Patents by Inventor Ralph Kerns

Ralph Kerns 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: 9526580
    Abstract: A sterile surgical tray includes structure for receiving a plurality of surgical instruments. The sterile surgical tray also may include electrical input and output connectors attached to tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Mark Humayun, Charles DeBoer, Matthew McCormick, Prashant Bhadri, Joel Cicchella, Ralph Kerns
  • Patent number: 9463070
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use by a surgeon can include a tray and a plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can have a plurality of structures located on an upper side of the tray for receiving the plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can receive a separate control unit. The tray can also have a fluid reservoir receiver for receiving a bottle or container of fluid, such as balanced salt solution. The fluid reservoir receiver can include one or more features, including, a spike, an air vent, and a light. A separate container can be used to place the bottle or container of fluid into the fluid reservoir receiver on the tray. This separate container can include a collapsible section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Mark Humayun, Matthew T. McCormick, Trent Spencer Wells, Lawrence Chong, Jaw Chyng Lue
  • Publication number: 20160066951
    Abstract: Various adjustable cannula systems are provided. The systems can include an adjustable cannula capable of expansion and/or contraction having an elongate body with a distal end and a proximal end. The adjustable cannula can be coupled to an upper housing and a lower housing such that rotation of the upper housing results in expansion or contraction of the adjustable cannula. The adjustable cannula can also have a proximal end having a lumen larger than a distal end lumen. A plurality of flanges can be formed in the elongate body by a plurality of slits that span a majority of a length of the cannula, including along or proximate to its proximal end and distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Prashant Bhadri, Matthew McCormick, Anderson Gustavo Teixeira Pinto, Mark HUMAYUN, Luis Arana
  • Patent number: 9198797
    Abstract: Various adjustable cannula systems are provided. The systems can include an adjustable cannula capable of expansion and/or contraction having an elongate body with a distal end and a proximal end. The adjustable cannula can be coupled to an upper housing and a lower housing such that rotation of the upper housing results in expansion or contraction of the adjustable cannula. The adjustable cannula can also have a proximal end having a lumen larger than a distal end lumen. A plurality of flanges can be formed in the elongate body by a plurality of slits that span a majority of a length of the cannula, including along or proximate to its proximal end and distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Prashant Bhadri, Matthew McCormick, Anderson Gustavo Teixeira Pinto, Mark Humayun, Luis Arana
  • Publication number: 20150265466
    Abstract: A cannula is described having a housing, a first lumen, a second lumen, and a port capable of fluid communication with the first lumen. The second lumen configured to receive fluid from the first lumen and to direct the fluid to a surgical site. A light emitting diode light source is positionable within the housing and configured to direct light through the second lumen to the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Prashant Bhadri, Ralph Kerns, Jaw-Chyng Lue, Matthew McCormick, Mark Humayun
  • Publication number: 20150238264
    Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for a sterile ophthalmic surgical drape system that can provide a sterile operating field for use by a doctor, surgeon, nurse, and the like during ophthalmic medical procedures. The sterile field created by the drape system can allow a doctor, surgeon, nurse and the like to perform a medical procedure, such as ophthalmic surgery, outside of an operating room and in locations such as a doctor's office or a military operating room war setting. The sterile ophthalmic surgical drape system can comprise a drape, a frame apparatus, a hole of sufficient size for a microscope, a fan, a filter, air directors, and slits. The drape system can comprise a collapsible frame apparatus. The drape system may be configured to be used in conjunction with a surgical tray that houses pre-sterilized tools for use in a medical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Mark Humayun, Matthew T. McCormick
  • Patent number: 9089364
    Abstract: A cannula is described having a housing, a first lumen, a second lumen, and a port capable of fluid communication with the first lumen. The second lumen configured to receive fluid from the first lumen and to direct the fluid to a surgical site. A light emitting diode light source is positionable within the housing and configured to direct light through the second lumen to the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Prashant Bhadri, Ralph Kerns, Jaw-Chyng Lormen Lue, Matthew McCormick, Mark Humayun
  • Publication number: 20140378952
    Abstract: A sterile surgical tray includes structure for receiving a plurality of surgical instruments. The sterile surgical tray also may include electrical input and output connectors attached to tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Mark Humayun, Charles DeBoer, Matthew McCormick, Prashant Bhadri, Joel Cicchella, Ralph Kerns
  • Publication number: 20140364885
    Abstract: Ocular lens cutting devices and methods for cutting and removing tissue such as lens fragments from an eye of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ocular lens cutting device includes an outer member and an inner member positioned within the outer member. The outer member and the inner member can each include at least one cutting edge. The at least one cutting edge of the outer member and the at least one cutting edge of the inner member can cooperate to form a cutting structure as the inner member moves with respect to the outer member. The ocular lens cutting device can also be connected to a vacuum source which can allow the ocular lens cutting device to grasp the tissue to be cut and remove the cut fragments from the surgical area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Trent Spencer Wells, Matthew T. McCormick, Ralph Kerns, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20140365235
    Abstract: A personal surgical center embodied as a general purpose computer (e.g. laptop) with wireless technology for monitoring the operation of an independent surgical center and/or handheld instruments. The computer tracks procedures in the operating room and instruments used during those procedures, and accounts for billing, supply management, and payment options. The monitoring of the instruments used during the surgery is conducted by the personal surgical center while actual control of the settings of those instruments is via the independent surgical center or via controls included in the instruments themselves. The monitored information is stored in a log file which is then transmitted to a hospital server for generating reports, inventory control, billing, and the like. Other information generated during the procedure (e.g. doctor notes) is also stored in the log file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Charles DeBoer, Matthew McCormick, Ralph Kerns, Prashant Bhadri, Lawrence Chong, Mark Humayun
  • Publication number: 20140357957
    Abstract: A cannula is described having a housing, a first lumen, a second lumen, and a port capable of fluid communication with the first lumen. The second lumen configured to receive fluid from the first lumen and to direct the fluid to a surgical site. A light emitting diode light source is positionable within the housing and configured to direct light through the second lumen to the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Prashant Bhadri, Ralph Kerns, Jaw-Chyng Lormen Lue, Matthew McCormick, Mark Humayun
  • Publication number: 20140323813
    Abstract: A biological tissue cutting and fluid aspiration system provides a plurality of surgical instruments operable independent of an external control console. In some embodiments, each surgical instrument may include all sensors and controls directly applicable to the surgical instrument, and may be used independently. In some embodiments, instruments communicate status information to each other, and adjust operating parameters based on the communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Mark Humayun, Charles DeBoer, Ralph Kerns, Matthew McCormick, Prashant Bhadri, Lawrence Chong
  • Publication number: 20140238890
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use by a surgeon can include a tray and a plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can have a plurality of structures located on an upper side of the tray for receiving the plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can receive a separate control unit. The tray can also have a fluid reservoir receiver for receiving a bottle or container of fluid, such as balanced salt solution. The fluid reservoir receiver can include one or more features, including, a spike, an air vent, and a light. A separate container can be used to place the bottle or container of fluid into the fluid reservoir receiver on the tray. This separate container can include a collapsible section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Mark Humayun, Matthew T. McCormick, Trent Spencer Wells, Lawrence Chong, Jaw Chyng Lue
  • Patent number: 8623000
    Abstract: A biological tissue cutting and fluid aspiration system provides a plurality of surgical instruments operable independent of an external control console. In some embodiments, each surgical instrument may include all sensors and controls directly applicable to the surgical instrument, and may be used independently. In some embodiments, instruments communicate status information to each other, and adjust operating parameters based on the communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Mark Humayun, Charles DeBoer, Ralph Kerns, Matthew McCormick, Prashant Bhadri, Lawrence Chong
  • Patent number: 8568391
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use by a surgeon can include a tray and a plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can have a plurality of structures located on an upper side of the tray for receiving the plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can receive a separate control unit. The tray can also have a fluid reservoir receiver for receiving a bottle or container of fluid, such as balanced salt solution. The fluid reservoir receiver can include one or more features, including, a spike, an air vent, and a light. A separate container can be used to place the bottle or container of fluid into the fluid reservoir receiver on the tray. This separate container can include a collapsible section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Mark Humayun, Matthew T. McCormick, Trent Spencer Wells, Lawrence Chong, Jaw Chyng Lue
  • Patent number: 8349196
    Abstract: A system is provided for etching patterned media disks for hard drive. The modular system may be tailored to perform specific processes sequences so that a patterned media disk is fabricated without removing the disk from vacuum environment. In some sequence the magnetic stack is etched while in other the etch is performed prior to forming the magnetic stack. In a further sequence ion implantation is used without etching steps. For etching a movable non-contact electrode is utilized to perform sputter etch. The cathode moves to near contact distance to, but not contacting, the substrate so as to couple RF energy to the disk. The substrate is held vertically in a carrier and both sides are etched serially. That is, one side is etched in one chamber and then in the next chamber the second side is etched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Intevac, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Fairbairn, Michael S. Barnes, Terry Bluck, Ren Xu, Charles Liu, Ralph Kerns
  • Publication number: 20120325704
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use by a surgeon can include a tray and a plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can have a plurality of structures located on an upper side of the tray for receiving the plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can receive a separate control unit. The tray can also have a fluid reservoir receiver for receiving a bottle or container of fluid, such as balanced salt solution. The fluid reservoir receiver can include one or more features, including, a spike, an air vent, and a light. A separate container can be used to place the bottle or container of fluid into the fluid reservoir receiver on the tray. This separate container can include a collapsible section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Mark Humayun, Matthew T. McCormick, Trent Spencer Wells, Lawrence Chong, Jaw Chyng Lue
  • Patent number: 8323271
    Abstract: A sterile surgical tray includes structure for receiving a plurality of surgical instruments, a pump fluid reservoir within the tray, a pump contained within the sterile tray and connected to the pump fluid reservoir, and a motor contained within the sterile tray and connected to the pump. Sterile surgical tray 10 also may include electrical input and output connectors attached to tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Mark Humayun, Charles DeBoer, Matthew McCormick, Prashant Bhadri, Joel Cicchella, Ralph Kerns
  • Publication number: 20120172668
    Abstract: Various adjustable cannula systems are provided. The systems can include an adjustable cannula capable of expansion and/or contraction having an elongate body with a distal end and a proximal end. The adjustable cannula can be coupled to an upper housing and a lower housing such that rotation of the upper housing results in expansion or contraction of the adjustable cannula. The adjustable cannula can also have a proximal end having a lumen larger than a distal end lumen. A plurality of flanges can be formed in the elongate body by a plurality of slits that span a majority of a length of the cannula, including along or proximate to its proximal end and distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Prashant Bhadri, Matthew McCormick, Anderson Gustavo Teixeira Pinto, Mark Humayun, Luis Arana
  • Patent number: 8177064
    Abstract: A surgical pack includes a platform having a plurality of recesses configured to function as a surgical tray. A plurality of surgical instruments are contained in a corresponding recess of the platform. The recess may have the shape of the surgical instrument that it is designed to receive. The recess may also include safety mechanisms to protect the tips of certain instruments and to lower the risk of injury caused by them. A packaging or covering holds the platform and the plurality of surgical instruments in a substantially sterile condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Matthew McCormick, Lawrence Chong, Ralph Kerns, Charles DeBoer, Mark Humayun