Patents by Inventor Urban Schnell

Urban Schnell 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: 20160246073
    Abstract: A non-round fluid lens assembly includes a non-round rigid lens and a flexible membrane attached to the non-round rigid lens, such that a cavity is formed between the non-round rigid lens and the flexible membrane. A reservoir in fluid communication with the cavity allows a fluid to be transferred into and out of the cavity so as to change the optical power of the fluid lens assembly. In an embodiment, a front surface of the non-round rigid lens is aspheric. Additionally or alternatively, a thickness of the flexible membrane may be contoured so that it changes shape in a spheric manner when fluid is transferred between the cavity and the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Hans Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20160172870
    Abstract: Base units, systems and methods for wireless energy transfer are described. A wireless energy transfer system according to some examples includes a transmitter of wireless energy located within a communication device, such as a mobile phone, or attached to the communication device and a distance separated receiver located within an electronic wearable device other than the communication device, wherein the receiver is configured to receive wireless energy from the transmitter and convert the wireless energy into electrical power, which may be used to power the electronic wearable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: RONALD D. BLUM, WILLIAM KOKONASKI, RICHARD CLOMPUS, AMITAVA GUPTA, SCOTT RICHMAN, URBAN SCHNELL, STEFAN BAUER, JEAN-NOEL FEHR
  • Publication number: 20160161768
    Abstract: An actuator for a fluid-filled lens including a housing having a first and second end; a reservoir disposed within the housing is disclosed. In an embodiment, the actuator further includes a compression arm having a first end that is fixed at a pivot and a second end that is not fixed such that the compression arm flexes to compress the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Senatore, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Jonathan Downing, Amitava Gupta, William Egan, Lisa Nibauer, Frank Stangota, Bruce Decker, Thomas M. McGuire, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Pascal Loser
  • Patent number: 9354456
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a hinge for a fluid-filled lens assembly includes a base having a first end configured to connect to a temple arm of the lens assembly and a second end configured to connect to a frame of the lens assembly, wherein the base includes a gap that is shaped to allow for tubing to pass from the first end to the second end of the base. In an embodiment, the first end of the base includes a cammed surface configured to engage a surface of the temple arm. In an embodiment, the first and second ends of the base are configured to flex around a rotation axis of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Senatore, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Jonathan Downing, Amitava Gupta, William Egan, Lisa Nibauer, Frank Stangota, Bruce Decker, Thomas M. McGuire, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Pascal Loser
  • Patent number: 9302069
    Abstract: A device and method for providing stimulation signals that reset the phase of the neuronal activity of neurons in a patient's brain. The device includes a control unit; and a stimulation unit that has a plurality of stimulation elements, and each stimulation element generates visual stimulation signals that reset the phase of the neuronal activity of the neurons when the signals are taken up via an eye of a patient and transmitted to neurons that are exhibiting a pathologically synchronous and oscillatory neuronal activity. The control unit is further capable of actuating the stimulation unit such that the stimulation elements generate the visual stimulation signals with a time offset in respect to one another and/or with differing phase and/or with differing polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, Universitaet zu Koeln
    Inventors: Peter A. Tass, Birgit Utako Barnikol, Christian Hauptmann, Karim Haroud, Jean-Christophe Roulet, Urban Schnell
  • Publication number: 20160074212
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering therapeutic agent to an eye comprises a body, a cannula, a hollow needle, an actuation assembly, and a detection/visualization system. The cannula extends distally from the body and is sized and configured to be insertable between a choroid and a sclera of a patient's eye. The actuation assembly is operable to actuate the needle relative to the cannula to thereby drive a distal portion of the needle along an exit axis. The cannula may be inserted through a sclerotomy incision and advanced through the choroid to deliver the therapeutic agent adjacent to the potential space between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium layer. The detection/visualization system is operable to detect or visualize penetration of the choroid of a patient's eye and provide feedback to the operator and/or automatic control of the apparatus based on penetration of the choroid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Saeed Sokhanvar, Daniel J. Yasevac, Michel Bruehwiler, Leah R. Soffer, Gregory W. Johnson, William D. Dannaher, Stefan Troller, Urban Schnell, Jean Christophe Roulet, Alain Saurer, Michael F. Keane
  • Publication number: 20160051126
    Abstract: A micro-endoscope and method of making the same includes a mounting housing, a camera module received within the mounting housing, and an encapsulation material interposed between the camera module and the mounting housing for fixedly mounting the camera module within the mounting housing and/or inhibiting the passage of light between the camera module and the mounting housing. The micro-endoscope further includes a light guide having the mounting housing received therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Troller, Urban Schnell, Matthias Pfister, Michel Saint-Ghislain
  • Patent number: 9259309
    Abstract: Ophthalmic devices with dynamic electro-active elements offer variable optical power and/or depth of field that restore lost accommodation in individuals suffering from presbyopia or aphakia. An illustrative device senses physiological processes indicative of the accommodative response and actuates a dynamic electro-active element to provide the desired change in optical power and/or depth of field. The illustrative device includes two application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for processing the accommodative response and actuating the electro-active element: a high-voltage ASIC that steps up a low voltage from a power supply to a higher voltage suitable for actuating the electro-active element, and another ASIC that operates at low voltage (and therefore consumes little power) and controls the operating state of the high-voltage ASIC. Because each ASIC operates at the lowest possible voltage, the illustrative ophthalmic device dissipates less power than other ophthalmic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ELENZA, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Noel Fehr, Walter Doll, Urban Schnell
  • Publication number: 20160018671
    Abstract: A soft contact lens comprises a module embedded in a soft contact lens material. The module comprises a hydrophobic material having channels formed therein, such that a surface tension of the aqueous solution within the channels inhibits release of therapeutic agent, such as a drug, through the one or more channels. The surface tension of the aqueous solution within the channel can inhibit diffusion of the therapeutic agent through the channel. The channels may comprise a cross-sectional area and optionally a length, such that therapeutic agent is released through the channels when pressure of the eyelid increases. In many embodiments, the contact lens is configured to inhibit release of the therapeutic agent when the contact lens comprises a free floating configuration, for example when stored in a contact lens solution, such that the storage time of the contact lens can be increased substantially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Steve WAITE, Amitava GUPTA, Urban SCHNELL
  • Publication number: 20160004098
    Abstract: An accommodating contact lens comprises a variable focus optical module, which comprises an optical chamber and one or more eyelid engaging chambers coupled to the optical chamber with one or more extensions comprising channels extending between the optical chamber and the more eyelid engaging chambers. The module may comprise a self-supporting module capable of supporting itself prior to placement in a contact lens to facilitate placement prior to encapsulation in the contact lens. The module may comprise one or more optically transmissive materials, provides improved optical correction, and can be combined with soft contact lens materials such as hydrogels. In many embodiments, the module comprises a support structure extending between an upper membrane and a lower membrane in order to provide variable optical power accurately with decreased amounts distortion and improved responsiveness to eyelid induced pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Steven B. WAITE, Amitava GUPTA, Urban SCHNELL
  • Publication number: 20150370093
    Abstract: An accommodating contact lens module is provided for use with an accommodating contact lens. Components of the accommodating contact lens module can be manufactured and assembled with low distortion optics to provide improved vision. The module comprises a self-supporting module capable of being grasped by one of the components and placed in a mold without distorting the optical components of the module when placed. The module is compatible with soft contact lens materials, and compatible with soft contact lens manufacturing processes such as molding of hydrogels and silicones. The module may comprise one or more of many components that can be placed in the mold together. These components can be placed in the mold for encapsulation in order to provide accurate optical correction of the eye of the subject, for both far vision and near vision. In many embodiments, the module is inspected prior to placement in the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Steven B. WAITE, Amitava GUPTA, Urban SCHNELL
  • Publication number: 20150253588
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for an adjustable fluid-filled lens is provided. In some embodiments, the actuator assembly includes a clamp configured to adjust the optical power of the fluid lens module when the clamp is compressed. In some embodiments, a magnetic element is configured to adjust the optical power of the fluid-filled lens. In some embodiments, a plunger changes the optical power of the fluid lens module. In some embodiments, a reservoir is configured such that deformation of the reservoir changes the optical power of the fluid-filled lens. In some embodiments, a balloon is configured to deform the reservoir. In some embodiments, an adjustable fluid-filled lens includes a septum configured to be pierceable by a needle and automatically and fluidly seal a fluid chamber after withdrawal of the needle. In some embodiments, a thermal element can heat fluid within a fluid chamber to change an optical power of the lens module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: William Egan, Karim Haroud, Lisa Nibauer, Matthew Peterson, Urban Schnell, Daniel Senatore
  • Publication number: 20150248021
    Abstract: A fluid lens assembly including a front rigid lens, a semi-flexible membrane that is adapted to be expanded from a minimum inflation level to a maximum inflation level, and a fluid layer therebetween. The front lens of the fluid lens assembly is configured to have a negative optical power. In an embodiment, the fluid lens assembly may be configured to have an overall negative optical power when the membrane is expanded to the maximum inflation level. In an embodiment, the fluid lens assembly can be configured to have an overall negative optical power when the membrane is expanded between the minimum inflation level and the maximum inflation level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, William Egan, Lisa Nibauer, Frank Stangota, Bruce Decker, Thomas M. McGuire, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Hans Jaeger, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Daniel Senatore
  • Publication number: 20150248022
    Abstract: A variable focus optical apparatus including a rigid, curved, transparent optical component; two transparent, distensible membranes attached to a periphery of the rigid optical component to define two cavities, a first cavity between the rigid optical component and a first membrane and a second cavity between the first membrane and a second membrane; and a variable amount of fluid each of the cavities, and a reservoir containing additional fluid and in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein the reservoir is configured to provide injection of fluid into the cavity or withdrawal of fluid out of the cavity in response to a force or an impulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Karim Haroud, Urban Schnell
  • Publication number: 20150182331
    Abstract: Many modern implantable ophthalmic devices include electronic components, such as electro-active cells, that can leak harmful substances into the eye and/or surrounding tissue. In the implantable ophthalmic devices disclosed herein, electronic components are hermetically sealed within cavities formed by bonding together two or more glass wafers. Bonding the glass wafers together with laser fusion bonding, pressure bonding, or anodic bonding creates a seal that leaks at a rate of less than about 5×10?12 Pa m3s?1 when subjected to a helium leak test. Hermetically sealed feedthroughs formed of conductive material running through channels in the wafers provide electrical connections to components inside the sealed cavities. In some cases, the conductive material has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is roughly equal to (e.g., within 10% of) the CTE of the glass wafers to minimize leakage due to thermally induced expansion and contraction of the conductive material and the glass wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: Elenza, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. BLUM, Amitava Gupta, Jean-Noel Fehr, Jean-Christophe Roulet, Urban Schnell, Walter Doll, Roland Michaely
  • Patent number: 9042027
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for an adjustable fluid-filled lens is provided. In some embodiments, the actuator assembly includes a clamp configured to adjust the optical power of the fluid lens module when the clamp is compressed. In some embodiments, a magnetic element is configured to adjust the optical power of the fluid-filled lens. In some embodiments, a plunger changes the optical power of the fluid lens module. In some embodiments, a reservoir is configured such that deformation of the reservoir changes the optical power of the fluid-filled lens. In some embodiments, a balloon is configured to deform the reservoir. In some embodiments, an adjustable fluid-filled lens includes a septum configured to be pierceable by a needle and automatically and fluidly seal a fluid chamber after withdrawal of the needle. In some embodiments, a thermal element can heat fluid within a fluid chamber to change an optical power of the lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: William Egan, Karim Haroud, Lisa Nibauer, Matthew Peterson, Urban Schnell, Daniel Senatore
  • Patent number: 9033495
    Abstract: A variable focus optical apparatus including a rigid, curved, transparent optical component; two transparent, distensible membranes attached to a periphery of the rigid optical component to define two cavities, a first cavity between the rigid optical component and a first membrane and a second cavity between the first membrane and a second membrane; and a variable amount of fluid filling each of the cavities, and a reservoir containing additional fluid and in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein the reservoir is configured to provide injection of fluid into the cavity or withdrawal of fluid out of the cavity in response to a force or an impulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Karim Haroud, Urban Schnell
  • Patent number: 9036264
    Abstract: A fluid lens assembly including a front rigid lens, a semi-flexible membrane that is adapted to be expanded from a minimum inflation level to a maximum inflation level, and a fluid layer therebetween. The front lens of the fluid lens assembly is configured to have a negative optical power. In an embodiment, the fluid lens assembly may be configured to have an overall negative optical power when the membrane is expanded to the maximum inflation level. In an embodiment, the fluid lens assembly can be configured to have an overall negative optical power when the membrane is expanded between the minimum inflation level and the maximum inflation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, William Egan, Lisa Nibauer, Frank Stangota, Bruce Decker, Thomas M. McGuire, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Hans Jaeger, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Daniel Senatore
  • Publication number: 20150105844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the stimulation of thermal receptors in the skin of a patient by means of thermal stimuli. The device comprises a plurality of noninvasive stimulation units for irradiating the skin of the patient with electromagnetic radiation, wherein thermal stimuli are produced by absorption of the electromagnetic radiation in the skin of the patient and the wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the stimulation units can be adjusted. The device also comprises a control unit for controlling the stimulation units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Alexander Tass, Jean-Christophe Roulet, Thomas Von Bueren, Jean-Noel Fehr, Urban Schnell
  • Patent number: 8992610
    Abstract: Many modern implantable ophthalmic devices include electronic components, such as electro-active cells, that can leak harmful substances into the eye and/or surrounding tissue. In the implantable ophthalmic devices disclosed herein, electronic components are hermetically scaled within cavities formed by bonding together two or more glass wafers. Bonding the glass wafers together with laser fusion bonding, pressure bonding, or anodic bonding creates a seal that leaks at a rate of less than about 5×10?12 Pa m3 s?1 when subjected to a helium leak test. Hermetically sealed feedthroughs formed of conductive material running through channels in the wafers provide electrical connections to components inside the sealed cavities. In some cases, the conductive material has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is roughly equal to (e.g., within 10% of) the CTE of the glass wafers to minimize leakage due to thermally induced expansion and contraction of the conductive material and the glass wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Elenza, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Amitava Gupta, Jean-Noel Fehr, Jean-Christophe Roulet, Urban Schnell, Walter Doll, Roland Michaely