Patents by Inventor Thomas D. Tyler

Thomas D. Tyler 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: 9655778
    Abstract: A position sensitive implant is described which comprises a flow channel which is provided with a value which will automatically adjust flow rate through the flow channel depending on whether the flow channel is generally vertical or generally horizontal. The implant may be a shunt used to treat glaucoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Patent number: 9592153
    Abstract: A method is described for treating glaucoma by surgically implanting a shape recoverable member in the sclera of the eye. The shape recovery member is adapted to recover involutely when shape recovery is caused to occur. The bending of the shape recoverable member during its recovery exerts pressure on longitudinal ciliary muscle to supply tension to and open the trabecular meshwork. As a result, aqueous humor flows more freely and reduces the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Publication number: 20170014270
    Abstract: A position sensitive implant is described which comprises a flow channel which is provided with a value which will automatically adjust flow rate through the flow channel depending on whether the flow channel is generally vertical or generally horizontal. The implant may be a shunt used to treat glaucoma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Publication number: 20150320598
    Abstract: A method is described for treating glaucoma by surgically implanting a shape recoverable member in the sclera of the eye. The shape recovery member is adapted to recover involutely when shape recovery is caused to occur. The bending of the shape recoverable member during its recovery exerts pressure on longitudinal ciliary muscle to supply tension to and open the trabecular meshwork. As a result, aqueous humor flows more freely and reduces the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Patent number: 8236052
    Abstract: A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the sclera and ciliary body are expanded away from the crystalline lens upon being of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Publication number: 20100049176
    Abstract: A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the sclera and ciliary body are expanded away from the crystalline lens upon being of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Patent number: 7635388
    Abstract: A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Patent number: 7628809
    Abstract: A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the sclera and ciliary body are expanded away from the crystalline lens upon being of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Patent number: 7470286
    Abstract: A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the sclera and ciliary body are expanded away from the crystalline lens upon being of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Publication number: 20080294253
    Abstract: A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the sclera and ciliary body are expanded away from the crystalline lens upon being of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler
  • Publication number: 20080183288
    Abstract: A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the sclera and ciliary body are expanded away from the crystalline lens upon being of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tyler