Patents by Inventor Edward R. Kernick

Edward R. Kernick 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).

  • Publication number: 20240257332
    Abstract: A method for quality control of contact lens packages comprises receiving a first data set comprising a plurality of images of a contact lens package having physically implanted defects; receiving a second data set comprising a plurality of images of a contact lens package having digitally implanted defects; testing and training, on the first and second data set, a model to determine a validated one or more quality control models; capturing image data of a package of a contact lens; analyzing, based on the validated one or more quality control models, the image data; and causing, based on the analyzing, output of a quality control metric indicative of at least an accept or reject condition of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, Peter Cerreta
  • Patent number: 12045772
    Abstract: An automated product locker includes a housing and a drawer configured to be slidably stowable within the housing. The defines a storage area for storing product. Visual indicators on the product locker indicate respective positions, i.e., locations of the product within the storage area, so that desired products may located by the user. Upon withdrawal or closure of a door by a user, a machine vision system, such as a camera, may capture information about the product and inventory the product based, at least in part, on the information identified from images of the product obtaining by the machine vision system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R Kernick, James Scolaro, Leslie A Voss, Ahmed Tawfik, Kyungmin Andy Lee
  • Patent number: 12014480
    Abstract: A method for quality control of contact lens packages comprises receiving a first data set comprising a plurality of images of a contact lens package having physically implanted defects; receiving a second data set comprising a plurality of images of a contact lens package having digitally implanted defects; testing and training, on the first and second data set, a model to determine a validated one or more quality control models; capturing image data of a package of a contact lens; analyzing, based on the validated one or more quality control models, the image data; and causing, based on the analyzing, output of a quality control metric indicative of at least an accept or reject condition of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, Peter Cerreta
  • Publication number: 20230400714
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for quality control of contact lenses. An example method comprises receiving an input image indicative of a subject contact lens. The example method comprises outputting, based on analysis of the input image and using a first learning model, a first foreign matter metric and rejection data based on the analysis of the input image. The example method comprises outputting, using an artifact model and based on at least the rejection data, an artifact metric. The artifact model may be implemented based on one or more artifact attributes. The example method comprises outputting, using a second learning model and based at least on the first foreign matter metric and the artifact metric, a second foreign matter metric. The second learning model may be scale dependent. The second foreign matter metric is indicative of at least an accept or reject condition of the subject contact lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, Peter Cerreta
  • Publication number: 20230343444
    Abstract: Inventory management cabinets, systems, and related methods are described herein. An example inventory management cabinet includes a housing defining a storage area, the storage area being configured to receive a product, and a plurality of slots arranged within the housing, each of the slots being configured to receive a respective unit of the product. The cabinet also includes at least one imaging device configured to capture information about the product. The cabinet further includes a controller operably coupled to the at least imaging device, where the controller includes a processor and a memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon. The controller is configured to detect activity within the storage area of the housing, and control the at least one imaging device to initiate capture one or more images of the product in response to detecting activity within the storage area of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Edward R Kernick, Yasemar R. Perez
  • Patent number: 11741853
    Abstract: Light-sensitive photochromic contact lens demonstration devices and related methods are disclosed. To provide for the convenient and efficient demonstration of a photochromic contact lens change, the demonstration device includes a controllable lighting-emitting device to expose a demonstrated photochromic contact lens to UltraViolet (UV) and/or High-Energy Visible (HEV) light to cause a photochromic contact lens to change from a non-darkened to darkened state. The demonstration device also includes a viewing window that allows viewing of the contact lens changing from a non-darkened to darkened state as a result of exposure to UV/HEV light and back to a non-darkened state when the light is removed. Further, the photochromic contact lens demonstration device can also include an optional heating circuit to heat the photochromic contact lens during demonstration to cause the photochromic contact lens to change from a darkened state back to a non-darkened state more quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, Michael Allen Coppes, Zohra Fadli, Leilani Keahi Sonoda
  • Publication number: 20230225857
    Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) injector cartridge having one or more modifications from conventional designs which reduce stress and strain in the optic of the IOL during passage through the cartridge. One change includes adding axially-oriented ribs in a funnel portion of the cartridge to enable the cartridge wall to flex outward during passage of the IOL, which is compressed to a great degree in the cartridge lumen. Another modification involves providing a longitudinal step along a segment of the inner lumen which biases one free edge of the optic to tuck or dive under the other free edge and encourage spiral folding as the IOL progresses along the gradually narrowing lumen. The third option is modifying the shape of the lumen within the extreme distal end of the cartridge where the lumen is smallest so that it is neither circular nor oval. Each or all of these modifications may be incorporated into a single cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Gary Richardson, Leslie A. Voss, Edward R. Kernick, Yasemar Perez, Mark Cole, David A. Ruddocks
  • Publication number: 20230122214
    Abstract: A method for quality control of contact lens packages comprises receiving a first data set comprising a plurality of images of a contact lens package having physically implanted defects; receiving a second data set comprising a plurality of images of a contact lens package having digitally implanted defects; testing and training, on the first and second data set, a model to determine a validated one or more quality control models; capturing image data of a package of a contact lens; analyzing, based on the validated one or more quality control models, the image data; and causing, based on the analyzing, output of a quality control metric indicative of at least an accept or reject condition of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, Peter Cerreta
  • Publication number: 20230065811
    Abstract: A method for quality control of sealed contact lens packages may comprise disposing a package of a sealed contact lens in a light box, causing the package to be illuminated in the light box by a light source, capturing image data of the illuminated package in the light box, analyzing, based on one or more quality control models, the image data of the illuminated package in the light box, and causing, based on the analyzing, output of a quality control metric indicative of at least an accept or reject condition of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Russell J. Edwards, Edward R Kernick, Matthew Opie
  • Publication number: 20230005389
    Abstract: Light-sensitive photochromic contact lens demonstration devices and related methods are disclosed. To provide for the convenient and efficient demonstration of a photochromic contact lens change, the demonstration device includes a controllable lighting-emitting device to expose a demonstrated photochromic contact lens to UltraViolet (UV) and/or High-Energy Visible (HEV) light to cause a photochromic contact lens to change from a non-darkened to darkened state. The demonstration device also includes a viewing window that allows viewing of the contact lens changing from a non-darkened to darkened state as a result of exposure to UV/HEV light and back to a non-darkened state when the light is removed. Further, the photochromic contact lens demonstration device can also include an optional heating circuit to heat the photochromic contact lens during demonstration to cause the photochromic contact lens to change from a darkened state back to a non-darkened state more quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Edward R Kernick, Michael Allen Coppes, Zohra Fadli, Leilani Keahi Sonoda
  • Publication number: 20210165247
    Abstract: The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides methods for forming an Ophthalmic Lens that encapsulates a Rigid Insert, wherein the Rigid Insert may be tailored to correct specific astigmatic characteristics of an eye and apparatus for implementing such methods, as well as Ophthalmic Lenses formed with the Rigid Inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, James D. Riall, Sharika Snook, Karson S. Putts, Edward R. Kernick, Frederick A. Flitsch, Camille Higham
  • Patent number: 10942370
    Abstract: The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides methods for forming an Ophthalmic Lens that encapsulates a Rigid Insert, wherein the Rigid Insert may be tailored to correct specific astigmatic characteristics of an eye and apparatus for implementing such methods, as well as Ophthalmic Lenses formed with the Rigid Inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, James D. Riall, Sharika Snook, Karson S. Putts, Edward R. Kernick, Frederick A. Flitsch, Camille Higham
  • Publication number: 20200364650
    Abstract: An example automated product cabinet includes a housing defining a storage area configured to receive a product and a face. The cabinet includes a plurality of slots, where each slot is configured to receive a respective unit of the product, and a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate positions of the units of the product. The cabinet includes a scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the face of the housing, and a data capture device attached to the scanning bar and configured to capture information about the product. The cabinet includes a controller operably coupled to the data capture device. The controller is configured to inventory the product based, at least in part, on the information about the product, and actuate one or more of the visual indicators that are associated with a desired unit of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Edward R Kernick, Maile Shimoda
  • Publication number: 20200365056
    Abstract: Light-sensitive photochromic contact lens demonstration devices and related methods are disclosed. To provide for the convenient and efficient demonstration of a photochromic contact lens change, the demonstration device includes a controllable lighting-emitting device to expose a demonstrated photochromic contact lens to UltraViolet (UV) and/or High-Energy Visible (HEV) light to cause a photochromic contact lens to change from a non-darkened to darkened state. The demonstration device also includes a viewing window that allows viewing of the contact lens changing from a non-darkened to darkened state as a result of exposure to UV/HEV light and back to a non-darkened state when the light is removed. Further, the photochromic contact lens demonstration device can also include an optional heating circuit to heat the photochromic contact lens during demonstration to cause the photochromic contact lens to change from a darkened state back to a non-darkened state more quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, Michael Allen Coppes, Zohra Fadli, Leilani Keahi Sonoda
  • Publication number: 20200364648
    Abstract: An example automated product locker is described herein. The automated product locker can include a housing and a drawer configured to be slidably stowable within the housing. The drawer can define a storage area configured to receive a product. The automated product locker can include a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate respective positions of respective units of the product within the storage area, and a machine vision system configured to capture information about the product. The machine vision system can include an optical device. Additionally, the automated product locker can include a controller operably coupled to the machine vision system. The controller can be configured to inventory the product based, at least in part, on the information about the product, and cause one or more of the visual indicators that are associated with a desired unit of the product to actuate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, James Scolaro, Leslie A. Voss, Ahmed Tawfik Ahmed Tawfik, Kyungmin Andy Lee
  • Patent number: 10520753
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of multiple segments of a frustum of a cone. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B Pugh, Daniel B Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
  • Patent number: 10453292
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ophthalmic lens packages comprises a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to a least one support, and a flexible sheet, having a hole, that coils or uncoils around the spools in response to their rotation. A cartridge with a hole and a means for releasably holding a package is attached to the flexible sheet, and the hole of the flexible sheet and the hole of the cartridge are aligned to permit an object to pass therethrough. A pushing means, between said first spool and said second spool, extends a pushing member through the hole of the flexible sheet and the hole of the cartridge. A scanning means moves in response to an electrical or mechanical signal between said first spool and said second spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R Kernick, Hamid A Darabi, Daniel T Wang
  • Publication number: 20190311316
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dispensing system including: a product loading unit; a receptacle configured to receive the product loading unit; a storage area configured to receive product; and a transfer unit for moving the product between the product loading unit and the storage area. The present disclosure is also directed to a dispensing system including: a product loading unit; a receptacle configured to receive the product loading unit; a storage area configured to receive product; a transfer unit for moving the product between the product loading unit and the storage area; and a remote system operable to send and/or receive product information from the dispensing system regarding an amount of product and a type of product within the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, James M. Scolaro, Kyungmin Lee, Ernesto Nieves, Ahmed Tawfik, Kimberly Pierce, Richard N. Capobianco, James Miller
  • Publication number: 20190179166
    Abstract: The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides methods for forming an Ophthalmic Lens that encapsulates a Rigid Insert, wherein the Rigid Insert may be tailored to correct specific astigmatic characteristics of an eye and apparatus for implementing such methods, as well as Ophthalmic Lenses formed with the Rigid Inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, James D. Riall, Sharika Snook, Karson S. Putts, Edward R. Kernick, Frederick A. Flitsch, Camille Higham
  • Publication number: 20190051092
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ophthalmic lens packages comprises a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to a least one support. Each of a plurality of cartridges has a back wall, two side walls, and an attachment means to couple each cartridge to another cartridge. The back wall comprises at least two holes, and each side wall comprises a means for releasably holding a package. A plurality of cartridges attached to each other comprises a first end and a second end, with the first end attached to the first spool, and the second end attached to the second spool. When the first or second spool rotates, the plurality of cartridges coils around the first or second spool. A pushing means extends a pushing member through a hole, and a scanning means moves in response to an electrical or mechanical signal between said first spool and said second spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R Kernick, Hamid A Darabi, Daniel T Wang