Patents by Inventor Lewis D. Houchens, Jr.

Lewis D. Houchens, Jr. 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: 6203409
    Abstract: A combination tool for edging and polishing the edge of eyeglass lenses comprises an axially extending rotatable cutter body having first and second peripherally disposed and axially extending cutter portions. Each cutter portion has a first notch therein for shaping an edge of a lens. The first notches are equiaxially spaced along the body. An axially extending polishing tool is secured to the body and is rotatable therewith. The tool has a second notch formed therein for shaping an edge of a lens. An abrasive coating is applied to the polishing tool for polishing the lens edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian H. Kennedy, Lewis D. Houchens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5626511
    Abstract: A combination tool for edging and polishing the edge of eyeglass lenses comprises an axially extending rotatable cutter body having first and second peripherally disposed and axially extending cutter portions. Each cutter portion has a first notch therein for shaping an edge of a lens. The first notches are equiaxially spaced along the body. An axially extending polishing tool is secured to the body and is rotatable therewith. The tool has a second notch formed therein for shaping an edge of a lens. An abrasive coating is applied to the polishing tool for polishing the lens edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian H. Kennedy, Lewis D. Houchens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5217335
    Abstract: The generator for plastic lenses comprises a rotatable chuck for rotating an optical lens blank on a first axis. A drive system displaces the chuck and thereby the lens blank generally transverse to the first axis. A cutter is operably associatable with the chuck for engaging the lens blank and causing shaping thereof. The cutter includes a high speed rotary element rotatable on a second axis angularly disposed relative to the first axis. A second drive system for selectively displacing the cutter parallel to the first axis is provided. A computer control is operably associated with the first and second drive systems for coordinating displacement of the associated chuck and cutter for causing a selected curvature to be generated on the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis D. Houchens, Jr., John M. Davis
  • Patent number: 4909679
    Abstract: A plastic lens shaper and finisher has a bed to which a first frame is mounted for reciprocation along the first axis. A second frame is mounted to the bed for reciprocation along the second axis generally transverse to the first axis. A third frame is secured to the bed adjacent said first and second frames. Displacement devices are operably connected to each of the first and second frames causing reciprocation thereof. A motor is mounted to the first frame and has a rotary cutter secured to the distal end thereof for cutting the blank. A second motor is mounted to the second frame and includes a first blank holding portion at one end and a first pattern holding portion at the other end. The second frame includes a portion carrying the second blank holding portion and a cylinder and piston assembly for driving the second portion for clamping and releasing the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: National Optronics Inc.
    Inventors: Warren A. Berger, Lewis D. Houchens, Jr., Victor A. Villar-Gosalvez