Patents by Inventor Randall Braxton Pugh

Randall Braxton Pugh 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: 9185486
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an ophthalmic device with micro-acoustic electromechanical elements and associated methods. In some embodiments, the micro-acoustic electromechanical elements may be useful for the purpose of providing audible warnings and/or messages to a user. The audible warnings and/or messages can include, for example, messages transmitted wirelessly through a communication element of the ophthalmic device and/or generated within the ophthalmic device. In addition, in some embodiments the ophthalmic device can be an energized contact lens that is used both for optical correction and the transmission of sound through bone resonance to the inner ear of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Braxton Pugh
  • Patent number: 9170646
    Abstract: The present invention provides an energizable ophthalmic lens system capable of wirelessly interfacing with an external device. The energizable ophthalmic lens system may dynamically interact with a specified external device, wherein a user may operate one or more functionalities within the external device through the energizable ophthalmic lens system. The external device may be able to recognize eye gestures, which may comprise deliberate eye and lid movements. The external device may operate a functionality within the ophthalmic lens system, wherein the operation may be based on information received from the ophthalmic lens system. The ophthalmic lens system may comprise at least one energizable ophthalmic lens. Multiple ophthalmic lenses may be preferable where the functionality of either or both the ophthalmic lens system or the external device may occur based on relative position data or communication between lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Toner, Randall Braxton Pugh, Camille A. Higham
  • Patent number: 9072465
    Abstract: A blink detection algorithm and associated circuitry for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system is described herein. The blink detection algorithm is implemented in the system controller which is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Adam Toner, Scott Robert Humphreys, Daniel B. Otts, William Chester Neeley
  • Patent number: 9052528
    Abstract: An electronic or powered ophthalmic lens includes one or more systems having one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. These systems may change the state of the powered ophthalmic lens. In systems having one or more sensors, a decision making process is required to substantially reduce the possibility of changing the state of the powered ophthalmic lens based upon inaccurate, incomplete or erroneous information supplied by the sensors, changing physiologic conditions , as well as noise and/or interference from internal and external sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Adam Toner, Daniel B. Otts
  • Patent number: 9052533
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energizable ophthalmic lens with a smartphone event indicator, wherein the ophthalmic lens may wirelessly receive smartphone event data from a smartphone. The energizable ophthalmic lens may comprise energizable components encapsulated by the soft biocompatible portion or may comprise a media insert that may encapsulate the components. The media insert may be included in ophthalmic lens. The ophthalmic lens may include a verification mechanism, wherein a pairing with a specified smartphone may limit wireless communication to communication between the two specified devices. The receipt of smartphone event data may activate an indicator in the ophthalmic lens. The ophthalmic lens may allow for user response to the notification of the smartphone event. The response may trigger an internal action within the ophthalmic lens, or the ophthalmic lens may transmit response data to the smartphone, triggering an action in the smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Adam Toner, Camille A. Higham
  • Patent number: 9050185
    Abstract: A pupil position and convergence detection system for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system is described herein. The pupil position and convergence detection system is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The pupil position and convergence detection system is utilized to determine pupil position and use this information to control various aspects of the ophthalmic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Adam Toner, Daniel B. Otts
  • Publication number: 20150148648
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic device with an intraocular pressure monitoring system and associated methods. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic device can be a contact lens with an intraocular pressure monitoring system that is not dependent on eye ball shape or change over time. Further, the intraocular pressure monitoring system may include elements for delivering audible and/or visual messages to the user that can be useful for the monitoring and treatment of glaucoma. The audible and/or visual messages can be signals communicated to the user using one or both of the ophthalmic device and a wireless device in communication with the ophthalmic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Braxton Pugh
  • Publication number: 20150148650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic device with a retinal vascularization monitoring system and associated methods. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic device can be a contact lens with a retinal vascularization monitoring system that can be used to monitor temporal changes of a pulsating vessel forming part of the retinal vascularization. Further, the retinal vascularization monitoring system may include elements for delivering a signal, including an audible and/or visual message, to the user that can be useful for identifying abnormal conditions such as a cardiac failure without delay. The audible and/or visual messages can be signals communicated to the user using one or both of the ophthalmic device and a wireless device in communication with the ophthalmic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Braxton Pugh
  • Publication number: 20150146159
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens with an insert using voxel-based lithography techniques, wherein at least a portion of one surface may be free-formed from a reactive mixture are set forth herein. An ophthalmic lens precursor may be formed on a substrate with an arcuate optical quality surface via a source of actinic radiation controllable to cure a definable portion of a volume of reactive mixture, wherein the control may be on a voxel by voxel basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Marina Johns Archer, Michael Ferran, Frederick A. Flitsch, Camille A. Higham, Randall Braxton Pugh, Michael F. Widman, Christopher Wildsmith
  • Publication number: 20150145155
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for forming an ophthalmic lens that can include a media insert and/or electronic components. In particular, the present disclosure provides for adhesion promoting functionalization steps for a biocompatible coating to bind a hydrogel material to a plastic surface or electronic component prior to the polymerization of the hydrogel. In some aspects, the media insert can be used to contain energy sources and/or functional electronic components which may be, for example, in a stacked integrated component configuration to permit a generally arcuate shape that can conform to the anterior surface of an eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Karson Putt, Michael Ferran, Katherine Rowan Hardy, Daniel B. Otts
  • Publication number: 20150138454
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, James Daniel Riall, Adam Toner, Frederick A. Flitsch
  • Patent number: 9014639
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of notifying a user of a smartphone event through use of an energizable ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the smartphone may be paired with a specified ophthalmic lens, wherein the pairing may limit wireless communication to communication between the two specified devices. The smartphone may transmit smartphone event data, which may activate an indicator in the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the user may respond to the notification of the smartphone event. The response may trigger an internal action within the ophthalmic lens, or the response may be transmitted to the smartphone, triggering an action in the smartphone. The present invention further describes a method of using an ophthalmic lens with a smartphone event indicator, including methods of pairing an ophthalmic lens with the specified smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Camille A. Higham
  • Publication number: 20150087249
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatus, and devices associated with an ophthalmic lens system wherein the lenses may communicate with multiple external devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an ophthalmic lens system that may communicate with a secondary and a tertiary device, wherein the wireless communication with the secondary and the tertiary electronic external devices may reduce power, communication, and processing requirements within the ophthalmic lenses and may broaden the range of possible functionalities of the ophthalmic lens system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Adam Toner, Karson S. Putt, Camille A. Higham, Sharika Snook
  • Publication number: 20150077700
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Luciano De Sio, Frederick A. Flitsch, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Randall Braxton Pugh, Svetlana Serak, Nelson V. Tabirian, Adam Toner, Olena Uskova, James Daniel Riall
  • Publication number: 20150077662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise polymer networked regions of interstitially located liquid crystal material. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, Adam Toner, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetlana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio
  • Publication number: 20150081016
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Luciano De Sio, Frederick A. Flitsch, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Randall Braxton Pugh, Svetlana Serak, Nelson V. Tabirian, Adam Toner, Olena Uskova, James Daniel Riall
  • Publication number: 20150077699
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a radially dependent manner. The patterning may allow for the index of refraction of the optic device to vary in a gradient indexed or GRIN manner. At least a first layer of dielectric material that may vary in thickness at least across the optic zone of the device may aid in defining an electric field across the liquid crystal layer. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Luciano De Sio, Frederick A. Flitsch, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Randall Braxton Pugh, James Daniel Riall, Svetlana Serak, Nelson V. Tabirian, Adam Toner, Olena Uskova
  • Publication number: 20150077659
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise droplets that are nano-scaled. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Adam Toner, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetiana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio
  • Publication number: 20150077663
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a hybrid manner. The patterning may allow for the lowering of the minimum electrical potential required to cause a shift in orientation of liquid crystal molecules within the ophthalmic device. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, Adam Toner, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetlana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio
  • Publication number: 20150077661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise polymer networked regions of interstitially located liquid crystal material. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, Adam Toner, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetlana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio