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).

  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120158007
    Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) transfer case for transferring an IOL to an injection cartridge includes a lens holder for holding the IOL. The lens holder includes a bore. Folding members within the lens holder are configured to fold the IOL into a partially folded position when the IOL is slid through the bore across the folding members. The IOL transfer case also includes an interface configured to removably connect to an injection cartridge. The interface is positioned to deliver the IOL in the partially folded position within the injection cartridge when the interface is connected to the injection cartridge. The IOL transfer case also includes a plunger connected to the lens holder and configured to push the IOL in the partially folded position through the bore to deliver the IOL into the injection cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Kyle Brown, Dengzhu Yan, David 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
  • Publication number: 20100305577
    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: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Sushant MUCHHALA, David A. DOWNER
  • Publication number: 20100204705
    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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Kyle Brown, David A. Downer, Sushant Muchhala, Stephen J. Van Noy, Dengzhua (Dan) Yan, Marshall K. Proulx
  • Publication number: 20100125279
    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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Mutlu Karakelle, David A. Downer, Sushant Muchhala
  • Publication number: 20100121340
    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: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20100094414
    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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Drew Morgan, Tu Cam Tran, Bobby C. Van Winkle
  • Publication number: 20090204123
    Abstract: A cartridge for an IOL delivery system that has an injector tip geometry designed to reduce stresses at the incision wound edges generated during insertion of an IOL into an eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: David Downer
  • Publication number: 20090112223
    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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Dengzhu Yan
  • Publication number: 20080312661
    Abstract: A cartridge for an IOL delivery system that is specifically designed to aid in wound assisted IOL delivery. The distal tip of the nozzle has an extended canopy which serves to open the incision and support the IOL. Peripheral protrusions, flanges, or stops extending laterally from the side of the distal tip provide a positive depth limitation, and prevent the full insertion of the nozzle into the incision. In addition, the protrusion provides support to the incision to reduce the tendency of wound damage through tearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Khiun F. Tjia
  • Publication number: 20080255577
    Abstract: A cartridge for an IOL delivery system that has a straight thinned walled distal nozzle. The transition region between the tapered folding portion of the cartridge and the nozzle contain reinforcing gussets to help prevent splitting of the cartridge. Flow leaders in the nozzle direct the flow of material during molding at the 12:00 o'clock position, positioning the weld line of the flow front at the 6:00 o'clock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Downer, Kyle Brown, Sushant Muchhala, Tu Cam Tran, Dengzhu Yan
  • Publication number: 20080221585
    Abstract: A cartridge for an IOL delivery system that folds open along its longitudinal axis on two pairs of hinges. The interior of the cartridge is hollow and contains a folding chamber connected to a nozzle. The folding chamber has a pair of rails that help to assist in providing an initial fold of the IOL and help prevent rotation of the IOL during injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20080221584
    Abstract: A lens delivery system delivery system having a plunger, an injector body and a nozzle portion connected to the injector body. A sliding gate is attached to a flange located on the proximal end of the injector body. The gate engages a receptor slot in the plunger and prevents movement of the plunger until released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20080200920
    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: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20080200921
    Abstract: A lens delivery system having a plunger rod with a plurality of elastomeric wipers that frictionally and slidably engage the interior bore of the delivery system handpiece. Alternatively, the elastomeric wipers can be located on the bore and frictionally and slidably engage the plunger rod. The amount of frictional engagement by the wipers can be varied and controlled by adjusting the geometry, size or material properties (modulus of elasticity) of the wipers. The wipers help to provide feedback to the user, and also help provide more even, consistent force throughout the full range of travel of the plunger rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Publication number: 20080097460
    Abstract: An intraocular lens delivery system has an injector body, a plunger, a nozzle portion, and a heater. The plunger is slidably movable within the injector body. The nozzle portion is located on a distal end of the injector body and has a hollow interior adapted for receiving the intraocular lens. The heater is integrated with the intraocular lens delivery system and is adapted to heat the intraocular lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Mikhail Boukhny, James Chon, David Downer, Steve Van Noy