Patents Assigned to Alcon
  • Intra-surgical optical coherence tomographic imaging of cataract procedures
    Patent number: 9724237
    Abstract: A cataract surgical system includes a laser source to generate a first set of laser pulses; a guiding optic to guide the first set of laser pulses to a target region in an eye; a laser controller to generate an electronic representation of a target scan pattern, and to control the guiding optic to scan the first set of laser pulses according to a portion of the target scan pattern to create a first photo-disrupted region in the target region; and an Optical Coherence Tomographic (OCT) imaging system to generate an image of a portion of the first photo-disrupted region. The laser controller can generate an electronic representation of a modified scan pattern in relation to the image generated by the OCT imaging system, and control the guiding optic to scan a second set of laser pulses according the modified scan pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: ALCON LENSX, INC.
    Inventors: Ilya Goldshleger, Guy Holland, Adam Juhasz, Ronald M. Kurtz, Kostadin Vardin
  • Intraocular lens inserter
    Patent number: 9724191
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jack R. Auld
  • Cassette clamp mechanism
    Patent number: 9713660
    Abstract: A surgical cassette clamping system includes a mounting plate having a first side and a second side. A bracket system may be disposed adjacent the first side of the mounting plate. A clamp motor may be disposed adjacent the mounting plate and fixed relative to the mounting plate. The clamp motor may be operably connected to the bracket system to displace the bracket system relative to the mounting plate. The system may also include a plurality of pivot arms pivotably connected to the bracket system and extending adjacent the second side of the mounting plate. An engagement portion may be attached to each of the plurality of pivot arms that cooperatively engages the second side of the mounting plate, the engagement portion being operable to pivot the pivot arms when the bracket system moves relative to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Vincent A. Baxter, Daniel J. Wilson
  • Pharmaceutical suspension
    Patent number: 9707173
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of a pharmaceutical suspension. The suspension includes high molecular weight polyethylene glycol as a suspending agent. The suspension also typically includes an antimicrobial agent (e.g., polymeric quaternary ammonium compound), an antimicrobial system (e.g., borate/polyol complex system) or both. The suspension has been found particularly useful as an ophthalmic suspension, but can be used in other instances as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, LTD.
    Inventor: Bhagwati P. Kabra
  • Pharmaceutical compositions with phosphonium antimicrobial agents
    Patent number: 9694021
    Abstract: The present invention is related to pharmaceutical compositions that include a phosphonium antimicrobial agent. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an otic, nasal or ophthalmic composition (e.g., an aqueous ophthalmic solution) that includes a phosphonium salt compound as an antimicrobial agent. The compositions typically possess sufficient antimicrobial activity to satisfy USP preservative efficacy requirements and/or similar preservative standards (e.g., EP and JP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD
    Inventors: Masood A. Chowhan, Wesley Wehsin Han, L. Wayne Schneider
  • Ultrasonic handpiece
    Patent number: 9693897
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a handpiece system includes an ultrasonic handpiece and a spatula. The ultrasonic handpiece includes a vibration source and a horn. The vibration source is configured to produce ultrasonic vibrations, and a horn is configured to transform the vibrations into ultrasonic motion. The spatula is coupled to the horn and configured to move according to the ultrasonic motion. The spatula may have any suitable shape and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Guido Vezzu
  • Stable and soluble antibodies inhibiting TNF?
    Patent number: 9683034
    Abstract: The present invention relates to particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF?, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF?, and low immunogenicity. Said antibodies are designed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of TNF?-related disorders. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ESBATech, an Alcon Biomedical Research Unit LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Ewert, David Urech, Adrian Auf Der Maur, Alcide Barberis, Peter Lichtlen
  • Wearable user interface for use with ocular surgical console
    Patent number: 9681982
    Abstract: An ocular surgical system includes a surgical console having a fluidics subsystem, an input pedal subsystem, and a phacoemulsification subsystem. It also includes a wearable user interface in communication with the console. The wearable user interface comprising an interface display having a centrally disposed surgical viewing area and having a peripheral data display region configured to display data relating to the surgery or the console. The peripheral data display region may display information received from the surgical console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew David Yacono
  • Intraocular lens delivery system with a disposable plunger segment and method of use therefor
    Patent number: 9662200
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraocular lens delivery system with a multi-segment plunger. More particularly, the present invention relates to an intraocular lens delivery device that includes a disposable plunger tip segment that can be attached and removed from a reusable plunger base segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sushant Muchhala, David A. Downer
  • Carboxylvinyl polymer-containing nanoparticle suspensions
    Patent number: 9662398
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to suspension compositions having a carboxyvinyl polymer such as a carbomer, a galactomannan such as guar, and a borate compound. A sparingly soluble particulate compound such as nepafenac is also included in the compositions. The sparingly soluble particulate compound has a small particle size to enhance bioavailability of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masood A. Chowhan, Malay Ghosh, Bahram Asgharian, Wesley Weshin Han
  • Active drainage systems with dual-input pressure-driven values
    Patent number: 9622910
    Abstract: A pressure-driven valve is disclosed. The valve includes a housing, a fluid flow channel, and a deflectable portion. The housing comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid flow channel extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed within the housing, and defines a portion of the fluid flow channel. The deflectable portion is configured to deflect to increase and decrease a size of the fluid flow channel to regulate fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed and arranged to deflect as a result of pressure differentials between a reference pressure, a fluid flow channel pressure, and an outlet pressure representative of fluid pressure at the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leslie A Field, Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Imaging-controlled laser surgical system
    Patent number: 9622913
    Abstract: An imaging-based laser system can include a laser-beam system, configured to generate and scan a beam of laser pulses with an adjustable laser-power parameter to points of a scan-pattern in an eye, and an imaging-based laser-controller, configured to image a layer in the eye, to control the scanning of the beam of laser pulses to the points of the scan-pattern, and to control a laser-power parameter of the laser pulses according to the distance of the points of the scan-pattern from the imaged layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventors: Gautam Chaudhary, Peter Goldstein, Imre Hegedus, Carlos German Suárez, David Calligori, Michael Karavitis
  • Intraocular pressure sensor with external pressure compensation
    Patent number: 9615970
    Abstract: An intraocular pressure sensor system has a first pressure sensor located in an anterior chamber of an eye and a remote pressure sensor located remotely from the first pressure sensor. The remote pressure sensor measures or approximates atmospheric pressure. A difference between readings from the first pressure sensor and the remote pressure sensor approximates intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Rickard, Robert Sanchez, Jr.
  • SOLUBILITY OPTIMIZATION OF IMMUNOBINDERS
    Publication number: 20170096482
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of using sequence based analysis and rational strategies to improve the solubility of immunobinders, and in particular of single chain antibodies (scFvs). The invention provides methods of engineering immunobinders, and in particular scFvs, by performing one or more substitutions with hydrophilic residues identified by analysis of a database of selected, stable scFv sequences. The invention also provides immunobinders with optimized solubility prepared according to the engineering methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: ESBATech, an Alcon Biomedical Research Unit LLC
    Inventors: Leonardo Borras, David Urech
  • Stable and soluble antibodies
    Patent number: 9598487
    Abstract: The invention provides antibodies that are modified to reduce aggregration propensity, and methods of producing such antibodies. The present invention also provides particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF, and low immunogenicity. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ESBATech, an Alcon Biomedical Unit LLC
    Inventors: Leonardo Jose Borras, David Urech
  • Device for at least one of injection or aspiration
    Patent number: 9592337
    Abstract: Micro-volume devices, systems, and associated methods that facilitate the injection or aspiration of precisely controlled volumes of materials at precisely controlled rates are provided. In one embodiment, a micro-volume device includes a syringe and a lead screw connected to a plunger of the syringe. A mechanical interface is connected to the lead screw and includes a first set of cams adjacent a proximal portion and a second set of cams adjacent a distal portion. A mechanism is configured to oscillate a structure in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lead screw such that one or more projections of the structure to alternatively engage cams of the first and second sets of cams in a manner that results in rotation of the mechanical interface in a single direction for highly controlled linear displacement of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Lynn Wheatley, Brian William McDonell
  • Humanization of rabbit antibodies using a universal antibody framework
    Patent number: 9593161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an universal antibody acceptor framework and to methods for grafting non-human antibodies, e.g., rabbit antibodies, using a universal antibody acceptor framework. Antibodies generated by the methods of the invention are useful in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ESBATech, an Alcon Biomedical Research Unit LLC
    Inventors: Leonardo Jose Borras, David Urech
  • Multi-spot laser surgical probe using faceted optical elements
    Patent number: 9572479
    Abstract: An optical surgical probe includes a handpiece, a light guide within the handpiece, and a multi-spot generator at a distal end of the handpiece. The handpiece is configured to optically couple to a light source. The light guide is configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece. The multi-spot generator includes a faceted optical element with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide. The faceted end surface includes at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Use of PEO-PBO block copolymers in ophthalmic compositions
    Patent number: 9574160
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Howard Allen Ketelson, Nathaniel D. McQueen
  • Active Drainage Systems with Dual-Input Pressure-Driven Values
    Publication number: 20170042735
    Abstract: A pressure-driven valve is disclosed. The valve includes a housing, a fluid flow channel, and a deflectable portion. The housing comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid flow channel extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed within the housing, and defines a portion of the fluid flow channel. The deflectable portion is configured to deflect to increase and decrease a size of the fluid flow channel to regulate fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed and arranged to deflect as a result of pressure differentials between a reference pressure, a fluid flow channel pressure, and an outlet pressure representative of fluid pressure at the fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leslie A. Field, Matthew J.A. Rickard