Patents Assigned to Alcon
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Patent number: 10603216Abstract: Apparatus and methods of treating a hard lens region of an eye with a laser where one method includes identifying a boundary of the hard lens region, selecting a laser-parameter to enable a photo disruptive procedure in the hard lens region and to control a spreading of bubbles in the hard lens region, modifying a mechanical property of a posterior portion of the hard lens region in a proximity of the identified boundary by the photo disruptive procedure, and modifying a mechanical property of a portion anterior to the modified posterior portion of the hard lens region by the photo disruptive procedure. The laser bubbles can be applied to form incisions which are non-transverse to an axis of the eye and intersect the lens fibers.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Ronald M. Kurtz, Ferenc Raksi, Peter Goldstein
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Patent number: 10597479Abstract: The invention provides a class of amphiphilic branched macromers and the uses thereof. An amphiphilic branched polydiorganosiloxane macromer of the invention is produced from an ?,?-dimethacryloyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane vinylic crosslinker comprising one or more ATRP-containing siloxane units having one substituent having an ATRP initiator by ATRP polymerization of one or more hydrophilic vinylic monomers. It comprises at least two polydiorganosiloxane polymer chains each having at most two terminal methacryloxy groups, dangling hydrophilic polymer chains each having a polymerizable or non-polymerizable terminal group, and one or more hydrophilic polymer chains as linkages between two polydiorganosiloxane chains. The present invention is also related to a silicone hydrogel contact lens, which comprises units derived from a polydiorganosiloxane-containing amphiphilic branched macromer of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Frank Chang, Jinyu Huang, Troy Vernon Holland
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Patent number: 10598825Abstract: The invention is related to a medical device comprising a core material made of a crosslinked silicone material and a hydrogel coating which is thermodynamically stable. The invention is also related to a method for producing such a medical device, especially a soft contact lens.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Xinming Qian, Frank Chang, Yasuo Matsuzawa, Venkat Shankar
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Patent number: 10588780Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for implanting an intraocular lens into an eye are described. For example, an intraocular lens injector may include a plunger and an injector body that includes an insertion depth guard and a nozzle extending therefrom. The insertion depth guard is disposed at a distal end of the injector body to limit a distance that the nozzle penetrates the eye. The intraocular lens injector may also include a biasing element configured to generate a counterforce to distal movement of the plunger through the injector rod. An example intraocular lens injector may include a biasing element to produce a counterforce that opposes advancement of the plunger through the injector body. The counterforce provides for a more continuous advancement of the plunger while reducing or substantially eliminating abrupt changes in the rate at which the plunger is advanced through the injector body.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Van Noy, David Anthony Downer, Kyle Brown, Yinghui Wu
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Patent number: 10589479Abstract: The invention is generally related to colored contact lenses which comprise a hydrogel lens body having an opaque color image therein and/or thereon and a durable lubricious coating thereon. The coating comprises an anchoring layer of a polyanionic polymer having carboxyl groups and a hydrogel layer which is derived from a hydrophilic polymeric material having azetidinium groups and is covalently attached onto the anchoring layer of the polyanionic polymer through linkages each formed between one carboxyl group and one azetidinium groups. The colored contact lens has a surface lubricity better than the lubricity of the non-silicone hydrogel lens body and a friction rating of about 2 or lower after 7 cycles of manual rubbing.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Robert Carey Tucker, John Dallas Pruitt, Yongxing Qiu
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Patent number: 10591747Abstract: Disclosed is an inspection and system method and system for determining the orientation of a contact lens on a lens support, particularly in an automated contact lens manufacturing line.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Steffen Paulekuhn, Susanne Fechner, Sarah Unterkofler, Daniel Kessler, Evgeni Schumm, Matthias Schwab
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Patent number: 10582851Abstract: A device (100) for ophthalmic radiation is provided. The device comprises a radiation interface (102), an optical branch coupler (104), and a plurality of ophthalmic units (106, 108, 110, 112). The radiation interface is adapted to at least one of output and capture radiation on an optical path (124). The optical path is directable towards a patient's eye. The optical branch coupler is adapted to couple output radiation from a plurality of optical branches (118, 119, 120, 122, 123) into the optical path and to couple captured radiation from the optical path into the optical branches. The captured radiation is spectrally split by the optical branch coupler into the optical branches. Each of the optical branches has a different spectral range. Each of the plurality of ophthalmic units is arranged to couple to one of the optical branches.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Christof Donitzky, Christian Wuellner
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Patent number: 10584307Abstract: The use of poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses. Such compounds are also useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in various types of compositions for treating contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Howard Allen Ketelson, Nathaniel D. McQueen
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Flexible, hermetic electrical interconnect for electronic and optoelectronic devices for in vivo use
Patent number: 10575942Abstract: An electronic device can comprise a first electronic module; a second electronic module; and a hermetic electric interconnect to hermetically couple them. The hermetic electric interconnect can comprise a bottom metal layer; a bottom insulating layer, deposited on the bottom metal layer to insulate the bottom metal layer; an interconnect metal layer, deposited on the bottom insulating layer, and deposited to form a bottom sealing ring; and patterned to form electrical connections between contact pads, and to form a middle sealing ring; a patterned top insulating layer, deposited on the interconnect metal layer to insulate the interconnect metal layer; and patterned to form feedthrough holes; and a top metal layer, deposited on the top insulating layer to start forming contacts by filling the feedthrough holes; and patterned to complete forming contacts through the feedthrough holes, to form a separate barrier layer, and to complete forming the top sealing ring.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Mattes, Mark A. Zielke -
Patent number: 10568735Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for implanting an intraocular lens into an eye are described. For example, an intraocular lens injector may include a passage formed in a distal end portion of the intraocular lens injector. The passage may define an interior surface, and a ramp may be formed on the interior surface so as to cause a leading haptic of an intraocular lens (IOL) being advanced through the passage to lift above a surface of an optic of the IOL to ensure proper folding of the IOL.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: ALCON INC.Inventors: Kyle Brown, Tu Cam Tran, Yinghui Wu, Stephen J Van Noy
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Patent number: 10537472Abstract: The disclosure herein provides ophthalmic surgical systems, methods, and devices. In one embodiment, a handheld medical instrument for surgical procedures comprises a body having an exterior surface shaped to be held and manipulated by a human hand; a surgical tool extending from a distal end of the body; and a pressure-sensitive button for controlling operation of the surgical tool, the pressure-sensitive button comprising an actuation surface positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the body, the pressure-sensitive button further comprising a pressure detection device, the pressure detection device configured to enable output of a signal for controlling a function of the surgical tool, the signal being proportional to a position of the actuation surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.Inventors: Jeffrey David Brennan, Mark Humayun
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Patent number: 10485657Abstract: An intraocular lens inserter can include an energy storage portion, an actuator portion, and a lens support portion. The energy storage portion can include a compressible energy storage device, such as a compressible fluid, springs, and other devices. The inserter can include an actuator portion operating with a substantially incompressible fluid, such as liquids or other noncompressible fluids. The actuator can be configured to provide an operator with control over the release of energy from the energy storage portion so as to move a plunger for the discharge of a lens from an intraocular lens cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Alcon Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.Inventor: Jack R. Auld
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Patent number: 10485620Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for a sterile ophthalmic surgical drape system that can provide a sterile operating field for use by a doctor, surgeon, nurse, and the like during ophthalmic medical procedures. The sterile field created by the drape system can allow a doctor, surgeon, nurse and the like to perform a medical procedure, such as ophthalmic surgery, outside of an operating room and in locations such as a doctor's office or a military operating room war setting. The sterile ophthalmic surgical drape system can comprise a drape, a frame apparatus, a hole of sufficient size for a microscope, a fan, a filter, air directors, and slits. The drape system can comprise a collapsible frame apparatus. The drape system may be configured to be used in conjunction with a surgical tray that houses pre-sterilized tools for use in a medical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Alcon Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Mark Humayun, Matthew T. McCormick
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Patent number: 10478532Abstract: A surgical hand piece is described that maintains a vacuum pressure within the hand piece at a selected level. A check valve is provided substantially near an inlet of an integrated aspirating pump. The check valve opens to introduce fluid into the hand piece to maintain the vacuum pressure within the hand piece at or above the selected level so as to prevent or substantially reduce post-occlusion flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventors: Glenn Robert Sussman, Mikhail Boukhny, John Morgan Bourne
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Patent number: 10470926Abstract: A cyclic aperture flow regulator system has an adjustable fluid aperture in a fluid path connecting the aspiration port of a surgical probe with a vacuum source. The cross-sectional area of the fluid aperture can be modified by an actuator. The actuator is controlled to modify the cross-sectional area of the adjustable fluid aperture in cycles. During each cycle, the fluid aperture cross-sectional area is substantially reduced or closed. The cycles occur at a rate fast enough to produce a substantially steady flow, with minimum flow ripple and pressure ripple.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventor: Jaime Zacharias
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Patent number: 10453571Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a user interface for modifying preprogrammed relationships between a plurality of subsystems of a surgical system. The user interface may be presented on a system display screen. It includes one or more selectable triggering events shown on the display screen, with each of the one or more selectable triggering events identifying a subsystem condition that selectively occurs during a surgical procedure performed with the surgical system. The interface also includes a plurality of selectable responses to the one or more selectable triggering events. The selectable responses deviate from the preprogrammed relationships between subsystems of the surgical system.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Alcon Research, LLCInventor: Dan V. Teodorescu
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Patent number: 10434010Abstract: A gas mixture apparatus includes a measurement control system, an activation system, a pressurized chamber with one or more gases, and a mixing chamber. The apparatus can also include additional pressure regulation control systems. The gas mixture apparatus can be used to introduce and automatically perform the steps to achieve a desired concentration of the one or more gases contained in the pressurized chamber. The gas mixture apparatus can include the pressurized chamber within the apparatus itself such that no external devices are necessary for introducing the one or more gases into the mixing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.Inventors: Jack R. Auld, John C. Huculak, Christopher L. McCollam
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Patent number: 10398300Abstract: A method for generating a radial alignment guide for an eye includes collecting preoperative alignment data relative to a pupil from an eye that is not dilated. The method also includes locating a pupil center of the eye while dilated. The method further includes displaying the alignment data on an image of the dilated eye relative to the pupil center. In particular embodiments, software embodied in a computer-readable medium is executable by a processor to perform the steps of such a method.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventors: Ilias Levis, Katariina Lahti, Boris Nalibotski
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Patent number: 10328025Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2018Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.Inventors: Howard Allen Ketelson, David L. Meadows
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Patent number: 10321212Abstract: A loudspeaker array suitable for use in both a compression suspension mode and a flying suspension mode, wherein each two adjacent loudspeakers housings are coupled to each other by coupling means comprising a stationary connection frame, a pivotable connection bar and a connection member; wherein one of the connection frame and bar is provided with a fly mode pulling connection member stop and a compression mode pushing connection member stop which each are arranged to receive and block movement of the connection member in two opposite directions, one being a fly mode direction and one being a compression mode direction, such that blocking the movement of said connection member in the fly mode direction causes the back sides of the loudspeaker housings to exert a pulling force on each other while maintaining a predetermined angle and blocking the movement of said connection member in the compression mode direction causes the back side of said loudspeaker housings to exert a pushing force on each other whileType: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Alcons Audio B.V.Inventors: Philip Derek Eduard De Haan, Boudewijn Groen