Coburn Optical Industries, Inc.

Telex Computer Products, Inc.

Marold H Lohrenz

Richard W Pembroke

Scott T Jednacz

Joel O Thies

A computer is used to calculate the location of a target, customize the target to conform to the lens, frame and patient characteristics of each individual job and automatically compensate for parallax in the apparatus. A convenient open work surface is provided for the operator to position the lens blank on a non-skid surface. The block is applied at a constant limited force in a manual or automatic mode of operation on either frame or optical center. The offsets for positioning the lens blank are calculated within the blocker based upon frame and patient data. This data can be input directly or can be downloaded from a database. These offsets determine the location of the target relative to the optical markings on the lens blank. The amount the target is offset is scaled automatically to compensate for the fact that the lens blanks are on a work surface above the electronic display. A customized target is displayed. The target is scaled to match the segment widths for multi-focal lenses, and provides a centered target location with multiple horizontal lines for single vision lenses, including progressive lenses. Scaling of the width eliminates operator judgement to 'eyeball' the center. The multiple horizontal lines provide an additional aid in aligning progressive lenses where the distance from the 'mounting cross' to the horizontal line on the lens blank varies by manufacturer. The frame shape may also be displayed to provide a sense of fit.

Lens blocker

A tape deck providing means to drive and control a file reel and a machine reel including a vacuum source and a capstan drive means, the tape deck including a first vacuum column of relatively wide width and short length extending upwardly and at an acute angle to the vertical plane encompassing the axis of the file reel and machine reel, and a second relatively wide, short length vacuum column below the first vacuum column and having an axis intersecting the axis of the first vacuum column at an acute angle, the second vacuum column having a transverse end wall at an angle to the second vacuum column outer wall, the sources of vacuum being applied to the vacuum columns, the capstan being positioned at the entrance to the second vacuum column so that a short length of tape extends from the capstan to the exit of the first vacuum column, the tape being wrapped 180.degree. around the capstan, with a read-write head positioned to engage the tape between the capstan and the exit from to the first vacuum column, the tape path geometry providing improved performance in handling of the tape within the confines of a relatively small area.

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Tulsa, OK, United States of America

Marold H Lohrenz