Methods and apparatuses for sealing ophthalmic lens packages

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for the treatment of ophthalmic lens packages prior to sealing are described herein.

1 . A method of treating an ophthalmic lens package containing an ophthalmic lens and a packaging liquid prior to sealing said package with a cover comprising removing said packaging liquid from the sealing portion of said package.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein vacuum is applied to the sealing portion of said package.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the vacuum is applied by a vacuum running at an air flow rate of about 4 to about 8 cfm.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for removing packaging liquid from a sealing portion of an ophthalmic lens package comprising 
 a means for applying a vacuum,    a support mounted on an ophthalmic lens manufacturing line,    a member attached to said support, 
 wherein said member comprises a first surface, and a second surface,  
 wherein said first surface comprises at least one first aperture, that extends through said member to at least one second aperture located on said second surface,  
 wherein said at least one first aperture is removably attached to said means for applying a vacuum  
 wherein said manufacturing line comprises at least one ophthalmic lens package comprising a sealing portion and a means for moving said ophthalmic lens package through said manufacturing line  
 wherein said sealing portion of said ophthalmic lens package is no more than about 2 mm below an area of said second surface when said ophthalmic lens package moves through said manufacturing line.  
   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said area of said second surface surrounds said at least one second aperture.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said sealing portions comprises a raised sealing ring.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said sealing portion of said ophthalmic lens package contacts said area of said second surface when said ophthalmic lens package moves through said manufacturing line.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said sealing portion of said ophthalmic lens package comprises a raised sealing ring  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said member further comprises a third surface and a second surface wherein said is pivotally attached to said support on said third surface and said fourth surface.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 5  comprising at least three first apertures.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 5  comprising at least twenty second apertures  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 8  comprising at least three first apertures.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 8  comprising at least twenty second apertures.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein each of said first apertures is about 5 mm.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein each of said second apertures is about 1 mm  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said member comprises aluminum.