Apparatus for pressure based blocking process for lens manufacturing

Abstract

According to one aspect, the invention provides a blocking apparatus and a blocking method for precisely aligning a button holder against a block during blocking process of lens manufacturing. According to another aspect, the invention provides a blocking apparatus and a blocking method for automatically compensating variations in a button geometry without requiring complex adjustments during blocking process of lens manufacturing. According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a blocking apparatus and a blocking method for positioning a block on a button based on a predetermined pressure applied on the block in order to compensate variations in the button geometry.

1 . An apparatus for blocking a work-piece during lens manufacturing, said apparatus comprising: 
 a work-piece holder for receiving said work-piece; and    a block for interfacing with said work piece based on a predetermined pressure, wherein said predetermined pressure is applied on said block.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said work-piece is an unprocessed lens.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said work-piece holder is a seat.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said work-piece holder includes a floating mechanism for floating on a stage.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said work-piece holder includes a plurality of air-spaces that enable regulating air-pressure inside said work-piece holder.  
   
   
       6 . A method for blocking a work-piece during lens manufacturing process, the method comprising: 
 aligning a work-piece holder with respect to a fixture, wherein said work-piece holder includes said work-piece;    positioning said fixture on said work piece using a predetermined pressure applied on said fixture.    
   
   
       7 . A method for blocking a work-piece during lens manufacturing process, the method comprising: 
 placing said work-piece on a work-piece holding device;    determining an axial position of said work-piece holding device with respect to a fixture;    aligning said work-piece holding device using the determined axial position; and    positioning said fixture on said work-piece using a predetermined pressure applied on said fixture.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said fixture is maintained at a predetermined temperature.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said positioning corresponds to a predetermined time period.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 automatically applying a wax material on said work-piece, wherein said wax material is stored in said fixture.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said block is moveable in a vertical direction.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said fixture is moveable in a vertical direction.