Patent GB-1385219-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus for fixing to a spectacle lens means for mounting same in a trimming and or bevelling machine
IPC: B23Q41/00
Filed: 1972-08-15
Abstract: 1385219 Casting composite articles; grinding lenses ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL 15 Aug 1972 [25 Aug 1971] 38059/72 Headings B3F and B3D Apparatus for casting a metal block on a lens comprises means S for supporting a lens L with its convex surface upwards, and a mould M, the mould and supporting means being relatively movable between a position in which they are spaced from one another and a position in which the mould engages the convex surface of the lens. In the embodiment shown, the supporting means S is pivotable about a pin 21 from the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to the casting position shown in Fig. 9. The mould M comprises a metal body 60 and a flexible rubber skirt 61 which contacts the surface of the lens L when the latter is in the casting position. Molten metal is supplied to the mould cavity from a tank R through a rubber hose 85 and a notch.87 in the skirt 61. The flow of metal is controlled by means of an electromagnet 94 which, in its energized condition moves a rod 90 to the right against the action of a spring 96 which constantly urges the rod against the hose 85. When the mould cavity is completely filled, the metal contained therein contacts a probe 102 and results in deenergization of the electromagnet 94 thus causing the rod 90 to press against the flexible hose 85 and cut off the flow of metal therethrough. The mould M may be provided with cooling fins 103 and is mounted on the end of a rod 71 slidable in a bore 72 of a cross member 70 and constantly urged outwardly therefrom by a spring 73. The mould cavity is provided with impressions 64 and a stud 65 which form complementary projections and a hole on and in the cast metal block for centring and holding the lens in a predetermined position on the spindle of a trimming machine. The supporting means S for the lens includes a cylindrical casing 24 mounted on a pair of arms 22 and able to pivot about pins 25 carried the said arms. The casing 24 carries a transparent plate 28 pivotally mounted on the casing by a pair of pins 27. The plate 27 is thus mounted on gimbals and can assume any position relative to the arms 22. The lens is held on the plate 28 by studs 36, 37 and 45 mounted on frames 30 and 31 respectively. Each of these frames is pivotally mounted about the. same axis as the pivot pins 21 mounting the pair of arms 22. A counterweight 29 constantly urges the pair of arms 22 upwards and a spring 50 interconnecting the rear ends of frames 30 and 31 causes the studs 45 to press against the lens.. The position of the frame 30 in adjusted by rotating an eccentric abutment member 40. In use, a photograph P of a spectacle wearer is precisely located with respect to a reference cross-line 10. The lens is then placed on the support S and its position adjusted by an operator looking through the optical system O until the optical centre of the lens, as marked on the glass, is exactly coincident with the image of the centre of the pupil of the eye in the photograph, The lens is then clamped in position and raised to the casting position; pouring of the moten metal being started automatically when an arm 33 of the frame 30 contacts a switch 100. The arrangement is such that the impressions 64 in the mould have the same position with respect to the lens when the latter is in the casting position, as that occupied by the image of the reference cross-line with respect to the lens when the latter is in the position shown in Fig. 2. In an embodiment, Fig. 11 (not shown), the frames 20 and 30 are provided with rollers which coact with a cam (130) pivotally mounted about a pin (131) and urged in an anti-clockwise direction by a spring (132). The shape of the cam is such that it can hold the frame assembly in the casting position and maintain the clamping pressure on the lens.