Missing lens detection system and method
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for detecting the presence or position of an ophthalmic product in a sealed container, comprising:
- (a) a source of electromagnetic energy located relative to the container to direct electromagnetic energy at the sealed container, said sealed container comprising an attached lidstock to contain the product, said lidstock comprising a reflective foil capable of reflecting the electromagnetic energy, said reflective foil facing said ophthahmic product;
(b) a non-imaging detector disposed relative to the sealed container and the source to detect electromagnetic energy from the source which is reflected by the reflective foil, said non-imaging detector being capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to the energy detected; and
(c) a processor for determining the presence or position of the product in the sealed container responsive to fluorescence, absorption or reflection of the electromagnetic energy by the product, said processor capable of receiving said signal, said signal being correlatable to the presence or position of said ophthalmic product.
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Abstract
A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.
67 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting the presence or position of an ophthalmic product in a sealed container, comprising:
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(a) a source of electromagnetic energy located relative to the container to direct electromagnetic energy at the sealed container, said sealed container comprising an attached lidstock to contain the product, said lidstock comprising a reflective foil capable of reflecting the electromagnetic energy, said reflective foil facing said ophthahmic product;
(b) a non-imaging detector disposed relative to the sealed container and the source to detect electromagnetic energy from the source which is reflected by the reflective foil, said non-imaging detector being capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to the energy detected; and
(c) a processor for determining the presence or position of the product in the sealed container responsive to fluorescence, absorption or reflection of the electromagnetic energy by the product, said processor capable of receiving said signal, said signal being correlatable to the presence or position of said ophthalmic product. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for detecting the presence or position of an ophthahmic product in a sealed container, the product including a media which fluoresces, absorbs or reflects the electromagnetic energy of a frequency in a specified range, the method comprising:
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(a) directing electromagnetic energy at the product and the sealed container, said sealed container comprising an attached lidstock to contain the product, said lidstock comprising a reflective foil capable of reflecting the electromagnetic energy, said reflective foil facing said ophthalmic product;
(b) detecting, without imaging, the absence of or reduction in electromagnetic energy of a frequency in a specified range which is reflected by the reflective foil, the absence of or reduction in electromagnetic energy arising from the product fluorescing, absorbing or reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy;
(c) generating a signal corresponding to the energy detected; and
(d) processing the detected signal to determine the presence or position of the product in the container. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification