Patents by Inventor William Schaeffer

William Schaeffer 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: 8386068
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating drill depth of an ophthalmic processing device. A number of drill cycles are selected for drilling an expected number of holes in a lens blank. The selected number of drill cycles is performed. The drill depth of each consecutive drill cycle varies incrementally. An actual number of locations the drill bit contacted the lens blank during the drill cycles is compared to the expected number of holes. The drill depth is adjusted depending on the compared values. A method of calibrating drill hole size is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20110318125
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating drill depth of an ophthalmic processing device. A number of drill cycles are selected for drilling an expected number of holes in a lens blank. The selected number of drill cycles is performed. The drill depth of each consecutive drill cycle varies incrementally. An actual number of locations the drill bit contacted the lens blank during the drill cycles is compared to the expected number of holes. The drill depth is adjusted depending on the compared values. A method of calibrating drill hole size is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Kurt William SCHAEFFER
  • Patent number: 7970487
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating drill depth of an ophthalmic processing device. A number of drill cycles are selected for drilling an expected number of holes in a lens blank. The selected number of drill cycles is performed. The drill depth of each consecutive drill cycle varies incrementally. An actual number of locations the drill bit contacted the lens blank during the drill cycles is compared to the expected number of holes. The drill depth is adjusted depending on the compared values. A method of calibrating drill hole size is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 7643899
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine programmed to edge an ophthalmic lens blank. The machine includes an edger device for forming a bevel in a peripheral edge of the lens blank, a central processing unit operably associated with the edger device for controlling operation thereof, and a computer program stored on a medium in communication with the central processing unit. The computer program includes a first instruction set operably causing the edger device to form a bevel in a peripheral edge of a lens blank. A second instruction set operably causes the edger device to form a step in the peripheral edge intermediate an apex of the bevel and an interface between the peripheral edge and a major surface of the lens blank. A method of controlling an edger device for edging an ophthalmic lens blank and a computer program are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20090068931
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine programmed to edge an ophthalmic lens blank. The machine includes an edger device for forming a bevel in a peripheral edge of the lens blank, a central processing unit operably associated with the edger device for controlling operation thereof, and a computer program stored on a medium in communication with the central processing unit. The computer program includes a first instruction set operably causing the edger device to form a bevel in a peripheral edge of a lens blank. A second instruction set operably causes the edger device to form a step in the peripheral edge intermediate an apex of the bevel and an interface between the peripheral edge and a major surface of the lens blank. A method of controlling an edger device for edging an ophthalmic lens blank and a computer program are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Kurt William SCHAEFFER
  • Patent number: 7463944
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of controlling an edger device, and a machine programmed to edge a lens blank. A lens blank and an edger are provided. The edger device is capable of forming a groove in a peripheral edge of the lens, and forming at least one hole extending from a first major surface of the lens to a second major surface. A CPU is provided, which is operably associated with the edger device for controlling operation of the edger device. Processing instructions are transmitted from the central processing unit to the edger device. The processing instructions comprise: forming a groove in a peripheral edge of a lens blank; and forming at least one hole in the lens blank extending from the first major surface to the second major surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: National Optronics
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 7454264
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine programmed to edge an ophthalmic lens blank. The machine includes an edger device for forming a bevel in a peripheral edge of the lens blank, a central processing unit operably associated with the edger device for controlling operation thereof, and a computer program stored on a medium in communication with the central processing unit. The computer program includes a first instruction set operably causing the edger device to form a bevel in a peripheral edge of a lens blank. A second instruction set operably causes the edger device to form a step in the peripheral edge intermediate an apex of the bevel and an interface between the peripheral edge and a major surface of the lens blank. A method of controlling an edger device for edging an ophthalmic lens blank and a computer program are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 7392108
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an ophthalmic edger device, and a machine programmed to edge and ophthalmic lens blank. A lens blank and an edger device for forming a groove in a peripheral edge of the lens blank are provided. A central processing unit is provided, which is operably associated with the edger device for controlling operation of the edger device. Processing instructions are transmitted from the central processing unit to the edger device, wherein the processing instructions comprise forming a groove in a peripheral edge of a lens blank, and removing lens material debris from the formed groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20080131222
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating drill depth of an ophthalmic processing device. A number of drill cycles are selected for drilling an expected number of holes in a lens blank. The selected number of drill cycles is performed. The drill depth of each consecutive drill cycle varies incrementally. An actual number of locations the drill bit contacted the lens blank during the drill cycles is compared to the expected number of holes. The drill depth is adjusted depending on the compared values. A method of calibrating drill hole size is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20080125013
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine programmed to edge an ophthalmic lens blank. The machine includes an edger device for forming a bevel in a peripheral edge of the lens blank, a central processing unit operably associated with the edger device for controlling operation thereof, and a computer program stored on a medium in communication with the central processing unit. The computer program includes a first instruction set operably causing the edger device to form a bevel in a peripheral edge of a lens blank. A second instruction set operably causes the edger device to form a step in the peripheral edge intermediate an apex of the bevel and an interface between the peripheral edge and a major surface of the lens blank. A method of controlling an edger device for edging an ophthalmic lens blank and a computer program are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20080065255
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of controlling an edger device, and a machine programmed to edge a lens blank. A lens blank and an edger are provided. The edger device is capable of forming a groove in a peripheral edge of the lens, and forming at least one hole extending from a first major surface of the lens to a second major surface. A CPU is provided, which is operably associated with the edger device for controlling operation of the edger device. Processing instructions are transmitted from the central processing unit to the edger device. The processing instructions comprise: forming a groove in a peripheral edge of a lens blank; and forming at least one hole in the lens blank extending from the first major surface to the second major surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20080058983
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an ophthalmic edger device, and a machine programmed to edge and ophthalmic lens blank. A lens blank and an edger device for forming a groove in a peripheral edge of the lens blank are provided. A central processing unit is provided, which is operably associated with the edger device for controlling operation of the edger device. Processing instructions are transmitted from the central processing unit to the edger device, wherein the processing instructions comprise forming a groove in a peripheral edge of a lens blank, and removing lens material debris from the formed groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20020177681
    Abstract: Polyester based polycarbonate (meth)acrylates prepared by the reaction of a alkylene or arylene diol polycarbonate with an anhydride or its dicarboxylic acid to form a carboxyl terminated diester, reacting the diester with a diglycidyl ether and an acrylic or methacrylic acid to form an acrylate terminate polymer which is useful for radiation cured coatings which have superior adhesion and reverse impact strength when applied to plastic substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Mingxin Fan, Gary Ceska, James Horgan, Robert Adams, William Schaeffer, Josh Oliver
  • Patent number: 6469071
    Abstract: Polyester based polycarbonate (meth)acrylates prepared by the reaction of a alkylene or arylene diol polycarbonate with an anhydride or its dicarboxylic acid to form a carboxyl terminated diester, reacting the diester with a diglycidyl ether and an acrylic or methacrylic acid to form an acrylate terminate polymer which is useful for radiation cured coatings which have superior adhesion and reverse impact strength when applied to plastic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Sartomer Technology Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mingxin Fan, Gary Ceska, James Horgan, Robert Adams, William Schaeffer, Josh Oliver
  • Patent number: 5683416
    Abstract: A taper point surgical needle having improved needle point strength is disclosed. In one embodiment of the needle, a tip portion includes first and second integral tapered regions having first and second cross-sectional areas respectively which decrease progressively toward the tip of the needle in accordance with first and second angles of inclination respectively, with the first angle being greater than the second angle. In another embodiment of the needle of the present invention, the tip portion includes a third tapered region integral with the second tapered region and having a cross-sectional area which decreases progressively toward the needle tip in accordance with a third angle of inclination which is smaller than the second angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter McGregor, William Schaeffer, Semyon Shchervinsky
  • Patent number: 5665078
    Abstract: A blunt tip surgical needle which significantly reduces the probability of skin penetration of the gloved hand of an operator is disclosed. The blunt tip needle includes a tip portion having at least one flat surface. The flat surface(s) blends smoothly between each other and with the outer surface of the tip portion such that the entire tip portion has a continuously smooth outer surface lacking any discontinuities or sharp edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter McGregor, William McJames, William Schaeffer, Semyon Shchervinsky
  • Patent number: 5478327
    Abstract: A blunt tip surgical needle which significantly reduces the probability of skin penetration of the gloved hand of an operator is disclosed. The blunt tip needle includes a tip portion having at least one flat surface. The flat surface(s) blends smoothly between each other and with the outer surface of the tip portion such that the entire tip portion has a continuously smooth outer surface lacking any discontinuities or sharp edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter McGregor, William McJames, William Schaeffer, Semyon Shchervinsky