Patents by Inventor Andrew T. Schieber

Andrew T. Schieber 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).

  • Patent number: 12343287
    Abstract: An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Euteneuer, Thomas R. Hektner, Andrew T. Schieber, John Wardle
  • Patent number: 12336936
    Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Publication number: 20240390184
    Abstract: A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of an eye. The method includes the steps of inserting a distal end of a cannula through a cornea of the eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, the cannula having a distal opening extending from the distal end and through a side wall; placing the distal opening of the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal; advancing the ocular implant distally through the cannula with a delivery tool engaged with the ocular implant, a proximal portion of the ocular implant engaging the delivery tool proximal to a distal portion of the delivery tool; and disengaging the ocular implant and the delivery tool when the proximal portion of the ocular implant reaches the cannula distal opening. The invention also includes a system for practicing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: John WARDLE, Andrew T. SCHIEBER
  • Publication number: 20240383685
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system with automated robotic internal package transfer, and methods of its use are described. A system includes a shelf, a rail with a rotational range of motion, an actuatable elongate member coupled to the rail, and an actuator. The actuatable elongate member has a range of motion substantially along a first dimension between a retracted position and an extended position, and a range of motion relative to the rail and substantially along a second dimension. The actuator is configured to automatically cause, in response to a signal associated with delivery or receipt of a package, the rail to rotate and the actuatable elongate member to move relative to the rail substantially along the second dimension and to move to the extended position, to position the actuatable elongate member for retrieval of the package from the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2023
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Luke Anthony BILGER, Lina M. COWEN, Scott D. DEARING, Irving M D HU, Andrew T. SCHIEBER
  • Publication number: 20240307225
    Abstract: An illustrative method for reducing intraocular pressure in a patient may comprise deploying an ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye and administering a therapeutic agent comprising a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor to the patient. The ocular implant may be configured to lower the intraocular pressure from an initial to a second pressure within a first range and the therapeutic agent may lower an intraocular pressure to a third pressure within a second range, the third pressure lower than the second pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. SCHIEBER, Charles L. EUTENEUER, David T. VAN METER, Kenneth M. GALT
  • Publication number: 20240293260
    Abstract: A method of inserting an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal, the method comprising: moving the ocular implant into Schlemm's canal; and injecting a visco-elastic medium in front of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. SCHIEBER, Charles L. EUTENEUER
  • Patent number: 12076273
    Abstract: A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of an eye. The method includes the steps of inserting a distal end of a cannula through a cornea of the eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, the cannula having a distal opening extending from the distal end and through a side wall; placing the distal opening of the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal; advancing the ocular implant distally through the cannula with a delivery tool engaged with the ocular implant, a proximal portion of the ocular implant engaging the delivery tool proximal to a distal portion of the delivery tool; and disengaging the ocular implant and the delivery tool when the proximal portion of the ocular implant reaches the cannula distal opening. The invention also includes a system for practicing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Publication number: 20240269000
    Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Publication number: 20240216172
    Abstract: An ocular implant delivery system is provided with a number of features. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a rotation mechanism configured to rotate and orient a cannula of the system, and an advancement mechanism configured to advance and retract an ocular implant through the delivery system and into an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is sized and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The ocular implant is configured to maintain its orientation within the delivery system as the cannula is rotated. In some embodiments, the ocular implant automatically disengages the delivery system when it is advanced beyond a distal tip of the delivery system. Methods of implanting an ocular implant are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John WARDLE, Andrew T. SCHIEBER
  • Patent number: 12016796
    Abstract: An ocular implant having an inlet portion and a Schlemm's canal portion distal to the inlet portion, the inlet portion being disposed at a proximal end of the implant and sized and configured to be placed within an anterior chamber of a human eye, the Schlemm's canal portion being arranged and configured to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of the eye when the inlet portion is disposed in the anterior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Schieber, Charles L. Euteneuer
  • Patent number: 11992437
    Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Patent number: 11938058
    Abstract: An illustrative method for reducing intraocular pressure in a patient may comprise deploying an ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye and administering a therapeutic agent comprising a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor to the patient. The ocular implant may be configured to lower the intraocular pressure from an initial to a second pressure within a first range and the therapeutic agent may lower an intraocular pressure to a third pressure within a second range, the third pressure lower than the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Schieber, Charles L. Euteneuer, David T. Van Meter, Kenneth M. Galt
  • Patent number: 11918514
    Abstract: An ocular implant delivery system is provided with a number of features. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a rotation mechanism configured to rotate and orient a cannula of the system, and an advancement mechanism configured to advance and retract an ocular implant through the delivery system and into an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is sized and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The ocular implant is configured to maintain its orientation within the delivery system as the cannula is rotated. In some embodiments, the ocular implant automatically disengages the delivery system when it is advanced beyond a distal tip of the delivery system. Methods of implanting an ocular implant are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Publication number: 20230398021
    Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. SCHIEBER, Iqbal K. AHMED
  • Patent number: 11744734
    Abstract: A method of inserting an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal, the method comprising: moving the ocular implant into Schlemm's canal; and injecting a visco-elastic medium in front of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Schieber, Charles L. Euteneuer
  • Patent number: 11712369
    Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Schieber, Iqbal K. Ahmed
  • Publication number: 20230107345
    Abstract: An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Charles L. Euteneuer, Thomas R. Hektner, Andrew T. Schieber, John Wardle
  • Patent number: 11596546
    Abstract: An ocular implant is provided. In some embodiments, the ocular implant includes a body that is curved about a longitudinal central axis and a distal body portion that defines a longitudinal channel including a channel opening. The implant is sized and configured such that the ocular implant assumes an orientation in which the channel opening is adjacent a major side of Schlemm's canal when the ocular implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal. Methods for delivering ocular implants into Schlemm's canal are also provided. Some methods include covering openings in the ocular implant, advancing the implant into Schlemm's canal while at least some of the openings are covered, and uncovering the openings while the distal portion of the implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber, Kenneth M. Galt
  • Patent number: 11504275
    Abstract: An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Euteneuer, Thomas R. Hektner, Andrew T. Schieber, John Wardle
  • Patent number: 11464675
    Abstract: An ocular implant delivery system is provided with a number of features. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a rotation mechanism configured to rotate and orient a cannula of the system, and an advancement mechanism configured to advance and retract an ocular implant through the delivery system and into an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is sized and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The ocular implant is configured to maintain its orientation within the delivery system as the cannula is rotated. In some embodiments, the ocular implant automatically disengages the delivery system when it is advanced beyond a distal tip of the delivery system. Methods of implanting an ocular implant are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber