Disposable Or Sterilizable Eye Contacting Structure Patents (Class 600/406)
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Patent number: 9730638Abstract: An implantable intraocular physiological sensor for measuring a physiological characteristic, such as intraocular pressure. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may include a tubular main body configured to house one or more electrical components. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may also include a sensor cap configured to be inserted into a first end of the tubular main body with a moisture barrier seal. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may wirelessly transmit measurements to an external device.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: GLAUKOS CORPORATIONInventors: David S. Haffner, Razi-ul M. Haque, Kensall D. Wise
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Patent number: 7920162Abstract: A method and system includes multiple displays that can be separately controlled by users who are part of a surgical team. The first display will include information to assist a first user through the steps of a surgical procedure and the second display will assist a second user though the steps taken by the second user to perform the surgical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Stryker Leibinger GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael A. Masini, Amir Sarvestani
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Patent number: 7798962Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring corneal resistance to deformation use an empirically derived function wherein an inward applanation pressure P1 and an outward applanation pressure P2 obtained during a corneal deformation cycle caused by a fluid pulse are separately weighted so as to minimize dependence of the calculated corneal resistance factor (CRF) on intraocular pressure. In one embodiment, the function is optimized, at least in part, to maximize statistical correlation between the calculated corneal resistance factor (CRF) and central corneal thickness.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: David A. Luce
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Patent number: 7747312Abstract: There is provided a device for generating a frame of reference and tracking the position and orientation of a tool in computer-assisted image guided surgery or therapy system. A first curvature sensor including fiducial markers is provided for positioning on a patient prior to volumetric imaging, and sensing the patient's body position during surgery. A second curvature sensor is coupled to the first curvature sensor at one end and to a tool at the other end to inform the computer-assisted image guided surgery or therapy system of the position and orientation of the tool with respect to the patient's body. A system is provided that incorporates curvature sensors, a garment for sensing the body position of a person, and a method for registering a patient's body to a volumetric image data set in preparation for computer-assisted surgery or other therapeutic interventions. This system can be adapted for remote applications as well.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: George Mason Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Earl Frederick Barrick, Kenneth J. Hintz
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Patent number: 7479109Abstract: A replaceable cornea contactor for an eye examining instrument is made to be discarded after each use. A bendable tab molded on the cornea contactor is deformed by a strain gauge as the cornea contactor is inserted into a cornea contactor holder, and a signal from the strain gauge is used to verify that a previously unused cornea contactor has been inserted into the holder. A microprocessor is programmed to recognize the signal produced by initial deformation of the cornea contactor tab so as to proceed with an eye examination only after receiving the strain gauge signal verifying that a previously unused cornea contactor has been inserted.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Falck Medical, Inc.Inventors: Francis Y Falck, Jr., Robert W Falck
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Patent number: 7384399Abstract: A system for testing a subject's cognition and motor timing includes an actuator, a sensor and a computer. The actuator is configured to present to the subject multiple stimuli, including predictable stimuli and non-predictable (e.g., random or pseudo-random) stimuli. The sensor generates sensor signals associated with the subject responding to the stimuli. The computer stores timing values associated with the sensor signals for a plurality of the sequences of stimuli, and analyzes the timing values to determine if the subject has an anticipatory timing impairment. The system may also be configured to provide feedback signals to the user, in which case the system also functions as cognition timing and motor training system.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Inventor: Jamshid Ghajar
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Patent number: 7287856Abstract: The invention provides a hypoallergenic disposable cover for the probe tip of a contact tonometer comprising a thin film having an ultimate elongation in the range of 500 to 1000%, a tensile strength in the range of 1000 to 5500 psi and a modulus of elasticity at 100% strain in the range of 50 to 2000 psi, whereby when installed onto the probe tip, the cover creates a barrier against microorganisms from the eye of a patient to said probe tip during a tonometric examination while allowing measurement of intraocular pressure through the disposable tip cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Reichert, Inc.Inventor: John R. Prisco
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Patent number: 7153267Abstract: A replaceable applanation prism for an eye examining instrument is made to be discarded after each use. A bendable tab molded on the prism is deformed by a strain gauge as the prism is inserted into a prism holder, and a signal from the strain gauge is used to verify that a previously unused prism has been inserted into the holder. A microprocessor is programmed to recognize the signal produced by initial deformation of the prism tab so as to proceed with an eye examination only after receiving the strain gauge signal verifying that a previously unused prism has been inserted.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventors: Francis Y. Falck, Jr., Robert W. Falck
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Patent number: 6994672Abstract: An apparatus (176) for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) comprises an applanation tonometer (180) having a distal end that is movable toward the eye and a disposable module (188) positioned at the distal end. The module (188) includes a sensor carrier (192) and a sensor (10) connected to the sensor carrier. The sensor (10) comprises a contact surface (14) for making contact with a surface portion of the eye (36). The contact surface (14) includes an outer non-compliant region (16) and an inner compliant region (18) fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner compliant region changes shape. The sensor (10) further comprises a region of conductive material (38) electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region (18) and responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the IOP may be determined.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Cleveland Clinic FoundationInventors: Aaron J. Fleischman, Shuvo Roy
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Patent number: 6945936Abstract: A barrier for use in relation to an eye contacting testing apparatus of the sort having a probe for contacting the eye, comprises a layer of substantially transparent material having dimensions comparable to the surface of the head of the probe and is removably fixable to the probe by means, such as a peelable adhesive, which do not affect the transparency of the material layer. The layer is sterile on the surface which contacts the eye in place of the probe head. Such barriers are disposable and quick and easy to position and replace. Barriers according to the invention can be conveniently provided in sheets comprising multiples of barriers.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventor: Jonathan Quinton Kerr
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Publication number: 20040236204Abstract: For calculating the intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye, an applanation tonometer comprises an applanator formed of an optics array, a force transducer, an image sensor, and a processing circuit configured to calculate an intraocular pressure of the eye using one or more pairs of measured force and applanated area. The tonometer is provided with a disposable tip that covers the applanator, thereby providing a replaceable, sterile and transmissive interface between the tonometer's applanator and a patient's eye. Preferably, the applanating surface has a matte finish. The tonometer calculates the intraocular pressure using a predetermined relationship between interocular pressure and the slope of the line defined by data relating to the forces required to applanate the eye and the geometry of applanated portions of the eye. In a preferred embodiment, the data acquisition is synchronous.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: Marco Opthamalmic, Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Feldon, Bruce Allen Burr, Richard Wademan Teasdale, Gregory John Netherwood
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Patent number: 6776756Abstract: For calculating the intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye, an applanation tonometer comprises an applanator formed of an optics array, a force transducer, an image sensor, and a processing circuit configured to calculate an intraocular pressure of the eye using one or more pairs of measured force and applanated area. The tonometer is provided with a disposable tip that covers the applanator, thereby providing a replaceable, sterile and transmissive interface between the tonometer's applanator and a patient's eye. Preferably, the applanating surface has a matte finish. The tonometer calculates the intraocular pressure using a predetermined relationship between interocular pressure and the slope of the line defined by data relating to the forces required to applanate the eye and the geometry of applanated portions of the eye. In a preferred embodiment, the data acquisition is synchronous.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Marco Ophthalmic, Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Feldon, Bruce Allen Burr, Richard Wademan Teasdale, Gregory John Netherwood
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Publication number: 20040152966Abstract: A replaceable applanation prism for an eye examining instrument is made to be discarded after each use. A bendable tab molded on the prism is deformed by a strain gauge as the prism is inserted into a prism holder, and a signal from the strain gauge is used to verify that a previously unused prism has been inserted into the holder. A microprocessor is programmed to recognize the signal produced by initial deformation of the prism tab so as to proceed with an eye examination only after receiving the strain gauge signal verifying that a previously unused prism has been inserted.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Francis Y. Falck, Robert W. Falck
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Patent number: 6736778Abstract: An applanation tonometer with a replaceable prism for contacting a cornea has emitter and detector ports arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis, with the ports aimed at about 45° to the longitudinal axis. Light from an emitter confronting one of the ports is incident on the applanation surface at about 45° so that light reflecting internally of the prism from the applanation surface is directed toward the opposite port for detection. The portion of the light internally reflected from the applanation surface provides a signal indicating the size of the applanated area, from which intraocular pressure is determined.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Inventors: Francis Y. Falck, Jr., Robert W. Falck
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Patent number: 6706001Abstract: An applanation tonometry system, for measuring pressure within an eye, the tonometry system comprising: an applanation tonometer device for providing specific applanation pressure to a plurality of locations on an eye; an electrical process controller for measuring pressure within the eye; and a tonometer hands free holder adapted to secure the tonometer device over the eye whilst measuring the pressure within the eye.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Bernard B. Fresco
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Publication number: 20020177768Abstract: An apparatus (176) for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) comprises an applanation tonometer (180) having a distal end that is movable toward the eye and a disposable module (188) positioned at the distal end. The module (188) includes a sensor carrier (192) and a sensor (10) connected to the sensor carrier. The sensor (10) comprises a contact surface (14) for making contact with a surface portion of the eye (36). The contact surface (14) includes an outer non-compliant region (16) and an inner compliant region (18) fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner compliant region changes shape. The sensor (10) further comprises a region of conductive material (38) electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region (18) and responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the IOP may be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: The Cleveland Clinic FoundationInventors: Aaron J. Fleischman, Shuvo Roy
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Patent number: 6471647Abstract: An applanation tonometer with a replaceable prism for contacting a cornea has emitter and detector ports arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis, with the ports aimed at about 45° to the longitudinal axis. Light from an emitter then passes through the emitter port and crosses the prism axis to be incident and reflected from an emitter-reflecting surface of the prism and become incident on the applanation surface. Light reflected from the applanation surface is incident on and reflected from a detector-reflecting surface opposite and parallel with the emitter-reflecting surface to proceed across the prism axis to the detector port. Such an arrangement produces reliable applanation signals and varies the spacial intensity of light reflected from the applanation surface so that the tonometer can automatically distinguish between concentric and eccentric contact of the applanation surface with a cornea.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: FFHK Development Company, LLCInventors: Francis Y. Falck, Robert W. Falck
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Patent number: 6179779Abstract: An applanation tonometer with a replaceable prism for contacting a cornea has emitter and detector ports arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis, with the ports aimed at about 45 ° to the longitudinal axis. Light from an emitter then passes through the emitter port and crosses the prism axis to be incident and reflected from an emitter-reflecting surface of the prism and become incident on the applanation surface. Light reflected from the applanation surface is incident on and reflected from a detector-reflecting surface opposite and parallel with the emitter-reflecting surface to proceed across the prism axis to the detector port. Such an arrangement produces reliable applanation signals and varies the spacial intensity of light reflected from the applanation surface so that the tonometer can automatically distinguish between concentric and eccentric contact of the applanation surface with a cornea.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: FFHK Development Company LLCInventors: Francis Y. Falck, Robert W. Falck
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Patent number: 5954646Abstract: A probe for a tonometer has a tubular shaft at the forward end of which is a tubular portion for receiving a membrane. The membrane has a tubular portion and a transverse portion across one end thereof such that the open end of the tubular portion can fit around the forward end of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: CDS Technologies, L.L.C.Inventors: George James Jost, Joseph R. Dal Santo