abstract |
An apparatus and method for forming a lens using a structure having a front mold, a rear mold, and a gasket having opposed ends and defining an axially extending bore in which the front and rear molds are disposed within the bore and spaced apart from each other therein, comprising a piston for axially moving within the bore of the gasket a selected one of the front mold or the rear mold relative to the other mold to a desired one of a plurality of axial separation distances between the molds. A needle also preferably also communicates with the bore of the gasket between the molds to provide fluid communication between the outer surface of the gasket and the bore to facilitate axial movement of the molds relative to each other. Another needle is used for injecting a desired amount of a lens-forming fluid into the bore of the gasket intermediate the front and rear molds, in which the fluid is cured to form the lens. |