Patent Description:
The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the invention. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

In the manufacture of curved lenses, the lens wafer substrates include a film or liner to protect surfaces on the lens wafer during fabrication. The peeling and cleaning process can be performed via a manual operation that is labor intensive and not ergonomically efficient. The peeling and cleaning of the lens wafer prevents molding defects and unnecessary downtime associated with having to clean the inserts if contaminates from improper cleaning of the lens wafers create repeating defects. Currently there is no automated process.

Thus, an automated film peeler and substrate edge cleaner is desired in the field of lens fabrication to have a consistent cosmetic quality of lens wafers, reduce manual labor investment, and improve efficiency, ergonomics, and productivity. Cost savings can result due to labor reduction in the peeling and cleaning process as well.

Document <CIT> discloses an apparatus and a method for deblocking a lens that is blocked with a block piece. For deblocking, the lens and the block piece are held by opposing holding devices in a rotating manner, while a liquid jet acts on the side of the assembly.

Aspects of the invention may address some of the above-described shortcomings in the art, particularly with the solutions set forth in the claims.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating a first liner from a lens wafer, including: at least one air nozzle including a first open end facing an edge of the lens wafer and configured to eject a gas, the at least one air nozzle disposed proximal to a first lens wafer holder configured to hold the lens wafer having the first liner attached to a first surface of the lens wafer, and a first peeling device including a second lens wafer holder configured to hold the lens wafer, a first auxiliary air nozzle facing the lens wafer and including a first opening configured to eject a gas, and a first at least one suction cup configured to contact the first liner on the first surface of the lens wafer and form a vacuum seal with the first liner, each suction cup of the first at least one suction cup being retractable in a direction away from the lens wafer.

The apparatus preferably includes a burnishing device including a burnishing pin configured to abut an edge of the lens wafer and loose the first liner on the first surface of the lens wafer and a transfer arm configured to move the lens wafer from the first lens wafer holder to the second lens wafer holder.

The apparatus preferably includes an edge brusher device disposed proximal to the first lens wafer holder, the edge brusher device including at least one brush wheel and a motor configured to rotate the at least one brush wheel, the at least one brush wheel configured to abut the edge of the lens wafer.

The apparatus preferably includes a second peeling device including a third lens wafer holder to hold the lens wafer, a second auxiliary air nozzle facing the lens wafer and including a first opening configured to eject a gas, and a second at least one suction cup configured to contact a second liner on a second surface of the lens wafer and form a vacuum seal with the second liner, each suction cup of the second at least one suction cup being retractable in a direction away from the lens wafer.

The apparatus preferably includes a fourth lens wafer holder and a de-static air nozzle disposed proximal to the fourth lens wafer holder and including a first open end facing the lens wafer and configured to eject a de-static gas, the de-static gas configured to remove a static charge from the lens wafer.

The invention relates to an apparatus as claimed in claim <NUM> to <NUM> and to a method as claimed in claim <NUM>.

Various embodiments of this invention that are proposed as examples will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein:.

Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure Further, spatially relative terms, such as "top," "bottom," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Inventive apparatuses may be otherwise oriented (rotated <NUM> degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

Combinations of modules for an automated liner peeler and cleaner apparatus are described herein. The modules can be configured to aid in the peeling of the film, or perform the peeling of the film from the curved lens wafer. Notably, the modules can include devices to help peel the liner without contact and maintain cleanliness of the lens wafer surface during any of the operations.

<FIG> shows an exemplary schematic of an exemplary in-line peeler and cleaner apparatus 100a (herein referred to as "the in-line apparatus 100a"), useful within the scope of the present disclosure. The in-line apparatus 100a can include a plurality of modules <NUM> for processing a wafer for a curved lens. The plurality of modules <NUM> can include a first module 105a, a second module 105b, a third module 105c, and a fourth module 105d. Additional or fewer modules <NUM> can be contemplated, as described herein. The lens wafer can be provided to the in-line apparatus 100a via an infeed mechanism, such as a conveyor belt. The lens wafer as described herein can be flat or include a base curve, be fully circular or truncated, and include different liners comprised of varying materials and having various thicknesses.

As shown in <FIG>, in a non-limiting example, a useful arrangement for the in-line apparatus 100a can be an in-line process flow and include a plurality of transfer arms <NUM> disposed adjacent to one another along a first direction. The plurality of transfer arms <NUM> can be configured to progress the lens wafer through each of the modules <NUM> in the first direction. As shown, a first transfer arm 110a can receive the lens wafer from the infeed mechanism and move the lens wafer to the first module 105a. A second transfer arm 110b can move the lens wafer from the first module 105a to the second module 105b. A third transfer arm 110c can move the lens wafer from the second module 105b to the third module 105c. A fourth transfer arm 110d can move the lens wafer from the third module 105c to the fourth module 105d. A fifth transfer arm 110e can move the lens wafer from the fourth module 105d to an outfeed mechanism. Notably, the transfer arms <NUM> can progress all lens wafers at the same time upon completion of processes at each of the modules <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary schematic of an exemplary rotary peeler and cleaner apparatus 100b (herein referred to as "the rotary apparatus 100b"), useful within the scope of the present disclosure. The rotary apparatus 100b can include the plurality of modules <NUM> for processing the lens wafer, similarly to the in-line apparatus 100a. As shown in <FIG>, a useful arrangement for the rotary apparatus 100b can be a rotary process flow and include the plurality of transfer arms <NUM> disposed proximal to the infeed mechanism and the outfeed mechanism. In such a manner, the first transfer arm 110a can move the lens wafer from the infeed mechanism onto a rotating stage including a plurality of positions corresponding to the number of modules <NUM> in the rotary apparatus 100b. For example, the rotary apparatus 100b includes the first module 105a, the second module 105b, the third module 105c, and the fourth module 105d. Thus, the rotating stage includes a position for each of the modules <NUM>, as well as a loading position and an unloading position, for a total of six positions (as shown). The first position can move the lens wafer from the infeed mechanism onto to loading position proximal to the first transfer arm <NUM>10a. When each module of the plurality of modules <NUM> has completed its process, the rotating stage can rotate to progress the lens wafer in each position to the next position. For example, the lens wafer in the loading position can progress to the first position proximal to the first module 105a. Upon completion of the process at the first module 105a (and all other processes at respective modules), the rotating stage can rotate and progress the lens wafer from the first position to a second position proximal to the second module 105b. This can continue until the lens wafer is progressed to the unloading position, where the second transfer arm 105b, disposed proximal to the unloading position, can remove the lens wafer from the rotating stage and move the lens wafer onto the outfeed mechanism.

Each module of the plurality modules <NUM> can be configured to execute a useful process. As previously described, the lens wafer can include a first liner removably attached to a first surface of the lens wafer and a second liner removably attached to a second surface of the lens wafer. In a non-limiting example, the first module 105a can be configured to loosen the attachment of the first liner and the second liner from the first surface and the second surface of the lens wafer. The first module 105a can further be configured to clean an edge of the lens wafer as well. The second module 105b can be configured to remove the first liner from the first surface of the lens wafer, wherein the lens wafer is curved and includes a concavity, the first surface of the lens wafer being concave. The third module 105c can be configured to remove the second liner from the second surface of the lens wafer, wherein the second surface of the lens wafer is convex. The fourth module 105d can be configured to blow a gas over the lens wafer to reduce a static charge on the lens wafer. The lens wafer can be processed in a horizontal plane with vacuum chucks and retracting peeling suction cups in a vertical plane. Additional details are described herein.

<FIG> shows an exemplary schematic of an exemplary burnishing device <NUM>, useful within the scope of the present disclosure. In a useful arrangement, the first module 105a can include the burnishing device <NUM>. The burnishing device <NUM> can include a burnishing pin <NUM>. A lens wafer <NUM> can be held in place by a first cup <NUM> and a second cup <NUM>, wherein the lens wafer <NUM> is oriented such that a plane of the lens wafer <NUM> is in the horizontal plane. Once clamped, the lens wafer <NUM> rotates while a burnishing operation occurs in which the burnishing pin <NUM> is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the lens wafer <NUM> along the edge of the lens wafer <NUM> and moved to contact the edge of the lens wafer <NUM> with a spring loaded force. The burnishing pin <NUM> is configured to break the first liner and the second liner from the first surface and the second surface edge perimeters so that an air blast can penetrate between both liners and the lens wafer <NUM>. The burnishing pin <NUM> can also cut off loose strings of the liners at the sharp edge corners of the lens wafer <NUM>, and wipes strings off the lens wafer <NUM> edge face. A strong localized vacuum nozzle encompassing the burnishing pin <NUM> to lens wafer interface can remove the dislodged strings and other particles. In one useful setting, a force of the burnishing pin <NUM> against the lens wafer <NUM> can be, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> pounds, or <NUM> to <NUM> pounds, or <NUM> to <NUM> pounds.

<FIG> shows an exemplary schematic of an exemplary air nozzle <NUM>, useful within the scope of the present disclosure. The air nozzle <NUM> can include an opening shaped like a slit to form an "air blade. " The air nozzle <NUM> can be configured to oscillate in multiple directions. For example, the air nozzle <NUM> can be configured to oscillate in the vertical plane, and when directed at the edge of the lens wafer <NUM>, the air nozzle <NUM> can expel air (or any gas) across the first surface and the second surface of the lens wafer <NUM> in an oscillating manner. In a useful arrangement, the first module 105a can include the air nozzle <NUM> disposed at a position spaced apart from the burnishing device <NUM>. For example, the air nozzle <NUM> can be disposed adjacent to the burnishing device <NUM>. In another example, the air nozzle <NUM> can be disposed on an opposite side of the lens wafer <NUM> from the burnishing device <NUM>. The oscillating air blow process can simultaneously occur with the burnishing process of the burnishing device <NUM>, wherein the intermittent air impingement penetrates between the lens wafer <NUM> and the first liner, and between the lens wafer <NUM> and the second liner. The oscillating air impingement can peel the liners back to the point of the first cup <NUM> and the second cup <NUM> clamped on the lens wafer <NUM>. In one useful setting, an airflow of the air nozzle <NUM> can be, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> CFM at <NUM> PSI, or <NUM> to <NUM> CFM at <NUM> PSI, or <NUM> to <NUM> CFM at <NUM> PSI, or <NUM> to <NUM> PSI at <NUM> PSI from a <NUM> wide by <NUM> long nozzle slot of the air nozzle <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary schematic of multiple exemplary air nozzle <NUM>, useful within the scope of the present disclosure. It may be appreciated that more than one of the air nozzle <NUM> can flank the edge of the lens wafer <NUM>. In one example, the first module 105a can include four of the air nozzles <NUM>. The four air nozzles <NUM> can be fixed in place proximal to the lens wafer <NUM> and with a fixed angle. The air nozzles <NUM> can be arranged facing the lens wafer <NUM> and oriented at an angle above and below a plane of the lens wafer surface at the edge of the lens wafer <NUM>. The angle can be between, for example, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. For example, the first air nozzle is oriented at an angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees above the plane of the lens wafer <NUM> surface at the edge of the lens wafer <NUM>, the second air nozzle is oriented at an angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees below the plane of the lens wafer <NUM> surface at the edge of the lens wafer <NUM>, the third air nozzle is oriented at an angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees above the plane of the lens wafer <NUM> surface at the edge of the lens wafer <NUM>, and the fourth air nozzle is oriented at an angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees below the plane of the lens wafer <NUM> surface at the edge of the lens wafer <NUM>. In a useful arrangement, the first air nozzle and the third air nozzle can be disposed on opposite sides of the lens wafer <NUM>, and the second air nozzle and the fourth air nozzle can disposed on opposite sides of the lens wafer <NUM>. The four air nozzles <NUM> can be spaced equally apart around the lens wafer <NUM> with the burnishing device <NUM> and the edge brusher device <NUM> (see below) interspersed between the four air nozzles <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary schematic of an exemplary edge brusher device <NUM>, useful within the scope of the present disclosure. The edge brusher device <NUM> can include a brush wheel <NUM> attached to a motor configured to rotate the brush wheel <NUM>. The edge brusher device <NUM> can be configured, designed or programmed to rotate the brush wheel <NUM> in a first direction while the brush wheel <NUM> is moved into contact with the lens wafer <NUM>. The brush wheel <NUM> can further assist separation and loosening of the films from the surfaces of the lens wafer <NUM>, while also abrading off the loose strings and the other particles. The edge brusher device <NUM> can further include a vacuum nozzle <NUM> configured to remove air containing debris from the brushing process. It may be appreciated that the edge brusher device <NUM> can include a single brush wheel <NUM> configured to rotate in the first direction along the edge of the lens wafer <NUM> during a first perimeter sweep of the lens wafer <NUM>, then rotate in a second direction along the edge of the lens wafer <NUM> during a second perimeter sweep of the lens wafer <NUM>, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. It may be appreciated that the edge brusher device <NUM> can include two brush wheels <NUM>, wherein a first brush wheel rotates in the first direction and a second brush wheel rotates in the second direction and only one perimeter sweep of the lens wafer <NUM> is required to subject the edge of the lens wafer <NUM> to the brushing effect in both directions. The brush wheel directions may also be modulated. In a useful setting, the brush wheel <NUM> can rotate at, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> RPM, or <NUM> to <NUM> RPM, or <NUM> to <NUM> RPM, or <NUM> to <NUM> RPM, or <NUM> to <NUM> RPM.

In a useful arrangement, the first module 105a can include the edge brusher device <NUM> disposed at a position spaced apart from the burnishing device <NUM> and the air nozzle <NUM>. For example, the edge brusher device <NUM> can be disposed adjacent to the burnishing device <NUM> and the air nozzle <NUM>. In another example, the edge brusher device <NUM> can be disposed equally spaced along the perimeter of the lens wafer <NUM> from the burnishing device <NUM> and the air nozzle <NUM>. Similarly, the edge brusher device <NUM> can execute the brushing process simultaneously as the burnishing process and the air blow process.

In the first module 105a, the lens wafer <NUM> rotating clamping cup speed can be adjustable between, for example, one and two revolutions per second by a <NUM> degree pneumatic rotary actuator with adjustable hard stops, via flow controls. In one example, a pre-peel cycle encompassed by the first module 105a can include two revolutions of the lens wafer <NUM> - one clockwise from a tab on the lens wafer <NUM> (or any fiduciary marker) to the tab, then back again tab to tab. The lens wafer clamping force may be applied by, for example, spring or pneumatic, which can provide optimal force adjustability and can allow retraction of the spring. A clamping force of <NUM> to <NUM> pounds, for example, can be applied.

Vacuum within the clamp cups <NUM>, <NUM> can also be used to maintain a centered position of the lens wafer <NUM> once loaded until clamping is achieved. The lens wafer <NUM> can be presented centered on the clamp cups <NUM>, <NUM> with the tab in a predetermined position. Vacuum should can be used on the opposite clamp cup to equalize force on each side of the lens wafer <NUM> so a curvature of the lens wafer <NUM> does not deform, potentially cracking a center polarized layer of the lens wafer <NUM>. In one example, an O-ring size of #<NUM> can provide a theoretical <NUM>/<NUM> pre-peeled film annulus, resulting in a <NUM> to <NUM> millimeter pre-peeled annulus.

In a useful configuration, the burnishing pin <NUM> mounting can accommodate two <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM> inch range diameter burnishing pins each having separate angle adjustability from <NUM> degrees (vertical) to <NUM> degrees. The burnishing pins <NUM> can be arranged against each other to minimize lens wafer edge area. The air nozzle <NUM> applying the linear guide burnishing force against the lens wafer edge can have a force sensitivity adjustment down to, for example, one pound but no more than ten pounds.

The horizontal oscillating air blow of the air nozzle <NUM> can be capable of holding two-<NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> diameter metal tubes, one on top of the other, in a single block that has adjustability from horizontal to <NUM> degrees directed upward at the higher curved lens wafer <NUM> edges. The tubing ends can be compressed down to a parallel knife opening of, for example,. <NUM> inches. A fine air flow adjusting knob as well as a high flow on-off valve can be used to control the pre-peel air blow force. An up and down oscillating speed can be adjustable by a DC motor for up to, for example, <NUM> cycles per second, with a stroke of, for example, a half an inch. A compact spring loaded eccentric cam driven, plunger or swing arm type oscillator can be applicable. The oscillating air nozzle <NUM> can be mounted to a similar linear slide as the burnishing pins <NUM>, with the air nozzle <NUM> next to the burnishing pins <NUM> in order to maximize the lens wafer <NUM> perimeter treatment area. The initial start and end point for the air blow can be centered on the tab with burnishing pins <NUM> next to and against the tab. An adjustable PLC delay after air blow/burnish slide advance and before lens wafer <NUM> rotation, as well as end of lens wafer <NUM> rotation and before slide retract, can be available.

<FIG> shows an exemplary schematic of an exemplary peeling device <NUM>, useful within the scope of the present disclosure. The second module 105b and the third module 105c can each include one of the peeling device <NUM>, wherein the second module 105b is configured to use the peeling device <NUM> to peel the first liner from the first surface of the lens wafer <NUM>, and the third module 105c is configured to use the peeling device <NUM> to peel the second liner from the second surface of the lens wafer <NUM>. The first liner removal/peeling along the first concave surface of the lens wafer <NUM> includes securing the lens wafer <NUM> by the second convex surface in a stationary vacuum cup chuck <NUM> and pulling the first liner off the first concave surface by using at least one suction cup <NUM> while an oscillating air blast is directed at the lens wafer <NUM> edge via an air nozzle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the third module 105c includes the peeling device <NUM> for peeling the second liner from the second convex surface of the lens wafer <NUM>. The first concave surface of the lens wafer <NUM> is secured in the stationary vacuum cup chuck <NUM> and the second liner is pulled off the second convex surface with the at least one suction cup <NUM> an oscillating air blast is directed at the lens wafer <NUM> edge via the air nozzle <NUM>.

The bottom stationary vacuum cup chuck <NUM> can hold the second convex side of the lens wafer <NUM> down with the second liner attached, while the first liner is removed with the at least one suction cup <NUM>, wherein the at least one suction cup <NUM> includes, for example, one, more than one, more than two, more than five, or eight small suction cups angled outward. Although a single air nozzle <NUM> is described with the peeling device <NUM>, two or four air nozzles <NUM> can be contemplated. The rotating air blow peels back the first liner. The stationary vacuum cup chuck <NUM> can use an adjustable and/or compliant center support for the lens wafer <NUM> so the lens wafer <NUM> does not deform and collapse from the vacuum force. A slowly advancing annular air knife may also be used to keep the perimeter of the first liner lifted and peeling back without flapping. This would include a linear slide instead of the rotary air nozzle coupling and drive.

The at least one suction cup <NUM> can be mounted on an adjustable bolt hole circle pattern with single active center shaft cup angle adjuster to allow the at least one suction cup <NUM> to engage with the lens wafer <NUM> at variable outward angles, then adjust the at least one suction cup <NUM> angle more outward prior to pulling the first liner off. Maximum vacuum can be used to ensure possession of the first liner with the small area of the at least one suction cup <NUM>. The at least one suction cup <NUM> can start retracting slowly with minimal pulling force before the rotating air blow starts rotating. Once rotating, the air blow flow can initiate and increase slowly, then quickly turn off upon the first liner release triggered by the sudden at least one suction cup <NUM> retraction. This same air flow control would be the same if an annular air knife were used. The at least one suction cup <NUM> slide can have adequate adjustable hard stop travel in the forward or processing position.

The same tooling and operation as above in the concave peeling occurs but the lens wafer <NUM> can be flipped over during transfer. The stationary vacuum cup chuck <NUM> can use the adjustable and/or compliant center support for the lens wafer <NUM> so the lens wafer <NUM> does not deform and collapse from the vacuum force. Also, during this operation, the lens wafer <NUM> is held by an already peeled surface (i.e. the first surface), therefore stationary vacuum cup chuck <NUM> can have a sealing surface material that does not leave a mark on the lens wafer surface (i.e. the first surface). The second convex surface can be peeled last and face up so the lens wafer <NUM> can be placed on a conveyor, such as the outfeed mechanism, convex side up. The at least one suction cup <NUM> slide can have adequate adjustable hard stop travel in the forward or processing position.

In another example, the peeling device <NUM> can include at least one finger replacing the at least one suction cup <NUM>. The at least one finger can include a sticky surface configured to loosely attach to the liners and curl away from the edge to induce a peeling action of the liner away from the edge and towards the base of the at least one of finger.

The fourth module 105d can include an additional air nozzle configured to blow a gas over the lens wafer <NUM> to remove any static charge accumulated on the lens wafer <NUM>. It may be appreciated that the fourth module <NUM> need not be included in the in-line apparatus 100a and the rotary apparatus 100b. Similarly, the first module 105a need not include all of the burnishing device <NUM>, the air nozzle <NUM>, and the edge brusher device <NUM>. For example, the edge brusher device <NUM> may be excluded and similar peeling results may be achieved.

It may be appreciated that the in-line apparatus 100a and the rotary apparatus 100b need not include one, or more than one, of the modules <NUM>. In a useful configuration, the in-line apparatus 100a and the rotary apparatus 100b can include the first module 105a and the second module 105b, and the second module 105b can be configured to peel one of the first liner on the first surface or the second liner on the second surface. In another useful configuration, the first module 105a and the second module 105b can further include the fourth module 105d configured to blow the gas over the lens wafer <NUM> to remove the any static charge. In a useful configuration, the in-line apparatus 100a and the rotary apparatus 100b can include the first module 105a and the third module 105c, and the third module 105c can be configured to peel one of the first liner on the first surface or the second liner on the second surface. In another useful configuration, the first module 105a and the third module 105c can further include the fourth module 105d configured to blow the gas over the lens wafer <NUM> to remove the any static charge.

Additionally, it may be appreciated that the first module 105a need not include one, or more than one, of the burnishing device <NUM>, the air nozzle <NUM>, and the edge brusher device <NUM>. In a useful configuration, the first module 105a includes only the burnishing device <NUM>, or only the air nozzle <NUM>, or only the edge brusher device <NUM>. In a useful configuration, the first module 105a includes the burnishing device <NUM> and the air nozzle <NUM>. In a useful configuration, the first module 105a includes the burnishing device <NUM> and the edge brusher device <NUM>. In a useful configuration, the first module 105a includes the air nozzle <NUM> and the edge brusher device <NUM>.

In a useful arrangement, process setup is performed by placing <NUM> or <NUM> of the lens wafers <NUM> on the in-feed mechanism or ensuring an up stack feeder has an adequate quantity of the lens wafers <NUM>, then selecting a predetermined number of the lens wafers <NUM> on a selector device, then initiating the consecutive cycling. The in-line apparatus 100a and the rotary apparatus 100b can then process the selected quantity of the lens wafers <NUM> and subsequently move them to the out-feed mechanism. An operator can individually remove the lens wafers <NUM> and do a visual inspection before approving and sending the lens wafers <NUM> to additional processing.

<FIG> is a flow chart for a method of peeling and cleaning a lens wafer, useful within the scope of the present disclosure. In step <NUM>, the edge of the lens wafer <NUM> can be abutted via the burnishing pin <NUM> of the burnishing device <NUM>. In step <NUM>, the gas can be ejected at the lens wafer via the at least one air nozzle <NUM>. In step <NUM>, the edge of the lens wafer <NUM> can be brushed via the edge brusher device <NUM>, wherein the brush wheel <NUM> abuts the edge of the lens wafer <NUM>. In step <NUM>, the first liner can be peeled via the first peeling device <NUM> in the second module 105b. In step <NUM>, the second liner can be peeled via the second peeling device <NUM> in the third module 105c. In step <NUM>, the de-static gas can be ejected at the lens wafer <NUM> via the de-static air nozzle in the fourth module 105d.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (100a) for separating a first liner from a lens wafer (<NUM>), comprising: a first lens wafer holder (<NUM>, <NUM>),
at least one nozzle (<NUM>) including a first open end configured to face an edge of the lens wafer and to eject a gas, the at least one nozzle (<NUM>) disposed proximal to the first lens wafer holder (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to hold the lens wafer (<NUM>) having the first liner attached to a first surface of the lens wafer (<NUM>); and
a first peeling device (<NUM>) including a second lens wafer holder (<NUM>) configured to hold the lens wafer (<NUM>), a first auxiliary nozzle (<NUM>) configured to face the lens wafer (<NUM>) and including a first opening configured to eject a gas, and a first at least one suction cup (<NUM>) configured to contact the first liner on the first surface of the lens wafer (<NUM>),
characterized in that said at least one nozzle (<NUM>) is an air nozzle,
in that said first auxiliary nozzle (<NUM>) is a first auxiliary air nozzle, and
in that said first at least one suction cup (<NUM>) is configured to form a vacuum seal with the first liner, each suction cup of the first at least one suction cup (<NUM>) being retractable in a direction away from the lens wafer (<NUM>).