Patents by Inventor Robert E. Fischer
Robert E. Fischer 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: 8427636Abstract: Modified MZ (Mach-Zender) interferometers are utilized to analyze the transmitted, aspherical wavefront of an ophthalmic lens by mounting the lens in a cuvette having a rotatable carousel that can hold multiple lenses. Fresh, temperature controlled, saline solution is circulated about the lenses, and the cuvette is positioned in a vertical test arm of the interferometer configuration. Reverse raytracing is utilized to remove aberrations induced into the wavefront as it is imaged from immediately behind the lens to the detector of the interferometer.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignees: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc, Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of ArizonaInventors: Simon Prince, Michael Sherwood, Robert E. Fischer, Syed Tariq Shafaat, Shawn Mulcahey, Paul Hudson, Greg Moeller, Gregory A. Williby, Russell T. Spaulding, John C. Hootman, Russell J. Edwards, John Edward Greivenkamp, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7554737Abstract: Systems and methods for providing illumination suitable for imaging devices such as laser projection systems, wherein the illumination pattern is adjustable by modifying one or more characteristics of a controlled angle diffuser. In one embodiment, a highly collimated (e.g., laser light) beam is passed through a holographic diffuser to create a well defined cone angle for the light emanating from each point on the diffuser. This light is focused into an illumination image that is controlled by the prescription of the diffuser. In one embodiment, the diffuser can be positioned to alternately place different regions having different prescriptions in the optical path corresponding to the illumination image. In one embodiment, the diffuser can be continually moved to eliminate speckling and “worminess” in the illumination image.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Riake CorporationInventors: Richard M. Knox, Kevin Hathaway, David Kappel, Robert E. Fischer, Biljana Tadic-Galeb
-
Publication number: 20080151236Abstract: Modified MZ (Mach-Zender) interferometers are utilized to analyze the transmitted, aspherical wavefront of an ophthalmic lens by mounting the lens in a cuvette having a rotatable carousel that can hold multiple lenses. Fresh, temperature controlled, saline solution is circulated about the lenses, and the cuvette is positioned in a vertical test arm of the interferometer configuration. Reverse raytracing is utilized to remove aberrations induced into the wavefront as it is imaged from immediately behind the lens to the detector of the interferometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Simon Prince, Michael Sherwood, Robert E. Fischer, Syed Tariq Shafaat, Shawn Mulcahey, Paul Hudson, Greg Moeller, Gregory A. Williby, Russell T. Spaulding, John C. Hootman, Russell J. Edwards, John Edward Greivenkamp
-
Patent number: 7150530Abstract: The present invention provides variable spot size illuminators that provide a light spot on a treatment plane by utilizing a zoom lens to direct light received from an image of a light source formed on an intermediate image plane onto the treatment plane. The zoom lens allows varying the size of the treatment spot while ensuring that the treatment spot exhibits parfocality. An illuminator of the invention can be utilized for performing a number of ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as, photocoagulation, transpupillary thermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Alcon, Inc.Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Bruno X. Lassalas, T. Scott Rowe, Mark Fink, Robert E. Fischer
-
Patent number: 7077525Abstract: A flashlight that utilizes an array of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source, and a light pipe as a light homogenizer to generate a light beam capable of forming a uniformized light distribution at a given distance from the flashlight is disclosed. The LEDs may be all the same color, or some or all may be different colors. A switch, coupled to switching electronics coupled to the LED array, is used to change the state of the LED array to create a variety of different types of light beams, each of which provides relatively uniform and bright illumination at a given distance from the flashlight, wherein the given distance is selectable by adjusting an adjustable imaging lens.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Optics 1, IncInventors: Robert E. Fischer, Greg Moeller, Simon Prince
-
Patent number: 7035017Abstract: A projection lens system which includes a telecentric lens assembly. The lens may be used to form an image from a light source, including for example a resonant microcavity phosphororcathode ray tube, onto a screen or display, such as in a television or a projection device. In accordance with one embodiment, a planar cooling gap or cavity (which may or may not contain a cooling liquid) is included between the imaging surface and the matching planar surface of the field lens. The use of a planar gap alleviates any temperature differentials across the cooling liquid and the lens surfaces, as compared with alternate designs that may have a non-planar gap between the faceplate and the field lens, or that use liquid lenses.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Quantum Vision, Inc.Inventors: Biljana Tadic-Galeb, Robert E. Fischer, Larry D. Owen
-
Patent number: 6939009Abstract: A compact work light that generates a light beam having high brightness and high illumination uniformity is disclosed. The work light includes a housing that houses a light source, a light homogenizer and an imaging lens in an operational relationship. The housing is attached to an adjustable mount, which can be attached to a fixed region such as wall, or to a movable support member such as a lamp base. The light source generates light that is uniformized by the light homogenizer. The homogenized light is then imaged by the imaging lens as a highly uniform, bright beam spot having a sharp boundary. The beam spot is formed at a selectable distance from the work light by varying the imaging lens and/or the adjustable mount. The work light is useful for a variety of industrial, professional and personal applications, including but not limited to a reading light, a dentist light, a head lamp, a head light and an optical projector.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Optics 1, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Fischer, Joseph E. Gortych
-
Patent number: 6870650Abstract: Systems and methods for providing illumination suitable for imaging devices such as laser projection systems. In one embodiment, a highly collimated (e.g., laser light) beam is passed through a holographic diffuser to create a well defined cone angle for the light emanating from each point on the diffuser. This light is focused into an illumination image that is controlled by the prescription of the diffuser. In one embodiment, the image is a uniformly intense rectangle having a 4:3 aspect ratio to match an imager for a projection display. The diffuser prescription and resulting illumination image can be selected to match any desired imager. The present systems and methods may provide the advantages of high level of light efficiency, reduction or elimination of speckle and “worminess” and reduction or elimination of cosine4 and gaussian intensity falloff, all of which are common in prior art designs.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Riake CorporationInventors: David Kappel, Robert E. Fischer, Biljana Tadic-Galeb
-
Publication number: 20040252281Abstract: A compact work light that generates a light beam having high brightness and high illumination uniformity is disclosed. The work light includes a housing that houses a light source, a light homogenizer and an imaging lens in an operational relationship. The housing is attached to an adjustable mount, which can be attached to a fixed region such as wall, or to a movable support member such as a lamp base. The light source generates light that is uniformized by the light homogenizer. The homogenized light is then imaged by the imaging lens as a highly uniform, bright beam spot having a sharp boundary. The beam spot is formed at a selectable distance from the work light by varying the imaging lens and/or the adjustable mount. The work light is useful for a variety of industrial, professional and personal applications, including but not limited to a reading light, a dentist light, a head lamp, a head light and an optical projector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Robert E. Fischer, Joseph E. Gortych
-
Publication number: 20040233388Abstract: The present invention provides variable spot size illuminators that provide a light spot on a treatment plane by utilizing a zoom lens to direct light received from an image of a light source formed on an intermediate image plane onto the treatment plane. The zoom lens allows varying the size of the treatment spot while ensuring that the treatment spot exhibits parfocality. An illuminator of the invention can be utilized for performing a number of ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as, photocoagulation, transpupillary thermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Bruno X. Lassalas, T. Scott Rowe, Mark Fink, Robert E. Fischer
-
Publication number: 20040233540Abstract: A projection lens system which includes a telecentric lens assembly. The lens may be used to form an image from a light source, including for example a resonant microcavity phosphororcathode ray tube, onto a screen or display, such as in a television or a projection device. In accordance with one embodiment, a planar cooling gap or cavity (which may or may not contain a cooling liquid) is included between the imaging surface and the matching planar surface of the field lens. The use of a planar gap alleviates any temperature differentials across the cooling liquid and the lens surfaces, as compared with alternate designs that may have a non-planar gap between the faceplate and the field lens, or that use liquid lenses.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: QUANTUM VISION, INC.Inventors: Biljana Tadic-Galeb, Robert E. Fischer, Larry D. Owen
-
Publication number: 20040189981Abstract: A method and system for inspecting ophthalmic lenses using absorption where an ophthalmic lens is illuminated with light comprising wavelengths that are substantially absorptive to said lens, the image subsequently detected being created using only light at said absorptive wavelengths. Variations in transmitted light intensity translate into thickness changes in the lens caused by cosmetic flaws. The invention is also directed to imaging lens assemblies employing highly positive-powered field flattening lens elements to image a curved object, such as an ophthalmic lens, onto a flat image plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Denwood F. Ross, Mary L. Dolan, Ranganath R. Raja, Brian G. Rice, Craig W. Walker, David Kappel, Robert E. Fischer, Ture Kindt-Larsen
-
Patent number: 6795189Abstract: A universal microplate analyzer capable of carrying out measurements on samples contained in the wells of microplates by fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence employs at least two light sources and optical fiber channels for directing excitation light to the sample wells. Flexibility of operation is provided by arrays of mirrors, apertures, and polarizers which can be positioned as required for the analysis to be carried out.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Packard Instrument CompanyInventors: David Dickson Booker, Robert E. Fischer, Michael P. Newell, David W. Kappel, Scott Moritz, Jerome E. Oleksy
-
Publication number: 20040151008Abstract: The present invention provides both continuously variable spot size illuminators and discretely variable spot size illuminators that can be utilized in many applications, e.g., photo-dynamic therapy, to provide a light spot on a treatment plane, e.g., a patient's retina, whose size can be continuously or discretely adjusted while ensuring that the light fluence and the working focal distance remain substantially constant at all spot sizes, thereby preserving parfocality with other optical systems. In a continuous variable spot size illuminator of the invention, a focusing lens system is employed to form an image of a light source on an intermediate plane, and a variable aperture is utilized to select a portion of the intermediate image. An objective lens system then images the selected portion of the intermediate image onto a treatment plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Burno X. Lassalas, T. Scott Rowe, Robert E. Fischer
-
Patent number: 6746124Abstract: A flashlight that generates a flashlight beam to illuminate an object at a selectable distance from the flashlight by imaging a uniformly bright pattern of light onto the object. A light modifying component can be used to manipulate the pattern of light into particular shapes and images. In one embodiment, light from a light source is coupled into a light pipe. The light is homogenized as it travels along the light pipe. The light exits the light pipe with a more uniform intensity than when it entered. The light exiting the light pipe is then reimaged by an imaging lens onto an object. Yet in other embodiments, one or more lens arrays having two or more lenlets are used to homogenize the light originating from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventors: Robert E. Fischer, David Kappel, Greg Moeller
-
Publication number: 20040008392Abstract: Systems and methods for providing illumination suitable for imaging devices such as laser projection systems. In one embodiment, a highly collimated (e.g., laser light) beam is passed through a holographic diffuser to create a well defined cone angle for the light emanating from each point on the diffuser. This light is focused into an illumination image that is controlled by the prescription of the diffuser. In one embodiment, the image is a uniformly intense rectangle having a 4:3 aspect ratio to match an imager for a projection display. The diffuser prescription and resulting illumination image can be selected to match any desired imager. The present systems and methods may provide the advantages of high level of light efficiency, reduction or elimination of speckle and “worminess” and reduction or elimination of cosine4 and gaussian intensity falloff, all of which are common in prior art designs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: David Kappel, Robert E. Fischer, Biljana Tadic-Galeb
-
Patent number: 6606173Abstract: Systems and methods for providing illumination suitable for imaging devices such as laser projection systems. In one embodiment, a highly collimated (e.g., laser light) beam is passed through a holographic diffuser to create a well defined cone angle for the light emanating from each point on the diffuser. This light is focused into an illumination image that is controlled by the prescription of the diffuser. In one embodiment, the image is a uniformly intense rectangle having a 4:3 aspect ratio to match an imager for a projection display. The diffuser prescription and resulting illumination image can be selected to match any desired imager. The present systems and methods may provide the advantages of high level of light efficiency, reduction or elimination of speckle and worminess and reduction or elimination of cosine4 and gaussian intensity falloff, all of which are common in prior art designs.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Riake CorporationInventors: David Kappel, Robert E. Fischer, Biljana Tadic-Galeb
-
Patent number: 6577387Abstract: A method and system for inspecting ophthalmic lenses using absorption where an ophthalmic lens is illuminated with light comprising wavelengths that are substantially absorptive to said lens, the image subsequently detected being created using only light at said absorptive wavelengths. Variations in transmitted light intensity translate into thickness changes in the lens caused by cosmetic flaws. The invention is also directed to imaging lens assemblies employing highly positive-powered field flattening lens elements to image a curved object, such as an ophthalmic lens, onto a flat image plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Denwood F. Ross, III, Mary L. Dolan, Ranganath R. Raja, Brian G. Rice, Craig W. Walker, David Kappel, Robert E. Fischer, Ture Kindt-Larsen
-
Patent number: 6473236Abstract: Projection lenses and projection lens systems are telecentric between an illumination subsystem and a set of imagers. The lenses and systems can exhibit color fringing correction, uniform imager illumination, athermalization, and component articulation for improved imaging. The lenses and systems may be employed in display apparatuses, such as folded display apparatuses that have decreased footprint size, but long effective projection lengths.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Duke UniversityInventors: Biljana Tadic-Galeb, Robert E. Fischer
-
Publication number: 20020122172Abstract: A method and system for inspecting ophthalmic lenses using absorption where an ophthalmic lens is illuminated with light comprising wavelengths that are substantially absorptive to said lens, the image subsequently detected being created using only light at said absorptive wavelengths. Variations in transmitted light intensity translate into thickness changes in the lens caused by cosmetic flaws. The invention is also directed to imaging lens assemblies employing highly positive-powered field flattening lens elements to image a curved object, such as an ophthalmic lens, onto a flat image plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2000Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Denwood F. Ross, Mary L. Dolan, Ranganath R. Raja, Brian G. Rice, Craig W. Walker, David Kappel, Robert E. Fischer, Ture Kindt-Larsen