Patents by Inventor David A. Luce
David A. Luce 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: 11913547Abstract: A park lock unit and method for operation of said unit are provided. In one example, the park lock unit includes a sliding assembly that engages and disengages a parking pawl from a toothed wheel and an electronic actuation assembly configured to engage the parking pawl with the toothed wheel when electric power provided to the electronic actuation assembly drops below a threshold value. The park lock unit further includes a manual release mechanism configured to disengage the parking pawl from the toothed wheel in response to operator input.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLCInventors: Nathan Mandery, David Luce, Cody Ott
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Publication number: 20230145682Abstract: A park lock unit and method for operation of said unit are provided. In one example, the park lock unit includes a sliding assembly that engages and disengages a parking pawl from a toothed wheel and an electronic actuation assembly configured to engage the parking pawl with the toothed wheel when electric power provided to the electronic actuation assembly drops below a threshold value. The park lock unit further includes a manual release mechanism configured to disengage the parking pawl from the toothed wheel in response to operator input.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2022Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Nathan MANDERY, David LUCE, Cody OTT
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Patent number: 10806342Abstract: A changing force is applied to a cornea to cause a corneal deformation cycle. Signal information related to a corneal radius of curvature during the corneal deformation cycle is inverted and calibrated to an effective curvature defined as the inverse of the radius of curvature of the cornea. A dynamic relationship between the effective curvature of the cornea and the force applied to the cornea during the corneal deformation cycle is represented, and at least one biomechanical property of the corneal tissue, for example a bending modulus, is determined from the dynamic relationship.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Publication number: 20180092532Abstract: A changing force is applied to a cornea to cause a corneal deformation cycle. Signal information related to a corneal radius of curvature during the corneal deformation cycle is inverted and calibrated to an effective curvature defined as the inverse of the radius of curvature of the cornea. A dynamic relationship between the effective curvature of the cornea and the force applied to the cornea during the corneal deformation cycle is represented, and at least one biomechanical property of the corneal tissue, for example a bending modulus, is determined from the dynamic relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventor: David A. LUCE
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Patent number: 9320430Abstract: In an ophthalmic instrument that directs a fluid pulse at a cornea to cause reversible deformation of the cornea and monitors the corneal deformation to generate a deformation signal, the shape of the deformation signal is analyzed with respect to deformation signal data from a statistical population of eyes to calculate a deformation signal score indicating a degree of probability that the deformation signal corresponds in shape to a normal deformation signal for normal eyes in the population. In calculating the deformation signal score, significant geometrical signal parameters are calculated and combined. The deformation signal score may be used as a basis to keep or discard intraocular pressure measurements in a non-contact tonometer, and/or as a basis to conduct further diagnostic screening.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Patent number: 9289124Abstract: A tool for calibrating a non-contact tonometer (NCT) comprises a body having a mating feature configured for removably mounting the body on the nosepiece or on the measurement head of the NCT, a pressure sensor carried by the body and arranged to receive an air pulse discharged by the NCT to provide a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and a radiation emitter carried by the body, wherein the radiation emitter provides a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level that is detectable by the NCT as though an actual corneal applanation had taken place. In one embodiment, the mating feature includes a mounting orifice for receiving a portion of the nosepiece. In another embodiment, the mating feature includes a pair of mounting pins sized for receipt by a corresponding pair of mounting holes in the measurement head of the NCT.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: REICHERT, INC.Inventors: Russell Bonaventura, David G. Kelkenberg, David L. Beverly, Donald E. Miller, David A. Luce
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Publication number: 20140323843Abstract: A tool for calibrating a non-contact tonometer (NCT) comprises a body having a mating feature configured for removably mounting the body on the nosepiece or on the measurement head of the NCT, a pressure sensor carried by the body and arranged to receive an air pulse discharged by the NCT to provide a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and a radiation emitter carried by the body, wherein the radiation emitter provides a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level that is detectable by the NCT as though an actual corneal applanation had taken place. In one embodiment, the mating feature includes a mounting orifice for receiving a portion of the nosepiece. In another embodiment, the mating feature includes a pair of mounting pins sized for receipt by a corresponding pair of mounting holes in the measurement head of the NCT.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Russell Bonaventura, David G. Kelkenberg, David L. Beverly, Donald E. Miller, David A. Luce
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Patent number: 8800347Abstract: A tool for calibrating a non-contact tonometer (NCT) comprises a body having a mating feature configured for removably mounting the body on the nosepiece or on the measurement head of the NCT, a pressure sensor carried by the body and arranged to receive an air pulse discharged by the NCT to provide a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and a radiation emitter carried by the body, wherein the radiation emitter provides a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level that is detectable by the NCT as though an actual corneal applanation had taken place. In one embodiment, the mating feature includes a mounting orifice for receiving a portion of the nosepiece. In another embodiment, the mating feature includes a pair of mounting pins sized for receipt by a corresponding pair of mounting holes in the measurement head of the NCT.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventors: Russell Bonaventura, David G. Kelkenberg, David L. Beverly, Donald E. Miller, David A. Luce
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Patent number: 8613704Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument that discharges a fluid pulse to deform the cornea of a test subject is improved by reducing the working distance between a nosepiece or a discharge tube from which the fluid pulse is discharged and the eye of the test subject. The invention improves measurement repeatability and patient comfort.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Patent number: 8471182Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for automated or “robotic” application of hardfacing to the surface of a steel-toothed cutter of a standard earth-boring rock bit or a hybrid-type rock bit. In particular, the system incorporates a grounded adapter plate and chuck mounted to a robotic arm for grasping and manipulating a rock bit cutter, particularly a hybrid rock bit cutter, beneath an electrical or photonic energy welding source, such as a plasma arc welding torch manipulated by a positioner. In this configuration, the torch is positioned substantially vertically and oscillated along a horizontal axis as the cutter is manipulated relative along a target path for the distribution of hardfacing. Moving the cutter beneath the torch allows more areas of more teeth to be overlayed, and allows superior placement for operational feedback, such as automatic positioning and parameter correction.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Bruce Stauffer, David Luce, Alan Massey, Kenneth Gilmore, Keith Nehring
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Publication number: 20130098137Abstract: A tool for calibrating a non-contact tonometer (NCT) comprises a body having a mating feature configured for removably mounting the body on the nosepiece or on the measurement head of the NCT, a pressure sensor carried by the body and arranged to receive an air pulse discharged by the NCT to provide a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and a radiation emitter carried by the body, wherein the radiation emitter provides a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level that is detectable by the NCT as though an actual corneal applanation had taken place. In one embodiment, the mating feature includes a mounting orifice for receiving a portion of the nosepiece. In another embodiment, the mating feature includes a pair of mounting pins sized for receipt by a corresponding pair of mounting holes in the measurement head of the NCT.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: REICHERT, INC.Inventors: Russell Bonaventura, David G. Kelkenberg, David L. Beverly, Donald E. Miller, David A. Luce
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Publication number: 20120190961Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument that discharges a fluid pulse to deform the cornea of a test subject is improved by reducing the working distance between a nosepiece or a discharge tube from which the fluid pulse is discharged and the eye of the test subject. The invention improves measurement repeatability and patient comfort.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: REICHERT, INC.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Publication number: 20110245649Abstract: In an ophthalmic instrument that directs a fluid pulse at a cornea to cause reversible deformation of the cornea and monitors the corneal deformation to generate a deformation signal, the shape of the deformation signal is analyzed with respect to deformation signal data from a statistical population of eyes to calculate a deformation signal score indicating a degree of probability that the deformation signal corresponds in shape to a normal deformation signal for normal eyes in the population. In calculating the deformation signal score, significant geometrical signal parameters are calculated and combined. The deformation signal score may be used as a basis to keep or discard intraocular pressure measurements in a non-contact tonometer, and/or as a basis to conduct further diagnostic screening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Patent number: 7909765Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring intraocular pressure of an eye use an empirically derived function wherein an inward applanation pressure P1 and an outward applanation pressure P2 obtained during a corneal deformation cycle caused by a fluid pulse are separately weighted so as to minimize cornea-related influence on the intraocular pressure value calculated by the function. In one embodiment, the function is optimized, at least in part, to minimize change in calculated IOP between measurements made before surgical alteration of the cornea and measurements made after surgical alteration of the cornea.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Patent number: 7798962Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring corneal resistance to deformation use an empirically derived function wherein an inward applanation pressure P1 and an outward applanation pressure P2 obtained during a corneal deformation cycle caused by a fluid pulse are separately weighted so as to minimize dependence of the calculated corneal resistance factor (CRF) on intraocular pressure. In one embodiment, the function is optimized, at least in part, to maximize statistical correlation between the calculated corneal resistance factor (CRF) and central corneal thickness.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Patent number: 7771353Abstract: Tear film is measured without contacting the eye by comparing reflectance from the eye when the tear film is undisturbed with reflectance from the eye when the when the tear film is disturbed. If the reflectance levels differ somewhat, it is an indication that a healthy tear film exhibiting good specular reflection was present initially and was disturbed by the air pulse. However, if the reflectance levels are close to one another, it is an indication that a less-than-normal tear film was present initially (dry eye). In a described embodiment, tear film is disturbed by an air pulse directed at the eye, and a photosensitive detector is positioned to receive light from an illumination beam after the beam is reflected by the eye to generate a reflectance signal. The reflectance signal is evaluated to calculate a tear film index.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Publication number: 20100181292Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for automated or “robotic” application of hardfacing to the surface of a steel-toothed cutter of a standard earth-boring rock bit or a hybrid-type rock bit. In particular, the system incorporates a grounded adapter plate and chuck mounted to a robotic arm for grasping and manipulating a rock bit cutter, particularly a hybrid rock bit cutter, beneath an electrical or photonic energy welding source, such as a plasma arc welding torch manipulated by a positioner. In this configuration, the torch is positioned substantially vertically and oscillated along a horizontal axis as the cutter is manipulated relative along a target path for the distribution of hardfacing. Moving the cutter beneath the torch allows more areas of more teeth to be overlayed, and allows superior placement for operational feedback, such as automatic positioning and parameter correction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Bruce STAUFFER, David LUCE, Alan MASSEY, Kenneth GILMORE, Keith NEHRING
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Publication number: 20090093698Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring intraocular pressure of an eye use an empirically derived function wherein an inward applanation pressure P1 and an outward applanation pressure P2 obtained during a corneal deformation cycle caused by a fluid pulse are separately weighted so as to minimize cornea-related influence on the intraocular pressure value calculated by the function. In one embodiment, the function is optimized, at least in part, to minimize change in calculated IOP between measurements made before surgical alteration of the cornea and measurements made after surgical alteration of the cornea.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: REICHERT, INC.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Patent number: 7481767Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring intraocular pressure of an eye use an empirically derived function wherein an inward applanation pressure P1 and an outward applanation pressure P2 obtained during a corneal deformation cycle caused by a fluid pulse are separately weighted so as to minimize cornea-related influence on the intraocular pressure value calculated by the function. In one embodiment, the function is optimized, at least in part, to minimize change in calculated IOP between measurements made before surgical alteration of the cornea and measurements made after surgical alteration of the cornea.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Publication number: 20070237715Abstract: Tear film is measured without contacting the eye by comparing reflectance from the eye when the tear film is undisturbed with reflectance from the eye when the when the tear film is disturbed. If the reflectance levels differ somewhat, it is an indication that a healthy tear film exhibiting good specular reflection was present initially and was disturbed by the air pulse. However, if the reflectance levels are close to one another, it is an indication that a less-than-normal tear film was present initially (dry eye). In a described embodiment, tear film is disturbed by an air pulse directed at the eye, and a photosensitive detector is positioned to receive light from an illumination beam after the beam is reflected by the eye to generate a reflectance signal. The reflectance signal is evaluated to calculate a tear film index.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2006Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventor: David Luce