Patents by Inventor Steven T. Charles

Steven T. Charles 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: 11617682
    Abstract: A foot pedal device configured to provide force feedback to an operator during ophthalmic surgery is described. The foot pedal device includes a processor and a memory containing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to transmit, in response to a movement of a moveable member, a control signal to a surgical console for initiating an action of an ophthalmic surgery tool coupled with the surgical console. The foot pedal device includes a force feedback mechanism configured to selectively apply a resistance force in opposition to the movement of the movable member. The memory contains instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive, from the surgical console, a trigger signal, and send a force feedback signal to the force feedback mechanism. The force feedback mechanism is configured to apply the resistance force to the movable member upon receiving the force feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230076334
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar
  • Publication number: 20230058540
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a vitrectomy probe including a housing, an actuator disposed inside the housing, a cutter coupled to the actuator and extending from the housing and an air turbine disposed inside the housing. The air turbine includes a rotor and a plurality of turbine blades coupled to the rotor. The vitrectomy probe includes a valve body interfacing with the rotor. During rotation of the air turbine, air is selectively routed to and from the actuator according to a rotational position of the rotor in relation to the valve body, thereby reciprocating the cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230040005
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to small-gauge instrumentation for surgical procedures, and more specifically, to vitreoretinal instruments for retinal repair and reattachment procedures, as well as associated methods of use. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a curved or articulating probe configured to provide illumination, fluid aspiration, and endophotocoagulation. Accordingly, the probe enables aspiration of subretinal fluid that re-accumulates after initial drainage and during endophotocoagulation without the need to exchange surgical instruments or insert an additional instrument into the intraocular space. Furthermore, the combined functionalities of the probe enable a surgeon to simultaneously perform scleral depression with the surgeon's other hand while aspirating fluid and/or performing retinal endophotocoagulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11564711
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an adjustable length infusion cannula having a cannula including a first proximal end and a first distal end, and a hub having a second proximal end, a second distal end, and a central aperture that extends between the second proximal end and the second distal end. The central aperture is configured to accept the first distal end of the cannula and allow the cannula upward movement and downward movement through the hub. The adjustable length infusion cannula also includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the cannula within the hub such that the first distal end extends a first distance past the second distal end of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20220362057
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to microsurgical cutting devices for ophthalmic procedures. In certain embodiments, a cutting tool assembly includes a first blade in a fixed position and a second blade configured to move relative to the first blade to perform a cutting motion. The first blade includes a first longitudinal body portion and a first end portion extending laterally from the first body portion. A distal surface of the first end portion has a bowed morphology to match a curvature of a retinal surface and is further coated with a first coating to reduce damage to ocular tissues during use. The second blade includes a second longitudinal body portion and a second end portion extending laterally from the second body portion. A distal surface of the second end portion includes a cutting edge for cutting tissues, while a proximal surface thereof is coated with a second coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20220313235
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the images generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as at least partially transparent. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar
  • Publication number: 20220249183
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to high dexterity robotic manipulation systems for ophthalmic microsurgical procedures. In certain embodiments, a robotic surgical system includes a master apparatus controllably coupled to a slave apparatus. The slave apparatus mounts to a patient's head and includes a dual tripod structure having two pluralities of linear actuator links pivotally supporting a surgical tool. The motions of the actuator links are controlled by direct drive actuators to provide at least 6-DOF for the surgical tool. A passive articulating arm having a SCARA mechanism and four-bar parallelogram mechanism attaches to the slave apparatus and counterbalances the weight thereof when mounted on a patient. The surgical system also includes sensors communicatively coupled to the slave apparatus and master apparatus to enable force feedback and force control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20220249178
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a voice-controlled system for controlling devices and systems in a surgical setting. The voice-controlled system includes at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker distributed within the surgical setting to receive and audibly respond to voice commands from operating staff. In certain aspects, the at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker include a phased microphone array and a phased loudspeaker array that are coordinated and synchronized to perform active noise reduction, echo cancellation, and directional determination of sound sources. The voice-controlled system performs tasks, such as activation of surgical devices, based on verbal interactions with the operating staff through the at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Paul R. Hallen
  • Patent number: 11389146
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: CamPlex, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar
  • Patent number: 11382501
    Abstract: OCT-display for vitreoretinal surgery may be foot pedal controlled. Specifically, the tissue layers displayed in an en face image generated from OCT scanning may be navigated downward or upward based on user input supplied by a foot pedal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Tammo Heeren
  • Patent number: 11317983
    Abstract: A surgical probe system comprising a surgical probe having an instrument tip, and at least one motion sensor located within the surgical probe that measures movement and orientation data. The system further includes a processor that is configured to determine movement and orientation of the instrument tip based on the movement and orientation data, and adjust at least one surgical parameter of the surgical probe based on the movement and orientation of the instrument tip to affect a predetermined surgical outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Tammo Heeren
  • Publication number: 20220095909
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide improved techniques for displaying imaging markers for verifying biometry. A method includes receiving an indication to initiate a first optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning of an eye; initiating, based on the received indication, the first OCT scanning of the eye; generating, based on the first OCT scanning, a first OCT image of the eye; detecting, based on the first OCT image, a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and a fovea in the eye; based on the detecting, causing a first enhanced OCT image to be displayed to a user, the first enhanced OCT image displaying: a first virtual marker segmenting at least a portion of the detected RPE, and a second virtual marker, where the second virtual marker visually identifies a location of the detected fovea, and where the second virtual marker is a radial line through the location of the detected fovea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Sahar Hosseinzadeh Kassani
  • Publication number: 20220062043
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method of performing ocular biometry. The method includes performing phacoemulsification to emulsify and remove an internal lens of an eye. The method further includes performing vitrectomy to remove vitreous from the eye. The method also includes placing a trial in a lens capsule of the eye. The method further includes performing biometry with a first biometry system to provide measurements including at least one of an axial length of the eye, a curvature of a cornea of the eye, and toric axis. The method also includes removing the trial from the lens capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20220061923
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide improved techniques for OCT guided robotic ophthalmic procedures. A method includes receiving, during OCT scanning of an eye, position data of a plurality of galvanometer scanners from a plurality of absolute and incremental encoders coupled to the corresponding galvanometer scanners. The method further includes receiving scan data related to one or more tissues of the eye. The method further includes determining, a set of first positions of the one or more tissues of the eye in a first 3D coordinate system. The method further includes determining, based on the set of first positions and a mapping between the first and a second 3D coordinate systems, a position in the second 3D coordinate system for a surgical instrument coupled to a robotic device. The method includes causing the robotic device to move the surgical instrument to the position in the second 3D coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11259960
    Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to a surgical instrument for detecting light, such as by measuring light traveling in a waveguide, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to a determining one or more parameters associated with ocular surgery based on detection of the light. In one or more embodiments, for example, a surgical instrument may include a cannula, a waveguide, a transducer, and logic implemented in circuitry communicatively coupled with the transducer. In one or more such embodiments, the cannula may comprise at least a portion of the waveguide. In some embodiments, the transducer may detect light traveling in a first direction in the waveguide. In some such embodiments, the logic may determine at least one parameter associated with ocular surgery based on the light detected by the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20220031511
    Abstract: A system for treating a media opacity in a vitreous media of an eye includes a visualization module adapted to provide visualization data of a portion of the eye via one or more viewing beams. The system includes a laser module adapted to selectively generate a treatment beam directed towards the media opacity in order to disrupt the media opacity. The laser module and the visualization module have a shared aperture for guiding the treatment beam and the one or more viewing beams towards the eye, the shared aperture being centered about a central axis. A controller is configured to acquire one or more defining parameters of the media opacity and determine when the media opacity is with a predefined target zone of a real-time viewing window. The media opacity is treated with the treatment beam when the media opacity is within the predefined target zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11219364
    Abstract: A method and system are described for automatically centering in an XY plane a field of view of a patient's eye under high magnification during ophthalmic surgery. The method includes automatically moving the center of the field of view to the center of a circular image detected in a real-time video signal acquired from the field of view of the patient's eye under high magnification during ophthalmic surgery. The system configured to perform the method has a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium accessible to the processor containing instructions executable by the processor to perform the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20210361157
    Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. One such retractor includes a tubular retractor and an insert supporting said plurality of cameras can be disposed within a tubular retractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: John Tesar, Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11166708
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an illumination system includes a speculum having two arms coupled to blades at distal ends thereof and a biasing member at proximal ends thereof. One or more optical fibers are disposed through at least one of the arms and have one or more termination points located within at least one of the blades. The optical fibers are configured to deliver light to an interior space of an eye when the eye is coupled to the speculum. In some embodiments, the illumination system further includes a temple support pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles