Patents by Inventor Michael E. Metzler

Michael E. Metzler 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).

  • Foot controller with ophthalmic surgery interlock circuit and method
    Patent number: 6639332
    Abstract: A foot controller 32 for use with ophthalmic surgical equipment 34 includes a foot controller 32 having a door 18. Door 18 covers a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in a closed position, and door 18 is a shroud for a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in an open position. A door-position sensor 48 disables activation of the surgical switch 24, except when the door is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael E. Metzler, Robert Allyn, William J. Neubert
  • Foot controller
    Publication number: 20030132092
    Abstract: A foot controller 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes an accelerator-type pedal 14 for activating and controlling various surgical instruments, and a door 18 covering a switch 24. The door functions as a heel-rest when in a closed position and as a switch-shroud when in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Michael E. Metzler, Merlin Hall
  • Foot controller with interlock circuit
    Publication number: 20030111327
    Abstract: A foot controller 32 for use with ophthalmic surgical equipment 34 includes a foot controller 32 having a door 18. Door 18 covers a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in a closed position, and door 18 is a shroud for a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in an open position. A door-position sensor 48 disables activation of the surgical switch 24, except when the door is in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Michael E. Metzler, Robert Allyn, William J. Neubert
  • Motorized IV pole assembly
    Patent number: 5112019
    Abstract: A motorized IV pole system for controlling the height of an IV container to thereby control the infusion pressure in an IV tube includes a telescoping IV pole system. In one embodiment, comprising three concentric support members, the outer support member is fixed, the middle support member is reciprocable with respect to the outer support member and is driven by a rack gear attached thereto. An inner support member is reciprocatable in the interior of the middle support member and is driven by a cable attached to the outer support member passing over a pulley attached to the middle support member. The rack on the middle support member may be driven by a shaft to which is attached a hand crank and an AC motor. The AC motor may be driven by a programmable control system which includes an optical encoder to permit display of the height of the IV container. Also, preselected heights and various speeds of height adjustment may be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Storz Instrument Company
    Inventors: Michael E. Metzler, Michael S. Ameiss, James P. Baum