Patents Assigned to Alcon, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20250143923
    Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant includes a body having a first end having a first cross-sectional dimension, a second end having a second cross-sectional dimension, and a tapered portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first cross-sectional dimension is larger than the second cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, the body comprises multiple layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: ALCON INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Shepard, Tyler Pegoraro, Stuart Williams, Sanjib Kumar Das, Leo Anthony Trevino, Cheng Li
  • Patent number: 12290312
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring pulsed laser output. An example system comprises a laser configured to emit output in pulses; at least one sensor positioned to sense laser output and configured to convert that output into electrical signals; an edge detector configured to detect at least leading edges of a plurality of laser pulses; an analog to digital converter configured to convert electrical signals from a sensor into digital signals indicative of laser power output; and a controller; wherein, based on the detection of at least the leading edges of the laser pulses, the controller is configured to obtain samples of laser power output during each of the laser pulses. The system may use the samples of laser power output in a feedback loop to automatically adjust laser power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald David Bacher, Derek Chen, Conrad Sawicz, Dan Teodorescu
  • Patent number: 12290435
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for storing and/or shipping an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge are provided. A system comprises a packaging comprising a passage. The IOL cartridge is removably disposed within the passage. The IOL cartridge comprises a nozzle and a compartment configured to receive an IOL. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment. The IOL cartridge further comprises a dial configured to rotate upon withdrawal of the IOL cartridge from the passage, wherein an inner surface of the dial is exposed to the compartment. The dial is configured to fold the IOL and release the IOL cartridge from the packaging upon rotation of the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Sudarshan B. Singh, Todd Taber, Yinghui Wu, Douglas Brent Wensrich, Trevor Haney, Andrew Check, Justin Benaquisto, Joe Marietta, Jonathan Penrod, Tim Laroy, Bryce Porter
  • Patent number: 12290281
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems, and methods for instrument exchanges during ophthalmic surgery. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to valved cannula assemblies and methods of use thereof. A valved cannula assembly includes a cannula having a head at a proximal end of the cannula and a hollow rod extending from the head to a distal end of the cannula. The valved cannula assembly includes a valved hub coupled to the head and including a septum having two or more curved flaps configured to provide an opening for an instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: James Y. Chon, Joel Cicchella, Robert Jeffrey Heng, Grace Chuang Liao, Ashish Sinha
  • Patent number: 12287895
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling data access using machine learning are provided. In one aspect, first, second, and third training data sets are generated from a set of historical access records and a set of historical data records, where the access records correspond to requests for data and comprise information identifying whether the request satisfies one or more data access rules, and the data records correspond to data elements and comprise information identifying whether the data element satisfies the one or more data access rules. One or more machine learning models are trained based on the first, second, and third training data sets to generate an output identifying whether requests for data should be granted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Uma Chandrashekhar
  • Patent number: 12286501
    Abstract: The invention provides a hydrophilized polydiorganosiloxane vinylic crosslinker which comprises (1) a polydiorganosiloxane polymer chain comprising dimethylsiloxane units and hydrophilized siloxane units each having one methyl substituent and one monovalent C4-C40 organic radical substituent having two to six hydroxyl groups, wherein the molar ratio of the hydrophilized siloxane units to the dimethylsiloxane units is from about 0.035 to about 0.15, and (2) two terminal (meth)acryloyl groups. The hydrophilized polydiorganosiloxane vinylic crosslinker has a number average molecular weight of from about 3000 Daltons to about 80,000 Daltons. The present invention is also related to a silicone hydrogel contact lens, which comprises repeating units derived from a hydrophilized polydiorganosiloxane vinylic crosslinker of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Jinyu Huang, Frank Chang, Steve Yun Zhang, Feng Jing
  • Patent number: 12285329
    Abstract: A method and system provide an ophthalmic device. The ophthalmic device includes an ophthalmic lens having anterior surface, a posterior surface and at least one diffractive structure including a plurality of zones. The at least one diffractive structure is for at least one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface. Each zone includes at least one echelette having a least one step height. The step height(s) are individually optimized for each zone. To compensate chromatic aberration of eye from distance to a range of vision, a greater than 2? phase step height may be employed and the step height(s) folded by a phase, which is an integer multiple of two multiplied by ?. Hence chromatic aberration of eye may be compensated to improve vision from distance to near.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Hong, Shinwook Lee
  • Patent number: 12285922
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for producing a contact lens comprising a central zone that has a diameter of about 13 mm or less, is concentric with the central axis of the contact lens, and possesses at least one photo functionality. The method comprises: applying a first polymerizable fluid composition containing at least one photochemically functional compound on a central portion of the molding surface of a female mold half to form a circular layer; partially curing, in situ, the circular layer in the female mold half; dispensing a second polymerizable fluid composition over the partially-cured circular layer on the molding surface of the female mold half; and a step of curing the second polymerizable fluid composition and the partially-cured circular layer immersed therein in the mold cavity formed between the the molding surfaces of the female mold half and a male mold half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Houliang Tang, Frank Chang
  • Patent number: 12285596
    Abstract: An intracameral injector needle having a substantially cylindrical body defining a longitudinal flow path therein, and having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer peripheral face and a bevel region. A first bevel of the bevel region has a first bevel angle with respect to the outer peripheral face. A second bevel of the bevel region extends from the first bevel to the proximal end. The second bevel includes a tip of the intracameral injector needle, and has a second bevel angle with respect to the outer peripheral face, where the second bevel angle is different from the first bevel angle, the first bevel and the second bevel defining a transition therebetween. The transition is at least one of: (1) longitudinally positioned between the tip of the intracameral injector needle and a location of a maximum width of the bevel region; and (2) vertically disposed at a position below 50% of a maximum height of the bevel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Tomas Navratil, Akshay Nitish Nadkarni, Gretchen Willard, Andrew Corson, Matthew Walker
  • Patent number: 12279917
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for performing intraocular lens implantation using real-time surgical reference indicium are disclosed. An example method includes recording a patient specific pre-operative still image of an eye prior to cyclorotation of the eye when a patient lies down for surgery and generating at least one real-time multidimensional visualization of at least a portion of the eye for display. The method further includes using the patient specific pre-operative still image to at least produce at least one virtual surgical reference indicium including an ocular natural vertical axis of the eye and align the at least one virtual surgical reference indicium to the eye in conjunction with the real-time multidimensional visualization of at least a portion of the eye. The patient specific pre-operative still image is captured under a dilation condition selected from the group consisting of natural dilation, chemical dilation, and no dilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashok Burton Tripathi
  • Patent number: 12274642
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 12274522
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 12274498
    Abstract: A retina viewing system and method of using the same includes an ophthalmic microscope, a disposable lens attachment, and an electronic control unit (ECU). The microscope has an optical head and a set of internal focusing lenses, the latter providing the microscope with a variable working distance or focal length. The disposable lens attachment includes a resilient body with a proximal end connected to the optical head and a distal end connected to a high-power/high-diopter distal lens. The ECU executes instructions for viewing a retina or other intraocular anatomy of a patient eye. Execution of the instructions causes the ECU to automatically adjust the variable working distance or focal length of the microscope when viewing an image of the retina through the distal lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Ashok Burton Tripathi
  • Patent number: 12270968
    Abstract: The invention is related to contact lenses that not only comprise the much desired water gradient structural configurations, but also have a minimized uptakes of polycationic antimicrobials and a long-lasting surface hydrophilicity and wettability even after going through a 30-days lens care regime. Because of the water gradient structural configuration and a relatively-thick, extremely-soft and water-rich hydrogel surface layer, a contact lens of the invention can provide superior wearing comfort. Further, a contact lens of the invention is compatible with multipurpose lens care solutions present in the market and can endure the harsh lens care handling conditions (e.g., digital rubbings, accidental inversion of contact lenses, etc.) encountered in a daily lens care regime. As such, they are suitable to be used as weekly- or monthly-disposable water gradient contact lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Yongxing Qiu, John Dallas Pruitt, Newton T. Samuel, Chung-Yuan Chiang, Robert Carey Tucker, Yuan Chang, Ethan Leveillee
  • Patent number: 12268779
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic emulsion. The emulsion has a unique combination of ingredients that promotes the stability of small oil droplets within the emulsion. The emulsion also includes a mucoadhesive polymer that aid in delivering a lipid to the ocular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Allen Ketelson, David L. Meadows
  • Patent number: 12268633
    Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant includes a body having a first end having a first cross-sectional dimension, a second end having a second cross-sectional dimension, and a tapered portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first cross-sectional dimension is larger than the second cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, the body comprises multiple layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: ALCON INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Shepard, Tyler Pegoraro, Stuart Williams, Sanjib Kumar Das, Leo Anthony Trevino, Cheng Li
  • Publication number: 20250107886
    Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable intraocular lenses and methods of adjusting intraocular lenses post-operatively. In one embodiment, an adjustable intraocular lens can comprise an optic portion and one or more haptics. The optic portion can comprise an anterior element, a posterior element, and a fluid-filled optic chamber. At least part of the optic portion can be made of a composite material. The base power of the optic portion can be configured to change in response to an external energy directed at the composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2024
    Publication date: April 3, 2025
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael LEROY, Joselito SORIANO, Terah Whiting SMILEY, Madison McGOUGH, Matthew Joseph LANOUE, Paul J. MISSEL
  • Patent number: 12263122
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the application of pulse width modulation (PWM) in a voltage signal for delivering a current in a valve used to alternatively deliver pressurized gas to and vent from chambers in a vitrectomy probe used to drive a cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Daryush Agahi, Jiansheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 12263080
    Abstract: An intraocular lens inserter can include a drive device with controllable advance motion. The drive device may include an actuator device and an energy device. The actuator device may include a piston rod that uses the advance motion to push an intraocular lens from a cartridge for insertion into an eye of an animal. The energy device may act upon the actuator device to generate the advance motion. The actuator device may include a dampening medium to control the advance motion, such as by controllably dampening the advance motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: ALCON INC.
    Inventors: Jack R. Auld, John C. Huculak, Matthew Douglas Mccawley, Matthew Braden Flowers
  • Patent number: D1072252
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: ALCON INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Shepard, Tyler Pegoraro, Leo Anthony Trevino