Heat seal apparatus for lens packages

The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging contact lenses. The apparatus includes a plurality of discrete inspection lens carriers and a plurality of contact lens containers. The carriers are movable within the apparatus. A single one of the containers is mounted on a single one of the carriers. The apparatus, in another embodiment, includes a plurality of lens carriers, a plurality of lifts, a plurality of contact lens containers and either a plurality of platens or a plurality of mandrels. One of the containers is mounted on a respective one of the carriers. Each of the platens or each of the mandrels is individually supported by one of the lifts. The lifts apply pressure, within a predetermined range, to each of the containers. The apparatus, in another embodiment, includes a plurality of contact lens containers. A heated mandrel is disposed above the plurality of containers. The heated mandrel is moveable between a retracted position above the plurality of containers and an engaged position immediately adjacent to the plurality of containers. A lidstock is selectively movable between a retracted position and an inserted position. The inserted position is between the heated mandrel and the plurality of containers, whereby in the inserted position the lidstock is fixedly held in position at least until the heated mandrel contacts the lidstock while moving to the engaged position. The apparatus, in yet another embodiment, includes a lidstock having indicia printed thereon. The lidstock is fed from a roll under tension. A vision alignment inspection system checks the print quality on the lidstock and simultaneously checks for registration of the lidstock within the apparatus.