Testing Aqueous Humor Pressure Or Related Condition Patents (Class 600/398)
  • Patent number: 11786122
    Abstract: An apparatus to treat, inhibit, or prevent an eye condition in a patient can include a cover, sized and shaped to fit over an eye of a patient to define a cavity between the cover and an anterior surface of the eye when the cover is located over the patient eye. The apparatus can include a pressure source, in communication with the cavity, capable of applying non-ambient pressure in the cavity. The apparatus can include control circuitry, in communication with the pressure source, configured to vary non-ambient pressure applied to the cavity to affect a targeted pressure relationship between an indication of a first physiological pressure level and a second physiological pressure level associated with the eye of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Equinox Ophthalmic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Berdahl, George Tsai, Hal Walbrink, Vance Michael Thompson, Enrico Brambilla
  • Patent number: 11737667
    Abstract: Various examples related to power sources for implantable sensors and/or devices are provided. In one example, a device for implantation in a subject includes circuitry for sensing an observable parameter of the subject and a power source comprising a nanowired ultra-capacitor (NUC), the power source having a volume of 10 mm3 or less. The NUC can have a surface capacitance density in a range from about 25 mF/cm2 to about 29 mF/cm2 or greater. Such devices can be used for, e.g., ocular diagnostic sensors or other implantable sensors that may be constrained by size limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
    Inventors: Wolfgang Fink, Olgierd Palusinski
  • Patent number: 11730961
    Abstract: An arrangement for reducing intraocular pressure includes a pulse signal source, a probe coupling, and at least one electrode. The probe coupling is configured to be supported on a portion of a living eye. The electrodes are supported on the probe coupling. The electrodes are operably coupled to receive a pulse signal from the pulse signal source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignees: Purdue Research Foundation, The Jackson Laboratory
    Inventors: Pedro Irazoqui, Simon John, Alex Kokini, Adam Willats, Alexander Chelminski, Matt Matuscak, Gabriel Simon
  • Patent number: 11684258
    Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for non-invasive monitoring and measuring of intraocular pressure (IOP) of a subject. Embodiments include a lens that is adapted to fit on the subject's eye, a microstructure disposed in or on the lens, the microstructure having at least one feature that exhibits a change in shape and/or geometry and/or position on the lens in response to a change in curvature of the lens. When the curvature of the lens changes in response to a change in IOP, a corresponding change in shape and/or geometry and/or position of the feature may be used to determine the change in IOP. The change in the feature is detectable in digital images of the lens taken with a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignees: Queen's University at Kingston, Kingston Health Sciences Centre
    Inventors: Yong Jun Lai, Kong Ying Xie, Robert James Campbell
  • Patent number: 11681164
    Abstract: An electronic contact lens contains electrical components connected by an electrical interconnect. The electrical interconnect has a flat body, with electrical conductors running length-wise along the body. The flat body is oriented perpendicular rather than parallel to the inner and outer surfaces of the contact lens to reduce a visible profile of the interconnect, reducing the amount of light blocked from entering the eye. The body has a curvature shaped to conform to the curvature of the contact lens. As examples, the interconnect may be connected with an electrical component using a tab perpendicular to the flat body of the interconnect, or by forming an edge connection with electrical contacts of the component located along an edge of the component, or through one or more exposed vias formed on the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Tectus Corporation
    Inventors: Babak Jamshidi, Ben H. Shelef
  • Patent number: 11642024
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes: a head unit having an optical system capable of receiving light reflected from a subject's eye; a drive mechanism that movably holds the head unit; an alignment detection unit that detects a position of the subject's eye relative to the head unit; and a control unit that controls the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes at least two arms rotatably connected together, at least two first rotation support mechanisms and at least three second rotation support mechanisms which allow the head unit to move, and at least five driving units for driving the rotation support mechanisms. The control unit is capable of controlling the driving units using a measurement result of the alignment measuring unit to align the head unit and the subject's eye with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Topcon Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Ueno, Ryousuke Ito
  • Patent number: 11602427
    Abstract: Intraocular lenses that include a central portion and one or more peripheral portions. The IOLs includes a sensor housing and a communication member, both of which are secured to the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Qura, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas P. Adams, Jean-Noel Fehr, Amitava Gupta
  • Patent number: 11559391
    Abstract: Systems and methods involving an intraocular implant with input and/or output electronics are described. In some embodiments, the system includes an intraocular lens having at least one optic operably coupled to a haptic, one or more input electronics on the haptic and/or the optic; and one or more output electronics on the haptic and/or the optic for receiving and/or transmitting data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Strathspey Crown LLC
    Inventor: Robert Edward Grant
  • Patent number: 11554009
    Abstract: Intraocular lenses with pressure sensors embedded therein, and methods of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Qura, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Harant, Douglas P. Adams, Amitava Gupta
  • Patent number: 11406264
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described for non-invasively monitoring and/or measuring or estimating intraocular pressure. Medical or diagnostic methods embodiments described herein include high resolution imaging of the sclera of one or both of a patient's eyes using digital photography or videography. The hardware employed may be for two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Morteza Gharib
  • Patent number: 11372239
    Abstract: Ghost images can interfere with eye tracking in a system that uses folded optics, such as is an artificial-reality display. Optical elements, such as waveplates and/or polarizers, can be used to attenuate or eliminate light causing the ghost images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yusufu Njoni Bamaxam Sulai, Wai Sze Tiffany Lam, Fenglin Peng, Jacques Gollier
  • Patent number: 11259913
    Abstract: A breast implant includes an outer shell made of a polymer and a filler material disposed within the outer shell. At least one opaque marking is disposed on the outer shell. The opaque marker is visible through the skin when a light emitter emits light through the chest tissue. This allows a user to determine if the breast implant is flipped or rotated based on the location of the opaque marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Susan Scott
  • Patent number: 11119341
    Abstract: A contact lens including an energy harvesting unit is provided. The contact lens includes a sensor that detects biometric information of a user, and a power that transforms a dynamic energy generated by a movement of an eye part of the user into electrical energy and provides the sensor with the electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-dek An, Jun-ho Koh, Bo-seok Moon, Jae-hyun Park, Young-eun Lee, Ji-yeon Han
  • Patent number: 11083626
    Abstract: A system for fragmenting an eye lens nucleus has a first laser radiation source 30, configured to irradiate the eye lens nucleus with first radiation 32 suitable for Brillouin spectroscopy; an apparatus 36 for performing Brillouin spectroscopy with radiation scattered back from the eye lens nucleus in order to acquire Brillouin scattering measured data; a processing unit 50 in or from which correlations between Brillouin scattering measured data and parameters of a second radiation 52 suitable for fragmenting the eye lens nucleus 12 are stored or derived; and a second laser radiation source 44 having radiation guiding means 40, configured to irradiate the eye lens nucleus 12 with the second radiation with the parameters correlated with the Brillouin scattering measured data of the irradiated eye lens nucleus 12, in order to fragment the eye lens nucleus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: IROC Services AG
    Inventors: Theo Seiler, Sr., Theo Guenther Seiler, Jr., Stefan Seiler
  • Patent number: 11076246
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of stimulating a cornea. A non-limiting example of the method includes capturing a sound with a microphone. A non-limiting example of the method also includes transducing the sound to an electric signal by a microprocessor. A non-limiting example of the method also includes stimulating a piezo-electric element adjacent to a receptor of the cornea, wherein the piezo-electric element is positioned on an eye lens with an electric signal. A non-limiting example of the method also includes mechanically stimulating a receptor of the cornea with the stimulated piezo-electric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amos Cahan, Katsuyuki Sakuma
  • Patent number: 11044538
    Abstract: To provide an environmental sensor with reduced power consumption. A semiconductor device includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a control circuit, a transmission amplifier, a modulation circuit, a memory device, an analog-to-digital converter circuit, and an antenna. The memory device and the analog-to-digital converter circuit each include a transistor in which an oxide semiconductor is formed in a channel region. The second sensor is an optical sensor, and has a function of transmitting a trigger signal to the control circuit when receiving laser light. The control circuit has a function of transmitting a control signal to the first sensor, the transmission amplifier, the modulation circuit, the memory device, and the analog-to-digital converter circuit when receiving the trigger signal. The first sensor is a sensor that senses a physical or chemical quantity, and the measured data is subjected to digital conversion by the analog-to-digital converter circuit and stored in the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Koyama
  • Patent number: 10898074
    Abstract: A microfluidic strain sensing device for monitoring intraocular pressure. The device has a contact lens and a closed microfluidic network embedded with the contact lens. The network has a volume that is sensitive to an applied strain. The network distinguishes: (i) a gas reservoir containing a gas, (ii) a liquid reservoir containing a liquid that changes volume when the strain is applied, and (iii) a sensing channel able to hold the liquid within the sensing channel. The sensing channel connects the gas reservoir on one end and connects the liquid reservoir on another end. The sensing channel establishes a liquid-gas equilibrium pressure to interface and equilibrium within the sensing channel, which would fluidically change as a response to radius of curvature variations on a cornea, or as a response to mechanical stretching and release of the cornea. The liquid-gas equilibrium pressure interface and equilibrium are used for measuring the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: SmartLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Ismail Emre Araci, Sevda Agaoglu, Murat Baday, Priscilla Diep
  • Patent number: 10772502
    Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for non-invasive monitoring and measuring of intraocular pressure (IOP) of a subject. Embodiments include a lens that is adapted to fit on the subject's eye, a microstructure disposed in or on the lens, the microstructure having at least one feature that exhibits a change in shape and/or geometry and/or position on the lens in response to a change in curvature of the lens. When the curvature of the lens changes in response to a change in IOP, a corresponding change in shape and/or geometry and/or position of the feature may be used to determine the change in IOP. The change in the feature is detectable in digital images of the lens taken with a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Queen's University at Kingston, Kingston Health Sciences Centre
    Inventors: Yong Jun Lai, Kong Ying Xie, Robert James Campbell
  • Patent number: 10772498
    Abstract: An ophthalmological imaging device according to embodiments comprises an objective lens, an interference optical system, an optical scanner, a controller, and an image forming part. The interference optical system divides light from a light source into measurement light and reference light, causes the measurement light to become incident on a subject's eye via the objective lens, and detects interference light between the reference light and return light of the measurement light that has exited from the subject's eye and passed through the objective lens. The optical scanner deflects the measurement light. The controller controls the optical scanner such that a position away from an optical axis of the objective lens is set as a center to deflect the measurement light. The image forming part forms an image of the subject's eye based on a detection result of the interference light by the interference optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TOPCON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshikiyo Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 10631824
    Abstract: A medical body surface ultrasonic probe may comprise a probe body and a sticking plate, where the sticking plate may comprise a sub-plate. The sub-plate may be connected to the probe body, and the bottom of the sub-plate may have a sticking layer for attaching a medical body surface ultrasonic probe to a body surface of a monitored user. The medical body surface ultrasonic probe can be used where prolonged, continuous ultrasonic monitoring is required. In addition, a corresponding ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuo Liu, Yong Li, Jianhui Liu, Qun Lin
  • Patent number: 10493274
    Abstract: An arrangement for reducing intraocular pressure includes a pulse signal source, a probe coupling, and at least one electrode. The probe coupling is configured to be supported on a portion of a living eye. The electrodes are supported on the probe coupling. The electrodes are operably coupled to receive a pulse signal from the pulse signal source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignees: Purdue Research Foundation, The Jackson Laboratory
    Inventors: Pedro Irazoqui, Simon John, Alex Kokini, Adam Willats, Alexander Chelminski, Matt Matuscak, Gabriel Simon
  • Patent number: 10478064
    Abstract: A device for determining an intraocular pressure of an eye is disclosed. The device comprises; (a) a housing; (b) a plunger axially movable within the housing, a first end of the plunger having a tip for contacting the eye; (c) an indicator arm operatively connected to a second end of the plunger; (d) a measurement gauge for indicating the intraocular pressure of the eye; and (e) a resilient biasing member for biasing the plunger towards an extended position in which the plunger tip protrudes beyond the housing and the indicator arm is biased towards a first position on the measurement gauge. Applying pressure to the eye via the plunger tip causes the intraocular pressure of the eye to exert an opposing force on the plunger tip causing the plunger to retract into the housing to cause a reciprocal movement of the indicator arm towards a second position thereby indicating the intraocular pressure of the eye on the measurement gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: INGENEUS PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Richard Gordon Walmsley, David James Lockwood, Michael Andrew Coote
  • Patent number: 10419860
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of stimulating a cornea. A non-limiting example of the method includes capturing a sound with a microphone. A non-limiting example of the method also includes transducing the sound to an electric signal by a microprocessor. A non-limiting example of the method also includes stimulating a piezo-electric element adjacent to a receptor of the cornea, wherein the piezo-electric element is positioned on an eye lens with an electric signal. A non-limiting example of the method also includes mechanically stimulating a receptor of the cornea with the stimulated piezo-electric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amos Cahan, Katsuyuki Sakuma
  • Patent number: 10386640
    Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for a health system to be used in various healthcare applications, e.g., for patient diagnostics, monitoring, and/or therapy. The health system may comprise a light generation module to transmit light or an image to a user, one or more sensors to detect a physiological parameter of the user's body, including their eyes, and processing circuitry to analyze an input received in response to the presented images to determine one or more health conditions or defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole Elizabeth Samec, John Graham Macnamara, Christopher M. Harrises, Brian T. Schowengerdt, Rony Abovitz, Mark Baerenrodt
  • Patent number: 10263549
    Abstract: A driving device includes a case with a cover mounted thereto. A transmission device is received in the case and has a stepper motor and a gear reduction unit which includes multiple gears engaged with each other. The stepper motor drives the gear reduction unit which is connected to an object. A circuit board is connected with the transmission device and provides power to the stepper motor and controls the stepper motor. A sensing device has a sensor and a detector which is connected to one of the gears of the gear reduction unit. When the gear reduction unit drives the detector to pass the sensor, the sensor sends a signal to the circuit board which keeps on providing the power to the stepper motor. When no signal is sent to the circuit board by the sensor, the circuit board cuts off the power to the stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignees: TDCM Corporation Limited, Tong Yang Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Chih Hsieh, Hung-Yi Tseng, Jui-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 10241572
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for proximity-based eye tracking are described. A proximity sensor positioned near the eye monitors the distance to the eye, which varies depending on the position of the corneal bulge. The corneal bulge protrudes outward from the surface of the eye and so, all other things being equal, a static proximity sensor detects a shorter distance to the eye when the cornea is directed towards the proximity sensor and a longer distance to the eye when the cornea is directed away from the proximity sensor. Optical proximity sensors that operate with infrared light are used as a non-limiting example of proximity sensors. Multiple proximity sensors may be used and processed simultaneously in order to provide a more accurate/precise determination of the gaze direction of the user. Implementations in which proximity-based eye trackers are incorporated into wearable heads-up displays are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: North Inc.
    Inventors: Mélodie Vidal, Jake Chapeskie
  • Patent number: 10137034
    Abstract: A vitrectomy surgical system is disclosed herein. The surgical system includes a vitrectomy probe having a cutting portion comprising an inner cutting tube, an outer cutting tube, and an outer port. The inner cutting tube is movable relative to the outer cutting tube to cut vitreous humor during a vitrectomy procedure. The surgical system further includes a motor configured to move the inner cutting tube relative to the outer cutting tube and one or more pressure sensors coupled to the vitrectomy probe to measure a pressure proximate to a distal portion of the vitrectomy probe and provide pressure feedback. Related systems and methods are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Tammo Heeren
  • Patent number: 10028819
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are presented for embolic protection. In some embodiments, a device for implantation in a patient's vessel containing a fluid flow is provided which comprises proximal and distal ends, an undeployed, substantially linear state, and a deployed, spring-like (helical) state comprising windings. When the device is deployed, the line segment connecting the proximal and distal ends is approximately perpendicular to the majority of the windings and to the fluid flow. In some embodiments, a delivery device for the monofilament device is provided. The delivery device comprises a needle having a lumen, a sharp distal end, and a pusher slidable within the needle. A method for deploying the monofilament device using the delivery device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Javelin Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy Shinar, Ofer Yodfat
  • Patent number: 10025118
    Abstract: As such, the present invention will provide a piezoelectric energy-harvesting device in a contact lens that utilizes the multiplicity of constant forces generated by the eye for generating usable energy. The present invention will place a plurality of piezoelectric microdevices in direct or indirect contact with the eye, with the preferred embodiment in the form of a contact lens comprising an array of piezoelectric microdevices at the perimeter of a contact lens. These piezoelectric microdevices will harvest electrical energy generated by the mechanical forces applied by the various activities and movements of the eye, including, but not limited to, winking, squinting, blinking, rolling of the eyes, and vibration of the eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: David T. Markus, Michael C. Hayes
  • Patent number: 9730788
    Abstract: A device for optically representing intraocular pressure, having an arrangement which is implanted into the eye with a membrane that curves outwards when the intraocular pressure changes, and a contact surface, these altering the polarization for a spectral range of incident and reflected light in the region of their contact with one another, as well as a read-out arrangement that optically reproduces a planar image of the light which is reflected by the photonic crystal and whose polarization has been altered, and that comprises a polarization filter for the irradiated light and the light reflected by the photonic crystal. Also, a method for measuring intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Christian-Alberts-Universitaet zu Kiel
    Inventors: Yousef Nazirizadeh, Martina Gerken, Torben Karrock, Johann Roider
  • Patent number: 9717411
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an intraocular pressure sensor that is put into an eyeball of a patient and measures the intraocular pressure, the method comprising: preparing a first substrate; depositing a base film on the bottom of the first substrate; exposing the top of the base film by etching the first substrate; applying epoxy onto the center of the exposed base film; disposing the first electrode at the epoxy-applied portion on the base film; preparing a second substrate; depositing a support film onto the second substrate; forming a second electrode on the support film; exposing the bottom of the support film by etching the second substrate; and disposing the second substrate onto the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SOONGSIL UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CONSORTIUM TECHNO-PARK
    Inventors: Byung Joo Kang, Ji Sung Jo, Chang Kun Park
  • Patent number: 9523865
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods of contact lenses with power sources are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens can include a substrate; and a circuit. The circuit can include: one or more sensors disposed on or within the substrate; circuitry disposed on at least a portion of the substrate; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on at least a portion of the substrate; and a hybrid power component that supplies at least one of two or more different types of power to the circuitry, wherein at least one of the two or more different types of power is radio frequency/inductive power. In various aspects, other types of power can be solar and/or microelectromechanical system power. Additionally, in various aspects, photovoltaic cells can be arrayed in different configurations and/or over a significant portion of a viewing surface of the contact lens. In some aspects, the photovoltaic cells can be transparent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Pletcher, Brian Otis
  • Patent number: 9498114
    Abstract: A system for determining biomechanical properties of corneal tissue includes a light source configured to provide an incident light and a confocal microscopy system configured to scan the incident light across a plurality of cross-sections of corneal tissue. The incident light is reflected by the corneal tissue as scattered light. The system also includes a filter or attenuating device configured to block or attenuate the Rayleigh peak frequency of the scattered light, a spectrometer configured to receive the scattered light and process frequency characteristics of the received scattered light to determine a Brillouin frequency shift in response to the Rayleigh peak frequency being blocked or attenuated by the filter or attenuating device, and a processor configured to determine a three-dimensional profile of the corneal tissue according to the determined Brillouin frequency shift. The three-dimensional profile provides an indicator of one or more biomechanical properties of the corneal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Avedro, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc D. Friedman, David Muller, Amit Paranjape
  • Patent number: 9474487
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for measuring pressure and/or for quantitative or qualitative measurement of analytes within the eye or elsewhere in the body. Optical pressure sensors and/or optical analyte sensors are implanted in the body and light is cast from an extracorporeal light source, though the cornea, conjunctiva or dermis, and onto a reflective element located within each pressure sensor or analyte sensor. The position or configuration of each sensor's reflective element varies with pressure or analyte concentration. Thus, the reflectance spectra of light reflected by the sensors' reflective elements will vary with changes in pressure or changes in analyte concentration. A spectrometer or other suitable instrument is used to process and analyze the reflectance spectra of the reflected light, thereby obtaining an indication of pressure or analyte concentration adjacent to the sensor(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: BCC Enterprise
    Inventors: Roy S. Chuck, George Baerveldt, Jim-Son Chou
  • Patent number: 9415162
    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: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Patent number: 9357912
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for evaluating the condition and properties of eye tissue. More particularly, the present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for non-invasively characterizing the biomechanical properties of eye tissue by utilizing an internal perturbation component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Yan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9307905
    Abstract: The present technology relates generally to intraocular pressure (“IOP”) monitoring systems and associated devices and methods. In some embodiments, an intraocular pressure monitoring system configured in accordance with the technology comprises an implantable intraocular assembly and an external unit configured to transmit power to and receive data from the intraocular assembly. The intraocular assembly can include an IOP sensing device embedded within a flexible, expandable annular member. The IOP sensing device can include an antenna, a pressure sensor, and a microelectronic device encapsulated by an elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Cagdas Varel, Tueng T. Shen, Karl F. Bohringer, Brian Otis, Buddy D. Ratner
  • Patent number: 9271677
    Abstract: Intraocular pressure measuring and/or monitoring device comprising a soft contact lens and a pressure sensor united with the soft contact lens, the pressure sensor being located such that it is applied against an eye of a user for sensing the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye when the soft contact lens is worn by the user, wherein the soft contact lens is softer than a surface of the eye and is configured to adapt its shape to the shape of the eye under the effect of capillary force maintaining the contact lens on the eye when the user is wearing the contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Sensimed SA
    Inventor: Matteo Leonardi
  • Patent number: 9247877
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device adapted to measure intraocular pressure comprising: a corneal contact lens having a pressure sensor mounted in a recess or cavity in the contact lens, and wherein the contact lens has a back surface which is formed so as to protrude in a desired portion beyond the profile of the adjacent part of the lens and thus to press against the cornea, which protruding portion experiences a reactive deformation which is detected directly or indirectly by the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE, CONTACT LENS PRECISION LABORATORIES LTD
    Inventors: Ahmed Elsheikh, John Clamp
  • Patent number: 9192298
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for the eye has a soft contact lens formed of a transparent substrate having an inner surface that faces the eye and an outer surface. A first arcuate pattern of resistive traces is formed onto the outer surface of the lens substrate and centered about the center of the lens. A second arcuate pattern of resistive traces is formed onto the inner surface of the lens substrate and centered about the center of the lens. One or more conductive traces connects the first pattern to the second pattern. A signal monitor is in signal communication with the first and second arcuate patterns of resistive traces and provides a signal indicative of the lens shape according to electrical current through the first and second arcuate patterns of resistive traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Syntec Optics
    Inventors: Siebe Bouwstra, Alok Kapoor
  • Patent number: 9185486
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an ophthalmic device with micro-acoustic electromechanical elements and associated methods. In some embodiments, the micro-acoustic electromechanical elements may be useful for the purpose of providing audible warnings and/or messages to a user. The audible warnings and/or messages can include, for example, messages transmitted wirelessly through a communication element of the ophthalmic device and/or generated within the ophthalmic device. In addition, in some embodiments the ophthalmic device can be an energized contact lens that is used both for optical correction and the transmission of sound through bone resonance to the inner ear of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Braxton Pugh
  • Patent number: 9173564
    Abstract: Systems and methods of sensing intraocular pressure are described. An example miniaturized intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring system is provided using a nanophotonics-based implantable IOP sensor with remote optical readout that can be adapted for both patient and research use. A handheld detector optically excites the pressure-sensitive nanophotonic structure of the IOP-sensing implant placed in the anterior chamber and detects the reflected light, whose optical signature changes as a function of IOP. Optical detection eliminates the need for large, complex LC structures and simplifies sensor design. The use of nanophotonic components improves the sensor's resolution and sensitivity, increases optical readout distance, and reduces its size by a factor of 10-30 over previous implants. Its small size and convenient optical readout allows frequent and accurate self-tracking of IOP by patients in home settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Hyuck Choo, David Sretavan, Myung-Ki Kim
  • Publication number: 20150148649
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for obtaining rheological properties of viscoelastic medium, and in particular, in-vivo evaluation of body fluid such as the vitreous. The system includes a needle-like probe having a distal and a proximal end, a rotational actuator, and a sensor coupled to the rotational actuator. The proximal end of the probe is configured for attachment to the rotational actuator. The distal proximal end of the probe has a roughened outer circumferential surface extending axially along at least a portion of the distal end, wherein the roughed distal end of the probe is configured to be disposed within the viscoelastic medium, and wherein the sensor is configured to obtain measurements corresponding rotation of the probe within the viscoelastic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Hossein Pirouz Kavehpour, Pooria Sharif-Kashani, Jean-Pierre Hubschman
  • Publication number: 20150148648
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic device with an intraocular pressure monitoring system and associated methods. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic device can be a contact lens with an intraocular pressure monitoring system that is not dependent on eye ball shape or change over time. Further, the intraocular pressure monitoring system may include elements for delivering audible and/or visual messages to the user that can be useful for the monitoring and treatment of glaucoma. The audible and/or visual messages can be signals communicated to the user using one or both of the ophthalmic device and a wireless device in communication with the ophthalmic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Braxton Pugh
  • Publication number: 20150094806
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implant device comprising a sensor module which comprises one or more first fastening means, an implant module which comprises one or more second fastening means, and a connecting module, by means of which the sensor module is connected to the implant module via the one or the first fastening means and via the one or the second fastening means, and comprising a fold axis, along which the implant device can be folded up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: IMPLANDATA OPHTHALMIC PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventor: Dick Scholten
  • Publication number: 20150094560
    Abstract: A mechanical IOP (intra ocular pressure) monitor includes a cylinder fitted with an ocular plate attached to the cylinder interior. The cylinder interior comprises a mechanism for transducing pressure, detecting intraocular pressure and a signaling component for indicating when a set intraocular pressure is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Michael L. COHEN
  • Publication number: 20150087953
    Abstract: A non-invasive intraocular pressure sensor adapted to be configured on an eyeball is provided. The non-invasive intraocular pressure sensor includes a sensing unit and a readout circuit. The sensing unit includes a plurality of electrode layers and a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer encloses the electrode layers and fills therebetween, and the electrode layers and the dielectric layer form a capacitor. A variation of capacitance of the capacitor varies with a variation of an intraocular pressure of the eyeball. The readout circuit is electrically connected to the sensing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Jin-Chern Chiou, Tzu-Sen Yang, Yu-Chieh Huang, Kuan-Ting Yeh
  • Publication number: 20150073253
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for the eye has a soft contact lens formed of a transparent substrate having an inner surface that faces the eye and an outer surface. A first arcuate pattern of resistive traces is formed onto the outer surface of the lens substrate and centered about the center of the lens. A second arcuate pattern of resistive traces is formed onto the inner surface of the lens substrate and centered about the center of the lens. One or more conductive traces connects the first pattern to the second pattern. A signal monitor is in signal communication with the first and second arcuate patterns of resistive traces and provides a signal indicative of the lens shape according to electrical current through the first and second arcuate patterns of resistive traces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: SYNTEC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Siebe Bouwstra, Alok Kapoor
  • Publication number: 20150057524
    Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing intraoperative biometry and/or refractive measurements include a sensor or valve associated with the eye and configured to detect a pressure of the eye. The system also includes an intra-op diagnostics device including a control unit arranged to actuate the intra-op diagnostics device to capture the intraoperative biometry and/or refractive measurements when the sensor or valve detects pressure within a predetermined pressure range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd
    Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Lingfeng Yu, Z. Aras Aslan
  • Publication number: 20150057523
    Abstract: An intraocular pressure monitoring and sensing device for implantation in an eye of a patient may include a substrate having a pressure sensor disposed on a top surface thereof and a pressure sensor cap disposed on the substrate over the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor cap may include a wall structure extending from the top surface of the substrate, the wall structure laterally surrounding the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor cap may further include a cap top situated above the pressure sensor, the cap top and wall structure together forming an interior chamber, and a chamber inlet providing fluid access to the interior chamber. At least one of the cap top and the wall structure includes a semi-permeable surface to aid in priming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Nicholas Max Gunn