Patents by Inventor David A. Downer

David A. Downer 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: 10390941
    Abstract: An IOL injection device comprises a tubular housing with a plunger longitudinally disposed within the tubular housing. The device is configured so that when the plunger is translated towards the front of the device, its tip engages an intraocular lens insertion cartridge mounted at or near the front end of the housing. The IOL injection device further comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to perform the steps of advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases, retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax, pausing to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax, advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time, and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Tu Cam Tran
  • Patent number: 9662200
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraocular lens delivery system with a multi-segment plunger. More particularly, the present invention relates to an intraocular lens delivery device that includes a disposable plunger tip segment that can be attached and removed from a reusable plunger base segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sushant Muchhala, David A. Downer
  • Patent number: 9522061
    Abstract: A lens delivery system having a plunger rod with a sliding block reinforcing member. The sliding block rides on and along with the plunger rod and helps to reinforce the plunger rod against bending or buckling during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20160346078
    Abstract: An IOL injection device comprises a tubular housing with a plunger longitudinally disposed within the tubular housing. The device is configured so that when the plunger is translated towards the front of the device, its tip engages an intraocular lens insertion cartridge mounted at or near the front end of the housing. The IOL injection device further comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to perform the steps of advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases, retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax, pausing to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax, advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time, and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Tu Cam Tran
  • Patent number: 9480555
    Abstract: An IOL injection device comprises a tubular housing with a plunger longitudinally disposed within the tubular housing. The device is configured so that when the plunger is translated towards the front of the device, its tip engages an intraocular lens insertion cartridge mounted at or near the front end of the housing. The IOL injection device further comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to perform the steps of advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases, retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax, pausing to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax, advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time, and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Tu C. Tran
  • Patent number: 9421092
    Abstract: An intraocular lens injector cartridge assembly contains a pre-loaded lens and an integral lens-contacting plunger rod. Configured for removably mating with an injector handpiece, the cartridge assembly is suitable for use with either manual or automated injector systems. The injector cartridge assembly includes a tubular body having a longitudinal bore extending between a distal end and a proximal end, an IOL disposed within said longitudinal bore, and a lens-contacting plunger rod retained within said bore, between the IOL and the proximal end of the tubular body. The lens-contacting plunger rod is configured for translation along the longitudinal bore upon engagement by an injector rod introduced by the injector handpiece into the proximal end of the tubular body, so that the IOL is folded and ejected from the distal end of the tubular body by the translation of the lens-contacting plunger rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyle Brown, David A. Downer, Sushant Muchhala, Stephen J. Van Noy, Dengzhua (Dan) Yan, Marshall K. Proulx
  • Patent number: 9226819
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of an intraocular lens delivery device having a plunger with a multi-part plunger tip. The plunger tip includes a first part and a second part wherein the first part releases from the second part during travel of the plunger through the body of a delivery cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20150359624
    Abstract: An intraocular lens delivery system includes an injector body having a bore surrounded by an inner wall. The system further includes a plunger configured to fit within the bore. The system also includes a plurality of deflectable members connected to the plunger and configured to contact the inner wall and to be deflected when the plunger is inserted within the bore. The deflectable members center the shaft and, when inserted within the injector body, contribute to producing a predetermined force resisting advancement of the plunger when deflected in the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Applicant: Novartis AG
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Kyle Brown, Dengzhu Yan, Marshall Keith Proulx, Sushant Muchhala, Tu Cam Tran
  • Patent number: 9089419
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an intraocular lens with an optic zone having a first surface topology and a haptic zone having a second surface topology. The surface roughness of the haptic zone may be greater than the surface roughness of the optic zone. The surface topology of the optic zone may have a first surface geometry and the surface topology of the haptic zone may have a second surface geometry. The first and second surface geometries may retain lubrication fluid in a space formed therein. The haptics formed by the manufacturing process may have a reduced ability to adhere to the optic zone, such as when the lens is folded or advanced through a cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Drew Morgan, Tu Cam Tran, Bobby C. Van Winkle
  • Patent number: 8968397
    Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include an intraocular lens insertion cartridge and an intraocular lens interface adapted to engage intraocular lens for advancement through the intraocular lens insertion cartridge. The system may also include a bracket that is detachably attached to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge and that facilitates securing the intraocular lens interface relative to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20140371757
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraocular lens delivery system with a multi-segment plunger. More particularly, the present invention relates to an intraocular lens delivery device that includes a disposable plunger tip segment that can be attached and removed from a reusable plunger base segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Sushant Muchhala, David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20140303637
    Abstract: An IOL injection device comprises a tubular housing with a plunger longitudinally disposed within the tubular housing. The device is configured so that when the plunger is translated towards the front of the device, its tip engages an intraocular lens insertion cartridge mounted at or near the front end of the housing. The IOL injection device further comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to perform the steps of advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases, retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax, pausing to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax, advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time, and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Novartis AG
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Tu C. Tran
  • Patent number: 8821572
    Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) delivery device is disclosed. The device includes an intraocular lens cartridge having an internal coating wherein the coating includes a polymeric material that is compatible with a polymeric material of a material that forms the cartridge. Preferably, the polymeric material of the coating, the cartridge or both is a polyurethane material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mutlu Karakelle, David A. Downer, Sushant Muchhala
  • Publication number: 20140142586
    Abstract: An intraocular lens delivery system includes an injector body having a bore surrounded by an inner wall. The system further includes a plunger configured to fit within the bore. The system also includes a plurality of deflectable members connected to the plunger and configured to contact the inner wall and to be deflected when the plunger is inserted within the bore. The deflectable members center the shaft and, when inserted within the injector body, contribute to producing a predetermined force resisting advancement of the plunger when deflected in the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Novartis AG
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Kyle Brown, Dengzhu Yan, Marshall Keith Proulx, Sushant Muchhala, Tu Cam Tran
  • Patent number: 8690941
    Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include an intraocular lens insertion cartridge and an intraocular lens interface adapted to engage an intraocular lens for advancement through the intraocular lens insertion cartridge. The system may also include a bracket that is detachably attached to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge and that facilitates securing the intraocular lens interface relative to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20140066947
    Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include an intraocular lens insertion cartridge and an intraocular lens interface adapted to engage intraocular lens for advancement through the intraocular lens insertion cartridge. The system may also include a bracket that is detachably attached to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge and that facilitates securing the intraocular lens interface relative to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Novartis AG
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20130317514
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of an intraocular lens delivery device having a plunger with a multi-part plunger tip. The plunger tip includes a first part and a second part wherein the first part releases from the second part during travel of the plunger through the body of a delivery cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20130165943
    Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for performing intraocular lens surgery. In some implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include a first body, a second body, and flexible joint. The first body may be adapted to receive an intraocular lens, and the second body may include a passage adapted to facilitate folding the intraocular lens as the lens is advanced through the passage. The flexible joint may be interposed in a gap between the first body and the second body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20130085506
    Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include an intraocular lens insertion cartridge and an intraocular lens interface adapted to engage an intraocular lens for advancement through the intraocular lens insertion cartridge. The system may also include a bracket that is detachably attached to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge and that facilitates securing the intraocular lens interface relative to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Patent number: 8105332
    Abstract: A lens delivery system handpiece having a threaded plunger rod with a ball lock ring. Locking the ring causes the plunger to be advanced by turning a thumbscrew or knob. Unlocking the ring allows the plunger to be advanced by pushing on the thumbscrew or knob in a manner similar to a syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Dengzhu Yan