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: 20240115261
    Abstract: A surgical clamp for aligning the margins of incised or wounded tissue has jaws with parallel clamping faces, and a handle for manipulating the clamp to align the margins of the tissue. The jaws are in a normally closed position, however they can be opened by compressing the handle to open the jaws. Prongs project from the inferior surface of the jaws. The clamp is positioned in a desired position over the margins of a wound to be closed, the prongs engage the margins of the wound to be aligned, and the jaws are closed by releasing compressive force on the handle. As the jaws close the prongs help move the tissue into alignment. Suture guide slots through the jaws assist in the placement of precisely placed sutures across the incision. The disclosed surgical clamp is particularly suited for selectively closing and reopening surgical incisions, such as a sclerotomy incision in the eye. Methods are disclosed for using the clamp during intraocular and other surgical or minimally invasive procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: The United States of America,as represented by the Secretary,Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Vladimir R. Khristov, Steven T. Charles, Juan A. Amaral, Arvydas Maminishkis, Kapil Bharti
  • Patent number: 11931297
    Abstract: Certain embodiments describe an endoilluminator having a tube that includes an interior compartment between a proximal end and a distal end of the tube, wherein the distal end of the tube is configured to be inserted into an eye. The endoilluminator also includes a handpiece coupled to a light source and the proximal end of the tube, wherein the endoilluminator is configured to filter an incident component of light transmitted by the light source and emit a polarized component of the transmitted light through the distal end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240070970
    Abstract: A visualization system includes a housing assembly having a head unit configured to be at least partially directed towards a target site. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) module and a stereoscopic camera are located in the housing assembly. A controller is in communication with the OCT module and the stereoscopic camera. The controller is adapted to acquire left OCT data and right OCT data of the target site, via the OCT module, and synchronously acquire left camera data and right camera data of the target site, via the stereoscopic camera. The controller is adapted to generate volume-rendered images, including: first and second OCT images based on the OCT data and first and second camera images based on the camera data. The first and second OCT images and the first and second camera images have matching parallax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240057986
    Abstract: A surgical system for wirelessly charging a foot controller is described. The surgical system includes a surgical console. The surgical system also includes a foot controller wirelessly coupled to the surgical console and adapted to control one or more operations of the surgical console. The surgical system further includes a charging apparatus coupled to the surgical console and adapted to wirelessly charge the foot controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Sean Christopher Madden, Gary P. Sorensen
  • Publication number: 20240050273
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an ophthalmic surgical probe for extrusion. In certain embodiments, the probe includes a beveled probe tip that increases the area of vacuum generation at a target site without increasing probe gauge, thus facilitating improved tissue engagement. In certain embodiments, the probe further includes one or more texturized surfaces for improved “grabbing” and manipulation of target tissues, and/or one or more surfaces formed of polymeric materials to reduce unwanted damage and enhance the safety of use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Paul R. Hallen, Firas Rahhal, Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11889976
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: CamPlex, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar
  • Publication number: 20240037794
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method of generating a color-corrected ophthalmic image. The method comprises obtaining an ophthalmic image of an eye with a nuclear sclerotic cataract or a tinted intraocular lens (“IOL”). The method further comprises determining color-shift information associated with the ophthalmic image based on at least one of user input and by processing the obtained image, the color-shift information indicative of the extent to which color in the obtained image is to be corrected to at least partially remedy the effect of the nuclear sclerotic cataract or the tinted IOL on the color of the obtained image. The method further comprises color-correcting the ophthalmic image based on the color-shift information. The method further comprises generating the color-corrected ophthalmic image based on the color-correcting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11883096
    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: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11877956
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to small-gauge instrumentation for surgical procedures, and more specifically, to vitreoretinal instruments for retinal repair and reattachment procedures, as well as associated methods of use. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a curved or articulating probe configured to provide illumination, fluid aspiration, and endophotocoagulation. Accordingly, the probe enables aspiration of subretinal fluid that re-accumulates after initial drainage and during endophotocoagulation without the need to exchange surgical instruments or insert an additional instrument into the intraocular space. Furthermore, the combined functionalities of the probe enable a surgeon to simultaneously perform scleral depression with the surgeon's other hand while aspirating fluid and/or performing retinal endophotocoagulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230414099
    Abstract: A lens holder for an ophthalmic procedure is provided. The lens holder includes: a rim configured to hold a lens; and a flange coupled to the rim, the flange including a first surface configured to be positioned on an ocular surface of an eye and an opposing second surface. The flange includes one or more conjunctiva capture features extending from the first surface to the second surface of the flange, and the one or more conjunctiva capture features are configured to be latched on to one or more portions of conjunctiva of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11826101
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a scene camera system including a scene camera that includes a lens and may detect light reflected off an exterior of an eye into the lens and send a signal corresponding to the detected light to a processor. The system further includes a main camera that may detect light reflected off an interior structure of the eye and send a signal corresponding to the detected light to the processor. The system also includes an image processing system including the processor that executes instructions to produce a scene camera digital image of the eye and a main camera digital image of the eye. The system further includes a multiple picture-in-picture display that displays the scene camera digital image of the eye and the main camera digital image of the eye concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11806105
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to high dexterity manipulation systems for microsurgical procedures. The surgical system includes a master apparatus controllably coupled to a slave apparatus configured to couple to a patient's head with a dual tripod structure having two pluralities of linear actuator links pivotally supporting a surgical tool shaft. The motions of the linear actuator links are controlled to provide at least 6 degrees of freedom for the surgical tool shaft. The slave apparatus may further include a redundant axis rotatable tool shaft, thus enabling 7 degrees of freedom for a surgical tool. The surgical system includes sensors enabling forces of interaction between the slave apparatus and its environment to be reflected back to the master apparatus. Forces imparted onto the master apparatus by an operator can be fed forward to control the slave apparatus and scaled down to reduce the forces on target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230310096
    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: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11717298
    Abstract: A surgical clamp for aligning the margins of incised or wounded tissue has jaws with parallel clamping faces, and a handle for manipulating the clamp to align the margins of the tissue. The jaws are in a normally closed position, however they can be opened by compressing the handle to open the jaws. Prongs project from the inferior surface of the jaws. The clamp is positioned in a desired position over the margins of a wound to be closed, the prongs engage the margins of the wound to be aligned, and the jaws are closed by releasing compressive force on the handle. As the jaws close the prongs help move the tissue into alignment. Suture guide slots through the jaws assist in the placement of precisely placed sutures across the incision. The disclosed surgical clamp is particularly suited for selectively closing and reopening surgical incisions, such as a sclerotomy incision in the eye. Methods are disclosed for using the clamp during intraocular and other surgical or minimally invasive procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Vladimir R. Khristov, Steven T. Charles, Juan A. Amaral, Arvydas Maminishkis, Kapil Bharti
  • Patent number: 11696851
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a cannula system with a retention mechanism comprising a cannula, a hub coupled to the cannula, wherein a distal end of the cannula is configured to be inserted into a body part up to the hub, and a retention mechanism configured to create resistance for retaining the cannula inside the body part in response to force exerted on the cannula for pulling the cannula out of the body part. The retention mechanism may include retention elements coupled to a bottom surface of the hub, and by rotating the hub in a first direction, the one or more retention elements that are parallel to a surface of the body part are configured to penetrate the body part. In other embodiments, the retention mechanism may include halfpipe elements that pivot on fulcrum points to hold or release the hub and cannula from the body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11672612
    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: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230157891
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic procedure contact lens for ophthalmic treatment of an eye with a laser beam includes a frame, an objective lens, and an illumination ring. The frame has an eye end, an operator end, and a flange-like shape with an interior region. The eye end is configured to be disposed outwardly from the eye. The objective lens is disposed within the interior region of the frame. The objective lens transmits the laser beam through the eye end to treat the eye. The illumination ring is coupled to the frame and provides annular illumination through the eye end to illuminate the eye. The illumination ring includes a ring substrate and light emitters coupled to the ring substrate. The light emitters emit light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230157876
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic system for visualizing an interior of an eye includes an illumination system and a visualization system. The illumination system illuminates the interior of the eye. The illumination system includes an annular illuminator that directs annular illumination, which has an illumination axis, towards the interior of the eye. The visualization system provides an image of the interior of the eye. The visualization system comprises visualization optical elements, which include an objective lens and oculars. The objective lens receives light reflected from the interior of the eye. The oculars, which have an ocular axis, transmit the reflected light to yield an image of the interior of the eye. In other embodiments, the illumination system comprises a multi-beam illuminator that directs multiple illumination beams towards the interior of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 11617682
    Abstract: A foot pedal device configured to provide force feedback to an operator during ophthalmic surgery is described. The foot pedal device includes a processor and a memory containing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to transmit, in response to a movement of a moveable member, a control signal to a surgical console for initiating an action of an ophthalmic surgery tool coupled with the surgical console. The foot pedal device includes a force feedback mechanism configured to selectively apply a resistance force in opposition to the movement of the movable member. The memory contains instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive, from the surgical console, a trigger signal, and send a force feedback signal to the force feedback mechanism. The force feedback mechanism is configured to apply the resistance force to the movable member upon receiving the force feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230076334
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. 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 composite image 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 transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar