The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 21, 2000
Filed:
Oct. 16, 1997
Robert S Herrick, Rialto, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A punctum plug adapted to be inserted into the punctum opening of an eye and into the horizontal sac portion of the horizontal canaliculus is shown. The punctum plug, or implant, comprises an elongated member having a pair of ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a collapsible flared section, or internal retaining member, which has a sloped or curved outer surface. The other end of the pair of ends includes a thin elongated lip, or external retaining member, to engage the edge of the punctum opening. The elongated member and collapsible flared section are formed of a dimension to pass through the punctum opening of an eye. The collapsible flared section has an extended position and a collapsed position. As the collapsible flared section passes through the punctum opening and into the section of the canaliculus located between the punctum opening and the ampula or horizontal sac, a clamping force is developed to collapse the collapsible flared section. The collapsible flared section passes into the ampula and reverts back to its substantially extended position. A method for treating external eye condition utilizing the punctum plug is also shown.