Patents by Inventor Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang 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).
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Patent number: 6752581Abstract: This invention relates to a device for removing and transporting articles, such as ophthalmic lens mold sections, or packaging elements from a mold. The invention, in one embodiment includes first, second, and third assemblies; the first of which removes the articles from the molding station at a first location and transports them to a second location; the second assembly receives the articles from the first assembly and transports them to a third location, and the third assembly receives the articles from the second assembly and transports them to a fourth location. A second embodiment includes a flipper assembly disposed between the first and second assemblies, which flipper receives the articles from the first assembly and inverts them before depositing them onto the second assembly. This second embodiment is useful in conjunction with molded articles which are transported to the flipper assembly in an inverted position.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Victor Lust, Stephen Robert Beaton, Scott Frederick Ansell, Henri Armand Dagobert, Phillip King Parnell, Sr., Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 6609041Abstract: A method for tracking multiple SKUs of ophthalmic devices in a manufacturing line, comprises the steps of: assembling first molding devices, at least one of the first molding devices having an identification device, such as, a bar-code or an inductive transmitting/receiving device; reading the identification device of the first molding devices; forming first molded parts using the first molding devices; providing a plurality of carriers, the carriers having carrier indicators; transferring the first molded parts to at least one of a plurality of carriers; reading the carrier indicator of the carrier carrying the first molded parts; and storing in machine-accessible memory the information associated with the identification device of the first molding devices and the information associated with the carrier indicator of the carrier carrying the first molded parts.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1999Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Ravi S. Sanka, Gregory Scott Duncan, Ranganath Ramakrishnan Raja, Gary S. Hall, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 6522939Abstract: A production control system provides real-time monitoring of process parameters in an automated production line that manufactures contact lenses, the line and having a plurality of process stations with each process station having one or more process control devices that control production operations at each respective process station and generates production parameter data therefrom. The system includes a line monitor device for receiving an externally generated production order including a lot number, product type, and quantity, and further coordinates manufacturing processes at each of the plurality of process stations, and tracks order production. A plurality of cell monitor devices retrieves the production data from one or more process control devices and processes the data to ensure that production parameters are within predefined limits.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1996Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventors: Robert D. Strauch, John Mark Lepper, Wallace Anthony Martin, Ravi Sankar Sanka, Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, Lars William Johnson, Leonard Ross Reinhart, Larry G. Hearin, Carolyn R. Solberg, Jeffrey L. Wilson
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Patent number: 6511617Abstract: An automated method and apparatus is provided to mold, cure and package soft contact lenses. A conveyor system transports an array of molds through a plurality of automated work stations. The front curve mold halves are partially filled with a polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture and assembled and clamped to displace any excess hydrogel from the mold cavity. The assembly is precured and then transported through a cure station using UV radiation to complete polymerization, The assemblies are then pried apart in an automated station, with any excess monomer adhering to the removed mold half. The newly molded lens is then hydrated and separated from the front curve mold half in a hydration station. Following hydration the array of lens is automatically deposited into a plurality of packages with a robotic transfer device having a plurality of figures which transfer the lenses.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Wallace Anthony Martin, Jonathan Patrick Adams, Finn Thrige Andersen, Stephen Robert Beaton, Svend Christensen, Allan G. Jensen, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Victor Lust, Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Publication number: 20020117405Abstract: This invention provides packaging for housing at least one prescription product comprising customized graphics on at least some surface area of said packaging, said customized graphics being selected by the individual doctor prescribing said prescription product or the patient to receive said prescription product.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, Stephen R. Beaton, George E. Himes, Wallace Anthony Martin, Donnie Jerome Duis
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Patent number: 6253817Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Russell James Edwards, Masao Funo, Richard Wayne Abrams, Kiyoshi Imai, Hirokazu Kitagawa, Borge Peter Gundersen, William Edward Holley, Thomas Christian Ravn, Mark Edward Schlagel, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 6220845Abstract: An apparatus and method for partially curing a polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture to form a soft contact lens includes a transport device for transporting a plurality of contact lens molds to a precure station in a low oxygen environment, each contact lens mold including a first and second mold half with a polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture therebetween. A clamping member having a plurality of mold engagement members clamps a first contact lens mold half against a second contact lens mold half for a predetermined pressure and time. While the mold halves of the contact lens mold are clamped, the polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture is exposed to a radiant energy source for polymerizing the polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture contained in each contact lens mold.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Wallace Anthony Martin, Jonathan Patrick Adams, Kaj Bjerre, Svend Christensen, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, Michael Francis Widman, Stephen Craig Pegram
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Patent number: 6186736Abstract: This invention relates to a device for removing and transporting articles, such as ophthalmic lens mold sections, or packaging elements from a mold. The invention, in one embodiment includes first, second, and third assemblies; the first of which removes the articles from the molding station at a first location and transports them to a second location; the second assembly receives the articles from the first assembly and transports them to a third location, and the third assembly receives the articles from the second assembly and transports them to a fourth location. A second embodiment includes a flipper assembly disposed between the first and second assemblies, which flipper receives the articles from the first assembly and inverts them before depositing them onto the second assembly. This second embodiment is useful in conjunction with molded articles which are transported to the flipper assembly in an inverted position.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Victor Lust, Stephen Robert Beaton, Scott Frederick Ansell, Henri Armand Dagobert, Phillip King Parnell, Sr., Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 6176669Abstract: This invention relates to a device for removing and transporting articles, such as ophthalmic lens mold sections, or packaging elements from a mold. The invention, in one embodiment includes first, second, and third assemblies; the first of which removes the articles from the molding station at a first location and transports them to a second location; the second assembly receives the articles from the first assembly and transports them to a third location, and the third assembly receives the articles from the second assembly and transports them to a fourth location. A second embodiment includes a flipper assembly disposed between the first and second assemblies, which flipper receives the articles from the first assembly and inverts them before depositing them onto the second assembly. This second embodiment is useful in conjunction with molded articles which are transported to the flipper assembly in an inverted position.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Victor Lust, Stephen Robert Beaton, Scott Frederick Ansell, Henri Armand Dagobert, Phillip King Parnell, Sr., Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 6079940Abstract: This invention relates to a device for removing and transporting articles, such as ophthalmic lens mold sections, or packaging elements from a mold. The invention, in one embodiment includes first, second, and third assemblies; the first of which removes the articles from the molding station at a first location and transports them to a second location; the second assembly receives the articles from the first assembly and transports them to a third location, and the third assembly receives the articles from the second assembly and transports them to a fourth location. A second embodiment includes a flipper assembly disposed between the first and second assemblies, which flipper receives the articles from the first assembly and inverts them before depositing them onto the second assembly. This second embodiment is useful in conjunction with molded articles which are transported to the flipper assembly in an inverted position.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Victor Lust, Stephen Robert Beaton, Scott Frederick Ansell, Henri Armand Dagobert, Phillip King Parnell, Sr., Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 6077031Abstract: This invention relates to a method for removing and transporting articles, such as ophthalmic lens mold sections, or packaging elements from a mold. The invention, in one embodiment includes first, second, and third assemblies; the first of which removes the articles from the molding station at a first location and transports them to a second location; the second assembly receives the articles from the first assembly and transports them to a third location, and the third assembly receives the articles from the second assembly and transports them to a fourth location. A second embodiment includes a flipper assembly disposed between the first and second assemblies, which flipper receives the articles from the first assembly and inverts them before depositing them onto the second assembly. This second embodiment is useful in conjunction with molded articles which are transported to the flipper assembly in an inverted position.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Victor Lust, Stephen Robert Beaton, Scott Frederick Ansell, Henri Armand Dagobert, Phillip King Parnell, Sr., Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 6071440Abstract: A contact lens production line pallet system transports contact lens mold materials throughout a facility for producing ophthalmic lenses. Specifically, the contact lens production line pallet system includes a pallet for carrying one or more contact lens mold assemblies throughout a contact lens production line, the pallet having one or more first recesses formed in a surface thereof for receiving either a first mold half or a complementary second mold half, the first and second mold halves when placed together constitute an individual contact lens mold assembly. A conveyor device for transporting the pallet from station to station throughout the production line facility is provided, as is a locating device formed in the pallet surface for enabling precise positioning of the pallet at one or more manufacturing stations in the production line facility.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, Kaj Bjerre, Svend Christensen, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Wallace Anthony Martin, Craig William Walker, Michael Francis Widman
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Patent number: 6054090Abstract: A process for steam-sterilizing label-bearing containers stacked with the labels in contact, without destroying the labels such as occurs if the labels are printed by thermal transfer for product-variable data. The process features laser-ablating imagewise the label to remove an ink layer so as to expose either a contrasting ink layer below, or a metal foil or polymer substrate. Such containers are then readily stacked on the labels and sterilized without thermal damage to the labels.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Donnie Jerome Duis, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, James Malcolm Peck
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Patent number: 6039899Abstract: An automated method and apparatus is provided to mold and cure soft contact lenses. A molding station injection molds first and second mold parts for the production of the lenses and these mold parts are transferred to an inert gas or low oxygen environment wherein a series of automated stations receive the mold parts, deposit a polymerizable hydrogel within the first mold part, assemble and clamp the first and second mold parts together, apply radiant energy for polymerizing the hydrogel and subsequently separate the mold parts.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Wallace Anthony Martin, Jonathan Patrick Adams, Finn Thrige Andersen, Stephen Robert Beaton, Svend Christensen, Allan G. Jensen, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Victor Lust, Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 5983608Abstract: A base member for a blister package for the containment of a contact lens includes a planar flange extending outwardly about a cavity for housing the contact lens. Proximate the peripheral edge of the flange, there is formed a continuous groove into which there is pressed the material of a flexible cover sheet of the blister package so as to clampingly engage the base member.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Jongliang Wu, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, Stephen Robert Beaton, Kornelis Renkema, Wybren Van Der Meulen, Victor Lust, Richard Wayne Abrams
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Patent number: 5981618Abstract: An apparatus and method for partially curing a polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture to form a soft contact lens includes a transport device for transporting a plurality of contact lens molds to a precure station in a low oxygen environment, each contact lens mold including a first and second mold half with a polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture therebetween. A clamping member having a plurality of mold engagement members clamps a first contact lens mold half against a second contact lens mold half for a predetermined pressure and time. While the mold halves of the contact lens mold are clamped, the polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture is exposed to a radiant energy source for polymerizing the polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture contained in each contact lens mold.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Wallace Anthony Martin, Jonathan Patrick Adams, Kaj Bjerre, Svend Christensen, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, Michael Francis Widman, Stephen Craig Pegram
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Patent number: 5980184Abstract: This invention relates to a device for removing and transporting articles, such as ophthalmic lens mold sections, or packaging elements from a mold. The invention, in one embodiment includes first, second, and third assemblies; the first of which removes the articles from the molding station at a first location and transports them to a second location; the second assembly receives the articles from the first assembly and transports them to a third location, and the third assembly receives the articles from the second assembly and transports them to a fourth location. A second embodiment includes a flipper assembly disposed between the first and second assemblies, which flipper receives the articles from the first assembly and inverts them before depositing them onto the second assembly. This second embodiment is useful in conjunction with molded articles which are transported to the flipper assembly in an inverted position.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Victor Lust, Stephen Robert Beaton, Scott Frederick Ansell, Henri Armand Dagobert, Phillip King Parnell, Sr., Craig William Walker, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 5965172Abstract: A contact lens production line pallet system transports contact lens mold materials throughout a facility for producing ophthalmic lenses. Specifically, the contact lens production line pallet system includes a pallet for carrying one or more contact lens mold assemblies throughout a contact lens production line, the pallet having one or more first recesses formed in a surface thereof for receiving either a first mold half or a complementary second mold half, the first and second mold halves when placed together constitute an individual contact lens mold assembly. A conveyor device for transporting the pallet from station to station throughout the production line facility is provided, as is a locating device formed in the pallet surface for enabling precise positioning of the pallet at one or more manufacturing stations in the production line facility.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, Kaj Bjerre, Svend Christensen, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Wallace Anthony Martin, Craig William Walker, Michael Francis Widman
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Patent number: 5942188Abstract: An interactive control system for controlling the automatic consolidation of contact lenses in a contact lens product flow, the interactive control system comprises a product line having random variations in product flow. A consolidation buffer receives the products from the product line. A controller initiates consolidation of the random variations in the product flow. The consolidation is preferably performed by at least one stacking cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: John Mark Lepper, Russell James Edwards, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang
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Patent number: RE37432Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Wallace Anthony Martin, Russell James Edwards, Borge Peter Gundersen, Darren Scott Keene, Ture Kindt-Larsen, John Mark Lepper, Niels Jørgen Madsen, Thomas Christian Ravn, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, William Edward Holley