Patents by Inventor Ronald T. Smith

Ronald 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: 11344449
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a thermally robust laser probe assembly comprising a cannula, wherein one or more optical fibers extend at least partially through the cannula for transmitting laser light from a laser source to a target location. The probe assembly further comprises a lens housed in the cannula and a protective component press-fitted to the distal end of the cannula, wherein the lens is positioned between the one or more optical fibers and the protective component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Cook, Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Alireza Mirsepassi, Kambiz Parto, Ronald T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220125640
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for sensing occlusions in an optical system includes a first laser source configured to generate optical signals and a set of optical elements arranged to receive the optical signals from the first laser source and to direct the optical signals along a beam path. The system also includes a detector arranged to receive reflections of the optical signals traveling along at least a portion of the beam path and a control system communicably coupled to the detector. The control system is configured to detect, based on signals generated by the detector, reflection signals associated with the reflections of the optical signals, and disable a second laser source based on detection of the reflection signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Gerald David Bacher, Nikki Koe, Bruno Lassalas, Alireza Mirsepassi, Dean Richardson, Ronald T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210386588
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-core optical fiber cable (MCF). In some embodiments, an MCF comprises a plurality of cores surrounded by a cladding and a coating surrounding the cladding, wherein a refractive index of one or more of the plurality of cores is greater than a refractive index of the cladding. The MCF further comprises a probe comprising a probe tip coupled with a distal end of the MCF and a lens located at a distal end of the probe tip. In some embodiments, the lens is configured to translate laser light from the distal end of the MCF to create a multi-spot pattern of laser beams on a target surface and a distal end of the MCF terminates at an interface with the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Alireza Mirsepassi, Ronald T. Smith, Dean Richardson
  • Patent number: 11172560
    Abstract: An ophthalmic illumination system includes a broadband light source configured to emit a white laser beam, a first monochromatic light source configured to emit a first monochromatic laser beam having a first central wavelength, optics configured to receive a combined light beam comprising the white laser beam and the monochromatic laser, and a controller comprising a processor and a memory configured to control a chromaticity of the combined light beam by changing an output power of the first monochromatic light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Patent number: 11135092
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-core optical fiber cable (MCF). In some embodiments, an MCF comprises a plurality of cores surrounded by a cladding and a coating surrounding the cladding, wherein a refractive index of one or more of the plurality of cores is greater than a refractive index of the cladding. The MCF further comprises a probe comprising a probe tip coupled with a distal end of the MCF and a lens located at a distal end of the probe tip. In some embodiments, the lens is configured to translate laser light from the distal end of the MCF to create a multi-spot pattern of laser beams on a target surface and a distal end of the MCF terminates at an interface with the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Alireza Mirsepassi, Ronald T. Smith, Dean Richardson
  • Patent number: 11110005
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an illuminated microsurgical instrument system includes a microsurgical instrument having a distally projecting tubular member arranged to perform a medical procedure. The tubular member has a distal tip and an outer surface, the outer surface having a flat surface formed therein. The instrument includes a sheath member surrounding a portion of the tubular member and extending toward the distal tip of the tubular member and an optical fiber extending along a length of the flat surface between the tubular member and the sheath member. The instrument may include an opening such as a slot in the distal end of the sheath member to direct exiting air away from the tip of the optical fiber. The instrument may further include a slack chamber, collar structure, and fiber guard member to support and guide the optical fiber to the distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Brian William McDonell, Alireza Mirsepassi, Michael J. Papac, Kambiz Parto, Ronald T. Smith, Barry L. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 11109938
    Abstract: Multi-fiber laser probes utilize relative motion of fibers and other laser probe elements to preserve small-gauge compatibility while providing for multi-spot beam deliver, or to provide for the selectively delivery of single-spot or multi-spot beam patterns. An example probe includes fibers having distal ends that are movable as a group onto a distal ramp element affixed to a distal end of a cannula, so that the distal ends of the fibers can be moved between a retracted position, in which the distal ends of the fibers are within the cannula or ramp element, and an extended position, in which distal ends of the fibers are guided by grooves or channels of the ramp so as to extend at least partially through external openings in the distal end of the laser probe and so as to be pointed angularly away from a longitudinal axis of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Jochen Horn, Alireza Mirsepassi, Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Ronald T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210255388
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a laser probe assembly coupled to a laser system through an optical fiber cable. In one example, the laser probe assembly comprises a probe tip coupled to the probe body, the probe tip housing multiple fibers. Each of the multiple fibers comprises a proximal end that couples to the laser system and a distal end that terminates in the probe tip, a single core for transporting a laser beam provided by the laser system, and a cladding surrounding the core. The laser probe assembly also comprises a lens for projecting multiple laser beams provided by the multiple fibers on to a surgical site. Within the probe tip, parts of outer surfaces of portions of any two adjacent fibers of the multiple fibers touch. Also, the multiple fibers are at least substantially centered with respect to the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Alireza Mirsepassi, Ronald T. Smith, Timothy C. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20210173143
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber and a laser probe assembly with a probe tip that houses the fiber. In certain aspects, the fiber includes a core and an outer cladding surrounding the core. The core is configured to transmit a laser light beam while the core and the outer cladding are both configured to transmit an illumination light. Using a fiber that is configured to transmit a laser light beam as well as an illumination light allows for a more compact fiber and probe tip, allowing for medical procedures that require a narrower probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Ronald T. Smith, Alireza Mirsepassi
  • Patent number: 10888219
    Abstract: An ophthalmic illumination system can include an optical fiber configured to transmit a light beam output by a light source and focused by a condenser. The optical fiber can include proximal, distal, and central portions. The proximal portion can be configured to receive the light beam focused by the condenser. The distal portion can be configured to emit the light beam to illuminate a surgical field. The central portion can extend between the proximal and distal portions. A core diameter of the proximal portion can be larger than core diameters of the central and distal portions. An ophthalmic illumination method can include focusing, using a condenser, a light beam emitted by a light source onto a proximal portion of an optical fiber. The method can also include transmitting, using the optical fiber, the light beam to a surgical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Smith, Alireza Mirsepassi
  • Publication number: 20200397614
    Abstract: An example multi-fiber, multi-spot laser probe comprises a plurality of fibers extending from a proximal end of the laser probe to at least near a distal end of the laser probe, where the proximal end of the laser probe is configured to be coupled to a laser source via an adapter interface, and a cannula having a distal end and surrounding the plurality of fibers along at least a portion of the laser probe at or near the distal end of the laser probe, where a distal end of each of the plurality of fibers is angle-polished so that the distal end of each fiber is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the cannula and relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. Additional embodiments employ lensed fibers, a distal window, ball lens, lens array, or faceted wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Alireza Mirsepassi, Kambiz Parto, Ronald T. Smith
  • Patent number: 10869735
    Abstract: Provided herein is an illuminated microsurgical instrument system and an illuminated microsurgical instrument. In one implementation, the system includes a microsurgical instrument having a distally projecting tubular member arranged to perform a medical procedure at an interventional site. The tubular member has a distal tip and an outer surface, the outer surface having a flat surface formed therein. The instrument includes a sheath member surrounding a portion of the tubular member and extending toward the distal tip of the tubular member and an optical fiber extending along a length of the flat surface between the tubular member and the sheath member. The instrument may further include a slack chamber, collar structure, and fiber guard member to support and guide the optical fiber to the distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Brian William McDonell, Alireza Mirsepassi, Michael J. Papac, Kambiz Parto, Ronald T. Smith, Barry L. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20200390603
    Abstract: Multi-fiber laser probes utilize relative motion of fibers and other laser probe elements to preserve small-gauge compatibility while providing for multi-spot beam deliver, or to provide for the selectively delivery of single-spot or multi-spot beam patterns. An example probe includes fibers having distal ends that are movable as a group onto a distal ramp element affixed to a distal end of a cannula, so that the distal ends of the fibers can be moved between a retracted position, in which the distal ends of the fibers are within the cannula or ramp element, and an extended position, in which distal ends of the fibers are guided by grooves or channels of the ramp so as to extend at least partially through external openings in the distal end of the laser probe and so as to be pointed angularly away from a longitudinal axis of the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Alireza Mirsepassi, Ronald T. Smith
  • Patent number: 10859748
    Abstract: An illumination fiber optics is provided that includes an optical fiber, configured to receive illumination light at a proximal end from a light source; and a light-scattering element, at a distal end of the optical fiber, configured to receive the illumination light from the optical fiber at a proximal end and to emit the illumination light at a distal end in a wide angle. The illumination fiber optics can be prepared by providing an optical fiber, configured to receive illumination light at a proximal end from a light source; and creating a light-scattering element at a distal end of the optical fiber, configured to receive the illumination light from the optical fiber at a proximal end and to emit the illumination light at a distal end in a wide angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Alireza Mirsepassi, Ronald T. Smith, Michael J. Papac, Chenguang Diao
  • Publication number: 20200375660
    Abstract: Particular embodiments disclosed herein provide a surgical laser system comprising first laser source configured to emit a first laser beam with a first wavelength and a second laser source configured to emit a second laser beam with a second wavelength. The surgical laser system further comprises a first diffraction optical element (DOE) tuned to the first wavelength and a second DOE tuned to the second wavelength, wherein the first DOE is configured to diffract the first laser beam into one or more first diffracted beams at a diffraction angle and the second DOE is configured to diffract the second laser beam into one or more second diffracted beams at the same diffraction angle. The surgical laser system further comprises one or more beam splitters configured to reflect the one or more first diffracted beams and the one or more second diffracted beams onto a lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Bruno Lassalas, Mark Harrison Farley, Alireza Mirsepassi, Ronald T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200381892
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for an optical component mounting system for supporting an optical component such as a laser. The mounting system comprises a first component comprising a first surface, a second component comprising a second surface facing the first surface, and adhesive between the first surface of the first component and the second surface of the second component, wherein the first component comprises at least three mounting pads extending from the first surface for contacting the second surface of the second component and providing direct support between the first component and the second component. The component comprising the mounting pads may be a lower mount, an upper mount such as an upper clamping mount, or a bonding pad or other component in the stack of components. A method of assembling the stack of components may comprise curing the adhesive at a temperature at or above an upper end of an expected temperature operating range for the optical component mounting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Ronald T. Smith, Alireza Mirsepassi, Mark Harrison Farley
  • Publication number: 20200218002
    Abstract: An illumination fiber optics is provided that includes an optical fiber, configured to receive illumination light at a proximal end from a light source; and a light-scattering element, at a distal end of the optical fiber, configured to receive the illumination light from the optical fiber at a proximal end and to emit the illumination light at a distal end in a wide angle. The illumination fiber optics can be prepared by providing an optical fiber, configured to receive illumination light at a proximal end from a light source; and creating a light-scattering element at a distal end of the optical fiber, configured to receive the illumination light from the optical fiber at a proximal end and to emit the illumination light at a distal end in a wide angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Alireza Mirsepassi, Ronald T. Smith, Michael J. Papac, Chenguang Diao
  • Patent number: 10660704
    Abstract: An optical surgical probe includes a handpiece, a light guide within the handpiece, and a multi-spot generator at a distal end of the handpiece. The handpiece is configured to optically couple to a light source. The light guide is configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece. The multi-spot generator includes a faceted optical element with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide. The faceted end surface includes at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200107960
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for sensing occlusions in an optical system includes a first laser source configured to generate optical signals and a set of optical elements arranged to receive the optical signals from the first laser source and to direct the optical signals along a beam path. The system also includes a detector arranged to receive reflections of the optical signals travelling along at least a portion of the beam path and a control system communicably coupled to the detector. The control system is configured to detect, based on signals generated by the detector, reflection signals associated with the reflections of the optical signals, and disable a second laser source based on detection of the reflection signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Gerald David Bacher, Nikki Koe, Bruno Lassalas, Alireza Mirsepassi, Dean Richardson, Ronald T. Smith
  • Patent number: 10507074
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of and for an ophthalmic illumination system are disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, an ophthalmic illumination system includes a collimator having at least one lens. The system includes a first mirror arranged to reflect light towards the collimator. The first mirror is configured for use with a first light source that emits a first light beam having a first parameter. The system includes a second mirror arranged to reflect light towards the collimator. The second mirror is configured for use with a second light source emitting a second light beam having a second parameter that is different than the first parameter. The second mirror is shaped and arranged to cause a reflected portion of the second light beam to have the first parameter. The first mirror and the first light source, and the second mirror and the second light source, are separately usable with the collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Ronald T. Smith, Alireza Mirsepassi