Patents by Inventor Clark D. Witherspoon

Clark D. Witherspoon 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: 6886565
    Abstract: A macula cover having a flexible sheet member and including an contact surface, an outer surface, a perimeter, and an annular stiffener. The sheet member is sized to cover the fovea and the parafoveal area of the macula during retinal surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Innovative Retinal Products LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Morris, Clark D. Witherspoon, W. Brad Priester
  • Publication number: 20030156252
    Abstract: A macula cover having a flexible sheet member and including an contact surface, an outer surface, a perimeter, and an annular stiffener. The sheet member is sized to cover the fovea and the parafoveal area of the macula during retinal surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Robert E. Morris, Clark D. Witherspoon, W. Brad Priester
  • Patent number: 5047009
    Abstract: Ocular perfusion during intraocular surgery of the anterior or posterior ocular cavity is optimized through the method of using a gas pump having a discernible and controllable output pressure to pressurize a reservoir of liquid infusate, which is supplied under pressure to a surgical infusion instrument for perfusion of the selected ocular chamber (Gas Forced Liquid Infusion, GFLI). The infusate selection and the infusate pressure can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy and both can be rapidly varied by audible command. Preferentially a human sensible indication of pressure is constantly available at the gas pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Vitreoretinal Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Morris, Clark D. Witherspoon, William E. Goggans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5032111
    Abstract: Ocular perfusion during intraocular surgery of the anterior or posterior ocular cavity is optimized through the method of using a gas pump having a discernible and controllable output pressure to pressurize a reservoir of liquid infusate, which is supplied under pressure to a surgical infusion instrument for perfusion of the selected ocular chamber (Gas Forced Liquid Infusion, GFLI). The infusate selection and the infusate pressure can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy and both can be rapidly varied by audible command. Preferentially a human sensible indication of pressure is constantly available at the gas pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Vitreoretinal Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Morris, Clark D. Witherspoon, William E. Goggans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4900301
    Abstract: Ocular perfusion during intraocular surgery of the anterior or posterior ocular cavity is optimized through the method of using a gas pump having a discernible and controllable output pressure to pressurize a reservoir of liquid infusate, which is supplied under pressure to a surgical infusion instrument for perfusion of the selected ocular chamber (Gas Forced Liquid Infusion, GFLI). The infusate selection and the infusate pressure can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy and both can be rapidly varied by audible command. Preferentially a human sensible indication of pressure is constantly available at the gas pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Vitreoretinal Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Morris, Clark D. Witherspoon, William E. Goggans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4813927
    Abstract: Apparatus for us in intraocular surgical procedures utilizes a plurality of flexible conduits and a control valve to selectively supply an infusion cannula with either fluid or air. The air and fluid are pressurized for infusion by a continuous infusion air pump and supplied to the valve by parallel lengths of flexible tubing. The apparatus may be used to monitor and control the infusion pressure or to switch the infusion agent in a minimal time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Vitreoretinal Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Morris, Clark D. Witherspoon, William E. Goggans, Jr.