Patents by Inventor L. Atkins

L. Atkins 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: 9880324
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ink and a method of using the ink for making colored contact lenses. The ink comprises at least one colorant, a silicone-containing binder polymer, a solvent, a vinylic-monomer mixture, and optionally a photoinitiator or thermal initiator. The silicone-containing binder polymer is a copolymerization product of a polymerizable mixture including (i) at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer; (ii) at least one functionalizing vinylic monomer containing at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl group —OH, amino group —NHR (wherein R is hydrogen or C1 to C8 alkyl), carboxylic group —COOH, epoxy group, amide group —CONHR, and combinations thereof; (iii) at least one silicone-containing vinylic monomer or macromere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Michael Hugh Quinn, Gregory Carlson, Barry L. Atkins
  • Publication number: 20150076721
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ink and a method of using the ink for making colored contact lenses. The ink comprises at least one colorant, a silicone-containing binder polymer, a solvent, a vinylic-monomer mixture, and optionally a photoinitiator or thermal initiator. The silicone-containing binder polymer is a copolymerization product of a polymerizable mixture including (i) at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer; (ii) at least one functionalizing vinylic monomer containing at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl group —OH, amino group —NHR (wherein R is hydrogen or C1 to C8 alkyl), carboxylic group —COOH, epoxy group, amide group —CONHR, and combinations thereof; (iii) at least one silicone-containing vinylic monomer or macromere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Hugh Quinn, Gregory Carlson, Barry L. Atkins
  • Patent number: 8920873
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making colored silicone hydrogel contact lenses. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: (a) providing a contact lens constructed of a silicone hydrogel; (b) applying a color coat to at least a portion of a surface of the lens with an ink, wherein the ink comprises at least one colorant, a silicone-containing binder polymer, one or more vinylic monomers, and optionally a diluent, wherein the silicone-containing binder polymer is a copolymerization product of a polymerizable mixture including (i) at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer; (ii) at least one functionalizing vinylic monomer; (iii) at least one silicone-containing vinylic monomer or macromer; (c) curing the ink in the presence of an adhesion promoter, thereby causing the color coat to adhere to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Michael Hugh Quinn, Gregory Carlson, Barry L. Atkins
  • Publication number: 20120213922
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making colored silicone hydrogel contact lenses. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: (a) providing a contact lens constructed of a silicone hydrogel; (b) applying a color coat to at least a portion of a surface of the lens with an ink, wherein the ink comprises at least one colorant, a silicone-containing binder polymer, one or more vinylic monomers, and optionally a diluent, wherein the silicone-containing binder polymer is a copolymerization product of a polymerizable mixture including (i) at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer; (ii) at least one functionalizing vinylic monomer; (iii) at least one silicone-containing vinylic monomer or macromer; (c) curing the ink in the presence of an adhesion promoter, thereby causing the color coat to adhere to the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Hugh Quinn, Gregory Carlson, Barry L. Atkins
  • Publication number: 20120177839
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing colored contact lenses with relatively high quality color images. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: obtaining a water based ink having a viscosity of greater than about 100 centipoise (cps) and the ink has a dynamic surface tension of less than about 40 dyne/cm at surface age of about 1 second; applying the ink to a portion of molding surfaces of a lens mold to form a colored coat; actinically curing the ink printed on the mold to form a colored film; dispensing a lens-forming material into the lens-forming cavity of the mold; and actinically or thermally curing the lens-forming material to form the contact lens, whereby the colored film detaches from the molding surface and becomes integral with the body of the contact lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Carey Tucker, Sandra Corti, Michael Hugh Quinn, Barry L. Atkins
  • Publication number: 20120094814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing motional training, such as treatment of disequilibrium and movement and balance disorders, using cognitive spatial activity and by providing a subject with vibrotactile feedback in response to an attempt to perform the spatial activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BALANCESENSE LLC
    Inventors: Karen L. Atkins, Jonathan D. Birck
  • Patent number: 8147728
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making colored silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Michael Hugh Quinn, Gregory Carlson, Barry L. Atkins
  • Patent number: 8147822
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing the viability of a tumor cell involving administering a virus that is not a common human pathogen to the tumor cell. Preferably, the virus exhibits differential susceptibility, in that normal cells are not affected by the virus. This differential susceptibility is more pronounced in the presence of interferon. The tumor cell is characterized by having low levels, or no, PKR activity, or as being PKR?/?, STAT1?/? or both PKR?/? and STAT1?/?. The virus is selected from the group consisting of Rhabdovirus and picornavirus, and preferably is vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) or a derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Wellstat Biologics Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Bell, Nahum Sonenberg, David F. Stojdl, Earl G. Brown, Harold L. Atkins, Ricardo M. Marius, Brian D. Lichty, Shane B. Knowles
  • Patent number: 8092355
    Abstract: Motional training is achieved by providing a subject with vibrotactile feedback in response to an attempt by the subject to perform predetermined motions. In particular, an attempt by the subject to perform at least one predetermined motion is monitored using sensors, such as force plates or inertial sensors. The sensor signals indicate results of the attempt by the subject to perform the at least one predetermined motion, and a variance between the at least one predetermined motion and the results of the attempt by the subject to perform the at least one predetermined motion is determined. Vibrotactile signals are then sent to the subject by activating one or more actuators coupled to the subject, where the one or more actuators are spatially oriented with respect to the subject to indicate one or more directions. The vibrotactile signals indicate the variance with respect to the one or more directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Bruce J. P. Mortimer, Karen L. Atkins, Gary A. Zets
  • Patent number: 7876056
    Abstract: A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices at a plurality of varying power levels includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and having an a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit having a plurality of inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Heathco LLC
    Inventors: Barry L Atkins, Keith Alan Springs, Emmet Joseph Roche
  • Publication number: 20100283392
    Abstract: A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices at a plurality of varying power levels includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and having an a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit having a plurality of inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: DESA IP, LLC
    Inventor: Barry L. Atkins
  • Patent number: 7750804
    Abstract: A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices such as lamps for outdoor illumination includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit for illumination of lamps at low ambient lighting levels. The present invention enables the activation of lamps by a plurality of motion sensors having differing fields of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: HeathCo LLC
    Inventors: Barry L. Atkins, Keith Alan Springs, Emmet Joseph Roche
  • Patent number: 7694688
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for processing and transferring substrates in a multi-chamber processing system that has the capability of receiving and performing single substrate processing steps performed in parallel, while using the many favorable aspects of batch processing. Embodiments of the invention described herein are adapted to maximize system throughput, reduce system cost, reduce cost per substrate during processing, increase system reliability, improve the device yield on the processed substrates, and reduce system footprint. In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a wet/clean process sequence in which various substrate cleaning processes are performed on a substrate in the cluster tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Lester, Scott Meyer, Wyland L. Atkins, Douglas Richards, Constantin Predoaica, Jeffrey Hudgens, Charles Carlson, Penchala Kankanala, Mike Rice, James S. Papanu, Evanson G. Baiya, John J. Rosato
  • Publication number: 20100033326
    Abstract: A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices such as lamps for outdoor illumination includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit for illumination of lamps at low ambient lighting levels. The present invention enables the activation of lamps by a plurality of motion sensors having differing fields of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: DESA IP, LLC
    Inventors: Barry L. Atkins, Keith Alan Springs, Emmet Joseph Roche
  • Patent number: 7656308
    Abstract: An AC line powered RF transmitter light switch is described. The RF transmitter light switch is installed within a 3-way wall switch circuit thereby allowing direct and constant electrical connection of the RF transmitter light switch and the RF receiving light switch. The RF transmitter light switch is in RF communication with the receiving light switch to control the circuit load or light fixture. The RF receiving light switch is in direct electrical connection to the load and acts as a master controller regarding of the position of the RF transmitter light switch even though the RF transmitter light switch is installed within the 3-way wall switch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: HeathCo LLC
    Inventor: Barry L. Atkins
  • Publication number: 20090062092
    Abstract: Motional training is achieved by providing a subject with vibrotactile feedback in response to an attempt by the subject to perform predetermined motions. In particular, an attempt by the subject to perform at least one predetermined motion is monitored using sensors, such as force plates or inertial sensors. The sensor signals indicate results of the attempt by the subject to perform the at least one predetermined motion, and a variance between the at least one predetermined motion and the results of the attempt by the subject to perform the at least one predetermined motion is determined. Vibrotactile signals are then sent to the subject by activating one or more actuators coupled to the subject, where the one or more actuators are spatially oriented with respect to the subject to indicate one or more directions. The vibrotactile signals indicate the variance with respect to the one or more directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce J. P. Mortimer, Gary A. Zets, Karen L. Atkins
  • Publication number: 20090029560
    Abstract: In a method for treating a semiconductor substrate, a single substrate is positioned in a single-substrate process chamber and subjected to wet etching, cleaning and/or drying steps. The single substrate may be exposed to etch or clean chemistry in the single-substrate processing chamber as turbulence is induced in the etch or clean chemistry to thin the boundary layer of fluid attached to the substrate. Megasonic energy and/or disturbances in the chamber surfaces may provide the turbulence for boundary layer thinning. According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, megasonic energy may be directed into a region within the single-substrate process chamber to create a zone of boundary layer thinning across the substrate surface, and a single substrate may be translated through the zone during a rinsing or cleaning process within the chamber to optimize cleaning/rinsing performance within the zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Eric Hansen, Victor Mimken, Martin Bleck, R. Rao Yalamanchili, John Rosato, Wyland L. Atkins
  • Publication number: 20080166208
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for processing and transferring substrates in a multi-chamber processing system that has the capability of receiving and performing single substrate processing steps performed in parallel, while using the many favorable aspects of batch processing. Embodiments of the invention described herein are adapted to maximize system throughput, reduce system cost, reduce cost per substrate during processing, increase system reliability, improve the device yield on the processed substrates, and reduce system footprint. In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a wet/clean process sequence in which various substrate cleaning processes are performed on a substrate in the cluster tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Lester, Scott Meyer, Wyland L. Atkins, Douglas Richards, Constantin Predoaica, Jeffrey Hudgens, Charles Carlson, Penchala Kankanala, Mike Rice, James S. Papanu, Evanson G. Baiya, John J. Rosato
  • Patent number: 7306333
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a colored contact lens designed for enhancing a wearer's eye color while giving the wearer's eyes a very natural appearance. A colored contact lens of the invention comprises a colored central zone which includes a colored substantially-circular pattern composed of non-opaque colored dots. Sizes of the dots and/or amounts of space between the dots are varied in a radially-controlled manner so that local colored dot coverage increases in a radial direction from the center to the peripheral edge or a position near the peripheral edge of the substantially-circular pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Robert Carey Tucker, Barry L. Atkins, Sandra Corti
  • Publication number: 20070275229
    Abstract: A molded article includes a rotationally-molded body of polymer material, and a reinforcing member substantially encased within and in direct contact with the polymer material. Both the polymer material and the reinforcing member have their own unique post-molding shrinkage characteristics. A slip zone, defining a void in the body of polymer material, is formed around the end of the reinforcing member, such that post-molding shrinkage of the polymer material imposes substantially no stress on the end of the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member has a surface coating that substantially eliminates adhesion with the polymer material, so as to enable displacement of the reinforcing member with respect to contacting polymer material, and thereby reduce post-molding deformation of the molded article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: R. Laws, David Laws, Phillip Swindler, Nick Olson, Kip Colton, Nikki Colton, L. Atkins