Patents by Inventor Neil H. Joseph

Neil H. Joseph 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: 5656026
    Abstract: A method for in vitro testing glaucoma drainage implants including one-way, pressure gradient limiting valves includes the provision of a fluid environment wherein surface tension effects on the valve are minimal or nonexistant, the location of the valve portion of the implant within the fluid environment, and the application of a gradually varying absolute or average pressure gradient having a small fluctuating pressure superimposed thereon against the valve such that the opening and closing pressures associated with the valve and the presence of any reflux through the valve under pressures below valve closing pressure can be readily and reproducibly determined in vitro.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Neil H. Joseph
  • Patent number: 4902292
    Abstract: A vitreous body prosthesis device comprises a thin-walled inflatable balloon made of silicone rubber. The balloon is provided with means for stabilizing and fixing the balloon within an eye to be treated. The balloon is provided with an inflow tube made of silicone rubber, the inflow tube being in fluid-tight communication with the interior of the balloon. The inflow tube leads to a bulb through which fluid can be introduced into, and removed from, the tube, whereby the degree of inflation of the balloon can be controlled, thereby gently forcing the thin-walled balloon against the retinal surface of the eye. A stabilizing tube may be provided, in which case it is in fluid communication with aqueous humor in the eye, and in fluid-tight communication with a silicone rubber drainage tube of an aqueous humor drainage device, which functions both as an anchoring object for the tubes and as a means of controlling eye pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventor: Neil H. Joseph
  • Patent number: 4604087
    Abstract: A device for draining aqueous humor from an eye comprises a drainage tube and a drainage body. The drainage tube drains aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye, and the drainage body distributes drained aqueous humor over a relatively large area. The drainage tube is firmly fixed to the drainage body, and opens directly on to a surface of the drainage body. The drainage body is constituted by a silicone rubber band having a width of at least 5 mm and a length which is sufficient for the band to pass around, and to be sutured to, the sclera of the eye in an equatorial position. The device is provided with a pressure gradient limiting valve having a predetermined opening pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Inventor: Neil H. Joseph