METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEMOLDING OPHTHALMIC CONTACT LENSES

Methods and apparatuses which are utilized for the production of ophthalmic lenses, and more particularly, a method for the removal or demolding of molded ophthalmic contact lenses from the individual molds in which they are produced. Disclosed is the provision of novel apparatus for implementing the demolding of such ophthalmic lenses, the latter of which may consist of suitable hydrogel contact lenses or other types of high-precision ophthalmic lenses; for example, such as intraocular contact lenses. Mechanical prying apart of such mating mold half portions, and to facilitate this procedure at a reduced application of force, while concurrently potentially preventing or at least appreciably ameliorating the extent of any possible sticking together of the mold half portions is effected in that mechanical leverage applied to the upper mold half portion, in addition to the application of the heating action thereto, either through steam or laser impingement, contemplates imparting a motion to the prying finger relative to the perimeter of the upper mold half contacted thereby so as to apply an incremental predetermined rotational pattern of motion to the prying fingers engaging the flange of the upper mold half while concurrently effectuating the lifting action.