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Abstract

An ophthalmic lens block and lens generating machine compression sleeve chuck are provided such that the block is of diameter suitable for the lens edging step of the lens generating process. The lens generating chuck consists of a plurality of concentric sleeves mounted on a hub of the spindle shaft and having lengthwise slots permitting compression of the sleeve onto the hub and the block. The sleeves are biased to telescope toward the lens so as to abut the front surface of the lens in a concentric pattern extending outwardly from the outer diameter of the block to support the front surface of the lens against the forces applied to the rear face of the lens during the cutting process. Thus, the combination of the block and the chuck is also suitable for the lens generating, fining and polishing steps of the lens generating process. Consequently, after polishing, the block is left on the lens. The lens is inspected for power and quality through the hole in the block, which permits light to be projected through the lens. The lens is then edged, using the same block to connect the lens to the edging machine spindle. After edging, the block is then removed by a twisting motion to disengage it from the adhesive. The lens making process is thus completed using only a single block and with no need for liquification of alloys.

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First Claim