Patents by Inventor Steven T. Charles

Steven T. Charles 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: 20250143563
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide improved techniques for displaying imaging markers for verifying biometry. A method includes receiving an indication to initiate a first optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning of an eye; initiating, based on the received indication, the first OCT scanning of the eye; generating, based on the first OCT scanning, a first OCT image of the eye; detecting, based on the first OCT image, a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and a fovea in the eye; based on the detecting, causing a first enhanced OCT image to be displayed to a user, the first enhanced OCT image displaying: a first virtual marker segmenting at least a portion of the detected RPE, and a second virtual marker, where the second virtual marker visually identifies a location of the detected fovea, and where the second virtual marker is a radial line through the location of the detected fovea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Sahar Hosseinzadeh Kassani
  • Patent number: 12274522
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to high dexterity robotic manipulation systems for ophthalmic microsurgical procedures. In certain embodiments, a robotic surgical system includes a master apparatus controllably coupled to a slave apparatus. The slave apparatus mounts to a patient's head and includes a dual tripod structure having two pluralities of linear actuator links pivotally supporting a surgical tool. The motions of the actuator links are controlled by direct drive actuators to provide at least 6-DOF for the surgical tool. A passive articulating arm having a SCARA mechanism and four-bar parallelogram mechanism attaches to the slave apparatus and counterbalances the weight thereof when mounted on a patient. The surgical system also includes sensors communicatively coupled to the slave apparatus and master apparatus to enable force feedback and force control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 12274642
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a vitrectomy probe including a housing, an actuator disposed inside the housing, a cutter coupled to the actuator and extending from the housing and an air turbine disposed inside the housing. The air turbine includes a rotor and a plurality of turbine blades coupled to the rotor. The vitrectomy probe includes a valve body interfacing with the rotor. During rotation of the air turbine, air is selectively routed to and from the actuator according to a rotational position of the rotor in relation to the valve body, thereby reciprocating the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20250057608
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing robotic surgery are provided. The system may include a robotic manipulator having a working end coupled to a base by a plurality of joints and links, a surgical tool having a tool portion and a connector portion coupled to the working end of the robotic manipulator, and a control system having a tool interface operable to communicate with the surgical tool, a robotic manipulator interface communicatively coupled to the robotic manipulator, and a processor coupled to the tool interface and the robotic manipulator interface. The processor may be configured to receive data from the surgical tool and control the robotic manipulator based on the data received from the surgical tool. The method may include receiving data from a surgical tool connected to a working end of a robotic manipulator and controlling the robotic manipulator based on the data received from the surgical tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20250057698
    Abstract: An ophthalmic assembly includes a frame, flange, and light emitter. The frame supports an optical lens. A first end of the flange is connected to the frame. A second end of the flange rests on a pars plana region of the sclera of a patient's eye. The light emitter is connected to the flange proximate the second end to direct light into a vitreous cavity of the patient's eye. This occurs through the sclera at the pars plana region and uniformly illuminates the vitreous. A transscleral illumination system includes the ophthalmic assembly and a processor in communication with the light emitter. A setting of the light emitter may be controllable via the processor, e.g., in response to a user input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 12226155
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide improved techniques for displaying imaging markers for verifying biometry. A method includes receiving an indication to initiate a first optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning of an eye; initiating, based on the received indication, the first OCT scanning of the eye; generating, based on the first OCT scanning, a first OCT image of the eye; detecting, based on the first OCT image, a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and a fovea in the eye; based on the detecting, causing a first enhanced OCT image to be displayed to a user, the first enhanced OCT image displaying: a first virtual marker segmenting at least a portion of the detected RPE, and a second virtual marker, where the second virtual marker visually identifies a location of the detected fovea, and where the second virtual marker is a radial line through the location of the detected fovea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Sahar Hosseinzadeh Kassani
  • Patent number: 12226154
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an adaptive optics system including at least one active pixel sensor array that detects light and sends a signal to a processor. The adaptive optics system also includes a wavefront correction system including at least one wavefront control structure and the processor, and that executes instructions on the processor to produce a digital image in which at least one wavefront distortion in the light detected by the active pixel sensor array is partially or fully corrected. The disclosure also provides methods of using the adaptive optics system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20250025290
    Abstract: An apparatus for implant into an eye. The apparatus may comprise a receptacle configured to receive an optic; a flange circumscribing the receptacle, the flange configured to be disposed in the ciliary sulcus of the eye; and a fenestration through the flange, the fenestration configured to allow aqueous humor to pass anteriorly from the ciliary body to the trabecular meshwork of the eye. Some or all of the apparatus may have an oleophobic coating. For example, some embodiments of the flange may have an oleophobic coating. In some embodiments, the fenestration may be inferior to the receptacle. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus may further comprise at least two haptics coupled to the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20250017465
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for assessing a floater in the eye of a patient includes a display device, input device, and computer. The display device displays a target and background. The background has an alignment point and alignment axis. The eye axis of the eye is substantially aligned with the alignment axis when the eye is fixating on the alignment point. The input device receives patient input from the patient. The computer provides target display input to the display device to yield the target moving according to a pattern for the eye to follow. The eye axis moves relative to the alignment axis as the eye follows the moving target. The computer records patient input indicating that the patient sees the floater. The computer calculates a severity score, which indicates the severity of the floater, according to the patient input and generates a report that describes the severity score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2024
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240407647
    Abstract: A contact-based wide-angle visualization system (“WAVS”) for use in an ophthalmic suite having a microscope includes a constant downforce (CDF) assembly and a contact lens device. The CDF assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end connects to an optical head of the microscope via an intervening connecting arm. The contact lens device connects to the distal end of the CDF assembly and includes a contact lens configured to be worn on a cornea of a patient's eye in the ophthalmic suite. The CDF assembly provides a constant downforce to the contact lens device, and self-levels and thereby maintains the contact lens device in an approximately parallel orientation relative to the floor of the ophthalmic suite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240382069
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the images generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as at least partially transparent. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar
  • Patent number: 12127802
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide improved techniques for OCT guided robotic ophthalmic procedures. A method includes receiving, during OCT scanning of an eye, position data of a plurality of galvanometer scanners from a plurality of absolute and incremental encoders coupled to the corresponding galvanometer scanners. The method further includes receiving scan data related to one or more tissues of the eye. The method further includes determining, a set of first positions of the one or more tissues of the eye in a first 3D coordinate system. The method further includes determining, based on the set of first positions and a mapping between the first and a second 3D coordinate systems, a position in the second 3D coordinate system for a surgical instrument coupled to a robotic device. The method includes causing the robotic device to move the surgical instrument to the position in the second 3D coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240350316
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems, and methods for reducing intraocular pressure. For example, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are useful for reducing intraocular pressure resulting from conditions, such as acute glaucoma, on a short-term basis until a definitive surgical procedure is performed. More particularly, valved trocar cannula systems for reducing intraocular pressure resulting from conditions, such as acute glaucoma, pending surgical intervention in an operating room are disclosed. In practice, a trocar assembly is used to place a valved cannula assembly in a patient's eye, such as in the anterior chamber or pars plana, to reduce high intraocular pressure. The valved cannula is then left in the patient's eye for a period of time to continuously allow aqueous humor or liquid vitreous humor to flow therethrough, until the patient may be surgically treated in an operating room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventor: Steven T. CHARLES
  • Publication number: 20240325093
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide improved techniques for OCT guided robotic ophthalmic procedures. A method includes receiving, during OCT scanning of an eye, position data of a plurality of galvanometer scanners from a plurality of absolute and incremental encoders coupled to the corresponding galvanometer scanners. The method further includes receiving scan data related to one or more tissues of the eye. The method further includes determining, a set of first positions of the one or more tissues of the eye in a first 3D coordinate system. The method further includes determining, based on the set of first positions and a mapping between the first and a second 3D coordinate systems, a position in the second 3D coordinate system for a surgical instrument coupled to a robotic device. The method includes causing the robotic device to move the surgical instrument to the position in the second 3D coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240293192
    Abstract: A robotic system includes a base, a support column, and a selective-compliance-articulated robot arm (SCARA) connected to the base via the support column. The SCARA is configured with ophthalmic visualization-specific kinematics. The SCARA includes first, second, and third revolute joints. A first link is connected to the base via the first revolute joint. A second link is connected to the first link via the second revolute joint, has a distal end connected to the third revolute joint, and is configured as a four-bar mechanism. The second link is connectable to a microscope. A linear actuator is connected to the second link. In response to electronic control signals from an electronic control unit, the linear actuator controls vertical motion of the SCARA. None of the revolute joints of the SCARA functions in an anti-gravity mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 12070280
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a voice-controlled system for controlling devices and systems in a surgical setting. The voice-controlled system includes at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker distributed within the surgical setting to receive and audibly respond to voice commands from operating staff. In certain aspects, the at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker include a phased microphone array and a phased loudspeaker array that are coordinated and synchronized to perform active noise reduction, echo cancellation, and directional determination of sound sources. The voice-controlled system performs tasks, such as activation of surgical devices, based on verbal interactions with the operating staff through the at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Paul R. Hallen
  • Patent number: 12053415
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems, and methods for reducing intraocular pressure. For example, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are useful for reducing intraocular pressure resulting from conditions, such as acute glaucoma, on a short-term basis until a definitive surgical procedure is performed. More particularly, valved trocar cannula systems for reducing intraocular pressure resulting from conditions, such as acute glaucoma, pending surgical intervention in an operating room are disclosed. In practice, a trocar assembly is used to place a valved cannula assembly in a patient's eye, such as in the anterior chamber or pars plana, to reduce high intraocular pressure. The valved cannula is then left in the patient's eye for a period of time to continuously allow aqueous humor or liquid vitreous humor to flow therethrough, until the patient may be surgically treated in an operating room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 12053244
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a head tracking control system including at least one marker positioned on a head of a surgeon. The system further includes an infrared camera including at least two infrared sensors and that detects infrared light reflected off the at least one marker and sends a signal corresponding to the detected light to a processor, and that executes instructions on the processor to detect a movement of the at least one marker. The system also includes an intelligent tracking system that executes instructions on the processor to determine if the detected movement of the at least one marker corresponds to a defined head movement of the surgeon. The system further includes an ophthalmic surgical microscope including the processor. If the detected movement of the at least one marker corresponds to the defined head movement of the surgeon, the processor executes instructions to control the ophthalmic surgical microscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240252723
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for replacing retinal tissue with retinal cell-embedded biodegradable matrix ribbons. The biodegradable matrix ribbons can be provided as a sheet and subsequently cut into ribbons. Alternatively, the biodegradable matrix ribbons can be constructed in ribbon form. The thin ribbons can then be implanted into a patient's eye through small scleral and/or retinal incisions. Once inside the ocular space, the ribbons can be positioned at a target retinal space in a confluent fashion in order to provide an area of biodegradable matrix having retinal cells embedded within and on outer surfaces thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240215814
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an integrated contact lens apparatus for ophthalmoscopic examination comprising a lens portion, an upper speculum portion, and a lower speculum portion, and methods of use thereof. The integrated contact lens apparatus facilitates improved visualization of the peripheral retina, including the superior and inferior hemiretinas, via both manual examination and wide-angle cameras that may utilize contact lenses for viewing. The integrated contact lens apparatus further prevents or reduces corneal drying and patient discomfort during examination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles