Method and apparatus for detecting lenses in package

Details Method and apparatus for detecting lenses in package Method and apparatus for detecting lenses in package

1999-12-15

2003-07-01

Dang, Hung Xuan (Department: 2873)

Radiant energy

Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling

Infrared responsive

C250S372000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06586740

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional method of packaging ophthalmic lenses, such as contact lenses, is in so-called blister packages. Such packages include a recess designed to hold an individual lens, usually in a saline solution in the case of soft hydrogel lenses. The blister packages are then enclosed and sealed with lidstock, the lidstock conventionally being a metallic laminate. In an automated process for packaging contact lenses, it sometimes occurs that a recess will be incorrectly filled, usually by two lenses or none, rather than the intended single lens. Each incorrectly filled package escaping detection can represent wasted capacity, material or labor, or lost customer goodwill.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a method for confirming that an individual contact lens is present in a recess of a blister package, or determining if there is an excess or a deficiency in the number of lenses in the package. The method involves aligning a package with a source of ultraviolet radiation and a detector, and determining how much of the incident radiation is absorbed at the package. The amount of absorbed radiation is correlated to confirm that the lens is present, or to determine that the lens is missing, or to determine that an excess number of lenses are present. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.


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