Patents Assigned to Alcon
  • Patent number: 8475480
    Abstract: A multi-sleeve handpiece for performing phacoemulsification with a vibratory, ported needle and for cooling an exterior of an incision. The vibratory, ported needle breaks up and aspirates broken eye tissue. The handpiece has at least one inner sleeve that guides irrigation fluid to the eye and/or reduces friction between the vibrating tool and the surrounding rigid sleeve or tissues. The handpiece has an outer, cooling sleeve that is concentric with the inner sleeve and the needle and whose distal end has peak and valley formations. The cooling sleeve is collapsible to engage incision tissue with the peak formations and allow the cooling fluid to flow across the valley formations to cool the tissue via heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research Ltd
    Inventor: Richard James Mackool
  • Publication number: 20130165850
    Abstract: A hand piece having an irrigation portion and an aspiration portion that are releasably coupled is disclosed. In an assembled configuration, the irrigation portion and the aspiration portion are coupled such that the hand piece may be manipulable by a user as a single unit. In a separated configuration, the irrigation portion and the aspiration portion may be utilized separate from each other. The irrigation portion and the aspiration portion may be freely moved between the assembled configuration and the separated configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130163622
    Abstract: A laser adjustment system can include an adjustable seed-beam restrictor, configured to be attachable to a stretcher-compressor in a transverse-adjustable manner, and to restrict an incidence of a seed beam, generated by an oscillator, on the stretcher-compressor, wherein the stretcher-compressor is configured to be integrated into a chirped pulse amplification laser engine, and to stretch a duration of seed pulses of the seed beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON LENSX, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Karavitis
  • Publication number: 20130165911
    Abstract: A variable-applanation patient interface can include a lens support system, attachable to a distal end of an ophthalmic surgical laser system; a contact lens, supported by the lens support system and configured to make contact with an eye-surface; and an adjustable coupler, coupled to at least one of the lens support system and the contact lens, and configured to be coupled to a non-central region of the eye-surface, to accommodate the contact lens to contact a central region of the eye-surface with a central applanation, to enable a change between the central applanation and an extended applanation, and to accommodate the contact lens to contact an extended region of the eye-surface larger than the central region with the extended applanation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON LENSX, INC.
    Inventors: Ferenc Raksi, Ilya Goldshleger
  • Patent number: 8471000
    Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of HIF1A mRNA expression for treating patients with ocular angiogenesis, particularly for treating retinal edema, diabetic retinopathy, sequela associated with retinal ischemia, posterior segment neovascularization (PSNV), and neovascular glaucoma, and for treating patients at risk of developing such conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jon E. Chatterton, David P. Bingaman
  • Patent number: 8469934
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pulsatile ophthalmic peri-corneal drug delivery device. The device includes an annular body and a mechanism for releasing multiple separate and distinct doses of a therapeutic composition over an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan L. Weiner, Bhagwati P. Kabra
  • Patent number: 8465937
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying immunobinders, such as scFv antibodies, capable of specifically binding to cell surface antigens, and compositions identified according to said methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: ESBATech, an Alcon Biomedical Research Unit, LLC
    Inventors: David Urech, Valerie Hulmann-Cottier
  • Publication number: 20130150782
    Abstract: Various arrangements of fluidics systems are disclosed. In one arrangement, an aspiration circuit for a fluidics system is disclosed that selectively controls aspiration. The aspiration circuit comprises an aspiration line operatively connected to a surgical instrument, an aspiration exhaust line operatively connected to a waste receptacle; an aspiration vent line connected at a first end to the aspiration line; and a selectively variable vent valve operatively connected to the aspiration vent line. The variable vent valve may be selectively moved to vary aspiration pressure within the aspiration line. Other fluidics systems are disclosed that include a selectively positionable irrigation valve that may also be incorporated into a fluidics system that includes a variable vent valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130150779
    Abstract: A pressure-driven valve is disclosed. The valve includes a housing and a flow control portion disposed within the housing. The housing includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The flow control portion has a first side subject to fluid flow pressure in a fluid flow channel, and a second side subject to an outlet pressure representative of pressure at the fluid outlet. The flow control portion is deformable to increase and decrease flow through the fluid flow channel based on pressure differentials between the fluid flow pressure, a tube pressure, and the outlet pressure. In some instances, the flow control portion comprises a flow control membrane and a radially-fluctuating pressure tube attached to the periphery of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130150839
    Abstract: An ophthalmic laser probe system comprises an array of optical waveguides and an adapter operable to connect with a laser source. The laser probe system further includes a first reflective surface within the adapter. The first reflective surface is movable about a first axis. The laser probe system also includes a second reflective surface within the adapter. The second reflective surface is movable about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The first reflective surface is configured to receive a laser beam emitted from the laser source and redirect the laser beam toward the second reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130150778
    Abstract: A drainage device for implantation in an eye of a patient to treat an ocular condition is disclosed. The drainage device includes a housing, a multi-compartment flow control chamber, and a membrane. The housing includes an entrance port and an exit port connected by a fluid flow passageway. The membrane is disposed between the fluid flow passageway and the multi-compartment flow control chamber, which includes a first compartment and a second compartment in fluid communication with each other. The first and second compartments are structurally arranged to limit contact of gas with the membrane, which is disposed between the fluid flow passageway and first compartment. The membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway by deflecting in response to pressure in the flow control chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8459794
    Abstract: An ophthalmic system is provided that includes an ophthalmic imaging device to generate an image of a portion of an imaged eye of a patient, an image processor to determine a misalignment of the imaged eye and the imaging device by processing the generated image, and to generate a control signal according to the determined misalignment, and a misalignment-reduction system to receive the control signal, and to generate a misalignment-reduction response. The misalignment-reduction system can include a fixation light system or a gantry. In some cases a locator light system may provide additional alignment information for the image processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventors: Tibor Juhasz, Ferenc Raksi, Guy Holland
  • Publication number: 20130142837
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to cellulosic gel compositions having improved viscosity stability through the exclusion of particular antioxidants and/or the exclusion of chemical entities that tend to produce free radicals. Preferably, the composition is an ophthalmic cellulosic gel composition that is suitable as a multi-dose composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130137741
    Abstract: The present invention relates to development of efficacious pharmaceutical compositions in the form of aqueous solutions comprising an active agent in a therapeutically effective amount and a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of at least 2000.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8450287
    Abstract: Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions containing tobramycin, dexamethasone and deacetylated xanthan gum are described. The compositions provide longer ocular retention for enhanced ocular bioavailability of tobramycin and dexamethasone. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also provide for improved suspension of dexamethasone. The concentration of ionizable species in the compositions is controlled so as to prevent precipitation of the xanthan gum as a result of ionic interactions between tobramycin and xanthan gum, while allowing for a restoration of viscosity upon topical application of the compositions to the eye. The use of deacetylated xanthan gum is disclosed, so as to avoid formulation instability caused by pH drift during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bhagwati P. Kabra
  • Patent number: 8449147
    Abstract: An illuminator configured to deliver white light into an optical fiber includes a pump light source and a white phosphor. The pump light source configured to emit short-wavelength light. The white phosphor is disposed to receive the short-wavelength light from the pump light source and to output white light in response to the pumping light. The white phosphor is thermally isolated from the pump light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael James Papac, Christopher Horvath, Ronald T. Smith, Michael J. Yadlowsky
  • Publication number: 20130116219
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising carboline compounds for treating infections such as viral conjunctivitis. The invention also provides methods for treating of other infections, including ocular infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
  • Patent number: 8431751
    Abstract: New polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds with vicinal hydroxyl groups are disclosed. These compounds are useful as disinfectants in contact lens care compositions and/or as preservatives in ophthalmic compositions. Compositions containing these compounds are also disclosed. These compositions are especially useful for disinfecting/cleaning contact lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ernesto J. Castillo, Hwang-Hsing Chen, Masood A. Chowhan, Glenn D. Stafford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8419721
    Abstract: A laser system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser source to generate a pulsed laser beam, an XY scanner to receive the pulsed laser beam and to output an XY-scanning beam, scanned in two directions transverse to a Z direction, a Z scanner in a scanner housing to receive the XY-scanning beam and to output an XYZ-scanning beam scanned additionally in the Z direction, a mirror to deflect the XYZ-scanning beam received from the Z scanner, and an objective, in an objective housing, to receive the deflected XYZ-scanning beam and to focus the received XYZ-scanning beam onto a target region, wherein the scanner housing is separate from the objective housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventors: Ferenc Raksi, Jesse Buck
  • Patent number: 8419673
    Abstract: A glaucoma drainage device may comprise a main drainage tube with a first end configured to be located in an anterior chamber of an eye and a second end configured to be located 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 of the pump, and a second check valve is located downstream of the pump. An active valve is located upstream of 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 to the drainage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew J. A. Rickard