Patents by Inventor C. Curtis Freeman

C. Curtis Freeman 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: 6306114
    Abstract: A canalicular plug includes a throughbore provided with a valve. Preferably, the plug has a proximal occluding head, a central shaft and a distal body portion. The throughbore is preferably stepped and includes a large proximal portion for receiving an insertion tool and a smaller distal portion. The valve is preferably integrally molded with the canalicular plug, and the plug is preferably made from a resilient biocompatible material. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the distal body portion includes at least one slot dividing the distal portion into a plurality of resilient portions which are biased apart and coupled by a foldable curtain portion extending between the resilient portions. The resilient portions are inwardly compressible about the slot. When compressed together, the distal ends of the resilient portions together form a generally conical or frustoconical shape which facilitates insertion through the punctal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Eagle Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Curtis Freeman, Nicholas J. Webb