Patents by Inventor Stephen C. Luetke

Stephen C. Luetke 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: 7079920
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel
  • Patent number: 6964479
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Q1200, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel
  • Patent number: 6960312
    Abstract: A lens forming apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a first lens curing unit, a second lens curing unit and a conveyor system for moving mold assemblies between the two units. The apparatus may also include an anneal unit configured to apply heat to a substantially polymerized lens. The apparatus may be used to form an eyeglass lens from a lens forming composition that may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen R. Powers, John T. Foreman, Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel, John T. Triplett, Loren C. Lossman
  • Patent number: 6939899
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens forming composition containing light absorbing compounds which may undergo light initiated polymerization is provided. Typically, lens forming compositions that absorb light do not permit enough activating radiation to penetrate into the depths of the lens cavity to adequately initiate polymerization of the lens forming composition. An embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for curing such a lens forming composition to form a lens that does not transmit ultraviolet light. Activating light is used having a wavelength greater than the wavelengths of light which the light absorbing compounds absorb. The power of the formed lenses may be controlled by varying the lens forming conditions. Additionally, the lens forming process may be controlled using a microprocessor based control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers
  • Patent number: 6926510
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. The lens forming unit may include an LCD filter disposed between activating light sources and a mold assembly. The mold assembly preferably includes two mold members held together by a gasket. The gasket preferably includes four protrusions spaced at 90 degree intervals about the gasket. A lens forming composition may include a first photochromic compound, a second photochromic compound and a light effector. The light effector may alter the color of a lens when exposed to photochromic activating light, when compared to a lens formed from a lens forming composition which does not include a light effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel, Galen R. Powers
  • Patent number: 6729866
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel
  • Patent number: 6712596
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens forming composition containing light absorbing compounds which may undergo light initiated polymerization is provided. Typically, lens forming compositions that absorb light do not permit enough activating radiation to penetrate into the depths of the lens cavity to adequately initiate polymerization of the lens forming composition. An embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for curing such a lens forming composition to form a lens that does not transmit ultraviolet light. Activating light is used having a wavelength greater than the wavelengths of light which the light absorbing compounds absorb. The power of the formed lenses may be controlled by varying the lens forming conditions. Additionally, the lens forming process may be controlled using a microprocessor based control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers
  • Patent number: 6673278
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source. Air may be directed toward the mold cavity to help remove heat from the lens. An in-mold scratch resistant coating may be formed from two separate material which both contain a photoinitiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers
  • Publication number: 20030203065
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. The lens forming unit may include an LCD filter disposed between activating light sources and a mold assembly. The mold assembly preferably includes two mold members held together by a gasket. The gasket preferably includes four protrusions spaced at 90 degree intervals about the gasket. A lens forming composition may include a first photochromic compound, a second photochromic compound and a light effector. The light effector may alter the color of a lens when exposed to photochromic activating light, when compared to a lens formed from a lens forming composition which does not include a light effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel, Galen R. Powers
  • Patent number: 6634879
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel
  • Publication number: 20030183960
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens forming composition containing light absorbing compounds which may undergo light initiated polymerization is provided. Typically, lens forming compositions that absorb light do not permit enough activating radiation to penetrate into the depths of the lens cavity to adequately initiate polymerization of the lens forming composition. An embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for curing such a lens forming composition to form a lens that does not transmit ultraviolet light. Activating light is used having a wavelength greater than the wavelengths of light which the light absorbing compounds absorb. The power of the formed lenses may be controlled by varying the lens forming conditions. Additionally, the lens forming process may be controlled using a microprocessor based control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers
  • Publication number: 20030169400
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Optical Dynamics Corp.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel
  • Publication number: 20030146527
    Abstract: A lens forming apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a first lens curing unit, a second lens curing unit and a conveyor system for moving mold assemblies between the two units. The apparatus may also include an anneal unit configured to apply heat to a substantially polymerized lens. The apparatus may be used to form an eyeglass lens from a lens forming composition that may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen R. Powers, John T. Foreman, Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel, John T. Triplett, Loren C. Lossman
  • Patent number: 6576167
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is posted while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source. Air may be directed toward the mold cavity to help remove heat form the lens. An in-mold scratch resistant coating may be formed from two separate material which both contain a photoinitiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers
  • Publication number: 20030094714
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. The lens forming unit may include an LCD filter disposed between activating light sources and a mold assembly. The mold assembly preferably includes two mold members held together by a gasket. The gasket preferably includes four protrusions spaced at 90 degree intervals about the gasket. A lens forming composition may include a first photochromic compound, a second photochromic compound and a light effector. The light effector may alter the color of a lens when exposed to photochromic activating light, when compared to a lens formed from a lens forming composition which does not include a light effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel, Galen R. Powers
  • Patent number: 6557734
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel
  • Patent number: 6494702
    Abstract: Apparatus for making a plastic lens. Apparatus includes a mold cavity and a cooling fluid distributor. The apparatus is adapted to produce a plastic lens from a liquid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, N. Thornton Lipscomb, Stephen C. Luetke, John J. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6464484
    Abstract: A lens forming apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a first lens curing unit, a second lens curing unit and a conveyor system for moving mold assemblies between the two units. The apparatus may also include an anneal unit configured to apply heat to a substantially polymerized lens. The apparatus may be used to form an eyeglass lens from a lens forming composition that may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen R. Powers, John T. Foreman, Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel, John T. Triplett, Loren C. Lossman
  • Patent number: 6419873
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel
  • Patent number: 6416307
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. The lens forming unit may include an LCD filter disposed between activating light sources and a mold assembly. The mold assembly preferably includes two mold members held together by a gasket. The gasket preferably includes four protrusions spaced at 90 degree intervals about the gasket. A lens forming composition may include a first photochromic compound, a second photochromic compound and a light effector. The light effector may alter the color of a lens when exposed to photochromic activating light, when compared to a lens formed from a lens forming composition which does not include a light effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel, Galen R. Powers