Patents Assigned to Alcon
  • Application of an electrical field in the vicinity of the trabecular meshwork to treat glaucoma
    Patent number: 8527055
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of treating glaucoma by applying an electric field in the vicinity of the juxtacanalicular region of the trabecular meshwork sufficient to cause migration or reorientation of glycosaminoglycans located in the extracellular matrix. A device for applying the electric field includes a controller coupled to a pressure sensor, and a pair of electrodes coupled to a voltage source. The electrodes apply the electric field, and the controller controls the application of the electric field based on IOP measurements from the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Glaucoma Drainage Device with Pump
    Publication number: 20130218064
    Abstract: A glaucoma drainage device has a main drainage tube with a first end an anterior chamber of an eye and a second end in a drainage location. A bypass drainage tube is fluidly coupled to and in parallel with the main drainage tube. A pump is in communication with the bypass drainage tube. The pump comprises a first driver and a first flexible membrane enclosing a first chamber. A first check valve is located upstream from the pump, and a second check valve is located downstream from the pump. An active valve is located upstream from the first check valve. The active valve comprises a second driver and a second flexible membrane enclosing a second chamber. A third check valve is located between the active valve and the second end of the main drainage tube. A volume of the first chamber is changed to pump fluid from the anterior chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Matthew J.A. Rickard
  • Aqueous Pharmaceutical Composition With Enhanced Stability
    Publication number: 20130210812
    Abstract: The present invention is an aqueous pharmaceutical composition that includes an ionized therapeutic agent, an ionic component and guar gum. The guar gum is present in the composition a concentration sufficient to limit interactions between the ionized therapeutic agent and the ionic component thereby imparting stability to the composition. The composition is preferably at or near physiologic pH. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition has been found particularly useful as an aqueous ophthalmic, otic or nasal composition. The pharmaceutical composition, due to its characteristics, is particularly suitable as an ophthalmic composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Variable stage optical system for ophthalmic surgical laser
    Patent number: 8506559
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing variable scanning control in delivering a laser beam of laser pulses to a surgical target are provided. The described systems and techniques can be used for laser surgery within the anterior segment of the eye and the crystalline lens via photodisruption caused by laser pulses from a femtosecond laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventor: Ferenc Raksi
  • Active Drainage Systems with Dual-Input Pressure-Driven Values
    Publication number: 20130204177
    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: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Optical system for ophthalmic surgical laser
    Patent number: 8500725
    Abstract: A laser system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser engine to generate a pulsed laser beam, and an XY scanner, to receive the generated pulsed laser beam, and to output a scanning laser beam, the XY scanner including an X scanner, including two X scanning minors, and a Y scanner, including two Y scanning minors. The XY scanner can modify essentially independently an angle the outputted scanning laser beam makes with an optical axis, and a position at which the outputted scanning laser beam intersects a subsequent reference plane perpendicular to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventor: Ferenc Raksi
  • Preconditioned illuminator system and method
    Patent number: 8498506
    Abstract: Embodiments of endo-illuminators and related methods are disclosed. One embodiment of an illuminator can comprise a cannula defining a passage, an optical element disposed at an end of the cannula, and an optical fiber running through the passage with the distal end of the optical fiber in contact with the optical element. The optical fiber includes at least a heat preconditioned distal portion that terminates in the distal end that is in contact with the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Smith, Dean Y. Lin, Jack R. Auld, Timothy C. Ryan
  • Display monitor guide
    Patent number: 8496218
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a display mounting system may include a display monitor coupled to a display arm that is mounted relative to a guide track. The display arm may be configured to contact the guide track though a track follower. The guide track may have an arc with a height that varies relative to a yaw position along the arc. In some embodiments, the track follower may be configured to move in contact with the arc of the guide track in a yaw direction and movement of the track follower in the yaw direction along the guide track may result in a change in pitch of the display arm. In some embodiments, the arc of the guide track may include a point for a stowed position of the display arm and a second point for a deployed position of the display arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Ochoa
  • Portable pattern-generating ophthalmic probe
    Patent number: 8496331
    Abstract: A pattern-generating intraocular probe is provided that includes a cannula including a diffractive optical element (DOE), the DOE being patterned such that an on-axis illumination of the DOE produces an emitted beam forming a linear pattern; and a handpiece connected to a proximal of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Structured illumination probe and method
    Patent number: 8485972
    Abstract: A structured illumination probe is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: an optical fiber, to receive and transmit a light beam; a handpiece, coupled to the optical fiber; an optical element, comprising a distal optical fiber and a distal light guide, wherein the proximal ends of the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide can be selectably optically coupled to the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and scattering the light beam to illuminate an area, and wherein the surface area of the proximal end of the distal light guide is greater than the surface area of the distal end of the optical fiber; an actuator, coupled to the handpiece, for selectably coupling the optical fiber to the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide; and a cannula, coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael J. Papac, Ronald T. Smith
  • Wavelength converting illumination probe
    Patent number: 8488930
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary wavelength converting illumination probe having an illumination probe that can be selectively connected to a light source configured to generate light at a first wavelength range. The illumination probe including a lumen defining an aperture in a distal end of the illumination probe for emitting light. The wavelength converting illumination probe further including a wavelength converting element disposed within the lumen of the illumination probe. The wavelength converting element operable for receiving light from the light source at the first wavelength range, and converting the light to a second wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael James Papac, Ronald T. Smith, Michael J. Yadlowsky, Michael McCulloch Martin, Christopher Horvath
  • Method and system for correcting an optical beam
    Patent number: 8485708
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for shaping an annular focal spot pattern to allow for more efficient optical coupling to a small gauge optical fiber. An embodiment of the present invention can include an illumination source operable to transmit an optical beam along an optical path, an optical fiber, and a correcting element positioned in the optical path between the illumination source and the optical fiber, the correcting element configured to reshape the optical beam to increase an amount of light received by the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Artsyukhovich, T. Scott Rowe
  • TRANSFERRIN/TRANSFERRIN RECEPTOR-MEDIATED siRNA DELIVERY
    Publication number: 20130177580
    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 transferrin receptor (TfR). Therapeutic uses for the conjugates are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • INTERFERING RNA DELIVERY SYSTEM AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20130178421
    Abstract: The invention provides a delivery system comprising a cell penetrating peptide, 10 histidines, and an interfering RNA molecule. The system can be used for delivering interfering RNA molecules into a cell in vivo or in vitro. Therapeutic uses for the delivery system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
  • Structured illumination probe and method
    Patent number: 8480279
    Abstract: A structured illumination surgical system is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, comprising an optical fiber, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical element, a proximal end of the optical element optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and scattering the light beam to illuminate an area (e.g., a surgical site), wherein the surface area of the proximal end of the optical element is greater than the surface area of the distal end of the optical fiber; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael J. Papac, Ronald T. Smith
  • Laser illumination system
    Patent number: 8480233
    Abstract: An ophthalmic endoillumination system comprises a self-contained power source and a laser light source powered by the self-contained power source to produce light. The system further comprises an elongated member sized for insertion into an eye and for conducting the light produced by the laser light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • STABLE AND SOLUBLE ANTIBODIES INHIBITING TNF ALPHA
    Publication number: 20130171143
    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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: ESBATECH, AN ALCON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH UNIT LLC.
    Inventor: ESBATECH, AN ALCON BIOMEDICAL RESEAR
  • Haptic Footswitch Treadle
    Publication number: 20130169412
    Abstract: A haptic footswitch treadle for use in microsurgical systems is disclosed. The haptic footswitch treadle includes a haptic surface coupled to a pivotable treadle base and configured to convey vibratory haptic feedback to a surgeon. The haptic footswitch includes a positional sensor coupled to the treadle base and suspension elements and actuators positioned between the haptic surface and the treadle base. The actuators are configured to move the suspension elements and the haptic surface based on command signals generated by haptic software applications in response to data from the positional sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Jeremy R. Roth
  • Fixed optical system having an adjustable target
    Patent number: 8474977
    Abstract: A fiber optic illuminator is provided comprising an optics bed, a light source, a collimating lens, and a condensing lens. The light source is mounted in a fixed position with respect to the optics bed. The collimating lens is mounted in a fixed position with respect to the optics bed and collimates at least a portion of the light from the light source. A condensing lens receives the substantially collimated light output and focuses the collimated light output to optically couple to an optical fiber. The condensing lens may be mounted on an adjustable mount. The tolerances of the fixed optical elements i.e. light source and collimating lens allow the fixed optical elements to be positioned with a minimal amount of variation where the variation is determined by manufacturing tolerances associated with these individual elements and their mounts and couple them to the optics bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Hahn, Michael M. Martin, Argelio M. Olivera, Michael J. Papac, Ronald T. Smith
  • Surgical probe
    Patent number: 8475479
    Abstract: An exemplary surgical probe and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary surgical probe may include a tubular body and a scissor assembly received at least partially within the body. The scissor assembly may include a first blade fixed to the tubular body that includes a body portion and an end portion. The scissor assembly may further include a second blade that is configured to move longitudinally within the tubular body. The body portions of the first and second blades may each define respective cross sections normal to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cross sections may each define centrally disposed edges adjacent one another, and the cross sections may each be asymmetrical about a line substantially parallel to the centrally disposed edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Linsi