Patents by Inventor Charles M. Inman

Charles M. Inman 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: 4697697
    Abstract: A retainer for retaining an intraocular lens in a sterile liquid in a vial includes an elongated pair of side walls defining a lens-receiving area therebetween. A transversely-extending wall between the side walls defines a support surface for the edges of the haptic of the lens. Ribs on the interior surfaces of the side walls terminate short of the transversely-extending wall to define slots for retaining the haptic of the lens. An access opening is defined by the transversely-extending wall to permit the retained lens to be freed for removal by an instrument from without the confines of the retainer. The retainer terminates in its upper portion in a pair of protruding tabs defining slots for receiving an instrument for removing the retainer and the lens from the vial. The method of inserting and removing the lens from the retainer is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: CooperVision, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Graham, Wade C. Vaughn, Charles M. Inman
  • Patent number: 4578063
    Abstract: A percutaneous implant device is provided which is stable, biocompatible, substantially infection-free and provides a long-term port of entry into the body, the device having an easy-to-use, effective, contamination-resistant capping and valving system for the exchange of fluids into and out of the body. The device comprises a nonporous biocompatible conduit having an attached flange, the flange having a top and a bottom. In the preferred embodiment, at the top of the flange, where the flange and conduit connect, the conduit emerges from the flange, necks inwardly and then flares outwardly forming an hourglass configuration. Above this neck the conduit forms substantially a right-angle bend, the conduit then extending substantially parallel to the skin. The device is implanted in the body such that the flange is below the surface of the skin. The flange preferably is covered with a porous, biologically inert material which permits growth of connective tissue and vascularization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Assoc., Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Inman, Donald J. Stone