Patents by Inventor Herbert Pfeiffer

Herbert Pfeiffer 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: 20170285176
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for locating a vehicle. A locating device receives position data and determines an approximate position of the vehicle. A remote server reports a plurality of corrections factor for a respective plurality of locations which are buffered by a transmission server into a burst transmission. The transmission server transmits the burst transmission of the correction factors over a wireless data channel. A receiver receives the burst transmission from the transmission server and a correction device extracts a selected correction factor from the burst transmission based on the approximate position to determine a refined position of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: STEVEN R. CROYLE, CURTIS L. HAY, PAUL K. WAGNER, SHINGARA S. DHANOA, ERAY YASAN, HERBERT PFEIFFER
  • Patent number: 7347546
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a single-strength spectacle lens while taking into account an individual spectacle wearer's data, the single-strength spectacle lens having a rotationally symmetrical base surface and a rotationally symmetrical aspherical or atoric prescription surface, comprising the following steps: Acquisition of an individual spectacle wearer's data; selection of a spectacle lens blank with a predetermined base surface from a group of spectacle lens blanks; and calculation and optimization of the prescription surface while taking into account at least a part of the individual spectacle wearer's data in addition to an adaptation of the dioptric effect by the prescription surface to the spectacle wearer's prescription. The invention also relates to a corresponding system for producing a single-strength spectacle lens and to an individual single-strength spectacle lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Esser, Werner Mueller, Herbert Pfeiffer, Helmut Altheimer, Peter Baumbach, Walter Haimerl, Jochen Brosig
  • Publication number: 20070008488
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a single-strength spectacle lens while taking into account an individual spectacle wearer's data, the single-strength spectacle lens having a rotationally symmetrical base surface and a rotationally symmetrical aspherical or atoric prescription surface, comprising the following steps: Acquisition of an individual spectacle wearer's data; selection of a spectacle lens blank with a predetermined base surface from a group of spectacle lens blanks; and calculation and optimization of the prescription surface while taking into account at least a part of the individual spectacle wearer's data in addition to an adaptation of the dioptric effect by the prescription surface to the spectacle wearer's prescription. The invention also relates to a corresponding system for producing a single-strength spectacle lens and to an individual single-strength spectacle lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Applicant: RODENSTOCK GMBH
    Inventors: Gregor Esser, Werner Mueller, Herbert Pfeiffer, Helmut Altheimer, Peter Baumbach, Walter Haimerl, Jochen Brosig
  • Patent number: 7033024
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spectacle lens, in which at first a semi-finished uncut spectacle lens (hereinafter referred to as a blank) is produced, i.e. a spectacle lens having merely one finished optical surface (hereinafter described as base surface); subsequently a prescription-optimized surface is computed according to the data of a spectacle lens prescription; and then the prescription-optimized surface is finished according to the computed data. The invention is characterized by the following method steps: after the production of the semi-finished spectacle lens the base surface is measured; the prescription-optimized surface is computed and finished taking into account not only the individual data of the spectacle prescription, but also the actual shape of the base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Roswitha Fendt, Fritz Gruna, Helmut Altheimer, Walter Haimerl, Gregor Esser, Herbert Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 7021763
    Abstract: A method for representing and optimizing a double-progressive spectacle lens is characterized by the following steps: selecting a suitable coordinate system K2 for the representation of a back surface; selecting a suitable grid G for the representation of a spline of the back surface of a starting lens to be optimized in a coordinate system K2; assigning sagittal height data of the back surface to a spline (back surface spline); defining a position of a center of rotation of an eye; computing principal rays from the center of rotation of the eye through the starting lens at grid points of G; computing a length of a distance between points of penetration of a thus computed principal ray through a front surface and the back surface (oblique thickness); assigning data of the oblique thickness (thickness spline) to a spline; selecting a set of assessment positions at which an optical quality is computed for a target function; suitably selecting particular optical and geometrical stipulations which ideally should
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Andrea Welk, Peter Baumbach, Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer
  • Patent number: 7008058
    Abstract: A progressive spectacle lens having two aspherical and in particular progressive surfaces, i.e. surfaces contributing to the rise in the effect (addition Add.) from the distance vision portion to the near vision portion, in which the sagittal heights zi=zi(x,y) of at least one (i) progressive surface (i=1,2) are chosen such that the sagittal height z of this respective surface at the edge of the spectacle lens given by yi=fi1(x) for y?0 and yi=fi2(x) for y<0 assume predefined values without this surface (i) or the other surface (j) having a reversal of curvature forming a supporting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer
  • Patent number: 6974214
    Abstract: A method for optimizing an atoroidal surface of an optical lens, in particular a spectacle lens, having at least one plane of symmetry is characterized by a combination of the following features: dividing the atoroidal surface having at least one plane of symmetry into at least two regions separated by the at least one plane of symmetry; representing one of the separate regions (represented region) of this surface by a set of coefficients of B spline functions; computing sagittal heights of the represented region by B spline interpolation; computing sagittal heights in at least one other region by mirroring coefficients or coordinates at the at least one plane of symmetry; and optimizing the atoroidal surface only by varying the set of B spline coefficients of the represented region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Andrea Welk, Helmut Altheimer, Peter Baumbach, Rainer Dorsch, Gregor Esser, Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6964478
    Abstract: A spectacle lens is provided with a region (distance portion) designed for viewing at greater distances and, in particular, “to infinity”, a region (near portion) designed for viewing at short distances and, in particular, “reading distances”, and a progression zone disposed between the distance portion and the near portion, in which the power of the spectacle lens increases from the value in the distance reference point located in the distance portion to the value at the near reference point located in the near portion along a line (principal meridian) curving towards the nose. The invention is marked by specific conditions for the astigmatic deviation and/or the mean “as worn” power being observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Andrea Welk, Peter Baumbach, Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer, Rainer Dorsch, Martin Zimmerman, Norbert Awrath, Jochen Brosig, Werner Mueller, Martin Wechs, Stephan Haser, Winfried Nikolaus
  • Publication number: 20050178660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sputter arrangement with a magnetron and a target, with the magnetron and the target being movable relative to one another. The magnetron comprises a magnet system, which forms a quasi-rectangular plasma tube, whose two longitudinal sides have a distance C from one another. If target and magnet system are moved relative to one another by a path corresponding approximately to the distance C, the magnet system is laid out such that the width at the end of the plasma tube is smaller or equal to the diameter of the plasma tube. However, if the path of the relative movement is less than C, the magnet system is laid out such that the width d of the ends of the plasma tube is less or equal to twice the diameter of the plasma tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Andreas Lopp, Andreas Jischke, Michael Geisler, Herbert Pfeiffer, Jorg Krempel-Hesse
  • Publication number: 20050110945
    Abstract: A progressive spectacle lens having two aspherical and in particular progressive surfaces, i.e. surfaces contributing to the rise in the effect (addition Add.) from the distance vision portion to the near vision portion, in which the sagittal heights zi=zi(x,y) of at least one (i) progressive surface (i=1,2) are chosen such that the sagittal height z of this respective surface at the edge of the spectacle lens given by yi=fi1(x) for y?0 and yi=fi2(x) for y<0 assume predefined values without this surface (i) or the other surface (j) having a reversal of curvature forming a supporting edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Applicant: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer
  • Patent number: 6848788
    Abstract: A spectacle lens comprises a region (distance portion) designed for viewing at large distances and in particular “to infinity”; a region (near portion) designed for viewing at short distances and in particular “reading distances”; and a progressive zone disposed between the distance portion and the near portion, in which the power of the spectacle lens increases from a value at a distance reference point located in the distance portion to a value at the near reference point located in the near portion along a curve (principal line) veering towards the nose. The invention is distinguished by a combination of the following features: a change of magnification with a direction of sight is small; the magnification increases radially, starting from the distance reference point; the difference between the magnifications at the distance and near reference points is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Andrea Welk, Peter Baumbach, Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer, Rainer Dorsch
  • Patent number: 6832834
    Abstract: A method for computing a spectacle lens, which includes a region (distance portion) designed for viewing at large distances and in particular “to infinity”, a region (near portion) designed for viewing at short distances and in particular “reading distances,” and a progressive zone disposed between the distance portion and the near portion, in which the power of the spectacle lens increases, from a value at a distance reference point located in the distance portion to a value at the near reference point located in the near portion along a curve (principal line) veering towards the nose, by an amount designated as addition power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer
  • Patent number: 6808263
    Abstract: Described is a spectacle lens comprising a region (distance portion) designed for viewing at large distances and in particular “to infinity”; a region (near portion) designed for viewing at short distances and in particular “reading distances”; and a progressive zone disposed between the distance portion and the near portion, in which the power of the spectacle lens increases from a value at a distance reference point located in the distance portion to a value at a near reference point located in the near portion along a curve (principal line) veering towards the nose. The invention is rendered distinct by a feature, amongst others, according to which trajectories of motion fulfill specific conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Andrea Welk, Peter Baumbach, Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer, Rainer Dorsch
  • Patent number: 6779889
    Abstract: A spectacle lens comprises a region (distance portion) designed for viewing at greater distances, in particular, to infinity; a region (near portion) designed for viewing at short distances and, in particular, “reading distances”; and a progression zone located between the distance portion and the near portion, in which the power of the spectacle lens increases from a value at the distance reference point located in the distance portion to the value at the near reference point located in the near portion along a line (principal meridian) curving towards the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Andrea Welk, Peter Baumbach, Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer, Rainer Dorsch, Martin Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6776487
    Abstract: A spectacle lens comprises a region (distance portion) designed for viewing at large distances and in particular “to infinity”; a region (near portion) designed for viewing at short distances and in particular “reading distances”; and a progressive zone disposed between the distance portion and the near portion, in which a power of the spectacle lens increases from a value at a distance reference point located in the distance portion to a value at a near reference point located in the near portion along a curve (principal line) veering towards a nose. The invention is distinct in that, for minimizing a change of binocular imaging properties with horizontal movements of glance, a lift (difference between a maximum and a minimum value occurring during a movement) of binocular imaging properties when a moving object is being followed, is smaller than a physiologically pre-determined limiting amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer, Andrea Welk, Peter Baumbach, Rainer Dorsch
  • Patent number: 6752497
    Abstract: Described is a single vision spectacle lens for spherical or astigmatic prescriptions. It is characteristic of the present invention that at least one surface is an atoroidal surface, and that along at least one line the refraction defect and the astigmatic defect for viewing angles of up to 40° are each smaller than ±0.15 dpt. In the case of an astigmatic prescription the deviation of the cylinder axis or axis orientation from the prescribed cylinder axis or axis orientation is smaller than 1°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer, Herbert Pfeiffer, Walter Haimerl
  • Publication number: 20040114104
    Abstract: A method for representing and optimizing a double-progressive spectacle lens is characterized by the following steps: selecting a suitable coordinate system K2 for the representation of a back surface; selecting a suitable grid G for the representation of a spline of the back surface of a starting lens to be optimized in a coordinate system K2; assigning sagittal height data of the back surface to a spline (back surface spline); defining a position of a center of rotation of an eye; computing principal rays from the center of rotation of the eye through the starting lens at grid points of G; computing a length of a distance between points of penetration of a thus computed principal ray through a front surface and the back surface (oblique thickness); assigning data of the oblique thickness (thickness spline) to a spline; selecting a set of assessment positions at which an optical quality is computed for a target function; suitably selecting particular optical and geometrical stipulations which ideally should
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Andrea Welk, Peter Baumbach, Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Halmut Altheimer
  • Publication number: 20040085650
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spectacle lens, in which at first a semi-finished uncut spectacle lens (hereinafter referred to as a blank) is produced, i.e. a spectacle lens having merely one finished optical surface (hereinafter described as base surface); subsequently a prescription-optimized surface is computed according to the data of a spectacle lens prescription; and then the prescription-optimized surface is finished according to the computed data. The invention is characterized by the following method steps: after the production of the semi-finished spectacle lens the base surface is measured; the prescription-optimized surface is computed and finished taking into account not only the individual data of the spectacle prescription, but also the actual shape of the base surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Roswitha Fendt, Fritz Gruna, Helmut Altheimer, Walter Haimerl, Gregor Esser, Herbert Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6685316
    Abstract: What is described here is a method of manufacturing progressive ophthalmic lenses whereof each is produced in correspondence with the individual data of a specific spectacle wearer, and whereof each presents a first surface having a defined surface power value in the surface apex, and presents a non-spherical second surface (prescription surface) whose surface power varies along a line (referred to as principal line in the following) that follows at least approximately the main line of sight when the view is lowered, such that the ophthalmic lens produces a first effect in a first reference point, which is suitable for viewing in a first distance envisaged for the respective application, and that this effect varies along the principal line by a predetermined value (addition Add) to a second value present in a second reference point, which is suitable for viewing in a second distance envisaged for the respective application, and whose second surface possibly presents a surface astigmatism optionally for pa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Optische Werke G. Rodenstock
    Inventors: Peter Baumbach, Gregor Esser, Werner Mueller, Jochen Brosig, Walter Haimerl, Helmut Altheimer, Herbert Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20040017543
    Abstract: A spectacle lens is provided with a region (distance portion) designed for viewing at greater distances and, in particular, “to infinity”, a region (near portion) designed for viewing at short distances and, in particular, “reading distances”, and a progression zone disposed between the distance portion and the near portion, in which the power of the spectacle lens increases from the value in the distance reference point located in the distance portion to the value at the near reference point located in the near portion along a line (principal meridian) curving towards the nose. The invention is marked by specific conditions for the astigmatic deviation and/or the mean “as worn” power being observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: OPTISCHE WERKE G. RODENSTOCK
    Inventors: Andrea Welk, Peter Baumbach, Walter Haimerl, Herbert Pfeiffer, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer, Rainer Dorsch, Martin Zimmerman, Norbert Awrath, Jochen Brosig, Werner Mueller, Martin Wechs, Stephan Haser, Winfried Nikolaus