Apparatus for precision alignment during blocking process of lens manufacturing

Abstract

Blocking apparatus and a blocking method allow precise alignment of an axis of a button with an axis of a block for 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 button holder that may flexibly float on a seat stage of a blocking apparatus, where the button holder may include a mechanism to self-align on the seat stage after a block of the blocking apparatus interfaces with the button holder.

1 . A blocking apparatus comprising: 
 a blocking pin;    a work-piece holder having a recess formed therein for receiving a work-piece, said work-piece holder capable of being engaged by said blocking pin; and    a seat stage having a surface for engaging at least one portion of said work-piece holder, said surface enabling said work-piece holder to flexibly position on said seat stage after said work-piece holder is engaged by said blocking pin.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said work-piece holder automatically self-aligns on said seat stage after said work-piece holder is engaged by said blocking pin.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said surface includes a chamber for interfacing with said at least one portion of said work-piece holder.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said work-piece holder includes an air-space that enable regulating air-pressure inside said work-piece holder.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said work-piece is an unprocessed lens.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said block is movable in an axis vertical to said blocking apparatus.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said work-piece holder is movable in an axis horizontal to said blocking apparatus.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a controlling mechanism for controlling a movement of said blocking pin.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more fastening mechanisms for fastening said work-piece holder on said seat stage.