Apparatus and system for the production of plastic lenses

• US 6,464,484 B1
• Filed: 03/30/2002
• Issued: 10/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
• Inventors: Foreman, John T., Lattis, Matthew C., Buazza, Omar M., Luetke, Stephen C., Lossman, Loren C., Powers, Galen R., Joel, Larry H., Triplett, John T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Vargot, Mathieu D.
• Application Number:
  US09/538,872
• Time in Patent Office: 199 Days
• Field of Search: 425/174.4, 425/143, 425/162, 425/404, 425/445, 425/446, 425/808, 264/1.38, 264/1.1, 264/1.36
• US Class Current: 425/143
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2035/0827 using UV radiation
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2037/90 Measuring, controlling or regulating
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 33/34 movable, e.g. to or from the moulding station
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 35/08 by wave energy or particle radiation B29C64/00, B29C71/04 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 39/006 Monomers or prepolymers by reaction injection moulding B29C67/246
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00442 Curing the lens material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 425/808 Lens mold

Abstract

A lens forming apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a first lens curing unit, a second lens curing unit and a conveyor system for moving mold assemblies between the two units. The apparatus may also include an anneal unit configured to apply heat to a substantially polymerized lens. The apparatus may be used to form an eyeglass lens from a lens forming composition that may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.

Claims

1. An apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens, comprising:

a first lens curing unit comprising a first activating light source, wherein the first lens curing unit is configured to produce activating light directed toward a mold assembly during use;

a second lens curing unit comprising a second activating light source and heating system, wherein the second activating light source is configured to direct activating light toward a mold assembly during use; and

wherein the heating system is configured to heat the interior of the second lens curing unit; and

a conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly from the first lens curing unit into and through the second lens curing unit;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that a substantially clear eyeglass lens is formed in a time period of less than 1 hour.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first activating light source is an ultraviolet light source.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second activating light source is an ultraviolet light.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second activating light sources are ultraviolet lights.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second activating light sources have substantially the same spectral output.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second activating light sources have a peak light intensity at a range of about 385 nm to about 490 nm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first activating light source comprises a first set of lamps and a second set of lamps, wherein the first and second set of lamps are positioned on opposite sides of the first curing unit.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first activating light source is configured to generate pulses of activating light.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second activating light source is configured to generate pulses of activating light.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second activating light sources are configured to generate pulses of activating light.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed directly adjacent to the first activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the first activating light source.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed directly adjacent to the second activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the second activating light source.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first filter disposed directly adjacent to the first activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the first activating light source, and further comprising a second filter disposed directly adjacent to the second activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the second activating light source.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the filter comprises a plate defining an aperture, wherein the plate is formed from a material that is opaque to the activating light.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the filter comprises a plate defining an aperture, wherein the plate is formed from a material that is opaque to the activating light.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first and second filters comprise plates defining apertures, wherein the plates are formed from a material that is opaque to the activating light.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an air distributor positioned within the second curing unit, the air distributor being configured to circulate air within the second curing unit during use.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an anneal unit, the anneal unit comprising an anneal unit heating system, wherein the anneal unit heating system is configured to heat the interior of the anneal unit.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the anneal unit heating system is configured to heat the interior of the anneal unit to a temperature of up to about 250°

F.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the anneal unit further comprises an anneal unit conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly through the anneal unit.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a programmable controller configured to substantially simultaneously control operation of the first curing unit and the second curing unit during use.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first activating light source comprises a first set of lamps and a second set of lamps, and further comprising a programmable controller configured to individually control the first and second sets of lamps.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a programmable controller configured to control operation of the first curing unit as a function of the eyeglass lens prescription.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first activating light source comprises a fluorescent lamp, and wherein the first activating light source further comprises a flasher ballast system coupled to the fluorescent lamp.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second activating light source comprises a fluorescent lamp, and wherein the second activating light source further comprises a flasher ballast system coupled to the fluorescent lamp.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first activating light source comprises a first fluorescent lamp, and wherein the first activating light source further comprises a first flasher ballast system coupled to the first fluorescent lamp, and wherein the second activating light source comprises a second fluorescent lamp, and wherein the second activating light source further comprises a second flasher ballast system coupled to the second fluorescent lamp.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer.

29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer, and wherein the second flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer.

30. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first activating light source comprises two or more lamps, and wherein the lamps are independently operable.

31. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conveyor system comprises a continuous flexible member extending from the first curing unit through the second curing unit, wherein the flexible member is configured to interact with a mold assembly to convey the mold assembly through the first curing unit, to the second curing unit, and through the second curing unit.

32. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conveyor system comprises two discrete conveyors, wherein the first conveyor is configured to convey the mold assembly from the first curing unit to the second curing unit, and wherein the second conveyor is configured to convey the mold assemblies through the second curing unit.

33. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conveyor system comprises a flexible member configured to interact with a mold assembly, and wherein the flexible member is coupled to a motor configured to move the flexible member through the conveyor system.

34. An apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens, comprising:

a first lens curing unit comprising a first activating light source, wherein the first lens curing unit is configured to produce activating light directed toward a mold assembly during use;

a second lens curing unit comprising a second activating light source and heating system, wherein the second activating light source is configured to direct activating light toward a mold assembly during use; and

wherein the heating system is configured to heat the interior of the second lens curing unit;

an anneal unit, the anneal unit comprising an anneal unit heating system, wherein the anneal unit heating system is configured to heat the interior of the anneal unit; and

a conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly from the first lens curing unit into and through the second lens curing unit;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that a substantially clear eyeglass lens is formed in a time period of less than 1 hour.

35. A system for preparing an eyeglass lens, comprising:

a mold assembly comprising;

a first mold member having a casting face and a non-casting face;

a second mold member having a casting face and a non-casting face, the second mold member being configured to be spaced apart from the first mold member during use such that the casting faces of the first mold member and the second mold member at least partially define a mold cavity;

an apparatus for curing a lens forming composition, comprising;

a first lens curing unit comprising a first activating light source, wherein the first lens curing unit is configured to produce activating light toward a mold assembly during use;

a second lens curing unit comprising a second activating light source and heating system, wherein the second activating light source is configured to direct activating light toward a mold assembly during use; and

wherein the heating system is configured to heat the interior of the second lens curing unit; and

a conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly from the first lens curing unit into and through the second lens curing unit.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the first activating light source is an ultraviolet light source.

37. The system of claim 35, wherein the second activating light source is an ultraviolet light.

38. The system of claim 35, wherein the first and second activating light sources are ultraviolet lights.

39. The system of claim 35, wherein the first and second activating light sources have substantially the same spectral output.

40. The system of claim 35, wherein the first and second activating light sources have a peak light intensity at a range of about 385 nm to about 490 nm.

41. The system of claim 35, wherein the first activating light source comprises a first set of lamps and a second set of lamps, wherein the first and second set of lamps are positioned on opposite sides of the first curing unit.

42. The system of claim 35, wherein the first activating light source is configured to generate pulses of activating light.

43. The system of claim 35, wherein the second activating light source is configured to generate pulses of activating light.

44. The system of claim 35, wherein the first and second activating light sources are configured to generate pulses of activating light.

45. The system of claim 35, further comprising a filter disposed directly adjacent to the first activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the first activating light source.

46. The system of claim 35, further comprising a filter disposed directly adjacent to the second activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the second activating light source.

47. The system of claim 35, further comprising a first filter disposed directly adjacent to the first activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the first activating light source, and further comprising a second filter disposed directly adjacent to the second activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the second activating light source.

48. The system of claim 45, wherein the filter is comprises a metal plate defining an aperture.

49. The system of claim 46, wherein the filter is comprises a metal plate defining an aperture.

50. The system of claim 47, wherein the first and second filters comprise a metal plate defining an aperture.

51. The system of claim 35, further comprising an air distributor positioned within the second curing unit, the air distributor being configured to circulate air within the second curing unit during use.

52. The system of claim 35, further comprising an anneal unit, the anneal unit comprising an anneal unit heating system, wherein the anneal unit heating system is configured to heat the interior of the anneal unit.

54. The system of claim 52, wherein the anneal unit further comprises an anneal unit conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly through the anneal unit.

55. The system of claim 35, further comprising a programmable controller configured to substantially simultaneously control operation of the first curing unit and the second curing unit during use.

56. The system of claim 35, wherein the first activating light source comprises a first set of lamps and a second set of lamps, and further comprising a programmable controller configured to individually control the first and second sets of lamps.

57. The system of claim 35, further comprising a programmable controller configured to control operation of the first curing unit as a function of the eyeglass lens prescription.

58. The system of claim 35, wherein the first activating light source comprises a fluorescent lamp, and wherein the first activating light source further comprises a flasher ballast system coupled to the fluorescent lamp.

59. The system of claim 35, wherein the second activating light source comprises a fluorescent lamp, and wherein the second activating light source further comprises a flasher ballast system coupled to the fluorescent lamp.

60. The system of claim 35, wherein the first activating light source comprises a first fluorescent lamp, and wherein the first activating light source further comprises a first flasher ballast system coupled to the first fluorescent lamp, and wherein the second activating light source comprises a second fluorescent lamp, and wherein the second activating light source further comprises a second flasher ballast system coupled to the second fluorescent lamp.

61. The system of claim 58, wherein the flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer.

62. The system of claim 59, wherein the flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer.

63. The system of claim 60, wherein the first flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer, and wherein the second flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer.

64. The system of claim 35, wherein the first activating light source comprises two or more lamps, and wherein the lamps are independently operable.

65. The system of claim 35, wherein the conveyor system comprises a continuous flexible member extending from the first curing unit through the second curing unit, wherein the flexible member is configured to interact with a mold assembly to convey the mold assembly through the first curing unit, to the second curing unit, and through the second curing unit.

66. The system of claim 35, wherein the conveyor system comprises two discrete conveyors, wherein the first conveyor is configured to convey the mold assembly from the first curing unit to the second curing unit, and wherein the second conveyor is configured to convey the mold assemblies through the second curing unit.

67. The system of claim 35, wherein the conveyor system comprises a flexible member configured to interact with a mold assembly, and wherein the flexible member is coupled to a motor configured to move the flexible member through the conveyor system.

68. The system of claim 35 wherein the mold assembly further comprises a gasket configured to engage the first mold member and the second mold member, the gasket comprising at least four discrete projections for spacing the mold members, and wherein the projections are arranged on an interior surface of the gasket, and wherein the gasket further comprises a fifth projection positioned such that the projection contacts one of the mold members during use.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein the at least four discrete projections of the gasket are evenly spaced around the interior surface of the gasket.

70. The system of claim 68, wherein the at least four discrete projections of the gasket are spaced at about 90 degree increments around the interior surface of the gasket.

71. The system of claim 68, wherein the gasket further comprises a fill port for receiving a lens forming composition while the gasket is fully engaged to a mold set.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein the fill port extends from an interior surface of the gasket to an exterior surface of the gasket.

73. The system of claim 68, wherein the fifth projection is positioned such that the projection contacts the first mold member, and wherein the gasket further comprises a fill port for receiving a lens forming composition while the gasket is engaged to the molds, and wherein the fill port is positioned near the second mold member during use.

74. The system of claim 35, further comprising a mold assembly holder configured to support the mold assembly, comprising:

a body, wherein the body is configured to allow activating light to reach the mold assembly;

an indentation formed in the body, wherein the indentation is complementary to the shape of the mold assembly.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein the indentation defines an opening, and wherein the opening is positioned such that activating light from the first activating light source passes through the opening and onto the mold assembly when the mold assembly is positioned within the first lens curing unit.

76. The system of claim 74, wherein the indentation defines an opening, and wherein the opening is positioned such that activating light from the second activating light source passes through the opening and onto the mold assembly when the mold assembly is positioned within the second lens curing unit.

77. The system of claim 74, wherein the indentation defines an opening, and wherein the opening is positioned such that activating light from the first activating light source passes through the opening and onto the mold assembly when the mold assembly is positioned within the first lens curing unit, and wherein the opening is positioned such that activating light from the second activating light source passes through the opening and onto the mold assembly when the mold assembly is positioned within the second lens curing unit.

78. The system of claim 74, wherein the mold assembly holder further comprises additional indentations for holding a mold or a gasket of the mold assembly.

79. The system of claim 74, wherein the mold assembly holder further comprises a ridge disposed on the bottom surface, wherein the ridge is configured to interact with a conveyor system.

80. The system of claim 35, further comprising a monomer heating apparatus for dispensing a heated polymerizable lens forming composition comprising:

a body, the body being configured to hold the lens forming composition, the body comprising an opening for receiving a fluid container and an outlet;

a heating system positioned within the body for heating the lens forming composition;

a valve positioned proximate the outlet, wherein the valve comprises an elongated member, wherein the elongated member is positionable within the outlet in a closed position, wherein the elongated member in the closed position inhibits flow of the lens forming composition through the outlet, and wherein the elongated member is positionable within the outlet in an open position, wherein the elongated member in an open position allows flow of the lens forming composition flows through the outlet during use.

81. The system of claim 80, further comprising a programmable controller, wherein the programmable controller is configured to control the operation of the first curing unit, the second curing unit, and the monomer heating apparatus.

53. The system of 52, wherein the anneal unit heating system is configured to heat the interior of the anneal unit to a temperature of up to about 250°

F.

82. A system for preparing an eyeglass lens, comprising:

a mold assembly comprising;

a first mold member having a casting face and a non-casting face;

a second mold member having a casting face and a non-casting face, the second mold member being configured to be spaced apart from the first mold member during use such that the casting faces of the first mold member and the second mold member at least partially define a mold cavity;

an apparatus for curing a lens forming composition, comprising;

a first lens curing unit comprising a first activating light source, wherein the first lens curing unit is configured to produce activating light toward a mold assembly during use;

a second lens curing unit comprising a second activating light source and heating system, wherein the second activating light source is configured to direct activating light toward a mold assembly during use; and

wherein the heating system is configured to heat the interior of the second lens curing unit; and

a conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly from the first lens curing unit into and through the second lens curing unit; and

a lens forming composition configured to be disposed within the mold cavity during use, comprising;

a monomer that cures by exposure to activating light to form the eyeglass lens during use; and

a photoinitiator that initiates curing of the monomer in response to being exposed to activating light during use.

83. The system of claim 82, wherein the lens forming composition further comprises a photochromic compound.

84. The system of claim 82, wherein the lens forming composition further comprises an ultraviolet/visible light absorbing compound.

85. The system of claim 82, wherein the monomer comprises an aromatic containing bis(allyl carbonate)-functional monomer.

86. The system of claim 82, wherein the monomer comprises an aromatic containing polyethylenic polyether functional monomer.

87. The system of claim 82, wherein the monomer composition comprises a polyethylenic functional monomer.

88. The system of claim 82, wherein the lens forming composition further comprises a co-initiator composition, wherein the co-initiator composition comprises an amine.

89. The system of claim 82, wherein the lens forming composition further comprises a co-initiator composition, wherein the co-initiator composition comprises an acrylyl amine.

90. The system of claim 82, wherein the lens forming composition further comprises a co-initiator composition, wherein the co-initiator composition comprises an acrylyl amine, the acrylyl amine comprising monoacrylated amines, diacrylated amines, or mixtures thereof.

91. The system of claim 82 wherein the photoinitiator comprises bis(2,6-dimethoxybenzoyl)-(2,4,4-trimethylphenyl)phosphine oxide.

92. The system of claim 82, wherein the lens forming composition further comprises a dye to form a background color within the lens.

93. The system of claim 82 wherein the lens forming composition is curable to a substantially aberration free lens in less than about 30 minutes.

94. The system of claim 82, wherein the first activating light source is an ultraviolet light source.

95. The system of claim 82, wherein the second activating light source is an ultraviolet light.

96. The system of claim 82, wherein the first and second activating light sources are ultraviolet lights.

97. The system of claim 82, wherein the first and second activating light sources have substantially the same spectral output.

98. The system of claim 82, wherein the first and second activating light sources have a peak light intensity at a range of about 385 nm to about 490 nm.

99. The system of claim 82, wherein the first activating light source comprises a first set of lamps and a second set of lamps, wherein the first and second set of lamps are positioned on opposite sides of the first curing unit.

100. The system of claim 82 wherein the first activating light source is configured to generate pulses of activating light.

101. The system of claim 82 wherein the second activating light source is configured to generate pulses of activating light.

102. The system of claim 82 wherein the first and second activating light sources are configured to generate pulses of activating light.

103. The system of claim 82, further comprising a filter disposed directly adjacent to the first activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the first activating light source.

104. The system of claim 82, further comprising a filter disposed directly adjacent to the second activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the second activating light source.

105. The system of claim 82, further comprising a first filter disposed directly adjacent to the first activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the first activating light source, and further comprising a second filter disposed directly adjacent to the second activating light source, the filter being configured to manipulate an intensity of the activating light emanating from the second activating light source.

106. The system of claim 103, wherein the filter is comprises a metal plate defining an aperture.

107. The system of claim 104, wherein the filter is comprises a metal plate defining an aperture.

108. The system of claim 105, wherein the first and second filters comprise a metal plate defining an aperture.

109. The system of claim 82, further comprising an air distributor positioned within the second curing unit, the air distributor being configured to circulate air within the second curing unit during use.

110. The system of claim 82, further comprising an anneal unit, the anneal unit comprising an anneal unit heating system, wherein the anneal unit heating system is configured to heat the interior of the anneal unit.

111. The system of claim 110, wherein the anneal unit heating system is configured to heat the interior of the anneal unit to a temperature of up to about 250°

F.

112. The system of claim 110, wherein the anneal unit further comprises an anneal unit conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly through the anneal unit.

113. The system of claim 82, further comprising a programmable controller configured to substantially simultaneously control operation of the first curing unit and the second curing unit during use.

114. The system of claim 82, wherein the first activating light source comprises a first set of lamps and a second set of lamps, and further comprising a programmable controller configured to individually control the first and second sets of lamps.

115. The system of claim 82, further comprising a programmable controller configured to control operation of the first curing unit as a function of the eyeglass lens prescription.

116. The system of claim 82, wherein the first activating light source comprises a fluorescent lamp, and wherein the first activating light source further comprises a flasher ballast system coupled to the fluorescent lamp.

117. The system of claim 82, wherein the second activating light source comprises a fluorescent lamp, and wherein the second activating light source further comprises a flasher ballast system coupled to the fluorescent lamp.

118. The system of claim 82, wherein the first activating light source comprises a first fluorescent lamp, and wherein the first activating light source further comprises a first flasher ballast system coupled to the first fluorescent lamp, and wherein the second activating light source comprises a second fluorescent lamp, and wherein the second activating light source further comprises a second flasher ballast system coupled to the second fluorescent lamp.

119. The system of claim 116, wherein the flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer.

120. The system of claim 117, wherein the flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer.

121. The system of claim 118, wherein the first flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer, and wherein the second flasher ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer.

122. The system of claim 82, wherein the first activating light source comprises two or more lamps, and wherein the lamps are independently operable.

123. The system of claim 82, wherein the conveyor system comprises a continuous flexible member extending from the first curing unit through the second curing unit, wherein the flexible member is configured to interact with a mold assembly to convey the mold assembly through the first curing unit, to the second curing unit, and through the second curing unit.

124. The system of claim 82, wherein the conveyor system comprises two discrete conveyors, wherein the first conveyor is configured to convey the mold assembly from the first curing unit to the second curing unit, and wherein the second conveyor is configured to convey the mold assemblies through the second curing unit.

125. The system of claim 82, wherein the conveyor system comprises a flexible member configured to interact with a mold assembly, and wherein the flexible member is coupled to a motor configured to move the flexible member through the conveyor system.

126. The system of claim 82 wherein the mold assembly further comprises a gasket configured to engage the first mold member and the second mold member, the gasket comprising at least four discrete projections for spacing the mold members, and wherein the projections are arranged on an interior surface of the gasket, and wherein the gasket further comprises a fifth projection positioned such that the projection contacts one of the mold members during use.

127. The system of claim 126, wherein the at least four discrete projections of the gasket are evenly spaced around the interior surface of the gasket.

128. The system of claim 126, wherein the at least four discrete projections of the gasket are spaced at about 90 degree increments around the interior surface of the gasket.

129. The system of claim 126, wherein the gasket further comprises a fill port for receiving a lens forming composition while the gasket is fully engaged to a mold set.

130. The system of claim 129, wherein the fill port extends from an interior surface of the gasket to an exterior surface of the gasket.

131. The system of claim 126, wherein the fifth projection is positioned such that the projection contacts the first mold member, and wherein the gasket further comprises a fill port for receiving a lens forming composition while the gasket is engaged to the molds, and wherein the fill port is positioned near the second mold member during use.

132. The system of claim 82, further comprising a mold assembly holder configured to support the mold assembly, comprising:

a body, wherein the body is configured to allow activating light to reach the mold assembly;

an indentation formed in the body, wherein the indentation is complementary to the shape of the mold assembly.

133. The system of claim 132, wherein the indentation defines an opening, and wherein the opening is positioned such that activating light from the first activating light source passes through the opening and onto the mold assembly when the mold assembly is positioned within the first lens curing unit.

134. The system of claim 132, wherein the indentation defines an opening, and wherein the opening is positioned such that activating light from the second activating light source passes through the opening and onto the mold assembly when the mold assembly is positioned within the second lens curing unit.

135. The system of claim 132, wherein the indentation defines an opening, and wherein the opening is positioned such that activating light from the first activating light source passes through the opening and onto the mold assembly when the mold assembly is positioned within the first lens curing unit, and wherein the opening is positioned such that activating light from the second activating light source passes through the opening and onto the mold assembly when the mold assembly is positioned within the second lens curing unit.

136. The system of claim 132, wherein the mold assembly holder further comprises additional indentations for holding a mold or a gasket of the mold assembly.

137. The system of claim 132, wherein the mold assembly holder further comprises a ridge disposed on the bottom surface, wherein the ridge is configured to interact with a conveyor system.

138. The system of claim 82, further comprising a monomer heating apparatus for dispensing a heated polymerizable lens forming composition comprising:

a body, the body being configured to hold the lens forming composition, the body comprising an opening for receiving a fluid container and an outlet;

a heating system positioned with the body for heating the monomer solution;

a valve positioned proximate the outlet, wherein the valve comprises an elongated member, wherein the elongated member is positionable within the in a closed position, wherein the elongated member in the closed position inhibits flow of the lens forming composition through the outlet,

and wherein the elongated member is positionable within the conduit in an open position, wherein the elongated member in an open position allows flow of the lens forming composition flows through the outlet during use.

139. The system of claim 138, further comprising a programmable controller, wherein the programmable controller is configured to control the operation of the first curing unit, the second curing unit, and the monomer heating apparatus.