Systems and methods for drying coated lenses

Abstract

A drying system for post-printing treatment of optical articles includes a platform for receiving an optical article, a treatment chamber surrounding an interior volume arranged to hold the platform in a stationary position therewithin, a forced gas flow arrangement configured to direct a flow of gas through the interior volume, an emitter of actinic radiation directed or directable towards the interior volume, and electronic circuitry effective to carry out, when the optical article is disposed upon the platform in the interior volume: executing a drying protocol defining, for a given duration of at least three minutes, gas-flow rates and maximum temperatures, both being selected to evaporate a portion of a first component of a composition printed onto the surface of the optical article, and executing an irradiation protocol to cure at least a portion of a second component of the composition.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DRYING COATED LENSES

[0002] This application draws priority from GB Patent Application No. 2501809.4, filed February 6, 2025; which application is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to methods, apparatus and systems for drying optical articles, and particularly to optical articles on which one or more coatings have been deposited thereupon by a printing method.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Eyeglass lenses are currently coated in a variety of different processes. Coatings can include functional coatings such as photochromic coatings, tint coatings, thermochromic coatings, UV -blocking coatings, and blue-light blocking coatings. Some lenses are produced tinted but their use multiplies the quantity of different lens blanks that an ophthalmological laboratory needs to keep in stock. Additionally or alternatively, coatings can include a variety of protective coatings such as hard coatings, and / or primers for surface treatment. Coatings are generally applied ‘wet’, in processes such as thermal dip coating or UV spin coating, and drying and curing generally takes place in an oven.

[0007] New concepts of printing coatings directly on lenses have been disclosed, and new systems and methods for drying and curing such coated lenses are needed, including systems and methods that allow for extended residency in drying / curing chambers rather than continuous processes in which substates are conveyed through drying and curing areas during the performance of the drying and curing processes.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] According to embodiments disclosed herein, a drying system for post-printing treatment of optical articles comprises: (a) an optical-article receiving platform; (b) a treatment chamber surrounding an interior volume arranged to hold the receiving platform in a stationary position therewithin; (c) a forced gas flow arrangement configured to direct a flow of gas through the interior volume; (d) an emitter of actinic radiation directed or directable towards the interior volume; and (e) electronic circuitry effective to carry out, when the drying system is in a first operating mode characterized by an optical article being disposed upon the receiving platform in the stationary position in the interior volume, the following steps: (i)causing the forced gas-flow arrangement to execute a drying protocol defining, for a given duration of at least three minutes, one or more rates of gas flow and one or more maximum temperatures within the interior volume of the treatment chamber, the rate of gas flow and maximum temperature being selected to evaporate a portion of a first component of a composition printed onto the surface of the optical article, and (ii) causing the emitter of actinic radiation to execute an irradiation protocol to cure at least a portion of a second component of the composition.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method of operating the drying system can comprise: (a) activating the forced gas flow arrangement to execute the drying protocol for a period including one or more predetermined durations, thereby evaporating a portion of the first component of the composition; and (b) activating the emitter of actinic radiation to execute the irradiation protocol for a period including one or more predetermined durations, thereby curing a portion of the second component of the composition.

[0011] According to embodiments disclosed herein, a drying system for post-printing treatment of an optical article comprises: (a) a treatment chamber comprising a receiving platform for receiving the optical article; and (b) a forced gas-flow arrangement creating a turbulent gas flow through the treatment chamber for a minimum duration, the forced gas-flow arrangement being such that: (i) the gas enters the treatment chamber through an inlet in a wall of the treatment chamber, (ii) at least a portion of the gas flows over and across the receiving platform so as to evaporate, into the gas flow, some or all of a component of a composition printed onto a surface of received optical article disposed upon the receiving platform, and (iii) the gas is actively exhausted through an outlet in a floor of the treatment chamber. The forced gas-flow arrangement being controllable to adjust a gas flow rate, a duration, and a temperature of the gas entering the treatment chamber.

[0012] According to embodiments disclosed herein, a drying system for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article comprises (i) at least one of a forced gas flow arrangement and an emitter of actinic radiation, and (ii) a receiving platform for receiving thereupon the optical article, the receiving platform comprising at least three spacedapart and circumferentially distributed support members surrounding an inner portion of the receiving platform, each of the support members comprising an upper edge sloping downward toward the inner portion, such that when the optical article is received by the receiving platform, the received optical article rests upon the respective sloping edges of the support members.According to embodiments disclosed herein, a platform for supporting thereupon an optical article during at least a portion of a printing and drying process comprises at least three spaced-apart and circumferentially distributed support members surrounding an inner portion of the platform, each of the support members comprising an upper edge sloping downward toward the inner portion, such that when the optical article is received by the platform, the received optical article rests upon the respective sloping edges of the support members.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and not necessarily to scale. In the drawings:

[0015] Figs. 1A and IB show an exemplary optical article, respectively uncoated and coated, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of selected components of a system for coating optical articles using inkjetting and / or micro-jetting, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a method for coating an optical article using inkjetting and / or micro-jetting, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figs. 4A and 4B show respective side and perspective views of a drying system for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of selected components of the drying system of Figs.

[0020] 4A and 4B, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a schematic cutaway illustration of a chamber for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 7A is a schematic cutaway drawings of part of a chamber for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figs. 7B and 7C are schematic illustrations showing details of the chamber of Fig. 7A, according to embodiments of the present invention.Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective drawing of selected components of the drying system of Figs. 4A and 4B showing a chamber for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article in an open state, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figs. 9 and 10 are schematic illustrations of respective perspective and side view of a carrier and receiving platforms for optical articles, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figs. 11 A is a schematic drawing of an exemplary receiving platform for an optical article, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Figs. 11B and 11C are schematic drawings of an exemplary receiving platform for an optical article, with the optical article disposed on the platform, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 12 shows a block diagram of selected components of a control system for a drying system for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figs. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and 13E show flowcharts for methods and method steps for operating a drying system for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Throughout the drawings, like-referenced characters are generally used to designate like elements.

[0031] The terms ‘exemplary’ and ‘example’ as used herein refer to non-limiting and illustrative examples even when not explicitly specified.Embodiments disclosed herein relate to optical articles, and specifically to systems and processes for coating such optical articles, as well as systems and methods for treating, e.g., drying and / or curing, the coated optical articles. The term ‘optical article’ as used herein can include either an eyeglass lens or an eyeglass lens blank. As is known in the art, an eyeglass lens blank is an optical article from which an eyeglass lens can subsequently be formed by mechanical treatments such as cutting or grinding. Eyeglass lens blanks are most commonly round, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to round lens blanks. While most eyeglass lens and blanks are characterized by a non-zero dioptric power, there is a growing market for zero-power lenses, especially zero-power lenses having one or more of the various coatings available to non-zero power lenses., and so such zero-power lenses can also benefit from application of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] In the embodiments, optical articles can be coated with various compositions by various printing processes. Certain printing processes have been found to be particularly useful for coating optical articles, including inkjet printing and micro-jet printing. For purposes of illumination only, it can be noted that one feature distinguishing micro-jet printing from inkjet printing is that a micro-jet printing head comprises a single nozzle for drop deposition of a composition, while inkjet printing heads comprises multiple nozzles. In some implementations, the range of available drop size is smaller for inkjet printing heads than for micro-jet printing heads, such that the number of drops deposited, e.g., per inch or square inch, is larger. In some implementations, multiple printing heads, e.g., multiple inkjet printing heads or micro-jet printing heads, can deployed to operate either in tandem with each other, or independently.

[0033] In the embodiments, uncoated optical articles are introduced to a system for coating optical articles that uses inkjetting and / or micro-jetting for performing the coating. In some embodiments, the optical articles are introduced in pairs, e.g., in pairs designated for specific pairs of eyeglass of a single customer. In some embodiments, the optical articles can be introduced to the coating system singly or in batches of more than two, including, for example, in multiple pairs. Optical articles can be coated on both sides, i.e., both major surfaces, for example either by coating and drying / curing the coating of one major surface and then repeating for the second major surface, or by coating both surfaces before drying both surfaces. Either of these options can be accomplished by the disclosed systems and methods. In some designs, optical articles can be mechanically and / or robotically ‘flipped,’ i.e., turned over, in order to expose a second side to a coating device such as a printing head. In somedesigns, a post-printing treatment, such as a drying / curing treatment, can be applied to both surfaces simultaneously.

[0034] In some embodiments, uncoated optical articles can first undergo a surface treatment, e.g., printing a coating as a primer layer intended to improve the ability of the functional and / or protective layer(s) to adhere to the coated surface. After the surface treatment, the optical articles are conveyed, e.g., mechanically and / or robotically, to a printing station for coating using an inkjet printing head or a micro-jet printing head. Any conveyance disclosed herein within a coating system, or to / from a station in a coating system, including to / from a drying system, can include mechanical and / or robotic conveyance, taking into account the unique needs of conveying optical articles that may have ‘wet’ coatings on them, as well as being made of polymers that are susceptible to damage, e.g., scratches, before protective coatings are applied. In some implementations, optical articles are conveyed within the system while on a carrier tray, in some implementations, optical articles are conveyed using grippers, e.g., edge grippers that touch only a periphery of the optical articles.

[0035] A non-limiting example of a suitable inkjet printing head for use in the disclosed embodiments is any one of the inkjet printheads available commercially from Xaar pic of Cambridge, England, United Kingdom. A non-limiting example of a suitable micro-jet printing head for use in the disclosed embodiments is any one of the Microventil micro valves available commercially from Fritz Gy ger AG of Gwatt, Switzerland. Following the printing of any one of the layers, the optical articles can be conveyed to a drying system for post-printing treatment of the printed layer, where the printed composition is dried in accordance with a drying profile suitable for the specific composition, and by an irradiation protocol using directed actinic radiation suitable for drying and / or curing the printed composition. Either or both protocols can include timed protocols and / or sensor-driven protocols in any combination. In some implementations, the printing of multiple coating layers can mean that optical articles can be ‘shuttled’ back and forth between the printing station(s) and the drying system. In some embodiments, a final hard coating layer may be dried / cured in an oven rather than in the drying system of the present embodiments.

[0036] The terms ‘drying’ and ‘drying protocols’, and the like, are used to describe processes or process steps that deal with evaporation of one or more components of a coating composition applied (e.g., printed) wet to the surface of an optical article before arrival of the optical article at a treatment chamber of a drying system. In non-limiting examples, the evaporable component(s) include(s) one or more solvents. In contrast, the terms ‘curing’ and‘curing protocols’ are used to describe processes or process steps that deal with densification of the composition, for example by cross-linking of polymers using actinic radiation. The foregoing description should not be taken as implying that no evaporation takes place during a curing protocol, even in the absence of a drying protocol or after a drying protocol; in some examples, remaining evaporable component(s) may be further evaporated by the heat generated in a ‘curing’ process and / or further exposure to a gas in the treatment chamber.

[0037] Electronic circuitry associated with the drying system, e.g., installed therein or in electronic communication therewith, comprises a control system comprising one or more processors and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium having stored therein program instructions for execution by the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the program instructions relate to different operating modes, and execution of such program instructions may be contingent of the drying system being in a specific operating mode.

[0038] Operating modes can, for example, relate to operating states.

[0039] In a first example, an operating mode can relate to one or more optical articles being disposed (in the adjectival sense, e.g., meaning ‘present’) upon respective optical-article receiving platform(s) while the platform is in a stationary position within a treatment chamber. The carrying out of the drying and / or curing protocols can be contingent upon the system being in this operating mode.

[0040] In embodiments, the drying and curing protocols are performed in a batch process, i.e., a process that treats produces finite quantities of optical articles called batches, through discrete tasks that require non-zero residency time of the optical articles in the treatment chamber during execution of the drying and curing protocols.

[0041] The drying system can include a forced-gas flow arrangement in fluid communication with the treatment chamber and designed to carry out the drying protocols by causing gas to flow through the chamber and expose the optical article(s) inside to the gas flow. The gas flow can optionally be heated. The drying protocol is effective to cause the evaporation of at least a portion of at least one component of the wet composition deposited / printed on at least one surface of the optical article. The at least one component can include one or more solvents.

[0042] Non-limiting examples of solvents include low vapor pressure solvents such as: DBA (2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate, CAS 124-17-4), PPH (Ph-0-CH2-CHMe-0H, CAS 770-35-4), Butyl Carbitol (CAS 112-34-5), DPnP (Pr-O-[CH2-CHMe-O]2-H, CAS 29911-27-1), Augeo® (HO-CH2-Me2Acetal, CAS 100-79-8) and TPnB (Tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, CAS 55934-93-5); and / or higher vapor pressure solvents such as: n-butyl acetate, methylisobutyl ketone, isopropanol, isobutyl acetate, and l-methoxy-2-propanol acetate; and or mixtures thereof.

[0043] In embodiments, each of the drying and curing protocols is performed for a duration of time (or multiple durations) during which the printed optical article dwells in the treatment chamber, on the receiving platform. Thus, the drying and curing protocols may not be applicable to continuous processes in which the optical articles move through stations without residency time or with minimal residency time. Without wishing to be bound to a single theory, the inventors have found that a drying process carried out for at least a defined minimum time and maximum temperature can produce better results in terms of optical quality of the coating layers printed on the optical articles. Too-fast evaporation has been found to produce undesirable optical artifacts in the dried coating layers, such as, for example, and not exhaustively, observable evidence of material flow, and pitting or cratering where solvents evaporated too quickly. In contrast, in the controlled ‘batch’ drying processes disclosed herein, parameters of the drying protocol are selected to eliminate or greatly reduce the optical quality issues left behind by the evaporation.

[0044] The treatment chamber can be arranged to accommodate multiple receiving platforms for simultaneous treatment of multiple optical articles. The number of receiving platforms associated with a single treatment chamber depends on design considerations based on, e.g., cost and desired throughput. The treatment protocols, i.e., the drying and / or curing protocols can be defined for specific predetermined durations of time, and can be characterized by various parameters including, and not exhaustively, flow rate of the gas.

[0045] Similar consideration may be given to parameters of the irradiance protocol, i.e., in terms of the duration, wavelength, and intensity (power) of the radiation, in order to prevent or attempt to minimize the appearance of optical artifacts. Therefore, in embodiments, the curing protocol does not describe very short pulses of radiation, but rather emittance of radiation of a period of time lasting multiple minutes.

[0046] Non-limiting examples of a curable component, i.e., the component that is curable, at least in part, in the curing protocol, include thermoplastic soluble polymers such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) a thermoplastic aldehyde resin, e.g., Laropal A-81, from BASF, and / or a thermoplastic acrylic resin dissolved in xylene such as Setalux® 2127 XX-60 from Allnex; UV curable acrylic oligomers such as a difunctional poly ether urethane acrylate, e.g., BR-345 from DYMAX, and an aliphatic poly ether urethane triacrylate, e.g., BR-990 from DYMAX; or any mixtures thereof.We now refer to the illustrations, and in particular to Figs. 1 A and IB. Fig. 1 A shows a non-limiting example of an uncoated eyeglass lens blank 50. Fig. IB shows a coated eyeglass lens blank 55, which in a non-limiting example can be the lens blank 50 of Fig. 1A after undergoing one or more cycles of printing and drying respective coating layers on at least one surface of the lens blank 55.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary system 200 for coating optical articles using inkjetting and / or micro-jetting printing heads. The block diagram shows selected components of the system 200. In some implementations, not all of the components illustrated in Fig. 2 are present. In some implementations, additional components can be present.

[0048] Uncoated optical articles 50 are introduced into the system 200 at a feeder station 105.

[0049] The optical articles 50 can be loaded at the feeder station into whatever receiving platforms and platform carriers are used in the specific implementation of the system 200 when conveying the uncoated and coated optical articles 50, 55 between the various stations using a conveyor system 35, which, according to embodiments, can include mechanical, automated, and / or robotic elements. The exemplary system 200 of Fig. 2 additionally includes an inkjetprinting station 145, a micro-jetting station 146, a drying system 100, an optical inspection system 175, and a packaging station 185 where finished coated optical articles 55 leave the system in appropriate packaging for storage and / or shipment. An external drying oven is provided for use after a hard coating is printed onto an optical article 55.

[0050] Referring now to Fig. 3, a general flowchart is shown of an exemplary method for coating optical articles 50, 55 using inkjetting and / or micro-jetting printing heads, e.g., in the system 200 of Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the method can include Steps S101 ... S118.

[0051] Step S101 includes receiving a pair of optical articles 50 at the feeder station 105.

[0052] Step S102 includes conveying the optical articles 50 to a printing station, i.e., inkjet printing station 145 or micro-jet printing station 146.

[0053] Step S103 includes applying a surface treatment, e.g., a primer layer.

[0054] Step S104 includes conveying the optical articles 55 to the drying system 100.

[0055] Step S105 includes drying the primer layer applied on the optical articles 55.

[0056] Step S106 includes conveying the optical articles 55 to the inkjet printing station 145 or micro-jet printing station 146.

[0057] Step S107 includes applying a printing layer such as a tint layer, a photochromatic tint layer, etc.

[0058] Step S108 includes conveying the optical articles 55 to the drying system 100.Step S109 includes drying the layers applied on the optical articles 55.

[0059] Step S110 includes conveying the optical articles 55 to the micro-jet printing station 146. Step Sill includes applying a protective layer to the optical articles 55.

[0060] Step S112 includes conveying the optical articles 55 to the drying system 100.

[0061] Step S113 includes drying the protective layer applied on the optical articles 55.

[0062] Step S114 includes conveying the optical articles 55 to the optical inspection system 175. Step S115 includes conducting an optical inspection on the optical articles 55.

[0063] Step S116 includes conveying the optical articles 55 to the micro-jet printing station 146. Step S117 includes applying a hardcoat to the optical articles 55.

[0064] Step S118 includes conveying the optical articles 55 to the external oven 180.

[0065] Step S119 includes drying the optical articles 55 in the oven 180.

[0066] Step S120 includes conveying the optical articles 55 to the packaging station 185.

[0067] In some implementations, not all of the steps are carried out. In some implementations, additional steps are carried out.

[0068] Referring now to Figs. 4A and 4B, an exemplary drying system 100 for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article 55 is shown in respective side and perspective views. The system 100 includes an optional housing 155. One or more treatment chambers 120 are provided, in which the post-printing treatment, i.e., drying and curing, occurs. As can be seen in Fig. 4B, the illustrated system 100 comprises four such chambers 120. A gas, e.g., air, is fed to the chambers 120 through a forced gas-flow arrangement comprising, in the example of Figs. 4A and 4B, a single (i.e., for serving the multiple chambers 120) gas blower 140 located upstream from the chambers 120. The blower 140 can use various commercially available technologies, such as, and not exhaustively, a vacuum blower, or, equivalently, a centrifugal or positive displacement blower. The gas-flow arrangement further comprises a filter 142, such as a vacuum filter, upstream from the blower 140. The gas exiting the blower 140 passes through a distribution system that can include, for example, respective ball valves 141 and piping 144 feeding the individual chambers 120. Only one inlet pipe 144 is shown in Fig. 4B to avoid cluttering the drawing. Gas is exhausted from the chambers through an inverted exhaust hood 133 (shown in Fig. 5) common to the multiple chambers 120 and then passes through an exhaust pipe 144. The suction is provided by an inline blower 134 and can be further exhausted through exhaust pipe 136, designed to take into account that the exhausted gas may entrain compounds evaporated from the composition printed onto the surface of the optical article 55.Further details of the drying system 100 are shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The chamber 120 can be seen as comprising two sections: a lower section 122 encompassing a volume in which ‘receiving platforms’ 160 for receiving thereupon optical articles can reside for the duration of a drying protocol and an irradiation protocol, and an upper section 121 housing an emitter 150 of actinic radiation for curing a component of the composition printed onto a surface of the optical article 55. The upper section 121 and the emitter 150 of actinic radiation, illustrated in Fig. 6 as a lamp, is isolated from the lower section 122 by a quartz window 152 that can pass the actinic radiation, e.g., radiation in the ultraviolet and / or infrared spectra. The isolation, inter alia, can be effective to prevent vapors from the drying process in the lower section 122 from reaching the emitter 150 of actinic radiation.

[0069] The gas entering the chamber 120 in accordance with a drying protocol, is optionally heated by a heater. In the example of Fig. 5, an inline gas heater 125 is provided for heating the gas arriving through pipe 144 and directed to a gas inlet 148 of the chamber 120 (shown in Fig. 7B) via pipe 147. A suitable inline gas heater is one from the LHS 210 series of heaters available commercially from Leister AG of Kaegiswil, Switzerland. In some embodiments, a heating element (not shown) can be provided inside the lower section 122 of the chamber 120.

[0070] Operation of the blowers 140, 134 and / or of the heater 125 can be controlled by a control system, e.g., the control system 520 of Fig. 12, in according with parameters of a drying protocol and / or of an irradiation protocol.

[0071] Referring again to Fig. 6, a pair of receiving platforms 160 for receiving thereupon respective optical articles 55 is shown atop a platform carrier 162. Further details of the lower section 122 of the chamber 120 are shown in Figs. 7A, 7B and 7C. Fig. 7B shows a gas inlet 148 mounted on an end wall 123 of the lower section 122. A baffle 161 is mounted in front of and proximate to the gas inlet 148 for disturbing laminar flow and increasing the turbulence of the gas flowing through the chamber 120. An optional bracket 171 for mounting a thermocouple is mounted in front of and proximate to the gas inlet 148 for measuring the temperature of the gas entering the chamber 120. In some embodiments, the temperature is measured to provide feedback to the control system for controlling the gas flow and / or heating to follow a drying profile. In some embodiments, the temperature is measured to avoid exceeding a general limit or a specific limit related to a step in the protocol. Additionally or alternatively, thermocouples can be mounted elsewhere in the chamber 171, as evidenced, for example, by the mounting bracket 171 installed on the receiving platform of Fig. 10.In embodiments, internal surfaces of the lower section 122, such as, for example the wall 123 and the wall 124, can be covered, coated or treated with a reflective material, i.e., a material comprising silver and / or aluminum so as to reflect at least 70% (or at least 80% or at least 90%) of actinic radiation incident on the surfaces. The reflection of the actinic radiation can be effective to make the radiation-curing more even.

[0072] Fig. 7C shows an exemplary floor 126 of a lower section 122. Depending on the design of the platform carrier 162 which may or may not block the entire floor 126, the surface of the floor 126 may also be rendered reflective. In the example of Fig. 7C, the floor 126 has two exit slits 129, such that gas entering the chamber 120 through inlet 148 on the end wall 123 exits the chamber 120 through the slits 129 in the floor 126. A baffle 172 is mounted within each of the slits 129 for disturbing laminar flow and increasing the turbulence of the gas flowing through the chamber 120. In some embodiments, the baffles 172 are in front of and proximate to the slits 129 rather than being disposed within the slits 129.

[0073] We now refer to Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the selected components of the drying system 100 that were illustrated in Fig. 5, showing the treatment chamber 120 (specifically the lower section 122) in an open position. On the slide-out section 164, a platform carrier 162 bears two receiving platforms 160 designed for receiving optical articles 55. One of the receiving platforms 160 in Fig. 8 is shown with a received optical article 55 disposed thereupon. The exemplary platform carrier 162 of Fig. 8 is configured for a pair of optical articles 55. As discussed above, the slide-out section 164 slides out for receiving and / or releasing optical articles, without or without receiving platforms 160 and with or without a platform carrier 162. The selection of the manner in which optical articles 55 are loaded and unloaded into and out of the chamber 120 is largely a question of the design of the conveyance system 35.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary platform carrier 162 configured for carrying two receiving platforms 160. The upper surface of the platform carrier 162 can be a reflective surface, one that reflects at least 70% (or at least 80% or at least 90%) of actinic radiation incident on the surface

[0075] Fig. 10 shows a side view of the platform carrier 162 and two receiving platforms. Each receiving platform has at least three spaced-apart and circumferentially distributed support members 165 surrounding an inner portion of the receiving platform. The inner portion is the central portion of the exemplary receiving platforms 160 of Figs. 8-10, at least in part because they are configured for holding round lens blanks, but in some embodiments thereceiving platforms are configured for holding eyeglass lenses, such that an inner portion of the platform is not necessarily the central portion. Each of the support members 165 has an upper edge 167 sloping downward toward the inner portion such that when the optical article 55 is received by the receiving platform 162, the optical article 55 rests upon the respective sloping edges 167 of the support members 165. In some embodiments, the support members 165 are adapted for sliding, e.g., to change the size of he optical article to be held thereupon. The sloping edges 167 are preferably narrow, to minimize the footprint of contact between the platform 165 and the optical article 55. In some implementations, the sloping edges 167 can have a thickness of less than 5 mm. In some implementations, the respective sloping edges can have a thickness of less than 3 mm. In some implementations, the sloping edges 167 have only a de minimis thickness that is sufficient to avoid presenting a sharp edge towards the optical article 55. Further to avoiding presenting a sharp edge, the sloping edges 167 can have a flattened profile, as is schematically illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11A-C, a or a rounded profile.

[0076] We now refer to Figs. 11A, 1 IB and 11C. Fig. 11 A shows an exemplary receiving platform 160 comprising four support members 165. The upper surface 163 of the platform carrier 162 can be a reflective surface, one that reflects at least 70% (or at least 80% or at least 90%) of actinic radiation incident on the surface. Fig. 1 IB shows an optical article 55 ‘received’ by the receiving platform 160 in a flipped orientation in which the convex surface (‘front’) 81 is facing downward, indicating that the concave ‘back’ surface 82 of the eyeglass lens blank 55 is also coated in a printing process according to embodiments. As can be seen in Fig. 11C, the optical article 55 is received by the receiving platform 160 in a way that the support members 165 contact an edge 87 of the received optical article 55. In some embodiments, the support members 165 contact only an edge 86 of the received optical article 55. If the optical article 55 of Fig. 1 IB were to be turned over, then the support members 165 would contact the edge 86, and in some embodiments - only the edge 86.

[0077] Fig. 11C further illustrates that the received optical article 55 can rest upon the respective sloping edges 165 without contacting a floor 163 of the receiving platform 160, leaving a gap 710 between the surface 81 of the optical article 55 and the floor 163 of the receiving platform 160.

[0078] The skilled artisan will understand that the sloped nature of the sloping edges 167 allows the receiving platforms - even those without the above-mentioned adaptive / sliding feature - to handle a wide range of sizes of optical articles. In an example, the respective sloping edges 167 can be sized and arranged so that a received optical article 55 comprising aneyeglass lens blank having a diameter between 35 mm and 85 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges 167 without contacting the floor 163 of the receiving platform 160. In another example, the respective sloping edges 167 can be sized and arranged so that a received optical article 55 comprising an eyeglass lens blank having a diameter between 40 mm and 80 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges 167 without contacting a floor 163 of the receiving platform 160. In a first example in which the optical articles comprise eyeglass lenses, e.g., shaped for insertion into eyeglass frames, the respective sloping edges 167 can be sized and arranged so that a received optical article 55 comprising an eyeglass lens having a minimum footprint dimension of at least 20 mm and a maximum footprint dimension of at most 50 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges 167 without contacting a floor 163 of the receiving platform 160.

[0079] The sloping edges 167 are preferably designed to minimize the contact between the optical articles 55 and the support members 165. To this end, the sloping edges 167 can slope continuously and / or monotonically. In some embodiments, the sloping edges 167 are devoid of steps and notches.

[0080] In some embodiments, the receiving platforms 160 can include a heating element. As shown in the block diagram of Fig. 12, an exemplary control system 520 comprises computing equipment and ancillary equipment configured for monitoring, controlling, regulating and / or actuating one or more components or sub-systems of the drying system 100.

[0081] Depending on location customization, the control system can include any or all of (and not exhaustively): one or more computer processors 555, computer-readable storage media 558, 559, and a communications module 557. The computer-readable program storage media 58, 59 can include transient and / or transient storage, and can include one or more storage units, all in accordance with desired functionality and design choices. Some or all of the computer-readable program storage media 558, 559 can be cloud-based. In embodiments, the program storage 558 can be used for storing program instructions in firmware and / or software, for execution by the one or more processors 555; operating data and / or maintenance data relating to components of the drying system 200 and / or optical 55 articles dried and / or cured in a postprinting treatment protocol. The communications module 557 can be configured to establish communications links with external computers, e.g., for software and firmware updates, database access, other control systems in the system 100 for coating optical articles using inkjetting and / or micro-jetting etc., and to interact with a users via a user interface (notshown). In some embodiments, not all of the illustrated components of the control system 520 are provided. In some embodiments, not all of the communications arrangements are provided.

[0082] Referring now to Fig. 13 A, an exemplary method is disclosed for operating any of the drying systems 100 disclosed herein. As illustrated by the flow chart in Fig. 13, the method comprises at least the two steps S201 and S02.

[0083] Step S201 includes activating the forced gas flow arrangement to execute the drying protocol, thereby evaporating a portion of the first component of the composition.

[0084] Step S202 includes activating the emitter 150 of actinic radiation to execute the irradiation protocol, thereby curing a portion of the second component of the composition.

[0085] In some embodiments, Steps S201 and S202 are carried out sequentially. In some embodiments, Steps S201 and S202 overlap. In some embodiments, wherein carrying out Step S202 includes causing the emitter 150 of actinic radiation to execute at least a portion PR of the irradiation protocol contingent upon and subsequent to evaporation of a portion PL of the first component of the composition in Step S201, the portion PL being at least 50% of the first component by weight, or at least 50% of the first component by weight, or at least 60% of the first component by weight, or at least 75% of the first component by weight, or at least 95% of the first component by weight. In some embodiments, PR is at least 50% of the total actinic radiation TAR emitted in the irradiation protocol of Step S202, or at least 60%, or at least 75%, or at least 95%. In some embodiments, a maximum temperature Tmax within the treatment chamber 120 prior to carrying out Step S202 is at most 120°C, or at most 110°C, or at most 105°C, or at most 100°C. In some embodiments, Tmax is at least 55°C, or at least 65°C, or at least 75°C, or at least 85°C, or at least 95°C.

[0086] In some embodiments, as illustrated by the flowchart of Fig. 13B, the method can additionally include Step S203. As shown in Fig. 13B, Step S203 includes, sliding the receiving platform 160 into the treatment chamber 120 when the received optical article 55 is disposed on the receiving platform 160.

[0087] In some embodiments, as illustrated by the flowchart of Fig. 13C, the method can additionally include Step S204. As shown in Fig. 13C, Step S204 includes sliding the receiving platform 160 out of the treatment chamber 120.

[0088] In some embodiments, as illustrated by the flowchart of Fig. 13D, the method can additionally include Step S205. As shown in Fig. 13D, Step S205 includes creating or modifying, in the stored program instructions, at least one of the drying protocol and the irradiation protocol.In some embodiments, as illustrated by the flowchart of Fig. 13E, the method can additionally include Step S206. As shown in Fig. 13E, Step S206 heating the gas before it enters the treatment chamber.

[0089] The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following Inventive Concepts, numbered 1-120 and listed below for convenient reference. It can be seen that some concepts disclosed hereinabove are not summarized in this section, but not being summarized in this section should not be taken as an indication that such concepts are not inventive or fall outside the disclosed scope of the embodiments. It may be that some of the Inventive Concepts are introduced below for the first time for the sake of conciseness.

[0090] Inventive concept 1. A drying system for post-printing treatment of optical articles, the drying system comprising: an optical-article receiving platform; a treatment chamber surrounding an interior volume arranged to hold the receiving platform in a stationary position therewithin; a forced gas flow arrangement configured to direct a flow of gas through the interior volume; an emitter of actinic radiation directed or directable towards the interior volume; and electronic circuitry effective to carry out, when the drying system is in a first operating mode characterized by an optical article being disposed upon the receiving platform in the stationary position in the interior volume, the following steps: causing the forced gasflow arrangement to execute a drying protocol defining, for a given duration of at least three minutes, one or more rates of gas flow and one or more maximum temperatures within the interior volume of the treatment chamber, the rate of gas flow and maximum temperature being selected to evaporate a portion of a first component of a composition printed onto the surface of the optical article, and causing the emitter of actinic radiation to execute an irradiation protocol to cure at least a portion of a second component of the composition.

[0091] Inventive concept 1A. The drying system of Inventive concept 1, wherein the drying protocol and curing protocol are batch-process protocols requiring a period of time of residency of the optical article in the treatment chamber.

[0092] Inventive concept 2. The drying system of Inventive concept 1 or 1A, wherein the drying protocol and the irradiation protocol are caused to be executed consecutively.

[0093] Inventive concept 3. The drying system of Inventive concept 1 or 1A, wherein the drying protocol and the irradiation protocol are caused to be executed overlappingly.

[0094] Inventive concept 4. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the emitter of actinic radiation is separated from the interior volume of the treatment chamber by a quartz-containing window.Inventive concept 5. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the emitter of actinic radiation is fixed in place.

[0095] Inventive concept 6. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the emitter of actinic radiation comprises an ultraviolet lamp.

[0096] Inventive concept 7. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the emitter of actinic radiation comprises an infrared lamp.

[0097] Inventive concept 8. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the drying protocol includes a multi-temperature profile.

[0098] Inventive concept 9. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the drying protocol is a timed protocol characterized by one or more predetermined durations.

[0099] Inventive concept 10. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the irradiation protocol is a timed protocol characterized by one or more predetermined durations.

[0100] Inventive concept 11. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 1 to 8, wherein the drying protocol is a sensor-limited protocol characterized by one or more segments of the protocol being terminated in response to a sensor reading.

[0101] Inventive concept 12. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 1 to 9, wherein the radiation protocol is a sensor-limited protocol characterized by one or more segments of the protocol being terminated in response to a sensor reading.

[0102] Inventive concept 13. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the receiving platform is configured for (i) slidingly exiting the treatment chamber for at least one of receiving the optical article and releasing the treated optical article, and (ii) slidingly entering the treatment chamber to place the drying system in the first operating mode.

[0103] Inventive concept 14. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the electronic circuitry is additionally effective to cause the processors to cause the receiving platform to slidingly enter the treatment chamber when the drying system is in a second operating mode in which the receiving platform is outside the interior volume and the optical article is received thereupon.

[0104] Inventive concept 15. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the electronic circuitry is additionally effective to cause the receivingplatform to slidingly exit the treatment chamber after the executing of the drying protocol and the irradiation protocol.

[0105] Inventive concept 16. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, comprising a platform carrier arranged to bear one or more receiving platforms.

[0106] Inventive concept 17. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the electronic circuitry is additionally effective to cause the receiving platform enter and / or exit the treatment chamber, and the entering and / or exiting by the receiving platform includes entering and / or exiting by a platform carrier bearing the receiving platform.

[0107] Inventive concept 18. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the composition comprises an ink.

[0108] Inventive concept 19. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 1 to 17, wherein the composition comprises a photochromatic ink.

[0109] Inventive concept 20. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 1 to 17, wherein the composition comprises a protective coating.

[0110] Inventive concept 21. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the composition comprises a low vapor pressure solvent comprising at least one of DBA (2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate, CAS 124-17-4), PPH (Ph-O-CH2-CHMe-OH, CAS 770-35-4), Butyl Carbitol (CAS 112-34-5), DPnP (Pr-O-[CH2-CHMe-O]2-H, CAS 29911-27-1), Augeo® (HO-CH2-Me2Acetal, CAS 100-79-8) and TPnB (Tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, CAS 55934-93-5).

[0111] Inventive concept 22. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the composition comprises at least one higher vapor pressure solvent comprising at least one of n-butyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, isopropanol, isobutyl acetate, and 1 -methoxy -2-propanol acetate.

[0112] Inventive concept 23. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the first component of the composition comprises (i) at least one low vapor pressure solvent selected from: DBA (2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate, CAS 124-17-4), PPH (Ph-O-CH2-CHMe-OH, CAS 770-35-4), Butyl Carbitol (CAS 112-34-5), DPnP (Pr-O-[CH2-CHMe-O]2-H, CAS 29911-27-1), Augeo® (HO-CH2-Me2Acetal, CAS 100-79-8) and TPnB (Tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, CAS 55934-93-5), and / or (ii) at least one higher vapor pressure solvent selected from: n-butyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, isopropanol, isobutyl acetate, and 1 -methoxy -2-propanol acetate.Inventive concept 24. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the second component of the composition comprises at least one of (i) a thermoplastic soluble polymer selected from: polyvinyl butyral, a thermoplastic aldehyde resin, and a thermoplastic acrylic resin, and / or at least one UV curable acrylic oligomer selected from difunctional poly ether urethane acrylate and aliphatic polyether urethane triacrylate.

[0113] Inventive concept 25. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, additionally comprising a heater in fluid communication with the treatment chamber and upstream therefrom, wherein the heater is arranged to heat the flow of gas entering the treatment chamber.

[0114] Inventive concept 26. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, additionally comprising one or more heating elements disposed inside the treatment chamber.

[0115] Inventive concept 27. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein an internal surface of the treatment chamber is effective to reflect at least 70% of actinic radiation incident thereupon.

[0116] Inventive concept 28. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein a surface of the receiving platform is effective to reflect at least 70% of actinic radiation incident thereupon.

[0117] Inventive concept 29. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, comprising a platform carrier upon which the receiving platform is disposed, wherein an upper surface of the platform carried is effective to reflect at least 70% of actinic radiation incident thereupon.

[0118] Inventive concept 30. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, additionally comprising a vacuum blower in fluid communication with and upstream from the treatment chamber.

[0119] Inventive concept 31. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, additionally comprising a blower in fluid communication with and downstream from the treatment chamber, the blower being arranged to exhaust the gas from the treatment chamber.

[0120] Inventive concept 32. The drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, wherein the electronic circuitry comprises a control system comprising one or more processors and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium having stored thereinprogram instructions for execution by the one or more processors, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processors to cause the forced gas-flow arrangement to execute the drying protocol and to cause the emitter of actinic radiation to execute the irradiation protocol.

[0121] Inventive concept 33. The drying system of Inventive concept 32, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processors to operate the drying system in a batch process in which treatment of the optical articles has a minimum residence time in the treatment chamber.

[0122] Inventive concept 34. A method of operating the drying system of any one of the preceding Inventive concepts, the method comprising: activating the forced gas flow arrangement to execute the drying protocol for a period including one or more predetermined durations, thereby evaporating a portion of the first component of the composition; and activating the emitter of actinic radiation to execute the irradiation protocol for a period including one or more predetermined durations, thereby curing a portion of the second component of the composition.

[0123] Inventive concept 34A. The method of Inventive concept 34, wherein the composition comprises a low vapor pressure solvent comprising at least one of DBA (2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate, CAS 124-17-4), PPH (Ph-0-CH2-CHMe-0H, CAS 770-35-4), Butyl Carbitol (CAS 112-34-5), DPnP (Pr-O-[CH2-CHMe-O]2-H, CAS 29911-27-1), Augeo® (HO-CH2-Me2Acetal, CAS 100-79-8) andTPnB (Tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, CAS 55934-93-5).

[0124] Inventive concept 34B. The method of either one of Inventive concepts 34 or 34A, wherein the composition comprises at least one higher vapor pressure solvent comprising at least one of n-butyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, isopropanol, isobutyl acetate, and 1-methoxy-2-propanol acetate.

[0125] Inventive concept 34C. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 34B, wherein the first component of the composition comprises (i) at least one low vapor pressure solvent selected from: DBA (2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate, CAS 124-17-4), PPH (Ph-O-CH2-CHMe-OH, CAS 770-35-4), Butyl Carbitol (CAS 112-34-5), DPnP (Pr-O-[CH2-CHMe-O]2-H, CAS 29911-27-1), Augeo® (HO-CH2-Me2Acetal, CAS 100-79-8) and TPnB (Tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, CAS 55934-93-5), and / or (ii) at least one higher vapor pressure solvent selected from: n-butyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, isopropanol, isobutyl acetate, and 1 -methoxy -2-propanol acetate.Inventive concept 35. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 34C, wherein curing the portion of the second component includes cross-linking.

[0126] Inventive concept 36. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 35, wherein the curing includes densification of the composition.

[0127] Inventive concept 37. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 36, additionally including: when the system is in a second operating mode in which the receiving platform is outside the interior volume and the optical article is received thereupon, sliding the receiving platform into the treatment chamber.

[0128] Inventive concept 38. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 37, additionally including sliding the receiving platform out of the treatment chamber after executing the drying protocol and the irradiation protocol..

[0129] Inventive concept 39. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 38, additionally including creating or modifying, in program instructions stored in a storage device of the electronic circuitry, at least one of the drying protocol and the irradiation protocol.

[0130] Inventive concept 40. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 39, additionally including heating the gas before it enters the treatment chamber.

[0131] Inventive concept 41. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 40, wherein the gas comprises air.

[0132] Inventive concept 42. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 3 minutes below 70°C.

[0133] Inventive concept 43. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 3 minutes below 60°C.

[0134] Inventive concept 44. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 3 minutes below 50°C.

[0135] Inventive concept 45. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 3 minutes below 40°C.

[0136] Inventive concept 46. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 5 minutes below 75°C.

[0137] Inventive concept 47. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 5 minutes below 65°C.

[0138] Inventive concept 48. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 5 minutes below 50°C.Inventive concept 49. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 5 minutes below 45°C.

[0139] Inventive concept 50. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 7 minutes below 75°C.

[0140] Inventive concept 51. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 7 minutes below 60°C.

[0141] Inventive concept 52. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 7 minutes below 50°C.

[0142] Inventive concept 53. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 10 minutes below 80°C.

[0143] Inventive concept 54. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 10 minutes below 60°C.

[0144] Inventive concept 55. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 10 minutes below 50°C.

[0145] Inventive concept 56. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 15 minutes below 90°C.

[0146] Inventive concept 57. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 15 minutes below 70°C.

[0147] Inventive concept 58. The method of any one Inventive concepts 34 to 41, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 15 minutes below 60°C.

[0148] Inventive concept 59. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 58, wherein the forced gas-flow arrangement is effective evaporate a portion PL of the first component, prior to causing the emitter to execute at least a portion PR of the irradiation protocol, the portion of liquid PL being at least 50% by weight.

[0149] Inventive concept 60. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 59, wherein activating the emitter includes executing at least a portion PR of the irradiation protocol contingent upon and subsequent to evaporation of a portion PL of the first component of the composition, the portion PL being at least 50% of the first component by weight.

[0150] Inventive concept 61. The method of either one of Inventive concepts 59 or 60, wherein PL is at least 50%.

[0151] Inventive concept 62. The method of either one of Inventive concepts 59 or 60, wherein PL is at least 60%.Inventive concept 63. The method of either one of Inventive concepts 59 or 60, wherein PL is at least 75%.

[0152] Inventive concept 64. The method of either one of Inventive concepts 59 or 60, wherein PL is at least 95%.

[0153] Inventive concept 65. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 59 to 64, wherein PR is at least 50% of the total actinic radiation TAR emitted in the irradiation protocol.

[0154] Inventive concept 66. The method of Inventive concept 65, wherein PR is at least 60% of TAR.

[0155] Inventive concept 67. The method of Inventive concept 65, wherein PR is at least 75% of TAR.

[0156] Inventive concept 68. The method of Inventive concept 65, wherein PR is at least 95% of TAR.

[0157] Inventive concept 69. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 68, wherein a maximum temperature Tmax within the treatment chamber prior to activating the emitter of actinic radiation to execute the irradiation protocol is at most 120°C.

[0158] Inventive concept 70. The method of Inventive concept 69, Tmax being at least 110°C. Inventive concept 71. The method of Inventive concept 69, Tmax being at least 105°C. Inventive concept 72. The method of Inventive concept 69, Tmax being at least 100°C. Inventive concept 73. The method of Inventive concept 69, Tmax being at least 55°C. Inventive concept 74. The method of Inventive concept 69, Tmax being at least 65°C. Inventive concept 75. The method of Inventive concept 69, Tmax being at least 75°C. Inventive concept 76. The method of Inventive concept 69, Tmax being at least 85°C. Inventive concept 77. The method of Inventive concept 69, Tmax being at least 95°C. Inventive concept 78. The method of any one of Inventive concepts 34 to 77, wherein a total time of drying and curing tT is at most 90 minutes.

[0159] Inventive concept 79. The method of Inventive concept 78, wherein tT is within a range of 6 to 90 minutes.

[0160] Inventive concept 80. The method of either one of Inventive concepts 78 or 79, wherein tT is at most 60 minutes.

[0161] Inventive concept 81. The method of either one of Inventive concepts 78 or 79, wherein tT is at most 40 minutes.

[0162] Inventive concept 82. The method of either one of Inventive concepts 78 or 79, wherein tT is at most 30 minutes.Inventive concept 83. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 1 to 33, additionally comprising a mechanical and / or robotic arrangement configured to turn over an optical article.

[0163] Inventive concept 84. The drying system of Inventive concept 83, wherein the mechanical and / or robotic arrangement is configured to perform the turning over while contacting the optical article only at an edge thereof.

[0164] Inventive concept 85. A drying system for post-printing treatment of an optical article, the drying system comprising:

[0165] a. a treatment chamber comprising a receiving platform for receiving the optical article; and

[0166] b. a forced gas-flow arrangement creating a turbulent gas flow through the treatment chamber for a minimum duration, the forced gas-flow arrangement being such that: the gas enters the treatment chamber through an inlet in a wall of the treatment chamber, at least a portion of the gas flows over and across the receiving platform so as to evaporate, into the gas flow, some or all of a component of a composition printed onto a surface of received optical article disposed upon the receiving platform, and the gas is actively exhausted through an outlet in a floor of the treatment chamber, the forced gas-flow arrangement being controllable to adjust a gas flow rate, a duration, and a temperature of the gas entering the treatment chamber.

[0167] Inventive concept 86. The drying system of Inventive concept 85, wherein the gas comprises air.

[0168] Inventive concept 87. The drying system of either one of Inventive concepts 85 or 86, wherein the gas is heated before entering the treatment chamber.

[0169] Inventive concept 88. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 85 to 87, additionally comprising a heater in fluid communication with the treatment chamber and upstream therefrom, wherein the heater is arranged to heat the flow of gas entering the treatment chamber.

[0170] Inventive concept 89. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 85 to 88, additionally comprising one or more heating elements disposed inside the treatment chamber.

[0171] Inventive concept 90. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 85 to 89, wherein the gas is heated by an in-line gas heater before entering the treatment chamber.Inventive concept 91. The drying system of Inventive concept 90, comprising a plurality of treatment chambers and a plurality of in-line gas heaters respectively in fluid communication with the treatment chambers.

[0172] Inventive concept 92. The drying system of Inventive concept 91, additionally comprising a single gas blower upstream of the plurality of in-line gas heaters, the blower comprising a centrifugal or positive displacement blower.

[0173] Inventive concept 93. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 85 to 92, wherein the active exhausting is by an in-line blower downstream of the treatment chamber.

[0174] Inventive concept 94. The drying system of either one of Inventive concepts 84 or 85, additionally comprising a control system programmed or programmable to control the gas flow rate, the duration, and the temperature of the gas entering the treatment chamber.

[0175] Inventive concept 95. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 85 to 94, comprising a baffle in fluid communication with the inlet.

[0176] Inventive concept 96. The drying system of Inventive concept 95, wherein the baffle is disposed within an interior volume of the treatment chamber.

[0177] Inventive concept 97. The drying system of either one of Inventive concepts 95 or 96, wherein the baffle is mounted to a wall of the treatment chamber.

[0178] Inventive concept 98. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 95 to 97, wherein at least a portion of the baffle is disposed at a distance of no more than 10 cm from the inlet.

[0179] Inventive concept 99. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 88 to 91, wherein at least a portion of the baffle is disposed at a distance of no more than 5 cm from the inlet.

[0180] Inventive concept 100. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 95 to 99, comprising a baffle in fluid communication with the outlet.

[0181] Inventive concept 101. The drying system of Inventive concept 100, wherein the baffle is disposed within an interior volume of the treatment chamber.

[0182] Inventive concept 102. The drying system of either one of Inventive concepts 100 or 101, wherein the baffle is installed in or on a floor of the treatment chamber.

[0183] Inventive concept 103. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 100 to 102, wherein at least a portion of the baffle is disposed at a distance of no more than 10 cm from the outlet.Inventive concept 104. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 100 to 103, wherein at least a portion of the baffle is disposed at a distance of no more than 5 cm from the inlet.

[0184] Inventive concept 105. The drying system of any one Inventive concepts 85 to 104, wherein the forced gas-flow arrangement is configured to replace the gas in the treatment chamber between 10 and 50 times per minute.

[0185] Inventive concept 106. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 85 to 105, wherein the forced gas-flow arrangement is configured to replace the gas in the treatment chamber between 20 and 40 times per minute.

[0186] Inventive concept 107. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 85 to 106, wherein the treatment chamber has an internal volume between of between 2 liters and 10 liters.

[0187] Inventive concept 108. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 85 to 107, wherein the treatment chamber has an internal volume of between 3 liters and 6 liters.

[0188] Inventive concept 109. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 85 to 108, comprising a plurality of receiving platforms arranged to receive a corresponding plurality of optical articles.

[0189] Inventive concept 110. A drying system for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article, the drying system comprising (i) at least one of a forced gas flow arrangement and an emitter of actinic radiation, and (ii) a receiving platform for receiving thereupon the optical article, the receiving platform comprising at least three spaced-apart and circumferentially distributed support members surrounding an inner portion of the receiving platform, each of the support members comprising an upper edge sloping downward toward the inner portion, such that when the optical article is received by the receiving platform, the received optical article rests upon the respective sloping edges of the support members.

[0190] Inventive concept 111. The drying system of Inventive concept 110, wherein when the optical article is received by the receiving platform, the support members contact an edge of the received optical article.

[0191] Inventive concept 112. The drying system of either one of Inventive concepts 110 or 111, wherein the received optical article can rest upon the respective sloping edges such that the support members contact only an edge of the received optical article.Inventive concept 113. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 112, wherein the received optical article can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the receiving platform.

[0192] Inventive concept 114. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 113, wherein the respective sloping edges have a thickness of less than 5 mm.

[0193] Inventive concept 115. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 114, wherein the respective sloping edges have a thickness of less than 3 mm.

[0194] Inventive concept 116. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 115, wherein the respective sloping edges have a de minimis thickness sufficient to avoid a sharp edge.

[0195] Inventive concept 117. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 116, wherein the respective sloping edges have a flat or round profile.

[0196] Inventive concept 118. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 117, wherein the respective sloping edges are sized and arranged so that a received optical article comprising an eyeglass lens blank having a diameter between 35 mm and 85 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the receiving platform.

[0197] Inventive concept 119. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 118, wherein the respective sloping edges are sized and arranged so that a received optical article comprising an eyeglass lens blank having a diameter between 40 mm and 80 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the receiving platform.

[0198] Inventive concept 120. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 119, wherein the respective sloping edges are sized and arranged so that a received optical article comprising an eyeglass lens having a minimum footprint dimension of at least 20 mm and a maximum footprint dimension of at most 50 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the receiving platform.

[0199] Inventive concept 121. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 120, wherein the respective sloping edges slope continuously.

[0200] Inventive concept 122. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 121, wherein the respective sloping edges slope monotonically.

[0201] Inventive concept 123. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 122, wherein the respective sloping edges are devoid of steps and notches.Inventive concept 124. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 123, wherein an upper surface of the receiving platform is effective to reflect at least 70% of actinic radiation incident thereupon.

[0202] Inventive concept 125. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 124, comprising a plurality of receiving platforms for receiving thereupon a corresponding plurality of optical articles.

[0203] Inventive concept 126. The drying system of any one of Inventive concepts 110 to 125, comprising a platform carrier bearing one or more receiving platforms.

[0204] Inventive concept 127. The drying system of Inventive concept 126, wherein an upper surface of the platform carrier is effective to reflect at least 70% of actinic radiation incident thereupon.

[0205] Inventive concept 128. A platform for supporting thereupon an optical article during at least a portion of a printing and drying process, the platform comprising at least three spacedapart and circumferentially distributed support members surrounding an inner portion of the platform, each of the support members comprising an upper edge sloping downward toward the inner portion, such that when the optical article is received by the platform, the received optical article rests upon the respective sloping edges of the support members.

[0206] Inventive concept 129. The platform of Inventive concept 128, wherein when the optical article is received by the platform, the support members contact an edge of the received optical article.

[0207] Inventive concept 130. The platform of either one of Inventive concepts 128 or 129, wherein the received optical article can rest upon the respective sloping edges such that the support members contact only an edge of the received optical article.

[0208] Inventive concept 131. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 130, wherein the received optical article can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the platform.

[0209] Inventive concept 132. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 131, wherein the respective sloping edges have a thickness of less than 5 mm.

[0210] Inventive concept 133. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 132, wherein the respective sloping edges have a thickness of less than 3 mm.

[0211] Inventive concept 134. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 133, wherein the respective sloping edges have a de minimis thickness sufficient to avoid a sharp edge.Inventive concept 135. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 134, wherein the respective sloping edges have a flat or round profile.

[0212] Inventive concept 136. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 135, wherein the respective sloping edges are sized and arranged so that a received optical article comprising an eyeglass lens blank having a diameter between 35 mm and 85 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the platform.

[0213] Inventive concept 137. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 136, wherein the respective sloping edges are sized and arranged so that a received optical article comprising an eyeglass lens blank having a diameter between 40 mm and 80 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the platform.

[0214] Inventive concept 138. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 137, wherein the respective sloping edges are sized and arranged so that a received optical article comprising an eyeglass lens having a minimum footprint dimension of at least 20 mm and a maximum footprint dimension of at most 50 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the platform.

[0215] Inventive concept 139. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 138, wherein the respective sloping edges slope continuously.

[0216] Inventive concept 140. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 139, wherein the respective sloping edges slope monotonically.

[0217] Inventive concept 141. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 140, wherein the respective sloping edges are devoid of steps and notches.

[0218] Inventive concept 142. The platform of any one of Inventive concepts 128 to 141, wherein an upper surface of the platform is effective to reflect at least 70% of actinic radiation incident thereupon.

[0219] The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A drying system for post-printing treatment of optical articles, the drying system comprising:a. an optical-article receiving platform;b. a treatment chamber surrounding an interior volume arranged to hold the receiving platform in a stationary position therewithin;c. a forced gas flow arrangement configured to direct a flow of gas through the interior volume;d. an emitter of actinic radiation directed or directable towards the interior volume; ande. electronic circuitry effective to carry out, when the drying system is in a first operating mode characterized by an optical article being disposed upon the receiving platform in the stationary position in the interior volume, the following steps:i. causing the forced gas-flow arrangement to execute a drying protocol defining, for a given duration of at least three minutes, one or more rates of gas flow and one or more maximum temperatures within the interior volume of the treatment chamber, the rate of gas flow and maximum temperature being selected to evaporate a portion of a first component of a composition printed onto the surface of the optical article, andii. causing the emitter of actinic radiation to execute an irradiation protocol to cure at least a portion of a second component of the composition.

2. The drying system of claim 1, wherein the emitter of actinic radiation is separated from the interior volume of the treatment chamber by a quartz-containing window.

3. The drying system of either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the drying protocol is a timed protocol characterized by one or more predetermined durations.

4. The drying system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the irradiation protocol is a timed protocol characterized by one or more predetermined durations.

5. The drying system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving platform is configured for (i) slidingly exiting the treatment chamber for at least one of receiving the optical article and releasing the treated optical article, and (ii) slidingly entering the treatment chamber to place the drying system in the first operating mode.

6. The drying system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a platform carrier arranged to bear one or more receiving platforms.

7. The drying system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an internal surface of the treatment chamber is effective to reflect at least 70% of actinic radiation incident thereupon.

8. The drying system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of the receiving platform is effective to reflect at least 70% of actinic radiation incident thereupon.

9. The drying system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuitry comprises a control system comprising one or more processors and a nontransient computer-readable storage medium having stored therein program instructions for execution by the one or more processors, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processors to operate the drying system in a batch process in which treatment of the optical articles has a minimum residence time in the treatment chamber.

10. The drying system of any one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising a mechanical and / or robotic arrangement configured to turn over an optical article.

11. The drying system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment chamber has an internal volume between of between 2 liters and 10 liters.

12. The drying system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of receiving platforms arranged to receive a corresponding plurality of optical articles.

13. A method of operating the drying system of any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:a. activating the forced gas flow arrangement to execute the drying protocol for a period including one or more predetermined durations, thereby evaporating a portion of the first component of the composition; andb. activating the emitter of actinic radiation to execute the irradiation protocol for a period including one or more predetermined durations, thereby curing a portion of the second component of the composition.

14. The method of any one claims 13, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 3 minutes below 70°C.

15. The method of any one claims 13, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 5 minutes below 65°C.

16. The method of any one claims 13, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 7 minutes below 60°C.

17. The method of any one claims 13, wherein the executed drying protocol includes a duration of at least 10 minutes below 50°C.

18. A drying system for post-printing treatment of a printed surface of an optical article, the drying system comprising (i) at least one of a forced gas flow arrangement and an emitter of actinic radiation, and (ii) a receiving platform for receiving thereupon the optical article, the receiving platform comprising at least three spaced-apart and circumferentially distributed support members surrounding an inner portion of the receiving platform, each of the support members comprising an upper edge sloping downward toward the inner portion, such that when the optical article is received by the receiving platform, the received optical article rests upon the respective sloping edges of the support members.

19. A platform for supporting thereupon an optical article during at least a portion of a printing and drying process, the platform comprising at least three spaced-apart and circumferentially distributed support members surrounding an inner portion of the platform, each of the support members comprising an upper edge sloping downward toward the inner portion, such that when the optical article is received by the platform, the received optical article rests upon the respective sloping edges of the support members.

20. The platform of claim 19, wherein when the optical article is received by the platform, the support members contact an edge of the received optical article.

21. The platform of either one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the received optical article can rest upon the respective sloping edges such that the support members contact only an edge of the received optical article.

22. The platform of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the received optical article can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the platform.

23. The platform of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the respective sloping edges are sized and arranged so that a received optical article comprising an eyeglass lens blank having a diameter between 40 mm and 80 mm can rest upon the respective sloping edges without contacting a floor of the platform.

24. The platform of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein an upper surface of the platform is effective to reflect at least 70% of actinic radiation incident thereupon.

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