Patents by Inventor Michael J. Watermeier

Michael J. Watermeier 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).

  • Punctum plugs having fluid collecting recesses and methods of punctal occlusion
    Patent number: 6994684
    Abstract: A punctum plug includes a distal tip, a proximal cap and a body connecting the tip to the cap. The cap has a proximal surface which remains exposed in the eye upon implantation of the punctum plug. A passage for an insertion tool extends distally in the punctum plug from an opening along the proximal surface. One or more recesses in the proximal surface collect tear fluid by surface tension, and each recess is laterally offset in its entirety from the opening and does not overlap or align with the opening. The number of recesses is indicative of the size of the punctum plug. A method of punctal occlusion involves collecting tear fluid in the one or more recesses and adhering the tear fluid in the one or more recesses by surface tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: AlphaMed Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Murray, Michael J. Watermeier
  • Punctum plugs having fluid collecting recesses and methods of punctal occlusion
    Publication number: 20040254516
    Abstract: A punctum plug includes a distal tip, a proximal cap and a body connecting the tip to the cap. The cap has a proximal surface which remains exposed in the eye upon implantation of the punctum plug. A passage for an insertion tool extends distally in the punctum plug from an opening along the proximal surface. One or more recesses in the proximal surface collect tear fluid by surface tension, and each recess is laterally offset in its entirety from the opening and does not overlap or align with the opening. The number of recesses is indicative of the size of the punctum plug. A method of punctal occlusion involves collecting tear fluid in the one or more recesses and adhering the tear fluid in the one or more recesses by surface tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: George W. Murray, Michael J. Watermeier