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:
May. 14, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 03, 2000
Johann F. Hellenkamp, Miami, FL (US);
Other;
Abstract
An improved positioning assembly for positioning a cornea of an eye during surgery includes a positioning element, a suction force operably coupled to the positioning element to temporarily attach it to the eye, and a suction enhancement assembly. The positioning element includes a retention plate, having an aperture defined therein to receive the cornea of the eye for engagement with an interior rim disposed in surrounding relation about the aperture, and a flange member extending downwardly from the retention plate in spaced, surrounding relation to the aperture. The positioning element further includes a vacuum port in fluid flow communication with a point radially exterior of the aperture such that a suction force applied therethrough secures the positioning segment to the eye with the cornea protruding through the aperture. The suction enhancement assembly preferably includes a resilient material segment structured to engage the positioning element at a point radially exterior of the aperture, and disposed to define a suction channel between the suction enhancement member and the positioning element, which channel is in fluid flow communication with the vacuum port. A plurality of suction ports are preferably defined in the segment and improve the vacuum seal about the eye. The suction enhancement assembly promoting suction, while affirmatively preventing partial or complete occlusion thereof.