Patents by Inventor Gregory T. Smedley

Gregory T. Smedley 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: 9155654
    Abstract: Ocular implants, delivery devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One method involves inserting an implant on one side of an eye. The implant has an anchor on a distal end portion and an outlet opening that is disposed proximal of the anchor. The implant is advanced across the eye to the other side of the eye. The anchor is inserted into eye tissue on the other side of the eye. A therapeutic agent is eluted using the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Jason Artof, David Steven Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch
  • Publication number: 20150223981
    Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory T. Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara Niksch, Hosheng Tu, Thomas W. Burns
  • Patent number: 9066782
    Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are provided. One method involves introducing an implant into an anterior chamber of an eye. The implant is implanted into eye tissue adjacent the anterior chamber such that a proximal end of the implant resides in the anterior chamber following implantation. A therapeutic agent is eluted from the implant into the eye. Desirably, the release of the therapeutic agent from the implant is controlled. The controlled release of the therapeutic agent can be at a chosen rate and/or for a selected duration which can be episodic or periodic. The therapeutic agent can be an antiproliferative agent, an anti-inflammatory drug, or a compound for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Dose Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Barbara A Niksch, David S Haffner, Gregory T Smedley, Olav B Bergheim, Morteza Gharib, Richard A. Hill, Thomas W. Burns
  • Publication number: 20140343475
    Abstract: Methods of treating ocular disorders are disclosed, such as a method that includes inserting an implant in eye tissue, using a delivery instrument, such that an inlet portion of the implant is in an anterior chamber of an eye and an outlet portion of the implant is in a physiological outflow pathway; removing the delivery instrument from the eye without removing the implant; and conducting fluid comprising a therapeutic substance through the implant and into the physiological outflow pathway. Another method includes inserting an instrument into a physiologic outflow pathway through which aqueous humor drains from an anterior chamber of an eye; separating first and second walls of tissues which comprise the physiologic outflow pathway by injecting a fluid comprising a drug from the instrument while the instrument remains in the physiologic outflow pathway; and withdrawing the instrument following the injection with said fluid remaining within the eye such that the drug has a therapeutic effect on the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory T. Smedley, David S. Haffner, Hosheng Tu
  • Patent number: 8882781
    Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory T Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara Niksch, Hosheng Tu, Thomas W Burns
  • Publication number: 20130310930
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders. An ocular implant having an inlet portion with a first anchor and an outlet portion with a second anchor is provided. The first anchor is configured to be positioned adjacent eye tissue, for example, within an anterior chamber of an eye, and the second anchor is configured to be positioned within a physiological outflow pathway of the eye. The implant, when implanted in the eye, is configured to conduct fluid from the anterior chamber to the physiological outflow pathway. Desirably, the second anchor is deployable and is configured to secure the implant within the physiological outflow pathway. Also provided is an ocular treatment method which involves implanting the implant to secure the implant within the physiological outflow pathway by deploying the second anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Gregory T. Smedley, Barbara A. Niksch, David S. Haffner
  • Patent number: 8579846
    Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One implant has a tubular member, with inlet and outlet ends, and a cutting member connected thereto. The tubular member is configured to extend through eye tissue such that the inlet and outlet ends reside respectively in an anterior chamber and a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. Desirably, the cutting member is configured to make an incision in the eye tissue for receiving at least a portion of the tubular member. One method involves introducing an implant, with proximal and distal ends, into the anterior chamber and penetrating eye tissue using an implant distal portion. The implant is advanced from the anterior chamber into the penetrated eye tissue to locate the distal and proximal ends respectively in the physiologic outflow pathway and the anterior chamber. Aqueous humor is conducted between the proximal and distal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Gregory T. Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara A. Niksch
  • Publication number: 20130285461
    Abstract: Variable frequency alternate current (VFAC) bus arrangements and systems using such VFAC bus arrangements are described, such as arrays of turbines. Such systems have a centrally located power process hub connected to the VFAC bus arrangements in a way that there is a dedicated VFAC bus arrangement for each turbine of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicants: ONE-CYCLE CONTROL, INC., CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Gregory T. SMEDLEY, John Oluseun DABIRI
  • Publication number: 20130018295
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One ocular implant, has a substantially straight, rigid, elongate body. The body has a self-trephinating distal portion that narrows toward a distal end, and at least one inlet that communicates with at least one inner lumen that communicates with a plurality of outlets. The lumen has a sufficient length to extend from an anterior chamber of an eye to a physiologic outflow pathway. An anchor member extends from the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: David S. Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Thomas W. Burns, Hosheng Tu
  • Patent number: 8337445
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders. One method provides an implant having an inlet portion with a first anchor and an outlet portion with a second anchor. The implant is implanted in tissue of an eye such the implant conducts fluid from an anterior chamber of the eye to a physiological outflow pathway of the eye. The implanting involves positioning the first anchor adjacent eye tissue, positioning the second anchor within the physiological outflow pathway, and deploying the second anchor such that the second anchor secures the implant within the physiological outflow pathway and a distal end of the second anchor is positioned further into the physiological outflow pathway than an outlet of the outlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Gregory T Smedley, Barbara A Niksch, David S Haffner
  • Publication number: 20120109040
    Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory T. Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara Niksch, Hosheng Tu, Thomas W. Burns
  • Publication number: 20120078158
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One ocular implant, has a substantially straight, rigid, elongate body. The body has a self-trephinating distal portion that narrows toward a distal end, and at least one inlet that communicates with at least one inner lumen that communicates with a plurality of outlets. The lumen has a sufficient length to extend from an anterior chamber of an eye to a physiologic outflow pathway. An anchor member extends from the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: David S. Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Thomas W. Burns, Hosheng Tu
  • Publication number: 20120071809
    Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One implant has a tubular member, with inlet and outlet ends, and a cutting member connected thereto. The tubular member is configured to extend through eye tissue such that the inlet and outlet ends reside respectively in an anterior chamber and a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. Desirably, the cutting member is configured to make an incision in the eye tissue for receiving at least a portion of the tubular member. One method involves introducing an implant, with proximal and distal ends, into the anterior chamber and penetrating eye tissue using an implant distal portion. The implant is advanced from the anterior chamber into the penetrated eye tissue to locate the distal and proximal ends respectively in the physiologic outflow pathway and the anterior chamber. Aqueous humor is conducted between the proximal and distal ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Gregory T. Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara A. Niksch
  • Patent number: 8075511
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has an implant and a delivery device. The implant has inlet and outlet portions, a lumen extending therebetween and communicating with inlet and outlet ports. The implant is sized so that in use aqueous humor flows from an anterior chamber of an eye through the implant and into a uveal scleral outflow path of the eye. The delivery device is configured to advance the implant from within the anterior chamber, with the outlet portion leading the inlet portion, to a location where the outlet and inlet ports respectively communicate with the uveal scleral outflow path and the anterior chamber. One method involves advancing an implant from within the anterior chamber, and draining fluid from therein such that fluid flows into an implant inlet port and out through an implant outlet port and into the uveal scleral outflow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Gregory T. Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara A. Niksch
  • Patent number: 8062244
    Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One implant has a tubular member, with inlet and outlet ends, and a cutting member connected thereto. The tubular member is configured to extend through eye tissue such that the inlet and outlet ends reside respectively in an anterior chamber and a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. Desirably, the cutting member is configured to make an incision in the eye tissue for receiving at least a portion of the tubular member. One method involves introducing an implant, with proximal and distal ends, into the anterior chamber and penetrating eye tissue using an implant distal portion. The implant is advanced from the anterior chamber into the penetrated eye tissue to locate the distal and proximal ends respectively in the physiologic outflow pathway and the anterior chamber. Aqueous humor is conducted between the proximal and distal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Gregory T Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara A Niksch
  • Publication number: 20110267241
    Abstract: Multi-Mission Frameless Airship Platform (MFAP) leverages composite material science to achieve a frameless lightweight airframe design enabling increased speed, lift and cargo capacity. Deployable/retrievable high-value modules provide enhanced operational and mission flexibility. Unified power electronics enable hybrid integration of propulsion, power generation (e.g. diesel generator, photovoltaic solar, etc.), energy storage and tethered wind-power generation for both on-grid and off-grid electrical power delivery for airborne operations and ground operations. Onboard antenna systems serve as cell phone towers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Grimm, Gregory T. Smedley, Reindy Allendra, Kathryn A. Schubel
  • Patent number: 8007459
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One ocular implant, has a substantially straight, rigid, elongate body. The body has a self-trephinating distal portion that narrows toward a distal end, and at least one inlet that communicates with at least one inner lumen that communicates with a plurality of outlets. The lumen has a sufficient length to extend from an anterior chamber of an eye to a physiologic outflow pathway. An anchor member extends from the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Haffner, Gregory T. Smedley, Thomas W. Burns, Hosheng Tu
  • Patent number: 7951155
    Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory T. Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara Niksch, Hosheng Tu, Thomas W. Burns
  • Publication number: 20110092878
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has a delivery instrument, with a non-linear axis, configured to be inserted into an anterior chamber of an eye and moved to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The delivery instrument carries an implant that has a distal end sized for insertion into tissue such that aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber to the physiologic outflow pathway. One method involves inserting a non-linear portion of a delivery device into the anterior chamber to position an implant within the eye. Another method involves using a delivery device with a curved distal portion to implant an implant at a location communicating with the physiologic outflow pathway. The delivery can be through a corneal incision and the implant can comprise a drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Gregory T Smedley, David Haffner, Barbara A. Niksch
  • Patent number: 7879001
    Abstract: Intraocular implants and delivery instruments are disclosed for treating ophthalmic conditions and ocular disorders, such as glaucoma. The implants are configured to extend between the anterior chamber of the eye and a fluid outflow path or physiologic outflow pathway, such as Schlemm's canal, of the eye for enhancing outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber so as to reduce intraocular pressure. The implants can have features for anchoring the implant into the physiologic outflow pathway as well as preventing the walls of the physiologic outflow pathway from closing the outlet of the implants. The delivery instruments can be steerable so as to make implantation easier. Additionally, the delivery instruments can be configured to hold a plurality of implants so that multiple implants can be implanted through one incision without removing the delivery instrument from the incision between serial implantations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: David Haffner, Gregory T Smedley, Hosheng Tu