Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Hoffer

Kenneth J. Hoffer 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: 8814360
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and kit for testing visual acuity in a subject. The examiner displays a test thread at a set distance in front of the subject's face, and then determines whether the subject grabs or looks at the test thread. These steps are repeated using subsequent threads of varying thickness. The smallest thread to which the subject responds is charted as their best VA in standard notation. The visual acuity of a young child can be quantified using standard adult Snellen acuity levels. The device can be used worldwide, as it transcends language barriers, and in a variety of practice settings, including pediatric ophthalmologist offices, general ophthalmologist offices, optometric offices, pediatricians and family doctors who see young children or persons unable to read a conventional Snellen chart and/or verbalize their responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hoffer
  • Publication number: 20130201453
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and kit for testing visual acuity in a subject. The examiner displays a test thread at a set distance in front of the subject's face, and then determines whether the subject grabs or looks at the test thread. These steps are repeated using subsequent threads of varying thickness. The smallest thread to which the subject responds is charted as their best VA in standard notation. The visual acuity of a young child can be quantified using standard adult Snellen acuity levels. The device can be used worldwide, as it transcends language barriers, and in a variety of practice settings, including pediatric ophthalmologist offices, general ophthalmologist offices, optometric offices, pediatricians and family doctors who see young children or persons unable to read a conventional Snellen chart and/or verbalize their responses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hoffer
  • Patent number: 4662882
    Abstract: An intraocular lens is provided for implantation in a human eye, preferably after extracapsular cataract extraction, having a lens body and resilient lens centering strands. The strands extend from the lens body and curve behind and underneath a rear surface of the lens body before curving radially outwardly for engaging eye tissue. The portion of the strands curving behind and underneath that rear surface contacts the posterior capsule of the eye and creates a space between the lens body and posterior capsule which prevents damage to the lens body when performing a laser discission of the posterior capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hoffer
  • Patent number: 4636210
    Abstract: A multi-part intraocular lens that can be surgically implanted within an eye through an incision having a length substantially less than the lens' diameter. The lens includes a plurality of lens segments that are slidable between a retracted orientation, in which they cooperate to form a generally circular lens, and an extended orientation, in which they cooperate to form an elongated assembly having a transverse width substantially less than the lens' diameter. To surgically implant the lens, it is inserted through the eye incision in the extended orientation, whereupon further insertion causes the lens segments to slide to their retracted orientation automatically, without the need for a risky assembly of segments using surgical instruments within the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hoffer
  • Patent number: 4244060
    Abstract: An intraocular lens includes a lens body and a plurality of lens-centering filaments extending outwardly in a common plane from spaced rim portions of the lens body. The lens is particularly adapted for implantation in the eye posterior chamber after extracapsular cataract extraction. When the filament ends are inserted into the cleft of the capsule, the resilience of the filaments centers the lens behind the pupil. An annular lip having at least one opening projects from the rear face of the lens body and seats against the posterior capsule. A discission can be easily performed without dislodging the lens by inserting the discission instrument through the opening in the lip and into the space behind the lens. The lip also limits the progress of vitreous humor toward the anterior chamber after a discission, and may limit lens fiber growth on the posterior capsule within the lip region. In an optional embodiment, fluid flow channels are provided through the lens to prevent pupillary block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1981
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hoffer
  • Patent number: RE31626
    Abstract: An intraocular lens includes a body lens and a plurality of lens-centering filaments extending outwardly in a common plane from spaced rim portions of the lens body. The lens is particularly adapted for implantation in the eye posterior chamber after extracapsular cataract extraction. When the filament ends are inserted into the cleft of the capsule, the resilience of the filaments centers the lens behind the pupil. An annular lip having at least one opening projects from the rear face of the lens body and seats against the posterior capsule. A discission can be easily performed without dislodging the lens by inserting the discission instrument through the opening in the lip and into the space behind the lens. The lip also limits the progress of vitreous humor toward the anterior chamber after a discission, and may limit lens fiber growth on the posterior capsule within the lip region. In an optional embodiment, fluid flow channels are provided through the lens to prevent pupillary block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hoffer