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: 20150173947
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for treatment of an ocular condition of a patient, comprising a hollow elongate member sized to penetrate an eye of the patient and including a body portion, a distal tip, and a lumen extending though both. The body portion includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a first diameter, and defines longitudinal axis. The distal tip extends from the distal end of the body portion and is arranged to treat tissue in the eye. The distal tip includes an inner tube defining the lumen in part, an outer sheath surrounding the inner tube, and a second diameter. The distal tip is configured to transition between a first rigid orientation and a second less rigid orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20150141759
    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: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar
  • Publication number: 20150018622
    Abstract: A surgical device includes one or more cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the one or more cameras can be integrated together and provided to a surgeon display and/or an assistant display. 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 one or more 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: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: CamPlex, Inc.
    Inventors: John Tesar, Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 8905930
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and software for controlling infusion pressure, such as during a medical procedure, using systemic blood pressure are described. Systemic blood pressure, such as brachial arm blood pressure or radial artery blood pressure, may be used to estimate central retinal artery blood pressure to estimate critical closing pressure. Further, the disclosure relates to controlling infusion pressure to prevent an increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure when such is not desired, and, when such is desired, using systemic blood pressure and infusion pressure to control an intentional increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure to stop intraocular bleeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 8882662
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Camplex, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20140307078
    Abstract: A method to determine an ophthalmic tissue structure comprises measuring image data for a range of depths corresponding to a target point in an eye with an axial scanner with a probe; determining an image information by an imaging processor from the image data; identifying a tissue pathology corresponding to the target point by the processor from the image information; and signaling a user by a user indicator based on the identified tissue pathology. A corresponding apparatus comprises an axial scanner with a probe to measure image data for a range of depths corresponding to a target point in an eye; a processor to determine an image information from the image data, and to identify a tissue pathology corresponding to the target point from the image information; and a user indicator to signal a user based on the identified tissue pathology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Michael James Papac, Michael Yadlowsky
  • Patent number: 8852091
    Abstract: A pupil expander is disclosed. The pupil expander comprises a support member sized to expand a pupil and a plurality of engaging portions. The plurality of engaging portions are coupled to and spaced about the support member. The engaging portions have a recess and are shaped and sized to receive an inner margin of an iris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Glenn R. Sussman, Steven T. Charles, Hsin S. Chin
  • Publication number: 20140276558
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and software for controlling infusion pressure, such as during a medical procedure, using systemic blood pressure are described. Systemic blood pressure, such as brachial arm blood pressure or radial artery blood pressure, may be used to estimate central retinal artery blood pressure to estimate critical closing pressure. Further, the disclosure relates to controlling infusion pressure to prevent an increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure when such is not desired, and, when such is desired, using systemic blood pressure and infusion pressure to control an intentional increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure to stop intraocular bleeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20140155817
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and software for controlling infusion pressure, such as during a medical procedure, using systemic blood pressure are described. Systemic blood pressure, such as brachial arm blood pressure or radial artery blood pressure, may be used to estimate central retinal artery blood pressure to estimate critical closing pressure. Further, the disclosure relates to controlling infusion pressure to prevent an increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure when such is not desired, and, when such is desired, using systemic blood pressure and infusion pressure to control an intentional increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure to stop intraocular bleeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20140074011
    Abstract: A system for the removal of vitreous humor and other fluids from an eye and the reinjection of filtered vitreous humor into the eye is provided. The system comprises a hollow removal device, a filter, and an infusion device. The removal device includes an element configured to cut the vitreous humor and is configured to aspirate the vitreous humor from the eye. The filter is configured to create a filtered form of vitreous humor by separating the vitreous humor from undesired components in the vitreous humor. The infusion device is fluidly coupled to the filter and is configured to return the filtered form of vitreous humor into the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 8658948
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary surgical system employing a temperature controlled docking station. The surgical system may include an articulating arm that is selectively moveable within a range of positions. A tray for receiving items used in performing a procedure may be attached to the articulating arm. The docking station may be attached to the tray. The docking station may include a heating element for selectively heating the docking station, a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the docking station, and a reader configured for collecting information associated with an article placed in the docking station. The surgical system may also include a controller operably connected to the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the reader. The controller may be configured to adjust a heat output of the heating element in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor and/or the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20140005485
    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: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: CamPlex LLC
    Inventors: John Tesar, Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20140005488
    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: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, Nader Nazarifar, Christopher C. Jung
  • Publication number: 20140005489
    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: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20140005486
    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: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20140005484
    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: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20130267988
    Abstract: A pupil expander is disclosed. The pupil expander comprises a support member sized to expand a pupil and a plurality of engaging portions. The plurality of engaging portions are coupled to and spaced about the support member. The engaging portions have a recess and are shaped and sized to receive an inner margin of an iris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Glenn R. Sussman, Steven T. Charles, Hsin S. Chin
  • Patent number: 8298253
    Abstract: A vitrectomy probe having a variable duty cycle cutting mechanism is disclosed. The probe includes a motor and a cam driver rotationally driven by the motor. The cam driver has a non-planar driver surface having surface features that vary at different radii. A follower mechanism is arranged to selectively interface with the driver surface at different radii on the driver surface in a manner to selectively interface with the varied surface features at the different radii. The follower is arranged to transfer rotational movement of the cam driver into linear movement of the follower mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 8251980
    Abstract: An extraction sleeve assembly for use in extracting a viscous fluid from the posterior segment of an eye during vitreoretinal surgery is disclosed. The extraction sleeve assembly includes a luer lock fitting and a flexible, tubular extraction sleeve. The extraction sleeve assembly facilitates a shorter extraction time for the viscous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael A. Zica, Matthew E. Bazydlo, Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 8080029
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed herein regard simplifying and improving the performance and reliability of pneumatic actuators operable to actuate surgical cutters or shears. Various embodiments include systems and methods for vitreous cutting apparatuses utilizing self-valving vitreous cutters that actuate at a frequency based on the properties of the vitreous cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles