Patents by Inventor Sharon R. Benjamin

Sharon R. Benjamin 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).

  • Modified polycaprolactone composition
    Patent number: 6107366
    Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic ophthalmic lens blocking compositions that have many advantages over traditional metal alloy materials. Preferred compositions comprise a blend of a homopolymer or copolymer of epsilon-caprolactone with a modifier selected from the group consisting of carboxylic; straight chain monohydric alcohols; branched chain monohydric alcohols; polyethylene glycols; and polyethylene glycol ethers. The composition may also comprise one or more fillers or heat absorbing materials. In one embodiment, the composition is used to fill the cavity between a preformed lens block and a lens. In another embodiment the composition is used to form a lens block. Methods of holding a lens blank are taught. Tapes that provide a receptive surface against which the composition may be adhered are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sharon R. Benjamin, Michael Govek, John H. Ko, Joel D. Oxman, Carole Sedlock, F. Andrew Ubel, Todd R. Williams
  • Thermoplastic lens blocking material
    Patent number: 6036313
    Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic ophthalmic lens blocking compositions that have many advantages over traditional metal alloy materials. Preferred compositions comprise a homopolymer or copolymer of epsilon-caprolactone, have a number average molecular weight between 3,000 and 100,000, and a polydispersity less than 10. The composition may also comprise one or more modifiers, fillers or heat absorbing materials. In one embodiment, the composition is used to fill the cavity between a preformed lens block and a lens. In another embodiment the composition is used to form a lens block. Methods of holding a lens blank are taught. Tapes that provide a receptive surface against which the composition may be adhered are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sharon R. Benjamin, Michael Govek, Patrick D. Hyde, John H. Ko, Philip G. Martin, Joel D. Oxman, William L. Parish, Jr., Carole Sedlock, Richard L. Severance, F. Andrew Ubel, Todd R. Williams
  • Method of holding an ophthalmic lens blank
    Patent number: 5827390
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of holding ophthalmic lens blanks using thermoplastic lens blocking compositions. Preferred compositions either comprise a homopolymer or copolymer of epsilon-caprolactone, have a number average molecular weight between 3,000 and 100,000, or have a polydispersity less than 10. The composition may also comprise one or more modifiers, fillers or heat absorbing materials. In one method, the composition is injected into the cavity between a preformed lens block and a lens. In another method, the surface of a lens block comprising the thermoplastic lens blocking composition is heated and formed against the lens blank. Tapes that provide a receptive surface against which the composition may be adhered are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sharon R. Benjamin, Michael Govek, Patrick D. Hyde, John H. Ko, Philip G. Martin, Joel D. Oxman, William L. Parish, Jr., Carole Sedlock, Richard L. Severance, F. Andrew Ubel, Todd R. Williams
  • Polycaprolactone lens blocking material
    Patent number: 5763075
    Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic ophthalmic lens blocking compositions that have many advantages over traditional metal alloy materials. Preferred compositions comprise a homopolymer or copolymer of epsilon-caprolactone, have a number average molecular weight between 3,000 and 100,000, and a polydispersity less than 10. The composition may also comprise one or more modifiers, fillers or heat absorbing materials. In one embodiment, the composition is used to fill the cavity between a preformed lens block and a lens. In another embodiment the composition is used to form a lens block. Methods of holding a lens blank are taught. Tapes that provide a receptive surface against which the composition may be adhered are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sharon R. Benjamin, Michael Govek, Patrick D. Hyde, John H. Ko, Philip G. Martin, Joel D. Oxman, William L. Parish, Jr., Carole Sedlock, F. Andrew Ubel, Todd R. Williams
  • Thermoplastic lens blocking material
    Patent number: 5754269
    Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic ophthalmic lens blocking compositions that have many advantages over traditional metal alloy materials. Preferred compositions comprise a homopolymer or copolymer of epsiloncaprolactone, have a number average molecular weight between 3,000 and 100,000, and a polydispersity less than 10. The composition may also comprise one or more modifiers, fillers or heat absorbing materials. In one embodiment, the composition is used to fill the cavity between a preformed lens block and a lens. In another embodiment the composition is used to form a lens block. Methods of holding a lens blank are taught. Tapes that provide a receptive surface against which the composition may be adhered are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sharon R. Benjamin, Michael Govek, Patrick D. Hyde, John H. Ko, Philip G. Martin, Joel D. Oxman, William L. Parish, Jr., Carole Sedlock, Richard L. Severance, F. Andrew Ubel, Todd R. Williams