Patents by Inventor Williford Smith

Williford Smith 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).

  • Methods and devices for performing a temporary tarsorrhaphy
    Patent number: 6206906
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a temporary tarsorrhaphy are provided. One device comprises two shafts mounted in parallel on the upper and lower eyelids of an eye. The shafts are then fastened together in a reversible manner to complete the temporary tarsorrhaphy. Each device further comprises a tube which is partially implanted in a linear fashion under the eyelid such that the tube is at a subcutaneous center portion and each end of the tube projects from the eyelid. The end portions of the tube that lie outside of the eyelid are each attached to the terminal portion of a shaft having first and second ends. The procedure is repeated on the lower eyelid. The shafts are then joined together with one or removable fasteners to complete the temporary tarsorrhaphy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: John Suson, Williford Smith
  • Methods and devices for performing a temporary tarsorrhaphy
    Patent number: 5830233
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a temporary tarsorrhaphy are provided. One device comprises two clips mounted in parallel on the upper and lower eyelids of an eye. The clips are then fastened together in a reversible manner to complete the temporary tarsorrhaphy. Each clip comprises a tube which is partially implanted in a linear fashion under the eyelid such that the tube is at a subcutaneous center portion and each end of the tube projects from the eyelid. The end portions of the tube that lie outside of the eyelid are joined together by a connecting means having first and second ends. The procedure is repeated on the lower eyelid. The connecting means are then joined together with one or more removable fasteners to complete the temporary tarsorrhaphy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: John Suson
    Inventors: John Suson, Williford Smith