Patents Assigned to Alcon
  • Infusion pressure monitoring system
    Patent number: 8608681
    Abstract: An infusion pressure monitoring system for a phacoemulsification or vitrectomy machine to be operated by a health care provider includes an irrigation path configured to carry an irrigation solution to a surgical site and a fluid sensor configured to detect a fluid parameter in the irrigation path. An input device receives a variable fluid flow command from the health care provider commanding an irrigation fluid flow through the irrigation path at a flow rate corresponding to the command. A controller communicates with both the fluid sensor and the input device. The controller determines an expected fluid pressure value and a dynamically variable threshold pressure value based upon the variable fluid flow command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Valentine P. Injev
  • PROCESS FOR PURIFYING GUAR
    Publication number: 20130330430
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for purifying guar comprising combining borate and guar in an aqueous solution and treating the aqueous solution with an organic solvent to induce precipitation of purified guar. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to ophthalmic formulations comprising purified guar produced by the processes described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: James W. Davis, Howard Allen Ketelson, David L. Meadows, John C. Baker
  • COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OPHTHALMIC, OTIC, OR NASAL INFECTIONS
    Publication number: 20130331385
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating an ophthalmic, otic, or nasal infection comprising treating the infected tissue with a composition comprising finafloxacin or a finafloxacin derivative. The present invention also relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising finafloxacin or a finafloxacin derivative. The compositions are suitable for the treatment of ophthalmic, otic, or nasal infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: David W. Stroman, Masood A. Chowhan, Kenneth C. Appell
  • Glaucoma drainage devices including vario-stable valves and associated systems and methods
    Patent number: 8603024
    Abstract: Glaucoma drainage devices including vario-stable valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A glaucoma drainage device includes a drainage lumen and a valve system coupled to the drainage lumen to control the flow of fluid through the drainage lumen. The valve system includes an adjustable valve with a diaphragm that is in communication with the drainage lumen and is movable to occupy varying amounts of the drainage lumen. In some embodiments, the valve system is maintained in a desired position without the use of power such that power is only needed when changing a position of the adjustable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sebastian Böhm, Leslie A. Field, Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • INTRAOCULAR LENS DELIVERY DEVICE WITH A MULTI-PART PLUNGER TIP
    Publication number: 20130317514
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of an intraocular lens delivery device having a plunger with a multi-part plunger tip. The plunger tip includes a first part and a second part wherein the first part releases from the second part during travel of the plunger through the body of a delivery cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Irrigation source identification system
    Patent number: 8591492
    Abstract: An irrigation source identification system includes an irrigation source, an imaging device, and a processor. The irrigation source includes a container for holding a quantity of irrigation fluid and a port fluidly coupled to the container. The port has an outlet end and a neck. The neck has a plurality of protrusions selected from a grouping of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions provides a unique identifier for the container. An imaging device images the neck and the plurality of protrusions of the irrigation source, and the processor determines which identifier is associated with the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Raphael Gordon, Michael D. Morgan, Gary P. Sorensen, Daniel J. Wilson
  • Eye position registering and tracking
    Patent number: 8591030
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention refer to a system for registering and tracking the position of a person's eye, in particular for refractive ophthalmic surgery. According to embodiments, the system is structured such that eye images containing at least the iris and the pupil of the eye are made at a first wavelength of light and that eye images containing scleral blood vessels are made at a different second wavelength of light. The invention furthermore refers to a corresponding method for registering and tracking the position of a person's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
    Inventors: Horia Grecu, Ralf Weise
  • System and method for powering ocular implants
    Patent number: 8585664
    Abstract: A system for treating an ocular condition of a patient includes an electrically powered ocular implant sized for placement within an eye and includes a transmitter sized to be carried on or adjacent the head of the patient for disposal adjacent the eye. The transmitter includes a transmission antenna that emits an electromagnetic flux field sufficient to energize the ocular implant and includes a flux shunt disposed within the electromagnetic flux field. The transmission antenna may be disposed between the flux shunt and the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd
    Inventors: Cesario P. Dos Santos, Daniel C. Jenkins
  • Active bimodal valve system for real-time IOP control
    Patent number: 8585631
    Abstract: An IOP control system provides drainage from an anterior chamber of the eye to a drainage location at the eye. The system has a valve with an open flow position and a closed zero flow position. A sensor system includes a first sensor arranged to detect a first pressure representative of IOP. A controller receives data representing the detected pressure from the sensor system and compares the data to an upper pressure threshold and a lower pressure threshold to determine whether to change the state of the valve system in a bimodal fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruno Dacquay
  • Torsional ultrasound hand piece that eliminates chatter
    Patent number: 8579929
    Abstract: A torsional ultrasound surgical hand piece lessens or eliminates chatter from lens material by imparting a twisting, rotary motion to a tip of a phacoemulsification needle at a resonant frequency in excess of 32 kHz. The hand piece has a horn that is designed to operate at an elevated frequency while maintaining size constraints for hand-held ophthalmic instruments. Optionally, heat generation is reduced either through the use of a polyimide tubing situated between the needle and the infusion sleeve, through the use of thermal watch to prevent overheating at the incision, and/or through the use of a bypass hole in the needle that diverts flow under suction into the needle via the bypass hole instead of exiting through an irrigation opening in the infusion sleeve when a tip port is occluded by lens material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mackool, James Y. Chon
  • Dual mode automated intraocular lens injector device
    Patent number: 8579969
    Abstract: An IOL injector device allows for both powered and manual delivery of an IOL. The injector has a tubular housing. A plunger is longitudinally disposed within the housing and has first and second ends. The first end is disposed towards the front end of the housing. A drive system is coupled to the housing. The drive system causes longitudinal translation of the plunger along the primary axis of the housing. A normally engaged clutch system is coupled to the drive system. The normally engaged clutch system allows manual disengagement of the drive system. A knob coupled to the plunger allows for manual operation of the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jaime Zacharias
  • Active drainage systems with pressure-driven valves and electronically-driven pump
    Patent number: 8579848
    Abstract: An IOP control system for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The IOP control system includes a drainage tube configured to convey aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of an eye and includes a pressure-driven valve system in fluid communication with the drainage tube and configured to control flow rates of the aqueous humor. The valve system includes a plurality of pressure-driven valves arranged to operate in cooperation with each other. The IOP control system may include an electronic pump system to further regulate flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leslie Field, Daniel Jenkins, Matthew Rickard
  • OPHTHALMIC COMPOSITIONS WITH IMPROVED DESSICATION PROTECTION AND RETENTION
    Publication number: 20130296264
    Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear compositions and ophthalmic compositions suitable for drug delivery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compositions comprise a galactomannan polymer such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar, hyaluronic acid, and a cis-diol such as sorbitol. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also comprise a borate compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: James W. Davis, Howard Allen Ketelson, Elaine E. Campbell, David L. Meadows, Rekha Rangarajan
  • LED illuminator
    Patent number: 8573801
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary illumination device for enhancing the brightness and chromaticity of an illuminator employing light emitting diodes (LED). The illumination device may include a first light source configured to emit light at a first wavelength range. A first dichroic optical element associated with the first light source may be configured to optically block less than the entire wavelength range of the light emitted from the first light source. The illumination device may also include a second light source configured to emit light at second wavelength range substantially corresponding to the wavelength range optically blocked by the first dichroic optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Michael J. Papac, Ronald T. Smith
  • Low density lipoprotein receptor-mediated siRNA delivery
    Patent number: 8569258
    Abstract: The invention provides interfering RNA molecule-ligand conjugates useful as a delivery system for delivering interfering RNA molecules to a cell in vitro or in vivo. The conjugates comprise a ligand that can bind to a low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) or LDLR family member. Therapeutic uses for the conjugates are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jon E. Chatterton
  • Flooded liquefaction hand piece engine
    Patent number: 8568396
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an ophthalmic handpiece may include a handpiece body with a pulse chamber and flooded engine compartment configured to receive fluid from a surgical console through a fluid inlet port. Heated pulses from the pulse chamber and cooler fluid from the flooded engine compartment may flow through a tip into the eye. In some embodiments, the tip may be a dual lumen tip that keeps the flows from the pulse chamber and flooded engine compartment separate until they exit the tip. In some embodiments, a tip, coupled to a merging chamber where the flows may merge prior to the tip, may be a single lumen tip that directs the heated pulses and irrigation fluid simultaneously to a lens to liquefy the lens for removal from the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: John Morgan Bourne
  • Multi-spot laser probe with faceted optical element
    Patent number: 8571364
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes forming a ferrule from a portion of a tube. The tube is cut to yield the ferrule and a short cannula. A multi-spot generator with a faceted optical element is added to the short cannula. An optical fiber is placed into the ferrule, and the ferrule and the short cannula are assembled. In certain embodiments, a system includes a long cannula, an optical fiber, and a multi-spot generator. The optical fiber can carry a laser beam to a distal end of the long cannula. The multi-spot generator is located at the distal end and comprises a faceted optical element and a ball lens. The faceted optical element can be formed directly onto or separately from the ball lens. The ball lens can be spherical or hemispherical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Smith, Michael A. Zica
  • Use of low molecular weight amino alcohols in ophthalmic compositions
    Patent number: 8563011
    Abstract: The use of low molecular weight amino alcohols in ophthalmic compositions is described. These compounds have been found to enhance the efficacy of anti-microbial preservatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bahram Asgharian
  • Assembling a multi-fiber multi-spot laser probe
    Patent number: 8561280
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, assembling a multi-fiber multi-spot laser system includes heating a ferrule until an interior diameter of an interior volume of the ferrule has expanded to greater than a predetermined diameter. End portions of a number of optical fibers are disposed within the interior volume. The ferrule is cooled to allow a cross-section of the fibers to conform to a fiber pattern having the predetermined diameter. At least a portion of the ferrule is disposed within a connector body to yield at least a portion of an optical fiber connector. In certain embodiments, the ferrule is rotated with respect to the connector body to align the fiber pattern with a laser spot pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Ronald T. Smith
  • TREATMENT FOR MICROBE-INDUCED INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES IN THE EYE
    Publication number: 20130274216
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ophthalmic compositions comprising inhibitors of spleen tyrosine kinase (syk). The compositions are particularly well suited for the treatment of ophthalmic infection such as fungal keratitis. The compositions optionally comprise an antiinfective compound such as an antibacterial or antifungal compound. The present invention also relates to methods for treating fungal keratitis using compositions comprising syk inhibitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Eric C. Carlson, Mark R. Hellberg, John M. Yanni