Patents by Inventor Timothy C. Ryan

Timothy C. Ryan 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: 12544265
    Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and devices for coupling optical fibers with laser surgical systems. In particular, certain aspects provide a push-pull connector and adapter for releasably coupling an optical fiber with a port of a laser surgical system. The connector and adapter facilitate mechanical lateral and rotational guidance of the optical fiber during insertion into the port to ensure proper alignment (e.g., clocking) of the optical fiber's cores with a laser beam pattern propagated by the laser surgical system. Accordingly, the connector and adaptor enable improved coupling efficiency between the laser beam pattern and one or more cores of the optical fiber, and therefore improved power uniformity between multiple laser beams transmitted through the cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Harrison Farley, Chenguang Diao, Mark Alan Hopkins, Alireza Mirsepassi, Timothy C. Ryan, Ronald T. Smith, Dennis Martin Terenzio
  • Patent number: 12453615
    Abstract: An instrument to facilitate hands-free illumination of an eye for a surgical procedure. The instrument includes an optical end of unique architecture and surfacing such that the instrument may be left immobile while sufficiently illuminating an eye interior with greater than 100° of wide beam spread angle provided. Further, the grind surfacing provided to the end cone of the optical end provides enhanced light distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Qing Xiang, Timothy C. Ryan, Yu Yan
  • Publication number: 20240341902
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems, and methods for illuminating inside an eye globe. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to ergonomic chandelier illumination systems for illumination of a surgical site during ophthalmic surgery, the chandelier illumination systems having improved flexibility, profile, and light coupling efficiency. In certain embodiments, a malleable chandelier illumination probe, which is bendable by a surgeon to any desired angle, is disclosed. In certain other embodiments, a preformed chandelier illumination probe, which is preset to a desired angle using a heating method, is disclosed. In certain other embodiments, a method for belling and binding two optical fibers to create a dual chandelier output with improved light coupling efficiency, which is capable of being used with a single connector, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ryan, Qing Xiang, Randall T. Ige, Robert Jeffrey Heng
  • Patent number: 12059374
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vitrectomy probe may include an inner cutting tube reciprocating in an outer tube. The outer tube includes a side port and the inner tube includes a distal cutting port, and, in some embodiments, an additional side port. In some embodiments, the inner tube may also include a flat upper edge that cuts across the outer tube side port. In some embodiments, a diaphragm drives the inner tube and may have an open-stroke side with a lower hardness material than a closed-stroke side. In some embodiments, an aspiration tube coupled to the vitrectomy probe may include a first aspiration tubing and a second aspiration tubing with a lower hardness than the first aspiration tubing. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy probe may be coupled to pneumatic tubing that is stepped or tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Luis Lopez, Matthew Douglas McCawley, Brian William McDonell, Timothy C. Ryan, John R. Underwood, Salomon Valencia, Jack Robert Auld
  • Patent number: 12048596
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems, and methods for illuminating inside an eye globe. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to ergonomic chandelier illumination systems for illumination of a surgical site during ophthalmic surgery, the chandelier illumination systems having improved flexibility, profile, and light coupling efficiency. In certain embodiments, a malleable chandelier illumination probe, which is bendable by a surgeon to any desired angle, is disclosed. In certain other embodiments, a preformed chandelier illumination probe, which is preset to a desired angle using a heating method, is disclosed. In certain other embodiments, a method for belling and binding two optical fibers to create a dual chandelier output with improved light coupling efficiency, which is capable of being used with a single connector, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ryan, Qing Xiang, Randall T. Ige, Robert Jeffrey Heng
  • Patent number: 12048649
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a probe comprising a tube, wherein one or more optical fibers extend at least partially through the tube for transmitting at least one of a laser light and an illumination light from a light source to a target location. A distal end of the tube comprises a flat-walled morphology, and a protective window with a round edge is press-fit to the distal end. The flat-walled morphology of the distal end of the tube has a reduced diametric interference sensitivity, thus allowing a wider range of tolerances between the window and the tube walls for effective press-fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scott Heuser, Timothy C. Ryan, Manish Mahlar Agarkar, Mark Harrison Farley
  • Publication number: 20230181367
    Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and devices for coupling optical fibers with laser surgical systems. In particular, certain aspects provide a push-pull connector and adapter for releasably coupling an optical fiber with a port of a laser surgical system. The connector and adapter facilitate mechanical lateral and rotational guidance of the optical fiber during insertion into the port to ensure proper alignment (e.g., clocking) of the optical fiber’s cores with a laser beam pattern propagated by the laser surgical system. Accordingly, the connector and adaptor enable improved coupling efficiency between the laser beam pattern and one or more cores of the optical fiber, and therefore improved power uniformity between multiple laser beams transmitted through the cores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Harrison Farley, Chenguang Diao, Mark Alan Hopkins, Alireza Mirsepassi, Timothy C. Ryan, Ronald T. Smith, Dennis Martin Terenzio
  • Publication number: 20230157873
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vitrectomy probe may include an inner cutting tube reciprocating in an outer tube. The outer tube includes a side port and the inner tube includes a distal cutting port, and, in some embodiments, an additional side port. In some embodiments, the inner tube may also include a flat upper edge that cuts across the outer tube side port. In some embodiments, a diaphragm drives the inner tube and may have an open-stroke side with a lower hardness material than a closed-stroke side. In some embodiments, an aspiration tube coupled to the vitrectomy probe may include a first aspiration tubing and a second aspiration tubing with a lower hardness than the first aspiration tubing. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy probe may be coupled to pneumatic tubing that is stepped or tapered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Jose Luis Lopez, Matthew Douglas McCawley, Brian William McDonell, Timothy C. Ryan, John R. Underwood, Salomon Valencia, Jack Robert Auld
  • Publication number: 20230149113
    Abstract: An instrument to facilitate hands-free illumination of an eye for a surgical procedure. The instrument includes an optical end of unique architecture and surfacing such that the instrument may be left immobile while sufficiently illuminating an eye interior with greater than 100° of wide beam spread angle provided. Further, the grind surfacing provided to the end cone of the optical end provides enhanced light distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Qing Xiang, Timothy C. Ryan, Yu Yan
  • Patent number: 11583441
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vitrectomy probe may include an inner cutting tube reciprocating in an outer tube. The outer tube includes a side port and the inner tube includes a distal cutting port, and, in some embodiments, an additional side port. In some embodiments, the inner tube may also include a flat upper edge that cuts across the outer tube side port. In some embodiments, a diaphragm drives the inner tube and may have an open-stroke side with a lower hardness material than a closed-stroke side. In some embodiments, an aspiration tube coupled to the vitrectomy probe may include a first aspiration tubing and a second aspiration tubing with a lower hardness than the first aspiration tubing. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy probe may be coupled to pneumatic tubing that is stepped or tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Luis Lopez, Matthew Douglas McCawley, Brian William McDonell, Timothy C. Ryan, John R. Underwood, Salomon Valencia, Jack Robert Auld
  • Patent number: 11493692
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Alireza Mirsepassi, Ronald T. Smith, Timothy C. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20220192873
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a probe comprising a tube, wherein one or more optical fibers extend at least partially through the tube for transmitting at least one of a laser light and an illumination light from a light source to a target location. A distal end of the tube comprises a flat-walled morphology, and a protective window with a round edge is press-fit to the distal end. The flat-walled morphology of the distal end of the tube has a reduced diametric interference sensitivity, thus allowing a wider range of tolerances between the window and the tube walls for effective press-fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Scott Heuser, Timothy C. Ryan, Manish Mahlar Agarkar, Mark Harrison Farley
  • Publication number: 20220087772
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems, and methods for illuminating inside an eye globe. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to ergonomic chandelier illumination systems for illumination of a surgical site during ophthalmic surgery, the chandelier illumination systems having improved flexibility, profile, and light coupling efficiency. In certain embodiments, a malleable chandelier illumination probe, which is bendable by a surgeon to any desired angle, is disclosed. In certain other embodiments, a preformed chandelier illumination probe, which is preset to a desired angle using a heating method, is disclosed. In certain other embodiments, a method for belling and binding two optical fibers to create a dual chandelier output with improved light coupling efficiency, which is capable of being used with a single connector, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ryan, Qing Xiang, Randall T. Ige, Robert Jeffrey Heng
  • Patent number: 11160686
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-core optical fiber cable (MCF). In some embodiments, an MCF comprises a plurality of cores, a cladding surrounding the plurality of cores, wherein a refractive index of one or more of the plurality of cores is greater than a refractive index of the cladding, and a coating surrounding the cladding, a distal end free of the coating and having a reduced diameter. The MCF also comprise an annular gap formed between the distal end of the MCF and the inner surface of the cannula, wherein the concentricity of the distal end of the MCF with the inner passage of the cannula is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Cook, Chenguang Diao, Mark Harrison Farley, Alireza Mirsepassi, Timothy C. Ryan
  • 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: 20200281769
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vitrectomy probe may include an inner cutting tube reciprocating in an outer tube. The outer tube includes a side port and the inner tube includes a distal cutting port, and, in some embodiments, an additional side port. In some embodiments, the inner tube may also include a flat upper edge that cuts across the outer tube side port. In some embodiments, a diaphragm drives the inner tube and may have an open-stroke side with a lower hardness material than a closed-stroke side. In some embodiments, an aspiration tube coupled to the vitrectomy probe may include a first aspiration tubing and a second aspiration tubing with a lower hardness than the first aspiration tubing. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy probe may be coupled to pneumatic tubing that is stepped or tapered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Jose Luis Lopez, Matthew Douglas McCawley, Brian William McDonell, Timothy C. Ryan, John R. Underwood, Salomon Valencia, Jack Robert Auld
  • Patent number: 10639197
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vitrectomy probe may include an inner cutting tube reciprocating in an outer tube. The outer tube includes a side port and the inner tube includes a distal cutting port, and, in some embodiments, an additional side port. In some embodiments, the inner tube may also include a flat upper edge that cuts across the outer tube side port. In some embodiments, a diaphragm drives the inner tube and may have an open-stroke side with a lower hardness material than a closed-stroke side. In some embodiments, an aspiration tube coupled to the vitrectomy probe may include a first aspiration tubing and a second aspiration tubing with a lower hardness than the first aspiration tubing. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy probe may be coupled to pneumatic tubing that is stepped or tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Luis Lopez, Matthew Douglas McCawley, Brian William McDonell, Timothy C. Ryan, John R. Underwood, Salomon Valencia, Jack Robert Auld
  • Patent number: 10413446
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an articulating ophthalmic surgical probe includes providing a cannula having an outer diameter of 20 Ga or less and a slotted tip, permanently attaching a pull wire to the slotted tip, permanently attaching a metal anchor to a distal end of the pull wire, positioning a weld pin within a handle assembly that is sized to fit within a single hand, and welding the metal anchor to the weld pin within the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Dustin J. Bouch, Raffi S. Pinedjian, Timothy C. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20190192340
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an articulating ophthalmic surgical probe includes providing a cannula having an outer diameter of 20 Ga or less and a slotted tip, permanently attaching a pull wire to the slotted tip, permanently attaching a metal anchor to a distal end of the pull wire, positioning a weld pin within a handle assembly that is sized to fit within a single hand, and welding the metal anchor to the weld pin within the handle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Dustin J. Bouch, Raffi S. Pinedjian, Timothy C. Ryan
  • Patent number: D1089679
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ryan, Arun Kushalad