Patents by Inventor Robert S. Herrick

Robert S. Herrick 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: 20020198453
    Abstract: An implant capable of forming a differential image in an eye is shown. The implant comprises an elongated member having a pair of spaced ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a distal section that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis. The elongated member and the distal section are formed of a dimension to be inserted into and/or passed through a punctum opening of an eye and into the canaliculus. The implant incorporates into at least one of the elongated member and the distal section an energy obstructing material responsive to the application of an energy wave, such as an energy wave in the form of sound waves vibrating at frequencies greater than 20,000 cycles per second or electromagnetic radiation, which upon everting of an eyelid of an eye and exposing the implant to an appropriate energy wave, forms a differential image pattern showing the location of the implant in the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: HERRICK FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Publication number: 20020101564
    Abstract: An artificial lens including a lens system having eccentric axes for in an eye having a macula and an enlarged natural pupil is shown. The artificial lens comprises a first optical lens system and a second optical lens system. The principal axis of each optical lens system is eccentric to each other and the distance between each principal axis is selected to enable the first optical lens system and the second optical lens system to be operable within the enlarged pupil. The lens system of the artificial lens system directs light rays from each image of each lens of the first optical lens system and second optical lens system onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye. In the preferred embodiment, a prism having a preselected diopter power is positioned on a selected surface of one of the first optical lens system and second optical lens system for directing light rays from an object onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye. A contact lens having an eccentric optical system is also shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 6357875
    Abstract: An artificial lens including a lens system having eccentric axes for in an eye having a macula and an enlarged natural pupil is shown. The artificial lens comprises a first optical lens system and a second optical lens system. The principal axis of each optical lens system is eccentric to each other and the distance between each principal axis is selected to enable the first optical lens system and the second optical lens system to be operable within the enlarged pupil. The lens system of the artificial lens system directs light rays from each image of each lens of the first optical lens system and second optical lens system onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye. In the preferred embodiment, a prism having a preselected diopter power is positioned on a selected surface of one of the first optical lens system and second optical lens system for directing light rays from an object onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye. A contact lens having an eccentric optical system is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Herrick Family Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 6358280
    Abstract: An artificial lens including a lens system having eccentric axes for in an eye having a macula and an enlarged natural pupil is shown. The artificial lens comprises a first optical lens system and a second optical lens system. The principal axis of each optical lens system is eccentric to each other and the distance between each principal axis is selected to enable the first optical lens system and the second optical lens system to be operable within the enlarged pupil. The lens system of the artificial lens system directs light rays from each image of each lens of the first optical lens system and second optical lens system onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye. In the preferred embodiment, a prism having a preselected diopter power is positioned on a selected surface of one of the first optical lens system and second optical lens system for directing light rays from an object onto a fovea centralis of the macula of an eye. A contact lens having an eccentric optical system is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Herrick Family Limited Partnership a California Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 6290684
    Abstract: A punctum plug for insertion through a punctum opening of an eye and into the canaliculus to occlude the punctum opening and canaliculus is shown. The punctum plug, or implant, comprises an elongated member having a pair of spaced ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a distal section, preferably in the form of collapsible expanded section which terminates in a distal tip which extends in a direction substantially normal or perpendicular to the central axis. The other end of the pair of ends includes a thin retaining lip which extends in an anterior direction and which is adapted to be oriented to extend beyond the edge of the punctum opening and to engage the lip margin defining the eyelid. The elongated member, including the collapsible expanded section and distal section, are formed of a dimension to pass through a punctum opening of an eye. A method for treating external eye condition due to a deficiency of tears utilizing the punctum plug is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Herrick Family Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 6149684
    Abstract: A punctum plug adapted to be inserted into the punctum opening of an eye and into the horizontal sac portion of the horizontal canaliculus is shown. The punctum plug, or implant, comprises an elongated member having a pair of ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a collapsible flared section, or internal retaining member, which has a sloped or curved outer surface. The other end of the pair of ends includes a thin elongated lip, or external retaining member, to engage the edge of the punctum opening. The elongated member and collapsible flared section are formed of a dimension to pass through the punctum opening of an eye. The collapsible flared section has an extended position and a collapsed position. As the collapsible flared section passes through the punctum opening and into the section of the canaliculus located between the punctum opening and the ampula or horizontal sac, a clamping force is developed to collapse the collapsible flared section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 6000401
    Abstract: An anatomical apparatus for supporting a head of a person by a person's mible is shown. The anatomical apparatus includes a support defining a cavity having a lower tier of a selected width and an open upper wider tier communicating with the lower tier. A ledge or mandible engaging support surface is defined between the upper tier and lower tier and terminates in an exterior opening. The support is adapted to be positioned between a base of a head and shoulder of a person with the exterior opening positioned adjacent the shoulder when a person is in a supine position. The support urges the ledge or mandible engaging support surface into engagement with the mandible to support the head of person in a suspend position and to concurrently transport the mandible anterior of a person's body to maintain an open airway. A method for using the anatomical apparatus for suspending the head of a person is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Herrick Family Limited Partnership A California Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 5855605
    Abstract: A method for producing multiple images of an object for an eye using an artificial lens system having eccentric lens is shown. The method comprises the steps of affixing to an eye an artificial lens system having a first optical lens system and a second optical lens systems wherein the principal axis of each lens system is eccentric to each other and at least one of the first optical lens system and the second optical lens system includes a prism positioned on a selected surface thereof for directing light rays from an object through each lens system of the multifocal optical lens system onto a macula of an eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Herrick Family Limited Partnership, a Calif Ltd Part.
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 5806530
    Abstract: A method for altering the pupil of an eye is shown. The method comprises the step of surgically performing an iridectomy superiorly to the natural pupil of an eye forming a superior accessory pupil to accommodate an optical lens system. In the preferred embodiment, the optical lens system is an artificial lens system having a first optical lens system and a second optical lens system and at least one of the first optical lens system and the second optical lens system includes a prism positioned on a selected surface thereof for passing light rays of an object through eccentrically arranged lens to the macula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Herrick Family Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 5782911
    Abstract: An artificial lens adapted for use in an eye having a macula is shown. The artificial lens is adapted to be affixed to an eye and has a multifocal optical lens system wherein the principal axis of each lens is eccentric to each other for directing light rays from each image of each lens of the multifocal optical lens system onto a macula of an eye. In the preferred embodiment, the artificial lens includes a first lens having a predetermined diopter power for receiving light rays from a near object and a prism having a preselected diopter power. The prism is positioned on a selected surface of the first lens for directing paracentral light rays from a near object onto a macula of an eye and central light rays to a location superior of the macula. The artificial lens includes a second lens having a predetermined diopter power positioned eccentrically inferior of said first lens for receiving light rays from a distant object and a second prism having a preselected diopter power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Herrick Family Limited Partnership, a Calif Ltd Part.
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 5723005
    Abstract: A punctum plug adapted to be inserted into the punctum opening of an eye and which is adapted to be transported into the vertical portion of the canaliculus or into the ampula to occlude the punctum opening and vertical portion of the canaliculus is shown. The punctum plug, or implant, comprises an elongated member having a pair of ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a collapsible flared section which has a sloped or curved outer surface and the other end of the pair of ends includes a thin retaining lip to engage the edge of the punctum opening. The elongated member and collapsible flared section are formed of a dimension to pass through the punctum opening of an eye. The collapsible flared section has an extended position and a collapsed position. A radial force is applied against the outer surface of the collapsible flared and in a direction to collapse the collapsible flared section which urges the same from its extended position into the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Herrick Family Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 5171270
    Abstract: A canalicular implant adapted to be inserted into the punctum of an eye and which is adapted to be transported into the horizontal portion of the canaliculus to occlude the same is shown. The implant comprises an elongated member having a medial end, an opposed lateral end and a central member having a predetermined dimensional cross-section extending therebetween. The medial end has a tapered section which slopes and decreases in cross-section as it extends towards the medial end. The tapered section terminates in a medial tip having a dimension which enables the medial tip to enter and pass through the punctum. The lateral end has a collapsible flared section which increases in cross section as it approaches the lateral end and which terminates in an outer edge having dimension which is greater than the predetermined dimensional cross section of the central member. The collapsible flared section has a fully extended position and a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 5163959
    Abstract: A method for treating an external eye condition due to a deficiency of tears as shown. The method includes the steps of testing the eye to determine if a tear deficiency exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 5053030
    Abstract: An implant and method for treating external human eye conditions due to a deficiency of tears. The method includes the temporary blockade of the canaliculus of a patient without resorting to a surgical stitch, observing the response of the patient's eye to the temporary blockade and, if an improvement is observed, placing an implant within the horizontal portion of at least one of the canaliculi of the patient's eye. The temporary blockade may be produced by the placement of a piece of catgut in the canaliculus. The implant is constructed of a material that is nonabsorbable by the human body and is constructed to facilitate placement into and removal from the canaliculus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventors: Robert S. Herrick, William F. Sardi
  • Patent number: 5049142
    Abstract: An implant and method for treating external human eye conditions due to a deficiency of tears. The method includes the temporary blockade of the canaliculus of a patient without resorting to a surgical stitch, observing the response of the patient's eye to the temporary blockade and, if an improvement is observed, placing an implant within the horizontal portion of at least one of the canaliculi of the patient's eye. The temporary blockade may be produced by the placement of a piece of catgut in the canaliculus. The implant is constructed of a material that is nonabsorbable by the human body and is constructed to facilitate placement into and removal from the canaliculus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventors: Robert S. Herrick, William F. Sardi
  • Patent number: 4796899
    Abstract: A method and device which provide a liquid-tight seal between a length of pipe, a housing, or other hollow structure and cured concrete in which the structure is embedded. A foamed polymeric sealing element is bonded about a portion of the exterior surface of the structure, and gunnite or concrete is cast about the structure and the sealing element. The interface of the concrete and the foamed polymeric sealing element become substantially permanently sealingly engaged. The method and device are particularly useful in the construction of swimming pools or similar fluid-containing vessels in which pipes or housings penetrate cast walls meant to confine water or other fluids. The method and device may also be used to form seals about structures penetrating cast foundations, dams, bulkheads, retaining walls, cisterns and basement walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventors: Robert S. Herrick, Gary E. Webb
  • Patent number: 4781187
    Abstract: A method and implant for refractive keratoplasty or improved radial keratotomy. The improved radial keratotomy comprising making a plurality of radial corneal incisions in accordance with prior practices to correct the detected impaired vision. A piece of donor corneal tissue having a preselected geometric configuration and dimensions is inserted into keratotomy incisions and fixed in position by suturing. The corneal tissue implant may be rectangular or triangular in shape. When the implant is triangular in shape, it is inserted either base down or base up in accordance with the type of vision problem to be corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 4660546
    Abstract: An implant and method for treating external human eye conditions due to a deficiency of tears. The method includes the temporary blockade of the canaliculus of a patient without resorting to a surgical stitch, observing the response of the patient's eye to the temporary blockade and, if an improvement is observed, placing an implant within the horizontal portion of at least one of the canaliculi of the patient's eye. The temporary blockade may be produced by the placement of a piece of catgut in the canaliculus. The implant is constructed of a material that is nonabsorbable by the human body and is constructed to facilitate placement into and removal from the canaliculus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Robert S. Herrick
    Inventors: Robert S. Herrick, William F. Sardi
  • Patent number: 4605398
    Abstract: A dispensing device adapted to be attached to a container having a fluid-dispensing opening through which fluid is to be controllably dispensed into an eye of a user wherein the dispensing device includes an attaching member which is adapted to be operatively coupled to the exterior of the container and positioned with the fluid-dispensing opening extending in a predetermined direction therefrom and a support member including a first end which is operatively coupled to the attaching member and a second opposed end which is located in a predetermined direction and which extends beyond the fluid-dispensing opening wherein the second opposed end terminates in a curvilinear, blade-like everting member having an outer ribbed edge which is adapted to be positioned against the outer skin below the lower eyelid and over a portion of the bone structure defining the eye socket of a user wherein the outer ribbed edge is capable of being urged against the bone structure with the skin therebetween to urge the skin in a do
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick
  • Patent number: 4575877
    Abstract: An intraocular lens having a lens body which is adapted to pass through the iris of an eye and a pair of pliable loops, each having a generally planar mounting end located at one end thereof and which terminates at the opposite end thereof in a supporting end extending at a selected acute angle from the mounting end wherein the mounting end is formed into a generally arcuate shape which terminates in a protuberant member having a predetermined length which extends substantially normal from the plane of said mounting end in a direction of the angle defined by the supporting end and wherein the supporting end has the distal end thereof formed into an arcuate-shaped loop located in a plane which extends substantially at the selected angle and wherein the pair of pliable loops have the protuberant members affixed posteriorally to the lens body at selected locations wherein the arcuate-shaped mounting ends define a posterior capsule barrier which is adapted to be positioned contiguous to a posterior capsule of an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Inventor: Robert S. Herrick