A Binary Encoding for Efficient XML Processing

The method and apparatus for marking of soft contact lenses with identification indicia is disclosed. A film cartridge is provided for supporting a non-gel film having lens marking indicia gel or dye disposed thereon. The cartridge has an opening therein to access the film and a backing pad is positioned proximate the film opposite the opening to disperse marking contact force. A lens supporting pedestal having a curvilinear head is provided for supporting the lens in a marking position. A pair of spring biased latches are provided for engaging either end of the cartridge which includes recesses to engage the latching members. A guide is provided for aligning the cartridge, and the film supported therein, with the curvilinear marking head. The cartridge and pedestal are sized to cause a predetermined force to be applied to the film against the backing pad through the lens to be marked. To mark a lens, it is cleaned, rinsed and dried, and positioned on the curvilinear head. The film cartridge, with the gel indicia bearing film aligned therein, is then inserted over the guide and latched into place for one minute, whereby the gel or dye indicia is transferred from the film to the lens. After the cartridge is removed, a developer is applied to the lens in the area to mark for a brief time to make the indicia permanent, and the lens is rinsed under a stream of saline solution and thermally disinfected.