Patents by Inventor Patrick H. Benz

Patrick H. Benz 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: 20150073549
    Abstract: Intraocular implants and methods of making intraocular implants are provided. The intraocular implant can include a lens body having a lens material and a mask having a mask material. The lens body can be secured to the mask. The mask material can include a modulus of elasticity that is greater than or equal to a modulus of elasticity of the lens material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: R. Kyle Webb, Daniel David Siems, Adam C. Reboul, Patrick H. Benz, Bruce Arthur Christie
  • Publication number: 20150061168
    Abstract: The present invention provides optic portions, intraocular lenses, and polymers for use in manufacturing optic portions and intraocular lenses. The optic portions include a polymer that comprises (a) one or more alkoxyalkyl methacrylate monomers and/or one or more alkoxyalkyl acrylate monomers that are incorporated in the polymer; (b) one or more hydroxyalkyl methacrylate monomers and/or one or more hydroxyalkyl acrylate monomers that are incorporated in the polymer; and (c) optionally, one or more crosslinking agents that are incorporated in the polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Benz Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. BENZ, Jose A. ORS
  • Patent number: 8854611
    Abstract: A method comprises providing a lens blank, a precision positioning device, an illumination device, and a vision system, wherein the lens blank includes at least one feature whose position is known relative to a position of an optic center of the lens blank, and wherein the vision system comprises an image sensor and a processor; mounting the lens blank on the precision positioning device; illuminating the lens blank with the illumination device; viewing the lens blank with image sensor of the vision system; determining the position of the at least one feature using the processor; and determining the position of the optic center of the lens blank based on the position of the at least one feature using the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Benz Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Andrew Larson, Stephen E. Brauner
  • Publication number: 20140264981
    Abstract: Intraocular implants and methods of making intraocular implants are provided. The intraocular implant can include a mask adapted to increase depth of focus. The method of manufacturing the implant can include positioning the mask with an aperture on a protruding pin of a positioning mold portion. The protruding pin can be configured to center the mask in the intraocular lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Adam C. Reboul, Patrick H. Benz
  • Patent number: 8835526
    Abstract: The present invention provides optic portions, intraocular lenses, and polymers for use in manufacturing optic portions and intraocular lenses. The optic portions include a polymer that comprises (a) one or more alkoxyalkyl methacrylate monomers and/or one or more alkoxyalkyl acrylate monomers that are incorporated in the polymer; (b) one or more hydroxyalkyl methacrylate monomers and/or one or more hydroxyalkyl acrylate monomers that are incorporated in the polymer; and (c) optionally, one or more crosslinking agents that are incorporated in the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Benz Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Jose A. Ors
  • Patent number: 8618323
    Abstract: A composition comprising a polymer backbone and at least one side group, wherein the side group comprises a benzene ring-based chromophore comprising a ketone at the 1-position, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group at the 2-position, and an oxygen atom at the 3-position of the benzene ring. The chromophore is a kynurenine-based compound. Methods of making and using the composition are also provided. The composition can be used in an ophthalmic lens or device for protecting the retina by blocking UV rays and filtering violet rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Benz Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Jose A. Ors
  • Publication number: 20130253159
    Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) with excellent non-glistening characteristics comprising at least one copolymer comprising: (a) one or more first monomeric subunits comprising a polymerized acrylate and/or methacrylate group, at least one side group comprising (i) an aryloxy moiety, and (ii) an aliphatic carbon moiety linking the aryloxy moiety with the polymerized acrylate or methacrylate group, wherein the aliphatic carbon moiety comprises at least one hydroxyl substituent, (b) one or more second monomeric subunits different from the first monomeric subunits comprising a polymerized acrylate and/or methacrylate group, and comprising at least one alkoxyalkyl side group, (c) one or more third monomeric subunits different from the first and second monomeric subunits, the third monomeric subunits comprising a polymerized acrylate and/or methacrylate group, and comprising at least one alkylene oxide side group, wherein the first monomeric subunit is present in a greater amount by weight than the second monomeric subun
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Adam Reboul
  • Patent number: 8476390
    Abstract: Polymer and monomer compositions based on a chromophore and improved light absorption. Lens materials can be fabricated. A composition comprising: a compound comprising a polymerizable vinyl group covalently linked to a benzene ring-based chromophore comprising: a substituent comprising a carbonyl group at the 1-position; a substituent comprising a hydroxy, ether, ester or a combination thereof at the 2-position; and a substituent comprising a (p-Nitrophenylazo) group at the 4 position of the benzene ring, including salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Jose A. Ors
  • Publication number: 20130096273
    Abstract: A method for reducing the transmittance of ultraviolet radiation through an intraocular lens to 10% or less at 370 mm Additionally, a method for preventing the transmittance of at least 90% of ultraviolet radiation at 370 nm through a foldable intraocular lens comprising: (a) incorporating a monomer comprising a 4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-3-hydroxyphenoxy moiety into at least one polymer and (b) forming the polymer into a material suitable for use as an intraocular lens, wherein the monomer comprising a 4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-3-hydroxyphenoxy moiety comprises 0.10 to 0.15 weight percent of the overall dry polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Adam Reboul
  • Patent number: 8361146
    Abstract: The present invention provides copolymers made up of alkoxyalkyl methacrylate and/or alkoxyalkyl acrylate monomers in combination with one or more additional hydrophobic monomers. The copolymers may be used in the manufacture of intraocular lenses, including both the optic and haptic portions of the lenses. The present invention also provide methods for making intraocular lenses from the copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Benz Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Jose A. Ors
  • Patent number: 8318832
    Abstract: The present invention provides optic portions, intraocular lenses, and polymers for use in manufacturing optic portions and intraocular lenses. The optic portions include a polymer that comprises (a) one or more alkoxyalkyl methacrylate monomers and/or one or more alkoxyalkyl acrylate monomers that are incorporated in the polymer; (b) one or more hydroxyalkyl methacrylate monomers and/or one or more hydroxyalkyl acrylate monomers that are incorporated in the polymer; and (c) optionally, one or more crosslinking agents that are incorporated in the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Benz Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Jose A. Ors
  • Publication number: 20120190767
    Abstract: A polymer comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties is provided. The polymer can be formed into a hydrogel capable of being used as a contact lens. The lens can exhibit high water content such as for example more than 70 wt. % for biocompatibility and structural stability for handling. The hydrophilic portion can be 2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate (GMA) and the hydrophobic portion can be 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (MOEMA). Additionally, the lens can also include N,N-dimethylacrylamide (NN-DMA). Lens can be prepared and formed by molding including a cast molding process or a half cast molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: PATRICK H. BENZ
  • Patent number: 8184301
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and positioning a surface such that the optical and/or cylinder axis of the surface is precisely aligned with a fixture for the purpose of assembly or further mechanical operations such as machining and polishing. According to another aspect of the invention, a lens apex is located and precisely positioned a constant distance from a reference point. In order to implement the above, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically aligning and positioning surfaces using a precision laser displacement measurement device, an X-Y-Z micron stage, and a microprocessor (or computer) capable of performing curvature analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Benz Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Stephen R. Grant, Armin Ebrahimpour
  • Publication number: 20110264211
    Abstract: The present invention provides copolymers made up of alkoxyalkyl methacrylate and/or alkoxyalkyl acrylate monomers in combination with one or more additional hydrophobic monomers. The copolymers may be used in the manufacture of intraocular lenses, including both the optic and haptic portions of the lenses. The present invention also provide methods for making intraocular lenses from the copolymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Patrick H. BENZ, Jose A. ORS
  • Patent number: 8026326
    Abstract: A composition comprising a polymer backbone and at least one side group, wherein the side group comprises a benzene ring-based chromophore comprising a ketone at the 1-position, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group at the 2-position, and an oxygen atom at the 3-position of the benzene ring. The chromophore is a kynurenine-based compound. Methods of making and using the composition are also provided. The composition can be used in an ophthalmic lens or device for protecting the retina by blocking UV rays and filtering violet rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Benz Research and Development Corp.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Jose A. Ors
  • Publication number: 20110166381
    Abstract: A composition comprising a polymer backbone and at least one side group, wherein the side group comprises a benzene ring-based chromophore comprising a ketone at the 1-position, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group at the 2-position, and an oxygen atom at the 3-position of the benzene ring. The chromophore is a kynurenine-based compound. Methods of making and using the composition are also provided. The composition can be used in an ophthalmic lens or device for protecting the retina by blocking UV rays and filtering violet rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Patrick H. BENZ, Jose A. ORS
  • Patent number: 7947796
    Abstract: The present invention provides copolymers made up of alkoxyalkyl methacrylate and/or alkoxyalkyl acrylate monomers in combination with one or more additional hydrophobic monomers. The copolymers may be used in the manufacture of intraocular lenses, including both the optic and haptic portions of the lenses. The present invention also provide methods for making intraocular lenses from the copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Benz Research & Development Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Jose A. Ors
  • Publication number: 20110043829
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and positioning a surface such that the optical and/or cylinder axis of the surface is precisely aligned with a fixture for the purpose of assembly or further mechanical operations such as machining and polishing. According to another aspect of the invention, a lens apex is located and precisely positioned a constant distance from a reference point. In order to implement the above, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically aligning and positioning surfaces using a precision laser displacement measurement device, an X-Y-Z micron stage, and a microprocessor (or computer) capable of performing curvature analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Patrick H. BENZ, Stephen R. Grant, Armin Ebrahimpour
  • Publication number: 20100256306
    Abstract: Polymer and monomer compositions based on a chromophore and improved light absorption. Lens materials can be fabricated. A composition comprising: a compound comprising a polymerizable vinyl group covalently linked to a benzene ring-based chromophore comprising: a substituent comprising a carbonyl group at the 1-position; a substituent comprising a hydroxy, ether, ester or a combination thereof at the 2-position; and a substituent comprising a (p-Nitrophenylazo) group at the 4 position of the benzene ring, including salts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick H. Benz, Jose A. Ors
  • Publication number: 20090176909
    Abstract: A polymer comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties is provided. The polymer can be formed into a hydrogel capable of being used as a contact lens. The lens can exhibit high water content such as for example more than 70 wt. % for biocompatibility and structural stability for handling. The hydrophilic portion can be 2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate (GMA) and the hydrophobic portion can be 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (MOEMA). Additionally, the lens can also include N,N-dimethylacrylamide (NN-DMA). Lens can be prepared and formed by molding including a cast molding process or a half cast molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick H. Benz