Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Scherer
Andrew J. Scherer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9498324Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 9486310Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20160279364Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer
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Patent number: 9452044Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20160166377Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2015Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20160166378Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2015Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20160166376Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2015Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 9364630Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Passy-Muir, Inc.Inventors: Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer
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Publication number: 20150182715Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2014Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer
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Publication number: 20150094805Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 8950604Abstract: The present invention provides devices, apparatuses, and systems for lifting and mounting of clinical- and research-related equipment. In particular, the present invention provides a lift and mount system for mass spectrometers (e.g., for time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometers (MS)).Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: IBIS Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Jared J. Drader, Steven A. Hofstadler, Jose R. Gutierrez, Paul J. Gleason, Andrew J. Scherer, Rex O. Bare
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Patent number: 8911496Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 8771300Abstract: A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Refocus Ocular, Inc.Inventors: Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson
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Patent number: 8764780Abstract: A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Refocus Ocular, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne, Rex O. Bare
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Patent number: 8709029Abstract: Various ocular fixation devices are disclosed. One ocular fixation device includes first and second rings, where at least one of the rings includes means for fixating ocular tissue of an eye. The means for fixating are arranged to grasp the ocular tissue of the eye and to release the ocular tissue of the eye based on rotation of at least one of the first and second rings. The ocular fixation device may also include one or more structures on which a surgical tool can be mounted on the ocular fixation device at one or more locations. For instance, a dome of the ocular fixation device could include one or more holes that are configured to receive one or more projections from the surgical tool. As another example, a base of the ocular fixation device could include one or more notches configured to receive a projection from the surgical tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Refocus Ocular, Inc.Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 8460325Abstract: A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Refocus Ocular, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Gary A. Richardson, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
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Patent number: 8409277Abstract: One example scleral prosthesis includes a first free end and a second free end, each wider than a middle portion of the scleral prosthesis. Multiple first portions form the first end of the scleral prosthesis. The first portions are separated along at least half of a length of the scleral prosthesis. Multiple second portions may form the second end of the scleral prosthesis, and the second portions may be separated along less than a quarter of the length of the scleral prosthesis. An implantation device can be used to facilitate implantation of a scleral prosthesis. The implantation device includes a first end portion configured to be inserted into a scleral tunnel of an eye. The implantation device also includes a second end portion configured to receive the scleral prosthesis. A rod with a tapered and rounded end can be partially inserted into the first end portion of the implantation device.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Refocus Ocular, Inc.Inventors: Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne, Gene W. Zdenek
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Patent number: 8313467Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Rafael Bikovsky, Julian D. Kavazov, Eric M. Lorenzen, Bradley J. Sargent, Andrew J. Scherer, Rex O. Bare
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Publication number: 20120078280Abstract: A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Refocus Ocular, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Gary A. Richardson, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
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Patent number: D747463Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Passy-Muir, Inc.Inventors: Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer