Patents Assigned to Refocus Group, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11571333
    Abstract: A device includes a body configured to be placed on an eye and multiple tine assemblies configured to secure the body to and release the body from the eye. The body includes multiple corners and multiple sides. Each corner includes a passage through the corner. Each side connects an adjacent pair of corners. Each tine assembly includes a twist pick configured to be inserted through one of the passages. Bottom surfaces of the sides are raised relative to bottom surfaces of the corners such that the bottom surfaces of the sides are spaced apart from the eye when the bottom surfaces of the corners are resting on the eye. Each of at least one side includes multiple openings configured to allow manipulation of a position of the body and a groove configured to receive a projection from a surgical tool in order to position the surgical tool on the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Ozinga
  • Patent number: 11273028
    Abstract: A system includes a scleral prosthesis and an insert. The scleral prosthesis includes a first end configured to be pulled through a scleral tunnel in an eye and a second end. Each end is wider than a middle portion of the scleral prosthesis. Two portions form the first end of the scleral prosthesis, and the portions are separated along at least half of a length of the scleral prosthesis. The scleral prosthesis is formed from a single integrated piece of material. The second end is undivided. The insert is configured to be placeable between the two portions. The two portions may be separated from one another without external interference, and the two portions may be configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end and then separate after release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Refocus Group Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne, Peter J. Richardson
  • Patent number: 10835372
    Abstract: An implantation device includes an elongated tube having a first end portion, an opposing second end portion, and a third tapered portion connecting the first and second end portions. The first end portion includes a first opening and an angled tip. The second end portion includes a second opening, and the second end portion is wider than the first end portion. The implantation device also includes a rod inserted through the first opening and extending out of and away from the first end portion. The rod includes a tapered and rounded end. The second end portion is configured to receive a scleral prosthesis into the second opening and to release the scleral prosthesis from the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Griffis, III, Gene W. Zdenek, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 10806631
    Abstract: A surgical tool includes a housing having a driver and a surgical blade configured to be bi-directionally rotated by the driver. The surgical tool also includes a footplate configured to receive the surgical blade. The footplate includes a bottom portion configured to rest on ocular tissue of a patient's eye. The bottom portion includes a slot configured to allow passage of a portion of the surgical blade through the bottom portion of the footplate and into the ocular tissue of the patient's eye. The footplate also includes multiple walls having multiple openings. The openings are configured to receive additional portions of the surgical blade such that the surgical blade is rotatable relative to the footplate. The footplate further includes an additional opening or open side configured to allow viewing of the surgical blade and the slot during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Ozinga, David J. Schanzlin
  • Patent number: 10744031
    Abstract: An ocular fixation device includes a body configured to be placed on an eye. The ocular fixation device also includes multiple twist picks configured to be turned to secure the body to the eye and to release the body from the eye. The body includes connection points on which a surgical tool is mountable on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Griffis, III, David G. Ozinga
  • Patent number: 10485653
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end, a second free end opposite the first free end, a central portion extending between and coupling the ends, and a convex top surface extending lengthwise along at least part of the central portion. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body along the central portion. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert having a convex top surface extending lengthwise along at least part of the insert. The body includes multiple portions that form the first end and part of the central portion. The portions are separated lengthwise along part of a total length of the body by empty space, which tapers and then expands in width. The insert has a shape complementary to the empty space such that the insert tapers and then expands in width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 10285804
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end and a second free end opposite the first free end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first free end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions of the body are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The body is configured to receive and retain, between the first portions of the body, an insert that is configured to maintain the separation of the first portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 9730785
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The body includes a convex upper surface extending lengthwise between the ends. The insert includes a convex upper surface extending lengthwise along the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 9717588
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The first portions are separated by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the first and second ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The first end projects beyond one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the second end. The second end projects beyond the one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: REFOCUS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 9700406
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body and an insert. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The insert is configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The first portions are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end. The insert, when placed between the first portions, keeps the first portions separated and prevents the first portions from being pushed together and reducing the width of the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 9687339
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) a pair of first portions that form the first end and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The insert, prior to insertion, includes one or more slots. The first portions include one or more ridges configured to engage with the one or more slots of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 9592152
    Abstract: An ocular fixation device includes a body configured to be placed on an eye. The ocular fixation device also includes multiple twist picks configured to be turned to secure the body to the eye and to release the body from the eye. The body includes connection points on which a surgical tool is mountable on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Griffis, III, David G. Ozinga
  • Patent number: 9504559
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes opposing first and second ends. Multiple portions form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The multiple portions of the body are separated by empty space such that the multiple portions meet at a point between the first and second ends of the body and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end of the body. The second end of the body is integral with the remainder of the body and not divided into multiple separated portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 9498324
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first portions of the body are separated by empty space, and the first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed and retained between the first portions of the body. At least part of the insert, prior to insertion between the first portions of the body, has a shape complementary to a shape of the empty space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 9486310
    Abstract: A system includes a scleral prosthesis and an insert. The scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end and a second free end opposite the first end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The insert is configured to be placed between the first portions to maintain a separation of the first portions. The body and/or the insert could be formed using one or more magnetic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 9452044
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The first portions of the body are separated lengthwise along the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the first and second ends of the body and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed and retained between the first portions of the body. The insert has a length that is at least about half of a length of the elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Patent number: 8945166
    Abstract: A surgical tool includes a rocker assembly configured to cause rotation of a surgical blade to form an incision. The rocker assembly includes a gear. The surgical tool also includes a ratchet configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction. The surgical tool further includes a linkage arm connecting the rocker assembly and the ratchet so that rotation of the ratchet causes rotation of the rocker assembly. In addition, the surgical tool includes a spring configured to be extended by the ratchet when the ratchet is rotated in the first direction. The spring is also configured to retract and cause the ratchet to rotate in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Ozinga, Karl H. Beitzel
  • Patent number: 8911496
    Abstract: A system includes a scleral prosthesis and an insert. The scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end and a second free end opposite the first end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The insert is configured to be placed between the first portions to maintain a separation of the first portions. The body and/or the insert could be formed using one or more magnetic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
  • Publication number: 20140107776
    Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body that is narrower in a middle and wider at opposing first and second ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first end of the body, where the first portions separated lengthwise along the body. The first portions are biased to maintain separation without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other in order to narrow a width of the first end. The body could also include second portions that form the second end of the body. The body could further include a cavity configured to receive a material and an eluting surface configured to release the material from the cavity. In addition, the body could include a cavity configured to receive a material and a protrusion that extends away from the scleral prosthesis, where the protrusion is configured to release the material from the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: REFOCUS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Williamson, Gary A. Richardson, John R. Samples
  • Publication number: 20140074137
    Abstract: A surgical tool includes a rocker assembly configured to cause rotation of a surgical blade to form an incision. The rocker assembly includes a gear. The surgical tool also includes a ratchet configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction. The surgical tool further includes a linkage arm connecting the rocker assembly and the ratchet so that rotation of the ratchet causes rotation of the rocker assembly. In addition, the surgical tool includes a spring configured to be extended by the ratchet when the ratchet is rotated in the first direction. The spring is also configured to retract and cause the ratchet to rotate in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Refocus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Ozinga, Karl H. Beitzel