Patents by Inventor Karl Citek

Karl Citek 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: 20220413320
    Abstract: Contact lenses are provided with tints that enhance performance and are shaped to permit wearing by individuals who are unfamiliar with contact lens handlings. With suitable contact lens shapes, applying and removing the contact lenses is simple, and providing tints on a contact lens permits using more transmissive tints than would be needed for spectacles or goggles. In addition, using tinted contact lenses avoids some of the physical limitations and problems associated with spectacles and goggles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Performance Vision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Wayne Reichow, Karl Citek, Bret James Andre, Mark Paul Andre
  • Patent number: 9539472
    Abstract: Balls for team and individual sports include a motion graphic that provides enhanced perception of ball rotation. The motion graphic is typically defined with a visual characteristic that contrast with a ball casing. The motion graphic includes first and second termination portions that are coupled by a connection region. The first and second termination portions are symmetrically situated with respect to a longitudinal axis and are asymmetric with respect to axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The motion graphic and the ball casing can be provided with substantially opposite colors selected to exhibit similar or substantially the same reflectivities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Smith, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Publication number: 20160320302
    Abstract: An index value is calculated for rating an eyeglass with respect to protection against UV hazard. The index value is based on an integrated UV transmission value through the eyeglass and an integrated UV reflection value related to a back face of the eyeglass. Thus, the index value takes into account actual wearing conditions where UV eye exposure is due either to transmission through the eyeglass or reflection on the eyeglass back face. Respective index values obtained for a set of eyeglasses allow easy sorting of the eyeglasses with respect to UV protection efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Applicant: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventors: Karl CITEK, Gilles BAILLET, Francisco DE AYGUAVIVES, Gabriel KEITA
  • Patent number: 9404863
    Abstract: An index value is calculated for rating an eyeglass with respect to protection against UV hazard. The index value is based on an integrated UV transmission value through the eyeglass and an integrated UV reflection value related to a back face of the eyeglass. Thus, the index value takes into account actual wearing conditions where UV eye exposure is due either to transmission through the eyeglass or reflection on the eyeglass back face. Respective index values obtained for a set of eyeglasses allow easy sorting of the eyeglasses with respect to UV protection efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventors: Karl Citek, Gilles Baillet, Francisco De Ayguavives, Gabriel Keita
  • Patent number: 9000390
    Abstract: An index value is calculated for rating an eyeglass with respect to protection against UV hazard. The index value is based on an integrated UV transmission value through the eyeglass and an integrated UV reflection value related to a back face of the eyeglass. Thus, the index value takes into account actual wearing conditions where UV eye exposure is due either to transmission through the eyeglass or reflection on the eyeglass back face. Respective index values obtained for a set of eyeglasses allow easy sorting of the eyeglasses with respect to UV protection efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Essilor International
    Inventors: Karl Citek, Gilles Baillet, Francisco De Ayguavives, Gabriel Keita
  • Patent number: 8678582
    Abstract: A method of making a protective shield is provided. The method comprises molding an arcuate lens blank having an optical center displaced from an apex of the lens to a position near or beyond the edge of the protective shield. This reduces the object shift as wearer of the lens shifts gaze from a normal straight ahead line of sight to an activity specific line of sight that is vertically displaced from the normal straight ahead line of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Publication number: 20140024484
    Abstract: Balls for team and individual sports include a motion graphic that provides enhanced perception of ball rotation. The motion graphic is typically defined with a visual characteristic that contrast with a ball casing. The motion graphic includes first and second termination portions that are coupled by a connection region. The first and second termination portions are symmetrically situated with respect to a longitudinal axis and are asymmetric with respect to axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The motion graphic and the ball casing can be provided with substantially opposite colors selected to exhibit similar or substantially the same reflectivities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Smith, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Publication number: 20140008543
    Abstract: An index value is calculated for rating an eyeglass with respect to protection against UV hazard. The index value is based on an integrated UV transmission value through the eyeglass and an integrated UV reflection value related to a back face of the eyeglass. Thus, the index value takes into account actual wearing conditions where UV eye exposure is due either to transmission through the eyeglass or reflection on the eyeglass back face. Respective index values obtained for a set of eyeglasses allow easy sorting of the eyeglasses with respect to UV protection efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventors: Karl Citek, Gilles Baillet, Francisco De Ayguavives, Gabriel Keita
  • Publication number: 20130341523
    Abstract: An index value is calculated for rating an eyeglass with respect to protection against UV hazard. The index value is based on an integrated UV transmission value through the eyeglass and an integrated UV reflection value related to a back face of the eyeglass. Thus, the index value takes into account actual wearing conditions where UV eye exposure is due either to transmission through the eyeglass or reflection on the eyeglass back face. Respective index values obtained for a set of eyeglasses allow easy sorting of the eyeglasses with respect to UV protection efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventors: Karl Citek, Gilles Baillet, Francisco De Ayguavives, Gabriel Keita
  • Patent number: 8512180
    Abstract: Balls for team and individual sports include a motion graphic that provides enhanced perception of ball rotation. The motion graphic is typically defined with a visual characteristic that contrast with a ball casing. The motion graphic includes first and second termination portions that are coupled by a connection region. The first and second termination portions are symmetrically situated with respect to a longitudinal axis and are asymmetric with respect to axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The motion graphic and the ball casing can be provided with substantially opposite colors selected to exhibit similar or substantially the same reflectivities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Smith, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Patent number: 8491119
    Abstract: An anaglyphic image presentation system is provided to evaluate and train a user's depth perception abilities. In embodiments, anaglyphic image target components are presented to a user on a display device. The image target components are then viewed by the user through a set of transmission filter lenses. The transmission filter lenses present and block one or more target components based on the peak wavelength transmission associated with each lens. As a result, a user perceives an anaglyphic target image that is resultant from the perceived image target components when viewed through the transmission filter lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek, Graham B. Erickson, Herb Yoo
  • Patent number: 8360905
    Abstract: Sporting items such as soccer balls include a casing region and a graphic region that are defined by enhanced-visibility colors (EVCs) that are substantially complementary. Such EVCs can be selected to avoid colors associated with color confusion in color deficient individuals. In addition, such colors can be selected based on total reflectances to obtain a predetermined luminance contrast. EVCs can be selected based on separations of color coordinate locations using CIE chromaticity coordinates or CIE L-a-b coordinates or otherwise selected. Color selection can include consideration of anticipated viewing backgrounds in a general setting, or colors can be customized for a particular location and particular illumination conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Clancy G. Boyer, Richard G. Avis, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Patent number: 8303442
    Abstract: Sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, casings for sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, and methods for enhancing visual acuity of a soccer ball are described. In embodiments, the sporting ball has an exterior with a substantially spherical surface including a first pole opposing a second pole and an equator circumferentially intermediate the first pole and the second pole. Additionally, in embodiments a first exterior region of a first color may include a first hub section oriented at the first pole generally opposite a second hub section oriented at the second pole on the substantially spherical surface. The first hub section may have one or more first hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator, and the second hub section may have one or more second hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator. Further, in embodiments, the sporting ball may have a second exterior region of a second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Smith, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Patent number: 8272070
    Abstract: Conical face shields, sports helmets, and methods for orienting a conical face shield in a sports helmet are described. In embodiments, the conical face shield has at least two opposing arcuate edges, at least two opposing side edges, and a shield. The arcuate edges each have a first end, a second end, and an edge surface extending between the first end and the second end. Further, the edge surface of the first arcuate edge and the edge surface of the second arcuate edge include an arc segment and the arc segment of the edge surface of the first arcuate edge is part of an ellipse with a greater semi-minor axis than the semi-minor axis of the ellipse forming the arc segment of the edge surface of the second arcuate edge. In various other embodiments, the conical face shield may be horizontally and/or vertically tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan I. Brown, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Publication number: 20120142462
    Abstract: Sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, casings for sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, and methods for enhancing visual acuity of a soccer ball are described. In embodiments, the sporting ball has an exterior with a substantially spherical surface including a first pole opposing a second pole and an equator circumferentially intermediate the first pole and the second pole. Additionally, in embodiments a first exterior region of a first color may include a first hub section oriented at the first pole generally opposite a second hub section oriented at the second pole on the substantially spherical surface. The first hub section may have one or more first hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator, and the second hub section may have one or more second hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator. Further, in embodiments, the sporting ball may have a second exterior region of a second color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Smith, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Publication number: 20120092611
    Abstract: A method of making a protective shield is provided. The method comprises molding an arcuate lens blank having an optical center displaced from an apex of the lens to a position near or beyond the edge of the protective shield. This reduces the object shift as wearer of the lens shifts gaze from a normal straight ahead line of sight to an activity specific line of sight that is vertically displaced from the normal straight ahead line of sight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Patent number: 8104891
    Abstract: A face protector includes a one piece shield in which an optical center is displaced away from the normal straight ahead line of sight toward an activity specific line of sight to minimize image shift that occurs when a direction of gaze passes across the edge of the shield. An apex of the shield is formed at a forwardmost point of the shield, or a virtual extension of the shield, when the shield is in an as worn position on a wearer. In particular examples, an optical axis extends through the optical center, at a non-zero angle to the normal straight ahead line of sight and substantially parallel to the activity specific line of sight, with the optical center being placed away from the apex. In particular examples, the optical axis is closer to (or coincident with) an activity specific line of sight of one of the right or left eye. The face protector is particularly useful in activities such as sports, for example hockey, football, or baseball which involve activity specific lines of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Publication number: 20110304818
    Abstract: An anaglyphic image presentation system is provided to evaluate and train a user's depth perception abilities. In embodiments, anaglyphic image target components are presented to a user on a display device. The image target components are then viewed by the user through a set of transmission filter lenses. The transmission filter lenses present and block one or more target components based on the peak wavelength transmission associated with each lens. As a result, a user perceives an anaglyphic target image that is resultant from the perceived image target components when viewed through the transmission filter lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek, Graham B. Erickson, Herb Yoo
  • Patent number: 8075431
    Abstract: Sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, casings for sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, and methods for enhancing visual acuity of a soccer ball are described. In embodiments, the sporting ball has an exterior with a substantially spherical surface including a first pole opposing a second pole and an equator circumferentially intermediate the first pole and the second pole. Additionally, in embodiments a first exterior region of a first color may include a first hub section oriented at the first pole generally opposite a second hub section oriented at the second pole on the substantially spherical surface. The first hub section may have one or more first hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator, and the second hub section may have one or more second hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator. Further, in embodiments, the sporting ball may have a second exterior region of a second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Smith, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Patent number: 8002408
    Abstract: An anaglyphic image presentation system is provided to evaluate and train a user's depth perception abilities. In embodiments, anaglyphic image target components are presented to a user on a display device. The image target components are then viewed by the user through a set of transmission filter lenses. The transmission filter lenses present and block one or more target components based on the peak wavelength transmission associated with each lens. As a result, a user perceives an anaglyphic target image that is resultant from the perceived image target components when viewed through the transmission filter lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek, Graham B. Erickson, Herb Yoo