Patents by Inventor Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr.

Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr. 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).

  • Publication number: 20210113281
    Abstract: A method and system assist a physician in performing an ophthalmic surgery. The method includes receiving a quasi-real time image of at least a first portion of the eye. The at least the first portion of the eye includes an operating field for the ophthalmic surgery. A recommended next region and a recommended next procedure are determined based on the quasi-real time image and a computational model of the eye. An expected next result for the recommended next procedure is calculated using the quasi-real time image and the computational model. The recommended next region, the recommended next procedure and the expected result are provided to the physician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Papac, Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10842573
    Abstract: A method and system assist a physician in performing an ophthalmic surgery. The method includes receiving a quasi-real time image of at least a first portion of the eye. The at least the first portion of the eye includes an operating field for the ophthalmic surgery. A recommended next region and a recommended next procedure are determined based on the quasi-real time image and a computational model of the eye. An expected next result for the recommended next procedure is calculated using the quasi-real time image and the computational model. The recommended next region, the recommended next procedure and the expected result are provided to the physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Papac, Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10729582
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of and for an ophthalmic surgical system are disclosed. An ophthalmic surgical system may include a vitreous probe having a housing sized and shaped for grasping by a user. The vitreous probe may also include a cutter extending from the housing and being sized to penetrate and treat a patient eye. The cutter may include an outer cutting tube coupled to the housing. The outer cutting tube may have an outer port formed at a distal end wall of the outer cutting tube and configured to receive tissue. The cutter may include a rotatable inner cutting member disposed within the outer cutting tube. The inner cutting member may include a first cutting surface that rotates across the outer port to cut the tissue when the inner cutting member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Philip John Biancalana, Paul R. Hallen, Mark Alan Hopkins, Michael J. Papac, Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr., Salomon Valencia
  • Publication number: 20200108198
    Abstract: A microsurgical system with an integrated substance chamber is provided herein for delivering substance (e.g., a drug, retina patch, dye, etc.) to a surgical site through a tool component of the microsurgical instrument, such as a tissue removal component. The system may include a tissue removal handpiece having a tissue cutter disposed at a distal end. The system may further include a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit. The first fluid conduit may couple a fluidics subsystem to the tissue removal handpiece to permit removal of cut tissue. The second fluid conduit may couple a substance chamber to the tissue removal handpiece. The system may additionally include a control system that enables or facilitates selective control of fluid through the tissue removal handpiece to introduce substance from the substance chamber to a surgical site through a port in the tissue cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Philip John Biancalana, Mark Alan Hopkins, Michael James Papac, Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR.
  • Patent number: 10238798
    Abstract: A pressurizable fluid supply apparatus may include a bag to hold a fluid. The bag may include a fluid outflow interface and a bladder positioned adjacent to the bag. The bladder may include a plurality of chambers positioned vertically in series. Adjacent chambers may be separated by dividers. The dividers may be configured to allow fluid flow between adjacent chambers under specified conditions. The bladder may further include a pressure inlet positioned at a top of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180055581
    Abstract: A method and system assist a physician in performing an ophthalmic surgery. The method includes receiving a quasi-real time image of at least a first portion of the eye. The at least the first portion of the eye includes an operating field for the ophthalmic surgery. A recommended next region and a recommended next procedure are determined based on the quasi-real time image and a computational model of the eye. An expected next result for the recommended next procedure is calculated using the quasi-real time image and the computational model. The recommended next region, the recommended next procedure and the expected result are provided to the physician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Papac, Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170333252
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of and for an ophthalmic surgical system are disclosed. An ophthalmic surgical system may include a vitreous probe having a housing sized and shaped for grasping by a user. The vitreous probe may also include a cutter extending from the housing and being sized to penetrate and treat a patient eye. The cutter may include an outer cutting tube coupled to the housing. The outer cutting tube may have an outer port formed at a distal end wall of the outer cutting tube and configured to receive tissue. The cutter may include a rotatable inner cutting member disposed within the outer cutting tube. The inner cutting member may include a first cutting surface that rotates across the outer port to cut the tissue when the inner cutting member is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Philip John Biancalana, Paul R. Hallen, Mark Alan Hopkins, Michael J. Papac, Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR., Salomon Valencia
  • Publication number: 20170273826
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a pressure source capable of producing both positive and negative fluid pressure, a fluid infusion line, and a first fluid storage container. The first fluid storage container includes a chamber, a fluid outflow port that is connectable to the fluid infusion line to provide fluid communication between the chamber and the fluid infusion line, a pressure inlet that is connectable to the pressure source, and a filter disposed between the pressure inlet and the chamber. The fluid delivery system further includes a control system configured to cause the fluid pressure source to apply both negative pressure and positive pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170274143
    Abstract: A pressurizable fluid supply apparatus may include a bag to hold a fluid. The bag may include a fluid outflow interface and a bladder positioned adjacent to the bag. The bladder may include a plurality of chambers positioned vertically in series. Adjacent chambers may be separated by dividers. The dividers may be configured to allow fluid flow between adjacent chambers under specified conditions. The bladder may further include a pressure inlet positioned at a top of the bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170172796
    Abstract: A microsurgical system with an integrated substance chamber is provided herein for delivering substance (e.g., a drug, retina patch, dye, etc.) to a surgical site through a tool component of the microsurgical instrument, such as a tissue removal component. The system may include a tissue removal handpiece having a tissue cutter disposed at a distal end. The system may further include a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit. The first fluid conduit may couple a fluidics subsystem to the tissue removal handpiece to permit removal of cut tissue. The second fluid conduit may couple a substance chamber to the tissue removal handpiece. The system may additionally include a control system that enables or facilitates selective control of fluid through the tissue removal handpiece to introduce substance from the substance chamber to a surgical site through a port in the tissue cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Philip John Biancalana, Mark Alan Hopkins, Michael James Papac, Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170083666
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for generating presurgical planning material, annotating the presurgical planning material, and using that generated presurgical planning materials during a surgical procedure are disclosed. The presurgical planning material may be annotated at a location outside of a sterile surgical environment. The annotated presurgical planning material may be displayed on a display device within a sterile surgical environment during a surgical procedure to assist a user, such as a surgeon or other medical professional, in performing the surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: PHILIP BIANCALANA, PAUL R. HALLEN, MARK ALAN HOPKINS, ARGELIO MICHAEL OLIVERA, MICHAEL JAMES PAPAC, ROBERT JOSEPH SANCHEZ, JR.
  • Patent number: 9498300
    Abstract: A communication system includes an instrument connector with a light source and a connector antenna; and a console connector with a photo sensor and a console antenna. The light source is configured to produce light that is received by the photo sensor when the instrument connector is coupled to the console connector. The light source may also be configured to produce a series of light pulses, the series of light pulses identifying the surgical instrument coupled to the instrument connector. The light source may also be configured to produce light of a particular color, the color of the light identifying the surgical instrument coupled to the instrument connector. The light source may also be configured to produce a series of light pulses of a particular color, the series of light pulses and the color of the light identifying the surgical instrument coupled to the instrument connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150057583
    Abstract: An implantable device for mechanically stimulating the trabecular meshwork is disclosed. The device is implanted in the eye adjacent the trabecular meshwork. The device imparts mechanical stimulating in the form of vibrations or movement to the trabecular meshwork. The imparted mechanical stimulation causes the trabecular meshwork to move in a manner that produces a pumping action to remove aqueous from the anterior chamber of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Nicholas Max Gunn, Andrew David Johnson, Casey Jean Lind, Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR.
  • Patent number: 8858491
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve for a fluid system is described herein. The method comprises determining a target cracking pressure for the valve of the fluid system, providing an inner wall having a first height and an outer wall having a second height, the first height varying from the second height by a height differential, and attaching a flexible membrane to the outer wall at the second height, wherein a central zone of the flexible membrane is in contact with the inner wall at the first height and the inner wall biases the flexible membrane from a neutral condition. The height differential is selected to provide resistance to displacement from the inner wall until pressure acting on the membrane exceeds the target cracking pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leslie A. Field, Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr., Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Publication number: 20140163448
    Abstract: Described herein is a treatment device for the drainage of fluid within an eye of a patient. The treatment device comprises a drainage tube and a flow system in fluid communication with the drainage tube. The drainage tube has a lumen and comprises an inlet tube portion and an outlet tube portion, and is configured to convey aqueous humor through the lumen from an anterior chamber of the eye to a suprachoroidal space of the eye. The inlet tube portion extends from the anterior chamber to the flow system, and the outlet tube portion is flexible to conform to the curvature of the suprachoroidal space and extends from the valve system to the suprachoroidal space. The flow system is configured to control intraocular pressure by throttling flow rates of the aqueous humor through the drainage tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: CASEY JEAN LIND, ROBERT JOSEPH SANCHEZ, JR., ROBERT M. FELDMAN
  • Patent number: 8721580
    Abstract: A glaucoma drainage device has an active valve configured to be located between an anterior chamber of an eye and a drainage location, a power source coupled to the active valve, and a controller coupled to the power source. A first pressure sensor is located in fluid communication with the anterior chamber, a second pressure sensor is located in the drainage location, and a third pressure sensor located remotely from the first and second pressure sensors. The controller reads the first, second, and third pressure sensors once during a period of time and adjusts the active valve to control intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew J. A. Rickard, Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140107459
    Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly sized for insertion within an eye of an average human is disclosed. The sensor assembly comprises a sensor and an antenna system coupled to the sensor, wherein the antenna system is pliable between an expanded condition and an unexpanded condition, and the expanded condition has a predetermined shape configured to interface with tissue within the eye in a manner that stabilizes the sensor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Casey Jean Lind, Mikhail A. Ovchinnikov, Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130317413
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve for a fluid system is described herein. The method comprises determining a target cracking pressure for the valve of the fluid system, providing an inner wall having a first height and an outer wall having a second height, the first height varying from the second height by a height differential, and attaching a flexible membrane to the outer wall at the second height, wherein a central zone of the flexible membrane is in contact with the inner wall at the first height and the inner wall biases the flexible membrane from a neutral condition. The height differential is selected to provide resistance to displacement from the inner wall until pressure acting on the membrane exceeds the target cracking pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Leslie A. Field, Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR., Matthew J.A. Rickard
  • Patent number: 8403920
    Abstract: A method to perform high resolution tissue ablation including the steps of forming a beam to deliver optical energy and providing an energy dissipating material is provided. The steps of selecting an area of interest in a target tissue and placing the energy dissipating material adjacent to the area of interest may be included. The steps of directing the beam to the area of interest and scanning the beam across the area of interest to ablate the target tissue may be further included. Also provided is an apparatus and a system for high resolution tissue ablation including a beam to provide optical energy and an injector for placing an energy dissipating material adjacent to an area of interest. Further, the apparatus and system may include at least a mirror and a lens for directing the beam to the area of interest and scanning the beam to ablate target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Casey Jean Lind, Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8235053
    Abstract: A punctal plug is disclosed, wherein the punctal plug includes a body portion and a retaining portion. The body portion is defined by an open distal end, an open proximal end and a wall portion. The wall portion further includes at least one window extending therethrough. The retaining flange is configured to have an outer periphery that is larger than the outer periphery of the body portion. A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient using a punctal plug is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr., Casey Jean Lind