Patents by Inventor Thomas C. White

Thomas C. White 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: 4729761
    Abstract: A tissue-implantable fluid-dissipating device enabling fluid from a source to be delivered to and absorbed by tissue of the eye. In one embodiment the device includes a base plate having a radius of curvature approximately equal to that of the human eye and a second plate peripherally joined to the base plate along a portion of its periphery to form an orifice, the second plate extending at least partially over but spaced from the base plate to form a cavity and having a radius of curvature less than that of the base plate. The device also includes attachment means for communicating a tube end with the cavity that is positioned to permit an attached tube to lie generally parallel to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventor: Thomas C. White
  • Patent number: 4661109
    Abstract: An intraocular lens for replacing the natural human eye lens during cataract surgery. The lens provides fixation struts for centering the lens within the eye, and is characterized by including posteriorly extending protrusions on portions of the struts. The protrusions define generally a plane spaced posteriorly of the lens body, and thereby hold the intact posterior lens capsule away from the lens body, facilitating the performance of a posterior capsulotomy using a laser beam. The protrusion desirably is carried on the portion of the strut adjacent the lens body, and preferably extends about the circumference of the lens at least about 45 degrees of the periphery of the lens at a distance closer to the lens periphery than about one-half of the radial distance from the lens periphery to the tissue-engaging surface of the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Thomas C. White
  • Patent number: 4612012
    Abstract: Surgical replacement of all or a portion of the cornea may be performed through the use of an implant having a central lenticular portion, and a peripheral portion having an outer tissue contacting surface of a biologically compatible material. The peripheral portion protects eye tissue from contact with the lenticular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas C. White
  • Patent number: 4602480
    Abstract: A composite pressure vessel having a large diameter, threaded polar opening with integrally depending threads is disclosed. The threaded polar opening is reinforced by a winding pattern that enables it to be closed against the axial forces resulting from significant internal pressures. This closure seals the interior of the pressure vessel in the tactical rocket motor case assembly disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul W. Hill, Thomas C. White
  • Patent number: 4581238
    Abstract: A method for conditioning edible seeds (cereal grains, pulses, etc.) prior to rolling is disclosed wherein a sorbate is dispersed in steam with which the seeds are contacted. The conditioned grain has increased shelf life (improved resistance to growth of microorganisms) and is also less prone to production of fines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. White, Robert A. Swick
  • Patent number: 4554918
    Abstract: A prosthetic device for the relief of high intraocular pressures associated with glaucoma is shown. The device includes a limp reservoir adapted to be worn against or within the eye wall, a conduit leading from the reservoir to the anterior chamber of the eye, and means for communicating the reservoir with liquid-receptive tissue. Unidirectional flow means, such as a check valve, is employed to prevent back-flow of liquid into the anterior chamber. When the reservoir is periodically compressed, aqueous humor collected in the reservoir is expelled into liquid-receptive tissue where it is absorbed or is passed to the venous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Inventor: Thomas C. White
  • Patent number: 4549529
    Abstract: A prosthesis having an elongated strip of flexible material bearing intermediate its length a pressure pad, the strip ranging in length from about 50 to about 75 mm. The strip is passed behind the globe of the eye so that the pressure pad rests against the eye wall at a location obverse to the macula. The ends of the strip are attached, as by sutures, to the sclera, causing the pressure pad to press anteriorly upon the eye wall and to move the macula forwardly. Various pressure pads, including adjustable pads, such as pads that are inflatable, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Inventor: Thomas C. White
  • Patent number: 4542540
    Abstract: An intraocular lens device is provided with fixation elements for centering it in the eye. At least one of the fixation elements comprises an elongated resilient strut carried at one end by the lens and having a first portion extending outwardly of the lens generally toward circumferential eye structure, the second portion having a contacting surface engageable with the eye structure, and a third portion extending from the contact surface generally inwardly toward the lens for a distance, measured radially inwardly toward the lens axis, of at least about two-fifths of the radial distance of the contact surface from the lens axis. The third portion has a free end, providing the at least one fixation element with substantial elastic flexibility. The generally inwardly-extending third portion of the strut prevents the end of the strut from becoming captured by a peripheral iridectomy opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Inventor: Thomas C. White
  • Patent number: 4513456
    Abstract: An intraocular lens device is described which includes a fixation element in the form of an elongated, resilient strut extending outwardly of the lens for contact with supportive eye structure and thence inwardly toward the lens, the strut having a free end. A second strut also is carried by the lens adjacent the first mentioned strut and provides an open end oriented to receive and immobilize said free end, thereby restraining the latter from substantial movement within the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Inventor: Thomas C. White