Patents by Inventor Holger Schafer

Holger Schafer 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: 20240042563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a loading system (LS) for an optical machine, that has a carrier (TR), which can be moved in a movement plane (x-y) by way of two linear guide units (LF1, LF2). At least one holder (H1, H2, H3) for a workpiece, block piece and/or tool is mounted on the carrier, which holder can be moved in a transverse direction (z), which is perpendicular to the movement plane. The linear guide units are designed and arranged in the manner of an H gantry or cross gantry, with two stationary drive motors (AM1, AM2) for driving a tension element (ZG) in the same direction or in opposite directions, which tension element is movably arranged on the linear guide units in an H shape or cross shape and is fastened to the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Holger Schäfer, Steffen Wallendorf, Martin Lautz, Gregor Pavel
  • Publication number: 20230347468
    Abstract: An optical machine (AV) for treatment and/or processing optical workpieces (L) has a machine frame (MG) on which a workpiece holding arrangement (WH) is movably supported and at least two treatment and/or processing devices (DB1, DB2, DB3) for treatment and/or processing a workpiece. The workpiece holding arrangement has a plurality of partition walls (TW) which separate and delimit at least three work spaces (AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4) from one another. The work spaces can be moved, together with the workpiece holding arrangement. To each work space, a workpiece holder (CH) is assigned for the purpose of parallel use of the work spaces. Each work space can be moved, together with the workpiece holding arrangement, with respect to the machine frame in a movement cycle from a loading station (PS) on the machine frame, via stationary treatment and/or processing stations (DS, CS) which are spatially distanced from the loading station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Holger Schäfer, Steffen Wallendorf, Martin Lautz, Gregor Pavel
  • Publication number: 20230347467
    Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement (HA) for an apparatus (AV) for deblocking optical workpieces (L), from associated block pieces (B), includes a nozzle arrangement (DA) for delivery of high pressure jets of pressure means for deblocking the workpiece from the associated block piece at a first pressure and for cleaning the blocked workpiece and/or block piece at least one second pressure which is different from the first pressure. Furthermore, there is a pump device (PE) which applies pressure in a defined manner to the pressure means and conveys it under pressure to the nozzle arrangement. The pump device has at least one high pressure pump (HP1, HP2) which is drivable by an associated rotary drive (SM1, SM2), the speed of which is modifiable in order to adjust the first pressure or the second pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Holger Schäfer, Steffen Wallendorf, Martin Lautz, Gregor Pavel
  • Patent number: 11426837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool spindle for a device for fine machining optically active surfaces on workpieces, having a spindle housing and a tool holding portion which protrudes beyond the housing. The tool holding portion can be axially advanced towards the workpiece along a tool rotational axis via a guiding assembly, which can be rotated about the tool rotational axis in the spindle housing. In order to axially advance the tool holding portion, the guide assembly has a plurality of linear mounting elements, which are distributed about the tool rotational axis in a uniform manner, and respective paired guide rods, which are connected to the tool holding portion in a traction- and pressure-resistant manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventors: Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer, Michael Leitz
  • Publication number: 20210308818
    Abstract: Method for machining an optical surface of an optical lens, including: a lens blank providing step, during which a lens blank blocked on a lens blocker is provided; a clamping step, during which the lens blocker is clamped in a lens machining device; a tilting step, during which the lens blank and lens blocker are tilted relative to the rotation axis of the lens machining device; a surface position determining step, during which the position of the surface to be machined is determined based on the tilt angle of the lens blank and lens blocker relative to the rotation axis of the lens machining device; and a machining tool configuration step, during which the operational parameters of the lens machining tool are configured to manufacture the surface to be manufactured according to the determined surface position so the desired optical properties of the optical lens are respected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Luc MARTIN, Xavier BULTEZ, Sebastien PINAULT, Michael MAUDERER, Holger SCHÄFER, Jérôme MOINE, Michael KREIS
  • Patent number: 10625389
    Abstract: A device for blocking workpieces has an aligning station that includes a workpiece support for aligning a workpiece. A blocking station comprises a block piece mount and serves to block the aligned workpiece by use of a block material on a block piece, which can be mounted in the block piece mount in a centered manner in relation to a substantially vertically extending blocker axis. A workpiece carriage carries a holding head for the workpiece and is suitably guided and driven to transport the workpiece from the aligning station to the blocking station to position the workpiece along the blocker axis in a defined manner relative to the block piece held in the block piece mount, and to hold the workpiece during blocking in the defined relative position to the block piece with a gap between workpiece and body piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Alexandre Cormier, Holger Schäfer, Steffen Wallendorf
  • Patent number: 10583540
    Abstract: A device for fine processing of optically effective surfaces on workpieces has a workpiece spindle which protrudes into a working space and by which a workpiece to be polished can be rotationally driven about a workpiece axis of rotation. Two tool spindles are associated with the workpiece spindle and protrude into the working space oppositely to the workpiece spindle. On each tool spindle, a polishing tool can be rotationally driven about a tool axis of rotation and is retained so that the polishing tool can be axially advanced along the tool axis of rotation. Furthermore, the tool spindles can be moved together in relation to the workpiece spindle along a linear axis extending substantially perpendicularly to the workpiece axis of rotation and can be pivoted about different pivoting adjustment axes, which extend substantially perpendicularly to the workpiece axis of rotation and substantially perpendicularly to the linear axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer, Peter Philipps, Andreas Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10569387
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polishing disc for a tool for fine processing optically active surfaces on spectacle lenses, having a main body which has a central axis and to which an intermediate layer that is softer than the main body and is made of a resilient material is secured, a polishing medium carrier resting on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has at least two regions with different degrees of hardness, said regions being arranged one behind the other in the direction of the central axis of the main body. The intermediate layer region adjoining the main part is softer than the intermediate layer region on which the polishing medium carrier rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Peter Philipps, Andreas Kaufmann, Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20190126432
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool spindle for a device for fine machining optically active surfaces on workpieces, having a spindle housing and a tool holding portion which protrudes beyond the housing. The tool holding portion can be axially advanced towards the workpiece along a tool rotational axis via a guiding assembly, which can be rotated about the tool rotational axis in the spindle housing. In order to axially advance the tool holding portion, the guide assembly has a plurality of linear mounting elements, which are distributed about the tool rotational axis in a uniform manner, and respective paired guide rods, which are connected to the tool holding portion in a traction- and pressure-resistant manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer, Michael Leitz
  • Patent number: 9751131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for processing plastic workpieces. A machine housing surrounds a working chamber located between a workpiece spindle for rotationally driving the workpieces about a workpiece axis of rotation and a fast tool servo for producing an oscillating feeding movement of a rotary tool in the direction of the workpieces. The workpiece spindle is provided with a carriage which can be driven and is guided on at least two guide surfaces of a guiding arrangement in order to produce a relative advancing movement between the workpiece and the rotary tool. The advancing movement runs transversely with respect to the feeding movement and defining therewith a processing plane in which during processing the rotary tool engages with the workpiece. The guiding arrangement is mounted on the machine housing such that the processing plane extends between the two guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer, Marc Savoie
  • Publication number: 20170246729
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polishing disc for a tool for fine processing optically active surfaces on spectacle lenses, having a main body which has a central axis and to which an intermediate layer that is softer than the main body and is made of a resilient material is secured, a polishing medium carrier resting on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has at least two regions with different degrees of hardness, said regions being arranged one behind the other in the direction of the central axis of the main body. The intermediate layer region adjoining the main part is softer than the intermediate layer region on which the polishing medium carrier rests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Philipps, Andreas Kaufmann, Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20170246720
    Abstract: A device for fine processing of optically effective surfaces on workpieces has a workpiece spindle which protrudes into a working space and by which a workpiece to be polished can be rotationally driven about a workpiece axis of rotation. Two tool spindles are associated with the workpiece spindle and protrude into the working space oppositely to the workpiece spindle. On each tool spindle, a polishing tool can be rotationally driven about a tool axis of rotation and is retained so that the polishing tool can be axially advanced along the tool axis of rotation. Furthermore, the tool spindles can be moved together in relation to the workpiece spindle along a linear axis extending substantially perpendicularly to the workpiece axis of rotation and can be pivoted about different pivoting adjustment axes, which extend substantially perpendicularly to the workpiece axis of rotation and substantially perpendicularly to the linear axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer, Peter Philipps, Andreas Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20170239774
    Abstract: A device for blocking workpieces has an aligning station that includes a workpiece support for aligning a workpiece. A blocking station comprises a block piece mount and serves to block the aligned workpiece by use of a block material on a block piece, which can be mounted in the block piece mount in a centered manner in relation to a substantially vertically extending blocker axis. A workpiece carriage carries a holding head for the workpiece and is suitably guided and driven to transport the workpiece from the aligning station to the blocking station to position the workpiece along the blocker axis in a defined manner relative to the block piece held in the block piece mount, and to hold the workpiece during blocking in the defined relative position to the block piece with a gap between workpiece and body piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Alexandre Cormier, Holger Schäfer, Steffen Wallendorf
  • Patent number: 9321145
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polishing machine for spectacle lenses, including a least one workpiece spindle protruding into a workspace for a rotary drive of the spectacle lens about a workpiece rotational axis. At least one feed device lowers and raises a polishing tool relative to the spectacle lens. An oscillation drive unit moves the feed device back and forth in an oscillation direction, which during the polishing runs substantially transversely to the workpiece rotational axis. A swivel drive unit swivels the feed device about a swivel-adjusting axis which runs substantially perpendicular to the workpiece rotational axis and substantially normal to the oscillation direction. A swivel mechanism is provided to swivel the feed device, the oscillation drive unit and the swivel drive unit relative to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer
  • Patent number: 9289877
    Abstract: A device for the fine machining of optically active surfaces in particular spectacle lenses, has a spindle shaft which has a tool-holder portion and is mounted in a spindle housing such that it can rotate about a tool rotation axis. The device has an electric rotary drive with a rotor and a stator that rotates the spindle shaft operatively connected to the rotor about the tool rotation axis. The tool-holder portion can be displaced axially in the direction of the tool rotation axis. The rotor and the stator parts are axially guided in a guide tube along the tool rotation axis. The spindle shaft is in the form of a hollow shaft, via which the tool-holder portion, which is configured to hold a membrane chuck, can be subjected to a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Holger Schafer, Steffen Wallendorf, Udo Fiedler
  • Patent number: 9089948
    Abstract: The proposed polishing tool has a base body with an open interior space with which the polishing tool can be slidably fitted onto a holder of a tool spindle, initially as far as a latching position. A retaining ring placed in an annular groove of the interior space engages in a counter-groove of the holder. The polishing tool can then be slid further onto the holder under the polishing work pressure, until, under the simultaneous action of torque, driver elements of the base body engage in driver counter-elements of the holder for transmitting rotary movement. At least in the latter relative position between the polishing tool and tool spindle, the retaining ring provides a seal against penetration of the abrasive polishing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Holger Schäfer, Steffen Wallendorf
  • Publication number: 20150047479
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for processing plastic workpieces. A machine housing surrounds a working chamber located between a workpiece spindle for rotationally driving the workpieces about a workpiece axis of rotation and a fast tool servo for producing an oscillating feeding movement of a rotary tool in the direction of the workpieces. The workpiece spindle is provided with a carriage which can be driven and is guided on at least two guide surfaces of a guiding arrangement in order to produce a relative advancing movement between the workpiece and the rotary tool. The advancing movement runs transversely with respect to the feeding movement and defining therewith a processing plane in which during processing the rotary tool engages with the workpiece. The guiding arrangement is mounted on the machine housing such that the processing plane extends between the two guide surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer, Marc Savoie
  • Publication number: 20150038061
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polishing machine for spectacle lenses, including a least one workpiece spindle protruding into a workspace for a rotary drive of the spectacle lens about a workpiece rotational axis. At least one feed device lowers and raises a polishing tool relative to the spectacle lens. An oscillation drive unit moves the feed device back and forth in an oscillation direction, which during the polishing runs substantially transversely to the workpiece rotational axis. A swivel drive unit swivels the feed device about a swivel-adjusting axis which runs substantially perpendicular to the workpiece rotational axis and substantially normal to the oscillation direction. A swivel mechanism is provided to swivel the feed device, the oscillation drive unit and the swivel drive unit relative to the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Steffen Wallendorf, Holger Schäfer
  • Patent number: 8931769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deblocking device and an associated method for deblocking optical workpieces, for example, eyeglass lenses. The deblocking device has a first moving apparatus for rotating a workpiece blocked on a block piece about a workpiece rotational axis, a nozzle assembly having a nozzle for discharging a high-pressure pressure medium jet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the workpiece rotational axis onto an edge area between the workpiece and block piece, and a second moving apparatus for generating a relative motion between the workpiece and the nozzle along the workpiece rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Gregor Pavel, Thorsten Kraft, Holger Schäfer
  • Patent number: 8870628
    Abstract: The invention discloses a device (10) for clamping particularly an eye glass lens blocked on a block piece for processing and/or coating said eye glass lens, comprising a receiving space (34) having a center line (M) for a clamping section of the block piece, and a plurality of clamping surfaces (36) provided in a boundary region of the receiving space, which may optionally be engaged in the clamping section of the block piece in order to clamp the block piece. In order to avoid excessive deformation of the clamped block piece, the clamping surfaces are positioned opposite of each other in pairs at a radial distance to the center line and can be displaced optionally toward or away from each other by a clamping piece (38) in order to clamp the clamping section of the block piece by way of clamping forces (F), which are substantially oriented in a tangential direction at a radial distance to the center line, or in order to release the block piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Holger Schäfer, Herbert Wagner, Edward McPherson, Marc Savoie