded end portion received within the threaded bore for securing the body and the tool. A pin is positioned within the shoulder bore and the second bore for aligning the polishing tool relative to the body. 
     A machine for edging and polishing the edge of an eyeglass lens comprises a first table selectively movable in a first direction, and first drive means for moving the first table in the first direction. A lens clamping and rotating assembly is secured to the first table and is movable therewith. The assembly includes means for selectively rotating a lens about a first axis extending transverse to the first direction. A second table is selectively movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first axis. Second drive means are provided for moving the second table in the second direction. A tool is mounted to the second table and is movable therewith. The tool is rotatable on a second axis parallel to the first axis. The tool includes a notched edging portion and a notched abrasive coated polishing portion, and there are means for rotating the tool. A nozzle is secured to the second table and is movable therewith. The nozzle is adjacent to and aligned with the polishing portion for selectively directing a fluid thereto. 
     A method of edging and polishing the edge of an eyeglass lens comprises the steps of providing a lens blank having an edge. The blank is rotated about the geometric axis thereof. The edge is engaged with a rotary cutter which causes the edge and the blank to achieve a first distressed configuration. The edge is thereafter engaged with a notched rotary cutter for thereby causing the edge to have a bevel formed thereabout. The edge is thereafter engaged with a notched, abrasive coated rotary polishing tool so that the bevel is positioned within the notch of the tool and the edge and bevel are thereby caused to achieve a second polished configuration. 
     A tool for polishing and safety beveling a lens comprises a generally cylindrical body having first and second spaced end portions. The body is rotatable on the axis thereof. A chamfer is formed about the second end portion. The chamfer extends from the periphery of the body toward the axis and the second end portion. An abrasive coating is bonded to the body throughout the periphery thereof. 
    
    
     These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent in view of the following description and drawings of the above-described invention. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view, partially in schematic, of the edger of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an elevational view partially in fragmentary section of the combination tool of the invention edging a lens blank; 
     FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the tool and blank of FIG. 2 with a bevel being formed on the edge of the lens blank; 
     FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the tool and blank of FIG. 3 polishing the edge of the lens blank; 
     FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the tool and polished blank of FIG. 4 during the formation of a safety bevel about a corner on the lens blank; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the combination tool of the invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view partially in section taken along the line  7 — 7  of FIG.  1  and viewed in the direction of the arrows; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the enclosure of the edger of the invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a lens blank and the lens to be formed therefrom; 
     FIG.  10 (a) is a fragmentary elevational view of an edged lens blank having a distressed finish; 
     FIG.  10 (b) is a fragmentary elevational view of the lens blank of FIG.  10 (a) having a polished finish; and 
     FIG.  10 (c) is a fragmentary elevation view of the lens blank of FIG.  10 (b) with a safety bevel. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The edger H of the invention includes a housing, as best shown in FIG. 8, which encloses the components, while permitting operator access to the controls. Edger H includes a lower housing portion  10  to which upper housing portion  12  is hingedly connected. Upper portion  12  has a window  14  which may be opened by means of hinges  16  to permit operator access to the interior of the housing. Switch  18  is secured to window  14  and pivotal therewith, and prevents operation of edger H while the window  14  is in the raised position. Control panel C is mounted to a vertical portion of upper portion  12  and provides access by the optician to various controls, collectively  19 , used in the invention. 
     The edger H preferably is a three-axis dry edger, such as the Horizon® III edger manufactured and sold by National Optronics, Inc., the assignee hereof. The edger H has a base plate  20 , as best shown in FIG. 1, to which tables  22  and  24  are mounted for movement perpendicular to each other. We prefer that the edger be a three-axis edger, because a three-axis edger does not require mechanical patterns. 
     Rails  26  and  28  are secured to base  20  and extend in parallel in a first direction relative to base  20 . First table  22  is slidably mounted to rails  26  and  28  for movement therealong in the first direction. Servomotor drive  30  is mounted to base  20  adjacent rail  26 , and is operably connected to rotary screw  32  for causing controlled rotation thereof. Bracket  34  is secured to first table  22  along the forward edge thereof. Bracket  34  incorporates a ball nut threadedly engaged with rotary screw  32 , so that rotation of screw  32  causes corresponding displacement of the ball nut and hence of bracket  34  and table  22 . Those skilled in the art will understand that the combination of servomotor drive  30 , rotary screw  32 , and the ball nut of bracket  34  provide precise positioning of the table  22  relative to the base  20 , although other types of drives may be used in place of servomotor  30 . The servomotor drives disclosed herein provide position feedback data, so that the location of the component of interest is always known with a high degree of accuracy. 
     Servomotor drive  36  is mounted to and carried by table  22 , and is operably connected to transmission  38  through motor coupling  40 . Shaft  42  extends from transmission  38  in a direction transverse to the first direction defined by rails  26  and  28 . Shaft  42  is controllably rotated with precision because of servomotor drive  36  acting through transmission  38 . Clamp assembly  44  is secured to the end of shaft  42 , is rotatable therewith, and is adapted for engagement with an edging block removably secured to lens blank to be edged. 
     Pneumatic lens clamp cylinder  46  is secured to first table  22  above drive  36 , and the extensible piston thereof is operably engaged with arm  48  for causing movement thereof. Arm  48  carries second clamp assembly  50  which is adapted for engaging a lens blank. Actuation of clamp cylinder  46  by the optician through one of the controls  19  causes displacement of clamp assembly  50  either toward or away from clamp assembly  44 , thereby clamping or releasing a lens blank. Those skilled in the art appreciate that edging of a lens requires the application of a block to a surface thereof, such as by the 3M Leap® System or as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,982,061. The block is releasably secured to clamp assembly  44  so that rotation of clamp assembly  44  by shaft  42  causes corresponding rotation of the lens blank about the axis of shaft  42 . Because of the precision rotation accomplished by servomotor drive  36  and its feedback position data, then the angular position of the clamped lens blank is known by the control system of edger H. 
     High speed motor  52  is mounted to second table  24 , and has a rotary shaft  54 . The motor  52  preferably rotates shaft  54  at a speed of 20,000 rpm or more in order to permit the dry edging process to proceed. Tool T is mounted to shaft  54 , and is rotatable therewith in order for edging, polishing, and safety beveling the lens blank as will be further described. 
     Rails  56  and  58  are secured to base  20  and extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction defined by rails  26  and  28 . Second table  24  is slidably mounted to the rails  56  and  58  for movement in the second direction defined thereby. Servomotor drive  60  is secured to base  20 , and drives rotary screw  62 . Bracket  64  is secured to second table  24  and has a ball nut threadedly engaged with screw  62 , so that rotation of screw  62  by motor  60  will cause corresponding displacement of bracket  64  and hence of second table  24 . Because of the precision control provided by servomotor drive  60 , rotary screw  62 , and the ball nut of bracket  64 , then precise positioning of tool T relative to a lens blank clamped between and rotated by clamp assemblies  44  and  50  is achieved in order to permit the edging, polishing, and safety beveling process to proceed. 
     Water supply  66  is operably associated with base  20 , and has a resilient supply line  68 , such as provided by flexible rubber tubing, leading to spray nozzle  70 . Spray nozzle  70  is secured to bracket  64  by tubing or light pipe  72 , thereby maintaining orientation of nozzle  70  relative to tool T as second table  24  slides on the rails  56  and  58 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that pumps and pressure controls are provided in conjunction with water supply  66  so that there is adequate water pressure for droplet formation by nozzle  70 . 
     Rectangular opening  74  is formed in base  20 , as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 7. Chip chute  76  is mounted to table  24  through brackets or the like, and defines a plate partially closing opening  74 . Aperture  78  is formed in chip chute  76  below tool T, as best shown in FIG.  1 . As best shown in FIG. 7, cowl  80  has a duct-like portion  82  fitted within aperture  78  of chip chute  76 . Cowl  80  has a slot  84  providing an opening adjacent tool T for permitting a lens blank clamped between assemblies  44  and  50  to be brought into engagement with tool T through operation of servomotor drive  30 . Vacuum line  86  is secured to duct  82  below chip chute  76  for applying a vacuum to cowl  80 . Vacuum line  86  terminates at a vacuum source, such as provided by an industrial vacuum cleaner, and causes air, particulates, and water mist to be drawn through cowl  80  to the vacuum source. Because of opening  74 , then the vacuum line  86  moves with table  24  as the table moves in response to operation of servomotor drive  60 . Preferably the vacuum is sufficiently strong to cause air flow over tool T to be of such intensity that heating of tool T is minimized. Heat generation during the edging, polishing, and safety beveling steps is to be avoided, particularly with materials such as polycarbonate. 
     Those skilled in the art recognize that an eyeglass lens blank frequently is provided in the form of a cast circular blank. FIG. 9 illustrates in dotted line form the periphery  88  of a circular lens blank B. Also illustrated in FIG. 9 in solid line is the periphery  90  that the blank B will achieve upon completion of the edging process. The notation “GC” in FIG. 9 identifies the geometric center of the blank  88 , with the designation “OC” identifying the optical center of the finished blank  90 . The blank B usually will be rotated about its geometric center by the edger, even though the prescribed optical characteristics are to be achieved at the optical center. 
     Tool T, as best shown in FIGS. 2-6, is a two-part combination tool incorporating a router R and a polishing hub or tool P. Those skilled in the art understand that a router is a tool for cutting into or below a main surface, and usually operates at a high rotary speed such as provided by motor  52 . Router R preferably is a two-bladed router. 
     Router R, as best shown in FIG. 6, is generally cylindrical, and has a body  92  incorporating a reduced diameter first end portion  94  for being secured to shaft  54  through chuck  96 . Router R has a second polishing tool contacting end portion incorporating an axially extending cylindrical projection  98  and an annular flat shoulder  100  extending from projection  98  to the periphery  106  of body  92 . The router R is preferably manufactured from grade  303  stainless steel. Projection  98  has an internally threaded coaxial bore  102  extending into body  92  from the distal end of projection  98 . Opening  104  is formed in shoulder  100 , and extends axially inwardly parallel to bore  102  intermediate projection  98  and the periphery  106  of body  92 . 
     Blades  108  and  110  extend angularly outwardly from periphery  106  of enlarged diameter portion  112  of body  92 . Each of blades  108  and  110  extends along enlarged portion  112  from shoulder  100  to approximately the proximal end of enlarged diameter portion  112 . Each of blades  108  and  110  has a V-shaped notch  114  and  116 , respectively, adjacent shoulder  100 . The notches  114  and  116  are spaced a common distance along periphery  106 , and are aligned so that a single V-shaped bevel is formed on blank B about periphery  90 . Each of the blades  108  and  110  is mounted within a recess  118  and is secured within the recess by fasteners  120 , as best shown in FIGS. 2-5. Because of the fasteners  120 , then the blades  108  and  110  may be replaced as needed. While we have disclosed V-notches  114  and  116 , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configuration and size of the notches may be other than as shown and, alternatively, that each of the blades may have a protrusion intended to form a groove in the blank B. 
     The periphery  106  of the router R has a V-shaped groove  122  aligned with each of notches  114  and  116 , as best shown in FIGS. 2-5. Groove  122  permits the notches  114  and  116  and therefore the blades  108  and  110 , respectively, to be precisely oriented relative to the periphery  106 . Each of the notches  114  and  116  has a common shape and configuration, thereby facilitating replacement of the blades and assuring that the resulting bevel has the size and shape predetermined thereby. 
     Blank B, as best shown in FIGS. 2-5, is a polymeric cast blank having optical surfaces  124  and  126  providing the prescribed optical properties for the resulting eyeglass lens of FIG.  9 . Although router R should not be used with glass blanks, the polishing tool P may be so used. The edging of the blank B by the router R or other edging tool, such as a grinding wheel, causes the resulting edge to have a smokey or distressed finish  128  as illustrated in FIG.  10 (a). The smokey finish  128  is undesirable for those frames in which the opening does not completely encircle the resulting lens. Use of the tool T of FIG. 6 pursuant to the steps illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 causes the resulting edge  90  to have the polished finish  130  of FIG.  10 (b), and also the safety bevel  162  of FIG.  10 (c). The smokey finish  128  is believed to arise from microscopic score lines formed in the edge of blank B while being edged, such as by the blades  108  and  110 . While the cutting surfaces of the blades  108  and  110  are quite precise, those skilled in the art understand that microscopic score lines may occur with all edging tools because of surface imperfections, vibrations, thermal stresses, and similar factors causing the resulting lens edge  129  to achieve the smokey or distressed configuration. 
     The polishing tool P removes the microscopic score line creating the smokey finish, so that the resulting edge has the polished translucent appearance  130  of FIG.  10 (b). The polished appearance is necessary principally with those frames in which the opening does not completely encircle the lens. The combination tool T thus may be used not only when standard edging is to be performed, but also when a polished edge is desired. The dry edger H may therefore be used regardless of the edge finish desired, thus enhancing operating efficiency of the optician and avoiding the costs previously required for polishing in a subsequent or additional machine. 
     Polishing tool P, as best shown in FIGS. 2-6, is generally cylindrical in configuration, and has an outer diameter corresponding to the diameter defined by the cutting edges between blades  108  and  110 . Tool P has throughout the entirety of its lens contacting periphery a 600 grit diamond material bonded thereto, such as provided by Inland Diamond Company. The diamond bond D has a thickness of about 0.125 inches in order to accommodate wear, and provides an abrasive coating with numerous fine cutting edges which remove the score lines and surface imperfections creating the smokey finish of FIG.  10 (a). The diamond bond D causes the polishing function to be implemented by the polishing tool P as the tool T is rotated by the motor  52 . While we prefer 600 grit diamond bonded in a bronze-iron matrix, the grit could be finer or coarser depending upon the finish desired. In addition, the diamond could be plated onto the tool P. 
     Polishing tool P has a router engaging end portion comprising a first bore  132  sized and configured to receive projection  98 , and a radially outwardly extending flat shoulder  134  mating with shoulder  100  of router R, as best shown in FIG.  6 . Bore  136  extends through shoulder  134 , and is aligned with opening  104  for receiving pin  138  therein. Pin  138  is received within the aligned coaxial bores  136  and  104  in order position the polishing tool P relative to the router R, and for preventing rotation therebetween during assembly. The pin  138  preferably is formed of a metallic material, and is removable from the bores  136  and  104  in the event the polishing tool P and router R need to be separated. 
     Bolt  140  extends through bore  142  in polishing tool P. Bolt  140  has a head  144  received within opening  146 . Bolt  140  has a threaded end  148  received within threaded bore  102  for securing the polishing tool P to the router R. 
     V-notch or groove  150  is formed about the periphery  152  of polishing tool P intermediate the ends thereof. V-notch  150  has the same size and configuration as the notches  114  and  116  of the blades  108  and  110 , respectively, in order to cause a bevel of the same size and configuration to be formed when the polishing tool P is used to polish the lens blank B. The V-notch  150  extends continuously about the periphery  152 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. As with notches  114  and  116 , notch  150  can be any desired size and configuration, preferably matching the size and configuration of notches  114  and  116 . 
     Chamfer  154  extends angularly from periphery  152  to distal end  156 , preferably at an angle of 45°. The chamfer  154  provides an angled surface which breaks the sharp corner  160 , best shown in FIG.  10 (b), formed at the intersection between surface  124  and the edge  90  of the resulting lens. The corner  160  is adjacent the wearer, and thus breaking that corner into the angled shape  162  of FIG.  10 (c) promotes safety by reducing the possibility that the wearer may become cut if contacted by that corner. Additionally, corner  160  may be broken to enhance the safety of the optician when installing the blank B into the eyeglass frame. Chamfer  154  extends forwardly and angularly from the periphery  152  toward the axis of rotation. The chamfer  154  terminates at flat distal end  156 . 
     FIGS. 2-3 illustrate use of the router R for either bevel edging the blank B and/or bevel edging the blank B for further processing with polishing tool P. Should a standard bevel edge be desired for blank B, then the edger H causes the edge  88  of the blank B to engage the router R through cooperative operation of servomotor drives  30  and  60 . As best shown in FIG. 2, the edge  88  of blank B initially contacts the blades  108  and  110  intermediate the V-notches  114  and  116  and the proximal end of the blades in order to edge or shape the periphery  88  to a first size and configuration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the control provided by servomotor drives  30  and  60  causes their associated tables and hence the blank B and the tool T to move so that the lens blank B achieves a first desired shape and size. After the initial size and shape have been achieved, then the tool T is shifted by servomotor drive  60  so that the periphery  88  of the blank B is engaged by the V-notches  114  and  116 , thus forming bevel  158  thereabout, as best shown in FIG.  3 . Because of the precision control realizable through the servomotor drive  60  and because the angular position of the blank B is known about its axis of rotation from servomotor drive  36 , then the position of the bevel  158  relative to the front and rear surfaces  126  and  124  of blank B, respectively, need not be fixed and may be adjusted to accommodate the opening in the frame chosen. In addition to forming the bevel  158 , as best shown in FIG. 3, the blades  108  and  110 , when used for standard bevel edging, edge the blank to the finished size, so that the bevel  158  may be snapped into the corresponding groove in the frame opening. 
     Should it be desirable to polish the edge of blank B, then we control the servomotor drive  30  so that the diameter of the blank B, after engagement with the router R, is approximately 0.40 millimeters larger than would be the final size if polishing were not to occur. The bevel  158  is also slightly larger. The somewhat larger diameter size is utilized because the diamond bond D removes material during polishing, and the amount of material removed needs to be taken into account. Should the diameter of the lens and the bevel  158  not be larger, then the polishing tool P would not be able to remove the score lines. This larger size is automatically provided through operation of servomotor drive  30 , such as by the optician operating one of the controls  19  indicating that the edge is to be polished. The blank B should not be too much larger, however, because the polishing tool P removes material less quickly than router R. 
     After the blank B has been edged to the somewhat larger size described above, then the servomotor drive  60  shifts the tool T to bring the thus produced distressed edge  128  into operative engagement with the polishing hub P, as best shown in FIG.  4 . The bevel  158  is positioned within the V-notch  150  and the periphery  128  of the blank B engaged with the diamond coated periphery  152 . The tool T continues to be rotated at high speed by the motor  52 , thus causing the diamond particles of the diamond bond D to remove the score lines causing the smokey surface  128 , while also reducing the blank B to the finished shape and size. 
     We have found it advantageous to spray water at the tool T through the nozzle  70  during the polishing step of FIG.  4 . The nozzle  70  is on one side of the tool T and the cowl  80  on the opposite side, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 7. The water supplied from source  60  acts as a lubricant, while also maintaining the temperature of the polishing tool P at a reduced level. We have found that the diamond bond D does not become occluded with the material removed from the blank B, such as could occur if the blank B were to achieve an elevated temperature and become soft. The water spray droplets keep the tool and the blank relatively cool, thus avoiding unnecessary softening of the lens material. While we prefer that water be supplied through the nozzle  70 , other fluidic coolants/lubricants may be utilized. 
     The vacuum applied to cowl  80  through line  86  continues to operate not only throughout the router steps of FIGS. 2-3, but also during the polishing and safety beveling steps of FIGS. 4-5. We have found that the vacuum not only causes the fines created during the edging steps to be removed from within the housing of edger H, but the fine water droplets from the nozzle  70  and material removed by tool P also become evacuated. Because the fine water droplets are removed through the cowl  80 , then the electrical components within the housing H are protected. 
     After the edge of the lens has been polished pursuant to FIG. 4 of the invention and/or has been beveled according to FIG. 3, then the sharp corner  160  is removed by engaging the corner  160  with the chamfer  154 . Because the chamfer  154  also is coated with diamond bond D, then it likewise polishes the resulting angled surface  162 . The blank B is then ready to be snapped into the frame. 
     While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses, and/or adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention of the limits of the appended claims.