Alcon, Inc.

Alcon Research, Ltd.

Newport Corporation

Jiansheng Zhou

Robert H Peterson

David A Thoe

Dan V Teodorescu

Kurt D Leukanech

Daryush Agahi

Craig Fritch

Robert G Heitel

David M Weston

Keith Douglas Koster

Control methods for generating a venturi vacuum in a substantially oscillation-free manner for a surgical system. The control methods generally include utilizing real-time readings from a venturi vacuum generator inlet pressure transducer and a vacuum pressure transducer on the vacuum side of the venturi vacuum generator. These values may be employed in real-time to ascertain the emergence of an oscillation region on the vacuum side which may then be addressed by way of a bleed control proportional valve. When employed in combination with a throttle control proportional valve at the inlet side of the venturi vacuum generator, pressures may be manipulated in light of one another and/or individually as directed through a central controller. Thus, the presentation of oscillations on the vacuum side may be avoided to provide for a more stable vacuum supported surgical procedure.

Vacuum oscillation prevention in a venturi surgical system

Systems and methods for optimizing the application of pulse width modulation (PWM) in a voltage signal for delivering a current in a valve used to alternatively deliver pressurized gas to and vent from chambers in a vitrectomy probe used to drive a cutter.

Methods of solenoid valve control optimization

Certain embodiments provide a cover mounted on top of a manifold, the cover comprising an exhaust opening and an inner surface forming a space between the inner surface of the cover and an outer surface of the manifold, wherein the space is configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of a valve. The valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space. The exhaust opening is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates from the inlet around the valve and exits through the exhaust opening.

Valve cooling and noise suppression

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for enhancing the reliability of a pneumatically driven surgical tool by providing a redundant, backup pneumatic circuit for supplying the surgical tool with pneumatic pressure at a normal pressure.

Redundant pneumatic circuit for reliability enhancement of vitrectomy instruments

In various embodiments, a surgical console may include a pneumatic valve to drive a pneumatic tool coupled to the surgical console. The console may further include a controller operable to control and adjust the valve open/close cycle times according to a valve duty cycle. The valve may switch between ports (valve open time for a first port and valve close time for a second port) such that a total valve time may approximately equal the valve open time plus the valve close time. The valve duty cycle may indicate a percentage of the total valve time for the controller to signal the valve to open and may include an adjustment that corresponds to a signal timing of the open and/or closed valve positions that will result in open and closed operating pressures above a predetermined threshold.

Pneumatic pressure output control by drive valve duty cycle calibration

An ophthalmic surgical hand piece has a horn and two transducers. The horn has a central axis. A flange having a generally flat surface is coupled to the horn. The flange extends radially from the horn and generally perpendicular to the central axis. A first ear having a generally flat surface is coupled to the horn. The first ear extends from the horn such that the generally flat surface of the first ear is generally perpendicular to the generally flat surface of the flange. A first transducer is held against the flange, and a second transducer held against the ear.

Phacoemulsification hand piece with two independent transducers

A footswitch having an adjustable treadle and a pivotable heel cup slidable retained on the treadle so as to adjustably increase or decrease a length of the treadle, the heel cup being pivotable and being prevented from sliding by a plurality of locking pins mounted on the heel cup, the locking pins fitting within locking holes in the treadle.

Footswitch

A footswitch having an adjustable treadle and switch placements, thereby helping to make the footswitch ergonomically more correct for a variety of users.

Apparatuses and methods for automating the assembly of a fiber optic module. The fiber optic module typically includes a housing, a clip, and a ferrule that is attached to the end of a fiber optic cable. The housing, clip, ferrule and fiber optic cable are supported by a pallet assembly. The pallet assembly can be loaded into a docking station of a laser weld machine that welds the ferrule to the clip. The pallet assembly includes a cartridge that is attached to a pallet and supports the housing. The pallet is constructed to receive different cartridges. Each cartridge has support features that correspond to a specific type of module housing. A different type of module housing may be loaded onto the pallet assembly by merely replacing the cartridge. The same pallet can therefore be used for the assembly of different fiber modules.

Growing community of inventors

Cerritos, CA, United States of America

Jiansheng Zhou