Patent ID: 8535044

Claim:
A device for separating a posterior mold section from an anterior mold section wherein a cured lens is adhered to corresponding molding surfaces of the mold sections, the device comprising: a support post having a longitudinal axis; a first support element positioned on the post radially outwardly spaced from the longitudinal axis, the first support element comprising a first face adapted to provide support for at least a peripheral portion of a flange projecting from a skirt portion of the posterior mold section; a pressing means for applying a longitudinally directed force to a central area of an outer concave surface of the posterior mold section, when the flange of posterior mold section rests on the first face; the longitudinally directed force being sufficient to compress and deform the posterior mold section between the pressing means and the first face thereby breaking an adhesive bond between the lens and the posterior mold section, starting around peripheral regions of the lens and continuing towards the center of the lens, thereby separating the posterior mold section from the anterior mold section, wherein the pressing means comprises a pin having a free end, wherein the pin is movable and the support post remains stationary, wherein the first support element comprises a radially inwardly directed face and wherein the device further comprises: a second support element positioned substantially centrally on the post, the second support element comprising a second face for supporting the anterior mold section, and a radially outwardly directed face; a as defined between the radially inwardly facing face of the first support element and the radially outwardly directed face of the second support element, the gap being configured to receive a skirt portion depending from the anterior mold section; and wherein the first and second support elements are configured with respect to the mold so that when the posterior mold section rests on the first face, the anterior mold section is longitudinally spaced apart from the second support element, wherein the first and second faces are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis so that when the posterior mold section rests on the first face, the second face is spaced apart to the anterior mold section, wherein the first and second support elements are immovable with respect to each other.