Patents by Inventor Johann F. Hellenkamp
Johann F. Hellenkamp 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).
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Patent number: 7166117Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring to be attached to an eye surrounding a cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 6610076Abstract: A positioning assembly for retaining, positioning and at least partially exposing a cornea of an eye during a surgical procedure. The positioning assembly includes a positioning segment having a retention plate with an aperture to receive and expose the cornea, and a flange member disposed about the aperture and structured to engage the eye. The positioning assembly further includes a suctioning assembly having a vacuum port extending vertically from the positioning segment and angled outwardly away from a guide track integrally disposed on the retention plate to define an arcuate cutting path for a microkeratome cutting head assembly. A pivot assembly including at least a post member is further provided which operably interconnects the cutting head assembly and the post member. A cut origination control is provided at the post member to define an origination point.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 6605099Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Publication number: 20030144678Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring to be attached to an eye surrounding a cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 6527788Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Publication number: 20020091401Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring while simultaneously permitting movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Publication number: 20020082628Abstract: A positioning assembly for retaining, positioning and at least partially exposing a cornea of an eye during a surgical procedure. The positioning assembly includes a positioning segment having a retention plate with an aperture to receive and expose the cornea, and a flange member disposed about the aperture and structured to engage the eye. The positioning assembly further includes a suctioning assembly having a vacuum port extending vertically from the positioning segment and angled outwardly away from a guide track integrally disposed on in the retention plate to define an arcuate cutting path for a microkeratome cutting head assembly. A pivot assembly including at least a post member is further provided which operably interconnects the cutting head assembly and the post member. A cut origination control is provided at the post member to define an origination point.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 6387107Abstract: An improved positioning assembly for positioning a cornea of an eye during surgery includes a positioning element, a suction force operably coupled to the positioning element to temporarily attach it to the eye, and a suction enhancement assembly. The positioning element includes a retention plate, having an aperture defined therein to receive the cornea of the eye for engagement with an interior rim disposed in surrounding relation about the aperture, and a flange member extending downwardly from the retention plate in spaced, surrounding relation to the aperture. The positioning element further includes a vacuum port in fluid flow communication with a point radially exterior of the aperture such that a suction force applied therethrough secures the positioning segment to the eye with the cornea protruding through the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 6296649Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring while simultaneously permitting movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 6258110Abstract: A positioning assembly for retaining, positioning and at least partially exposing a cornea of an eye during a surgical procedure, the eye being disposed in a latitudinally narrowed ocular access. The positioning assembly includes a positioning segment having a retention plate with an aperture defined therein to receive and expose the cornea of the eye, and a flange member disposed about the aperture, a closely spaced apart distance from a latitudinal radius thereof, and structured to engage the eye. The positioning assembly further includes a suctioning assembly operably associated with the positioning segment for at least temporarily attaching the positioning segment to the eye, the suctioning assembly including a vacuum port extending vertically from the positioning segment and angled outwardly away from a guide track integrally disposed on the retention plate to define an arcuate cutting path for a microkeratome cutting head assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 6132446Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Johann F. HellenkampInventors: Johann F. Hellenkamp, Richard J. Sherin
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Patent number: 6051009Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1997Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventors: Johann F. Hellenkamp, Richard J. Sherin
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Patent number: 6042594Abstract: An improved positioning assembly for positioning and holding a cornea of an eye during surgery includes a positioning segment, a suction force operably coupled to the positioning segment to temporarily attach it to the eye, and a suction enhancement member. The positioning segment includes a retention plate, having an aperture defined therein to receive the cornea of the eye for engagement with an interior rim disposed in surrounding relation about the aperture, and a flange member extending downwardly from the retention plate in spaced, surrounding relation to the aperture. The positioning segment further includes a vacuum port in fluid flow communication with a point radially exterior of the aperture such that a suction force applied therethrough secures the positioning segment to the eye with the cornea protruding through the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 6007553Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventors: Johann F. Hellenkamp, Richard J. Sherin
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Patent number: 5772675Abstract: An improved positioning assembly for positioning and holding a cornea of an eye during surgery comprising a positioning ring, a suction force operably coupled to the positioning ring to temporarily attach it to the eye and a suction enhancement member. The positioning ring includes a retention plate, having an aperture defined therein to receive the cornea of the eye and an interior rim disposed in surrounding relation about the aperture, and a flange member extending downwardly from the retention plate in spaced, surrounding relation to the aperture. The positioning ring further includes a vacuum port in fluid flow communication with a point radially interior of the flange member such that a suction force applied therethrough secures the positioning ring to the eye with the cornea protruding through the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Chiron Vision CorporationInventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 5624456Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1996Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp
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Patent number: 4038571Abstract: This device uses a piezoelectric crystal for converting electrical energy into mechanical vibrations which are transmitted to a dental workpiece for use in cleaning teeth. The device includes a front cap having flats which engage flats on the tip base attached to the dental workpiece and allows dental workpieces to be interchanged. The device includes a tie rod disposed within the tubular crystal around which water circulates between the tie rod and the tubular crystal. Axial bores allow passage of the water to the tip of the workpiece to wash away debris on the teeth during cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1974Date of Patent: July 26, 1977Assignee: Litton Industrial Products, Inc.Inventor: Johann F. Hellenkamp