Patents by Inventor David Andreas NIEDERER

David Andreas NIEDERER 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: 12674972
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tunable optical component (100) comprising a liquid chamber (101), a flexible membrane (1), a shaping element (3), and an actuator (2), wherein the liquid chamber (101) is filled with a liquid (102), the membrane (1) delimits the liquid chamber (101), the membrane (1) is attached to the shaping element (3), the shaping element (3) has a ring shape, wherein the shaping element (3) surrounds an optically active area (10) of the membrane (1), the actuator (2) comprises multiple piezo units (20), the piezo unit (20) is coupled to a counterpart (203) in a releasable force-fitting manner, the piezo unit (20) is arranged to move the counterpart (203), and wherein the relative movement of the counterpart (203) and the piezo unit (20) results in a movement of the liquid (102), which causes a change of an optical property of the optically active area (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2026
    Assignee: Optotune Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Roman Patscheider, Christopher Laning, David Andreas Niederer, Manuel Aschwanden
  • Publication number: 20260147142
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens (1), comprising: a first chamber (C1) filled with a first transparent liquid (L1) comprising a first mass density (?1) and a first refractive index (n1), a second chamber (C2) filled with a second transparent liquid (L2) comprising a second mass density (?2) and a second refractive index (n2), and a transparent and elastically deformable first membrane (12) that separates the two chambers (C1, C2) from one another and contacts the first liquid (L1) and the second liquid (L2), wherein said mass densities (?1, ?2) and said refractive indices (n1, n2) are selected such that a gravity-induced coma aberration of the lens (1) is reduced or prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2026
    Publication date: May 28, 2026
    Applicant: Optotune Switzerland AG
    Inventors: David Andreas NIEDERER, Stephan SMOLKA
  • Publication number: 20260102981
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for producing at least one optical component (1), comprising the steps of: a) Providing at least one cavity (2), wherein the at least one cavity (2) is delimited on a first side by a surface (3a) of a first membrane portion (3), wherein a shape of the first membrane portion (3) is adjustable; b) Filling a material (4) into the at least one cavity (2) for forming at least one optical component (1), such that the material (4) contacts a surface (3a) of the first membrane portion (3); c) Adjusting the shape of the first membrane portion (3); d) Curing the material (4) filled into the at least one cavity (2) so that the material (4) forms a first interface (e.g. a first optical surface) (1a) of the at least one optical component (1), which first interface (1a) comprises a shape defined by a shape of the surface (3a) of the first membrane portion (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2025
    Publication date: April 16, 2026
    Applicant: OPTOTUNE SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Manuel ASCHWANDEN, David Andreas NIEDERER, Roman PATSCHEIDER, Michael ZIHLMANN, Christopher LANING, Marta VIDIELLA DEL BLANCO
  • Publication number: 20260093128
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a customized optical element to adjust an optical property of an optical component, such as goggles, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving customer data indicative of a visual defect a person and/or a desired visual correction of the optical component; determining, from the customer data, the shape of a first surface of an optical element to be manufactured, such that the optical component, when the optical element is applied to an optical surface of the optical component, compensates at least partially or entirely the visual defect of the person or exhibits the desired visual correction; manufacturing the optical element using a liquid material that when brought in shape, is solidified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2025
    Publication date: April 2, 2026
    Applicant: Optotune Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Manuel Aschwanden, David Andreas Niederer
  • Publication number: 20260063831
    Abstract: Tunable lens (1) comprising a fluidic volume (2), a flexible membrane (3) and a shaping element (4), wherein the membrane (3) delimits the fluidic volume (2) on one side, the shaping element (4) is attached to the membrane (3), the shaping element (4) surrounds an optically active region of the membrane, the shaping element (4) is arranged to alter optical properties of the tunable lens (1) by deflection, in top view the shaping element (4) has a non-circular contour (40), wherein the contour (40) extends within an imaginary circumcircle (10), and the amount of deflection of the shaping element (4) is proportional to a lateral distance of the contour (40) to the circumcircle (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2025
    Publication date: March 5, 2026
    Applicant: OPTOTUNE SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Roman Patscheider, Christopher Laning, Erik Hebestreit, Manuel Aschwanden, David Andreas Niederer, Stephan Smolka
  • Patent number: 12547019
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a customized optical element to adjust an optical property of an optical component, such as goggles, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving customer data indicative of a visual defect a person and/or a desired visual correction of the optical component; determining, from the customer data, the shape of a first surface of an optical element to be manufactured, such that the optical component, when the optical element is applied to an optical surface of the optical component, compensates at least partially or entirely the visual defect of the person or exhibits the desired visual correction; manufacturing the optical element using a liquid material that when brought in shape, is solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Assignee: Optotune Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Manuel Aschwanden, David Andreas Niederer
  • Patent number: 12546916
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens (1), comprising: a first chamber (C1) filled with a first transparent liquid (L1) comprising a first mass density (?1) and a first refractive index (n1), a second chamber (C2) filled with a second transparent liquid (L2) comprising a second mass density (?2) and a second refractive index (n2), and a transparent and elastically deformable first membrane (12) that separates the two chambers (C1, C2) from one another and contacts the first liquid (L1) and the second liquid (L2), wherein said mass densities (?1, ?2) and said refractive indices (n1, n2) are selected such that a gravity-induced coma aberration of the lens (1) is reduced or prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Inventors: David Andreas Niederer, Stephan Smolka
  • Patent number: 12496791
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing at least one optical component (1), comprising the steps of: a) Providing at least one cavity (2), wherein the at least one cavity (2) is delimited on a first side by a surface (3a) of a first membrane portion (3), wherein a shape of the first membrane portion (3) is adjustable; b) Filling a material (4) into the at least one cavity (2) for forming at least one optical component (1), such that the material (4) contacts a surface (3a) of the first membrane portion (3); c) Adjusting the shape of the first membrane portion (3); d) Curing the material (4) filled into the at least one cavity (2) so that the material (4) forms a first interface (e.g. a first optical surface) (1a) of the at least one optical component (1), which first interface (1a) comprises a shape defined by a shape of the surface (3a) of the first membrane portion (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2025
    Assignee: OPTOTUNE SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Manuel Aschwanden, David Andreas Niederer, Roman Patscheider, Michael Zihlmann, Christopher Laning, Marta Vidiella Del Blanco
  • Patent number: 12481091
    Abstract: Tunable lens (1) comprising a fluidic volume (2), a flexible membrane (3) and a shaping element (4), wherein the membrane (3) delimits the fluidic volume (2) on one side, the shaping element (4) is attached to the membrane (3), the shaping element (4) surrounds an optically active region of the membrane, the shaping element (4) is arranged to alter optical properties of the tunable lens (1) by deflection, in top view the shaping element (4) has a non-circular contour (40), wherein the contour (40) extends within an imaginary circumcircle (10), and the amount of deflection of the shaping element (4) is proportional to a lateral distance of the contour (40) to the circumcircle (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2025
    Assignee: Optotune Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Roman Patscheider, Christopher Laning, Erik Hebestreit, Manuel Aschwanden, David Andreas Niederer, Stephan Smolka
  • Patent number: 12455405
    Abstract: Tunable optical device comprising an actuator, a transmission element, a mount and an optical component, wherein the optical component comprises a window member and a ring member, wherein an optical property of the optical component is adjustable by altering the position of the ring member with respect to the window member. The actuator is arranged to generate an actuation force along an axial direction, the transmission element is arranged to transmit the actuation force from the actuator to the optical component, the transmitted actuation force alters the position of the ring member with respect to the window member. The transmission element comprises a bridge portion and a meander portion, wherein the bridge portion couples the ring member to the actuator and the window member is attached to the mount, or the bridge portion couples the window member to the actuator and the ring member is attached to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2025
    Assignee: OPTOTUNE SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: David Andreas Niederer, Christopher Laning, Roman Patscheider
  • Patent number: 12411349
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device (1) for enhancing the resolution of an image or for reducing speckle noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: OPTOTUNE SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Manuel Aschwanden, Marcel Suter, Stephan Smolka, Roman Patscheider, David Andreas Niederer
  • Patent number: 12391830
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical tuneable device comprising a volume and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane, wherein the membrane delimits the volume at least partially and the volume is filled with a silicone-based polymer of formula 1, with R1 being an alkyl moiety, —(CH2)-phenyl, phenyl, CF3 or alkyl-CN moiety, R2 to R8 being —H, an alkyl, (CH2)-phenyl or phenyl moiety. The polymer may optionally be substituted by —F. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of said polymer in an optical tuneable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2025
    Assignee: Optotune AG
    Inventors: David Andreas Niederer, Andreas Brändle, Marta Vidiella del Blanco
  • Patent number: 12320968
    Abstract: Tunable optical device comprising an optical element, an actuator and a transmission unit, wherein the transmission unit comprises a first fiber, the first fiber is arranged to transmit a tensile force from the actuator to the optical element, and the tensile force result in a change of an optical property of the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: OPTOTUNE SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Manuel Aschwanden, David Andreas Niederer, Roman Patscheider, Christopher Laning, Pit Gebbers
  • Patent number: 12259599
    Abstract: The present invention relates to An optical device (1), particularly for an ophthalmic device, comprising: a container (2) enclosing an internal space (3) of the container (2), wherein the internal space (3) is filled with a transparent liquid (L), and wherein the container (2) comprises a transparent bottom (21) and a transparent and elastically deformable membrane (22) opposing said bottom (21) such that the liquid (L) is arranged between the membrane (22) and the bottom (21), a deformable annular lens shaping element (4) connected to the membrane (22) so that a circumferential edge (41) of the lens shaping element (4) defines a central area (23) of the membrane (22) so that light can pass through the container (2) via the central area (23) and the bottom (21), wherein in a non-deformed state said edge (41) lies in a plane, and an adjustable spherical power and an adjustable cylindrical power, wherein for adapting the cylindrical power of the optical device (1), the lens shaping element (4) is configured to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Inventors: Roman Patscheider, Manuel Aschwanden, David Andreas Niederer, Chris Laning, Aaron Gerratt
  • Patent number: 12216295
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lens (1) having an adjustable focal length, comprising: a container (2) enclosing an internal space (3) of the container (2), wherein the internal space (3) is filled with a transparent liquid (L), and wherein the container (2) comprises a circumferential lateral wall (20) surrounding said internal space (3), wherein the lateral wall (20) is connected to a transparent cover element (21) and to a transparent and elastically deformable membrane (22) such that the liquid (L) is arranged between the membrane (22) and the cover element (21), an annular lens shaper (4) connected to the membrane (22) so that an inner circumferential edge (40) of the lens shaper (4) defines a central area (23) of the membrane (22) and light passing said area (23) is refracted depending on a curvature of said area (23), and an actuator configured to move the lens shaper (4) towards or away from the cover element (21) to adjust said curvature of said area (23) of the lens (1) and therewith the focal length of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Inventors: Stephan Smolka, Manuel Aschwanden, Chris Laning, Roman Patscheider, Johannes Haase, David Andreas Niederer
  • Publication number: 20250020944
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a customized optical element to adjust an optical property of an optical component, such as goggles, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving customer data indicative of a visual defect a person and/or a desired visual correction of the optical component; determining, from the customer data, the shape of a first surface of an optical element to be manufactured, such that the optical component, when the optical element is applied to an optical surface of the optical component, compensates at least partially or entirely the visual defect of the person or exhibits the desired visual correction; manufacturing the optical element using a liquid material that when brought in shape, is solidified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2024
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Applicant: Optotune Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Manuel Aschwanden, David Andreas Niederer
  • Patent number: 12189084
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid lens (1) with an adjustable optical power comprising at least the following components: a lens volume (VL) with a first transparent liquid (L1) arranged between a first transparent membrane (21) and a second transparent membrane (22) opposite the first membrane (21), wherein the first membrane (21) has a first side (21-1) facing outwards the lens volume (VL) and a second side (21-2) facing in the opposite direction particularly toward the lens volume (VL), wherein the second membrane (22) has a first side (22-1) facing toward the lens volume (VL) and a second side (22-2) facing in the opposite direction particularly outward the lens volume (VL), a lens shaping element (3) arranged on the first membrane (21), the lens shaping element (3) having a circumferential aperture (3a) defining a lens area (21a) of the first membrane (21) having an adjustable curvature, a rigid transparent window element (5) connected to the second membrane (22) covering a window portion (22a) of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Optotune Consumer AG
    Inventors: Stephan Smolka, Manuel Aschwanden, David Andreas Niederer, Johannes Haase
  • Publication number: 20240288688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lens having an adjustable optical power comprising a container with a frame structure delimiting a lens volume and a reservoir volume, wherein the lens volume and the reservoir volume are fluidically connected and comprise a liquid, wherein both volumes have at least one opening that are laterally shifted to each other and wherein each opening is covered by two elastically deformable membrane portions, wherein in the space enclosed between the membrane portions for each opening another liquid enclosed in. The invention further teaches a piston structure that is arranged to adjust a pressure in the reservoir volume such as to control a focal strength of the lens volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: Optotune Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Stephan SMOLKA, David Andreas NIEDERER, Manuel ASCHWANDEN, Johannes HAASE, Andreas BRÄNDLE
  • Patent number: 11994669
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lens having an adjustable optical power comprising a container with a frame structure delimiting a lens volume and a reservoir volume, wherein the lens volume and the reservoir volume are fluidically connected and comprise a liquid, wherein both volumes have at least one opening that are laterally shifted to each other and wherein each opening is covered by two elastically deformable membrane portions, wherein in the space enclosed between the membrane portions for each opening another liquid enclosed in. The invention further teaches a piston structure that is arranged to adjust a pressure in the reservoir volume such as to control a focal strength of the lens volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: OPTOTUNE AG
    Inventors: Stephan Smolka, David Andreas Niederer, Manuel Aschwanden, Johannes Haase, Andreas Brändle
  • Publication number: 20240160027
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device (1) for enhancing the resolution of an image or for reducing speckle noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: OPTOTUNE AG
    Inventors: Manuel ASCHWANDEN, Marcel SUTER, Stephan SMOLKA, Roman PATSCHEIDER, David Andreas NIEDERER