Patents by Inventor Ron T. Smith

Ron T. Smith 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: 9681793
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical probe for use in ophthalmic procedures can comprise: positioning a ferrule within a proximal portion of a cannula, wherein an optical fiber extends at least partially through the ferrule towards an optical element disposed within a distal portion of the cannula; and coupling the cannula to the ferrule by applying laser energy to the cannula. An optical probe can be provided that includes a cannula including a proximal portion and a distal portion; a ferrule disposed within the proximal portion of the cannula, the cannula and the ferrule coupled together by engaged deformations in the cannula and the ferrule; and an optical fiber positioned at least partially within the optical probe, the optical fiber configured to receive a light from a light source and guide the light to an optical element positioned within the distal portion of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Alex Artsyukhovich, Dustin Bouch, Ron T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150366432
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical probe for use in ophthalmic procedures can comprise: positioning a ferrule within a proximal portion of a cannula, wherein an optical fiber extends at least partially through the ferrule towards an optical element disposed within a distal portion of the cannula; and coupling the cannula to the ferrule by applying laser energy to the cannula. An optical probe can be provided that includes a cannula including a proximal portion and a distal portion; a ferrule disposed within the proximal portion of the cannula, the cannula and the ferrule coupled together by engaged deformations in the cannula and the ferrule; and an optical fiber positioned at least partially within the optical probe, the optical fiber configured to receive a light from a light source and guide the light to an optical element positioned within the distal portion of the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Alex Artsyukhovich, Dustin Bouch, Ron T. Smith
  • Patent number: 7499624
    Abstract: An ophthalmic endoilluminator includes a light source, a variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator, a condensing lens, and an optical fiber. The variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator attenuates the light produced by the light source. The variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator includes a wedge capable of being adjusted over a variable angle as measured through an arc of the wedge and an axle to which the wedge is attached. The axle rotates such that the wedge rotates around a pivot defined by the axle. The condensing lens focuses the attenuated light. The optical fiber carries the focused light into an eye. The variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator is located such that it affects the intensity of a light beam transmitted into an eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, John C. Huculak, Ron T. Smith
  • Patent number: 7444057
    Abstract: A variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator for use in an ophthalmic endoilluminator is disclosed. The attenuator includes a wedge attached to an axle. The size of the wedge can be adjusted over a variable angle as measured through an arc of the wedge. The axle to which the wedge is attached rotates such that the wedge rotates around a pivot defined by the axle. The variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator is located such that it affects the intensity of a light beam transmitted into an eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, John C. Huculak, Ron T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080225233
    Abstract: A variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator for use in an ophthalmic endoilluminator is disclosed. The attenuator includes a wedge attached to an axle. The size of the wedge can be adjusted over a variable angle as measured through an arc of the wedge. The axle to which the wedge is attached rotates such that the wedge rotates around a pivot defined by the axle. The variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator is located such that it affects the intensity of a light beam transmitted into an eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, John C. Huculak, Ron T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080225232
    Abstract: An ophthalmic endoilluminator includes a light source, a variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator, a condensing lens, and an optical fiber. The variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator attenuates the light produced by the light source. The variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator includes a wedge capable of being adjusted over a variable angle as measured through an arc of the wedge and an axle to which the wedge is attached. The axle rotates such that the wedge rotates around a pivot defined by the axle. The condensing lens focuses the attenuated light. The optical fiber carries the focused light into an eye. The variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator is located such that it affects the intensity of a light beam transmitted into an eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, John C. Huculak, Ron T. Smith