Patents by Inventor Clinton N. Sims

Clinton N. Sims has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8272740
    Abstract: A device for calibrating retinoscopes for diverging and/or converging streak and spot retinoscopy and a method for calibrating retinoscopes to produce a given convergence or divergence of light emitted from the retinoscope from a fixed retinoscopic working distance to produce a predetermined pupillary reflex endpoint at neutralization of a refractive error, thereby resulting in a more accurate corrective eye prescriptions and evaluation of the visual system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 8272739
    Abstract: A device for calibrating retinoscopes for diverging and/or converging streak and spot retinoscopy and a method for calibrating retinoscopes to produce a given convergence or divergence of light emitted from the retinoscope from a fixed retinoscopic working distance to produce a predetermined pupillary reflex endpoint at neutralization of a refractive error, thereby resulting in a more accurate corrective eye prescriptions and evaluation of the visual system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Publication number: 20110261319
    Abstract: A device for calibrating retinoscopes for diverging and/or converging streak and spot retinoscopy and a method for calibrating retinoscopes to produce a given convergence or divergence of light emitted from the retinoscope from a fixed retinoscopic working distance to produce a predetermined pupillary reflex endpoint at neutralization of a refractive error, thereby resulting in a more accurate corrective eye prescriptions and evaluation of the visual system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Publication number: 20110261323
    Abstract: A device for calibrating retinoscopes for diverging and/or converging streak and spot retinoscopy and a method for calibrating retinoscopes to produce a given convergence or divergence of light emitted from the retinoscope from a fixed retinoscopic working distance to produce a predetermined pupillary reflex endpoint at neutralization of a refractive error, thereby resulting in a more accurate corrective eye prescriptions and evaluation of the visual system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 5650839
    Abstract: Techniques and retinoscopic apparatus for measuring or determining a patient's optical error are disclosed. The techniques include overrefraction and can be performed from a fixed position, avoiding the practitioner's need to move back and forth relative to the patient's eye. Equipment associated with the apparatus is adapted to record the location of the retinoscope slide (relative to its upper or lower position) during the examination to provide information concerning the optical error present in the patient's eye. Other associated equipment can include discs of spherical lenses and devices for limiting relative movement of components of the retinoscopic apparatus. Alternatively, the apparatus may include a scale graduated in suitable units for determining the patient's optical error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 5500698
    Abstract: Techniques and retinoscopic apparatus for measuring or determining a patient's optical error are disclosed. The techniques include overrefraction and can be performed from a fixed position, avoiding the practitioner's need to move back and forth relative to the patient's eye. Equipment associated with the apparatus is adapted to record the location of the retinoscope slide (relative to its upper or lower position) during the examination to provide information concerning the optical error present in the patient's eye. Other associated equipment can include discs of spherical lenses and devices for limiting relative movement of components of the retinoscopic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 5430508
    Abstract: Techniques and retinoscopic apparatus for measuring or determining a patient's optical error are disclosed. The techniques include overrefraction and can be performed from a fixed position, avoiding the practitioner's need to move back and forth relative to the patient's eye. Equipment associated with the apparatus is adapted to record the location of the retinoscope slide (relative to its upper or lower position) during the examination to provide information concerning the optical error present in the patient's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 5285224
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring or determining refractive errors are disclosed. In some embodiments the invention includes two bars, each containing multiple lenses positioned longitudinally along the bar, and a collar adapted to constrain relative movement of the bars. Moving, or sliding, the bars and collar positions various lenses in the patient's line of sight, permitting the patient to determine which combination produces the best vision. If asymmetrical lenses are included in either bar, rotating the appropriate lens (either directly or by rotating the bar) provides additional information concerning the optimal refractive correction. The collar or bar may further comprise an indicator for signifying the angular rotation of any asymmetrical lens positioned along the patient's line of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 5120124
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for measuring and determining the crossed cylinder powers and axes obtained through independent rotation of cylinder lenses are disclosed. Degree scales associated with each lens provide angular measurements for use in connection with a chart or similar apparatus, and in some embodiments determination of the resulting crossed cylinder powers and angles made be made directly from markings included on alternatively designed scales. Unlike many other refractive devices, however, which require use of a digital computer to determine the resulting crossed cylinder power and axis of multiple lenses, the present invention allows such a determination to be made merely by manipulating the positions of the lenses (and viewing entries on the chart as appropriate) and performing simple mathematical operations on the values obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 5104214
    Abstract: Trial frames including two independently rotatable cells alignable with each eye are disclosed. Each set of cells is designed to house a pair of either cylinder, polarized, prism, crossed cylinder or sphero-cylinder lenses as appropriate for correcting optical errors such as astigmatism, macular defects, or diplopia. Because the lenses associated with the cells are designed to rotate independently, no synchorinized gear mechanism is required. Moreover, because axes throughout the entire visual field may be generated using independent rotation of two lenses, the batteries of trial lenses used in connection with conventional trial frames need not be used. Adjustable spectacles and an alternative lens system also are disclosed. The adjustable spectacles are particularly useful for persons whose refractive error is changing relatively rapidly over a short period of time (such as persons recovering from cataract surgery) and who therefore cannot practically use conventional glasses or contact lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 4943162
    Abstract: A new lens system and method of use for otherwise conventional refractors comprising a five-lens, variable crossed cylinder lens attachment and selectable fixed crossed cylinders which may be placed in the examining optical path. The variable crossed cylinder lens attachment includes two pairs of counter rotating cylinder lenses, each of which may be manipulated independent of the other, and a stationary sphere lens. The assembly also is connected to a computer so that the measurement of astigmatism may be made automatically. In addition, refractive techniques utilizing the disclosed crossed cylinder lens systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 4840479
    Abstract: A new lens system and method of use for otherwise conventional refractors comprising a synchronized, three-lens, variable crossed cylinder lens attachment and selectable fixed crossed cylinders which may be placed in the examining optical path. The synchronized, variable crossed cylinder lens attachment replaces the Jackson crossed cylinder lens and rotates in step with rotation of the cylinder lens axis. Batteries of strong and weak crossed cylinder lenses replace the strong and weak cylinder lenses of conventional refractors. Refractive techniques utilizing the disclosed crossed cylinder lens systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims
  • Patent number: 4820040
    Abstract: A new lens system and method of use for otherwise conventional refractors comprising a synchronized, variable crossed cylinder lens attachment and selectable fixed crossed cylinders which may be placed in the examining optical path. The synchronized, variable crossed cylinder lens attachment replaces the Jackson crossed cylinder lens and rotates in step with rotation of the cylinder lens axis. Batteries of strong and weak crossed cylinder lenses replace the strong and weak cylinder lenses of conventional refractors. Refractive techniques utilizing the disclosed crossed cylinder lens systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Clinton N. Sims