Patents by Inventor David Downer
David 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).
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Patent number: 11952219Abstract: A drive assembly for conveyor belt comprises a pair of opposing end plates for mounting a conveyor drive and mounting assemblies for mounting at least one of a position limiter assembly, a scraper assembly, a combined limiter-scraper assembly and side guards. The scraper assembly and combined limiter-scraper assembly include a leaf spring that is selectively tensioned by a tensioning element on an end plate to bias the scraper blade of the scraper assembly into an operational position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jake A. Mohan, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, Jeff Batchelder, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Patent number: 10390941Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: David A. Downer, Tu Cam Tran
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Patent number: 9681947Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: NOVARTIS AGInventors: Mikhail Boukhny, James Chon, David Downer, Steve Van Noy
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Patent number: 9662200Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventors: Sushant Muchhala, David A. Downer
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Patent number: 9522061Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Novartis AGInventor: David A. Downer
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Publication number: 20160346078Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: David A. Downer, Tu Cam Tran
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Patent number: 9480555Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: David A. Downer, Tu C. Tran
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Patent number: 9421092Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventors: Kyle Brown, David A. Downer, Sushant Muchhala, Stephen J. Van Noy, Dengzhua (Dan) Yan, Marshall K. Proulx
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Patent number: 9226819Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventor: David A. Downer
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Publication number: 20150359624Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: December 17, 2015Applicant: Novartis AGInventors: David A. Downer, Kyle Brown, Dengzhu Yan, Marshall Keith Proulx, Sushant Muchhala, Tu Cam Tran
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Patent number: 9089419Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: David A. Downer, Drew Morgan, Tu Cam Tran, Bobby C. Van Winkle
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Patent number: 8968397Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Novartis AGInventor: David A. Downer
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Patent number: 8961531Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Kyle Brown, Dengzhu Yan, David Downer
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Publication number: 20140371757Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Sushant Muchhala, David A. Downer
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Patent number: 8900249Abstract: A method of delivering an intraocular lens into an eye is disclosed. The intraocular lens is heated. The intraocular lens is maintained within a desired temperature range. The intraocular lens is injected into the eye when the intraocular lens is within the desired temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Mikhail Boukhny, James Chon, David Downer, Steve Van Noy
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Patent number: 8894664Abstract: 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 is disclosed. The injector tip geometry includes a tubular nozzle having a modified elliptical cross section. The injector tip geometry reduces stresses generated reduce the likelihood of tearing or overstretching the wound during cartridge tip insertion and residence time in the wound while the lens is being delivered into the eye.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Novartis AGInventor: David Downer
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Publication number: 20140303637Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Novartis AGInventors: David A. Downer, Tu C. Tran
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Patent number: 8821572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventors: Mutlu Karakelle, David A. Downer, Sushant Muchhala
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Publication number: 20140142586Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Novartis AGInventors: David A. Downer, Kyle Brown, Dengzhu Yan, Marshall Keith Proulx, Sushant Muchhala, Tu Cam Tran
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Patent number: 8690941Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Novartis AGInventor: David A. Downer