Patents by Inventor Robert J. Cionni

Robert J. Cionni 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: 8303530
    Abstract: A method employing a handpiece having at least one set of piezoelectric elements polarized to produce longitudinal motion when excited at the relevant resonant frequency. The piezoelectric crystals are connected to an ultrasonic horn to which a cutting tip is attached. The horn and/or the cutting tip contains a plurality of diagonal slits or grooves. The slits or grooves produce optimized torsional movement in the cutting tip when the piezoelectric crystals are excited at a second resonant frequency. When in torsional mode, material may clog the cutting tip. The present method includes the step of providing a pulse of longitudinal movement of the tip when clogging is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Valentine P. Injev, Robert J. Cionni
  • Publication number: 20080281253
    Abstract: A method employing a handpiece having at least one set of piezoelectric elements polarized to produce longitudinal motion when excited at the relevant resonant frequency. The piezoelectric crystals are connected to an ultrasonic horn to which a cutting tip is attached. The horn and/or the cutting tip contains a plurality of diagonal slits or grooves. The slits or grooves produce optimized torsional movement in the cutting tip when the piezoelectric crystals are excited at a second resonant frequency. When in torsional mode, material may clog the cutting tip. The present method includes the step of providing a pulse of longitudinal movement of the tip when clogging is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Valentine P. Injev, Robert J. Cionni
  • Patent number: 7083591
    Abstract: A surge-flow regulator (36) for use with an ophthalmic surgical instrument (12) having an infusion line (20) adapted to irrigate a surgical site with fluid and an aspiration line (24) adapted to carry the fluid and particles of lenticular debris away from the surgical site. The surge-flow regulator (36) includes a flow limiting device (40) that is placed in fluid communication with the aspiration line (24) to control surge-flow of the aspirated fluid and lenticular debris through the aspiration line (24). The lenticular debris carried in the aspiration line (24) is processed into smaller particles before the fluid and debris are introduced to the flow limiting device (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Robert J. Cionni
  • Patent number: 7070619
    Abstract: Improved ophthalmological surgical methods, systems and devices, employing a colorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Michael E. Snyder, Robert J. Cionni, Scott E. Burk
  • Publication number: 20040216750
    Abstract: Improved ophthalmological surgical methods, systems and devices, employing a colorant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. Snyder, Robert J. Cionni, Scott E. Burk
  • Publication number: 20040077993
    Abstract: A surge-flow regulator (36) for use with an ophthalmic surgical instrument (12) having an infusion line (20) adapted to irrigate a surgical site with fluid and an aspiration line (24) adapted to carry the fluid and particles of lenticular debris away from the surgical site. The surge-flow regulator (36) includes a flow limiting device (40) that is placed in fluid communication with the aspiration line (24) to control surge-flow of the aspirated fluid and lenticular debris through the aspiration line (24). The lenticular debris carried in the aspiration line (24) is processed into smaller particles before the fluid and debris are introduced to the flow limiting device (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Cionni
  • Patent number: 6692526
    Abstract: Improved ophthalmological surgical methods, systems and devices, employing a colorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. Snyder, Robert J. Cionni, Scott E. Burk
  • Patent number: 5843184
    Abstract: An improved endocapsular tension ring and method of implanting same in a capsular bag of a human eye. The improved endocapsular tension ring is particularly adapted to provide long-term stabilization and centralization of the capsular bag during and after intraocular surgery in patients having missing or damaged zonules. In one aspect of the invention, the improved endocapsular tension ring includes an open-ended loop formed of biocompatible material that is constructed to be resilient to compression in the radial direction within the capsular bag to prevent shrinkage of the capsular bag during and after intraocular surgery. The improved endocapsular tension ring includes a fixation element joined to the open-ended loop that is adapted to be attached to the scleral wall of the eye and thereby stabilize and centralize the capsular bag within the posterior chamber of the eye without passing sutures through the capsular bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Robert J. Cionni