| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 623600630 | Retina | 30 |
| 20080262611 | FOLDABLE POLYMER-BASED COIL STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - A foldable polymer-based coil structure and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The coil structure has metal wirings and interconnections between the wirings. The wirings and connections are embedded by a polymer. The coil structure is foldable in two or more layers. In the folded condition, coils of one layer overlap the coils of another layer. A stackable structure and jigs for aligning the foldable and stackable structures are also disclosed. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080288067 | ARTIFICIAL RETINAL IMPLANT - Improved photosensing devices and methods are disclosed. Such devices and methods have application, among other things, as retinal implants and in imaging devices. In one embodiment, an exemplary retinal implant can include an array of photoreceptors adapted for positioning in the eye. Each photoreceptor can include a core, for example a carbon nanostructure, and a shell. The shell can include a light-responsive layer, and in many cases, the light-responsive layer can be formed of two semiconductor layers forming a heterojunction. The photoreceptors can be adapted to generate an electric field in response to incident light so as to stimulate a retinal neuron in its vicinity. The photoreceptors can be micron-sized or nano-sized, and can be arranged in densities similar to the density of rods and cones in the human eye. In one embodiment, an exemplary sensor for an imaging device can include a plurality of photosensors disposed on a substrate. Each photosensor can include a carbon nanostructure, a light-responsive layer coating at least a portion of the carbon nanostructure. The nanostructure and the light-responsive layer can be coupled to a set of contacts such that an electrical signal (e.g., voltage or current) developed across the contacts can represent the detection of light incident thereon and can correspond to a pixel in an image. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090062913 | Light powered microactuator, microfluidic dispenser and retinal prosthesis - A light powered microactuator device of the invention is an integrated device including a solar cell that provides sufficient energy to actuate an electroactive thin film coupled to a thin membrane. The lateral strain response of the electroactive thin film causes the thin membrane to move, providing an actuation force that can be applied in a wide variety of microactuator devices. A preferred embodiment light powered microactuator device of the invention includes a substrate that defines a flexible membrane in a portion thereof. An electroactive thin film is coupled to the flexible membrane such that lateral strain in the electroactive membrane causes flexing of the membrane. An integrated solar cell converts light to voltage that is applied to the electroactive thin film by an integrated electrode. A preferred embodiment device is a retinal prosthesis including one or and array of light powered microactuator devices of the invention configured to dispense a neurotransmitter chemical fluid in response to light received at the human retina. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090088843 | FUNCTIONAL ABIOTIC NANOSYSTEMS - The invention relates to imparting photoreactivity to target cells, e.g., retinal cells, by introducing photoresponsive functional abiotic nanosystems (FANs), nanometer-scale semiconductor/metal or semiconductor/semiconductor hetero-junctions that in this case include a photovoltaic effect. The invention further provides methods of making and using FANs, where the hetero-junctions bear surface functionalization that localizes them in cell membranes. Illumination of these hetero-junctions incorporated in cell membranes generates photovoltages that depolarize the membranes, such as those of nerve cells, in which FANs photogenerate action potentials. Incorporating FANs into the cells of a retina with damaged photoreceptor cells reintroduces photoresponsiveness to the retina, so that light creates action potentials that the brain interprets as sight. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090204212 | Logarithmic Light Intensifier for use with Photoreceptor-Based Implanted Retinal Prosthetics and those Prosthetics - This invention is for directly modulating a beam of photons onto the retinas of patients who have extreme vision impairment or blindness. Its purpose is to supply enough imaging energy to retinal prosthetics implanted in the eye which operate essentially by having light (external to the eye) activating photoreceptors, or photoelectrical material. The invention provides sufficient light amplification and does it logarithmically. While it has sufficient output light power, the output light level still remains at a safe level. Most preferred embodiments of this invention provide balanced biphasic stimulation with no net charge injection into the eye. Both optical and electronic magnification for the image, as for example, using an optical zoom lens, is incorporated. Otherwise, it would not be feasible to zoom in on items of particular interest or necessity. Without proper adjustment, improper threshold amplitudes would obtain, as well as uncomfortable maximum thresholds. Therefore, to adjust for these, a way of proper adjustment for the threshold amplitudes and maximum comfortable thresholds is provided. Furthermore, to the extent that the individual stimulation sites in the retina give different color perceptions, upon stimulation, then colors of the viewed scene is correlated with specific stimulation sites to provide a certain amount of color vision. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090210055 | ARTIFICIAL OPTIC NERVE NETWORK MODULE, ARTIFICIAL RETINA CHIP MODULE, AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - An artificial retina chip module including a signal processing chip, a first polymer bump layer, and a photodiode array chip is provided. The signal processing chip includes a plurality of first pad disposed on a surface thereof. The first polymer bump layer includes a plurality of polymer bumps insulated from one another. Each of the first polymer bumps is composed of a polymer material and a conductive layer coated on the polymer material. Each first polymer bump is embedded into the corresponding first pad and the signal processing chip, wherein one end of the first polymer bump protrudes from the first pad and the other end thereof protrudes from a back surface of the signal processing chip. The photodiode array chip is disposed at one side of the signal processing chip and is electrically connected to the signal processing chip through the first polymer bumps. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20100152849 | RETINAL PROSTHETIC DEVICES - A retinal prosthetic device comprises image capture means ( | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100305694 | SCLERAL BUCKLES FOR SUTURELESS RETINAL DETACHMENT SURGERY - A set formed of a scleral buckle and an encircling band is provided for use in connection with retinal detachment surgery to enable the implantation of both the scleral buckle and encircling band free of any suture. A self-assembling scleral buckle-encircling band combination is secured in place by surface scleral tunnels operative as belt loops to enable the securing of a scleral buckle and encircling band on the eyeball to exert an intended indentation effect for treatment of retinal detachment. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110004304 | CULTURING RETINAL CELLS AND TISSUES - Disclosed are various methods and bioreactor devices for culturing retinal cells and/or tissues. The bioreactor devices may, in certain embodiments, include a microchannel network, a scaffold for culturing neuroretinal cells, and a porous membrane separating the microchannel network from the scaffold. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110060410 | POWER SUPPLY FOR A RETINA IMPLANT - A power supply for a retina implant at least partly located in the interior of a patient's eye is described. The power supply comprises a first transmission coil ( | 03-10-2011 |
| 20120035726 | RETINAL PROSTHESIS TECHNIQUES - Apparatus for use with an external non-visible light source is provided. The apparatus comprises an intraocular device configured for implantation in a human eye, and comprising an energy receiver. The energy receiver is configured to receive light emitted from the external non-visible light source, and extract energy from the emitted light for powering the intraocular device. The intraocular device is configured to regulate a parameter of operation of the intraocular device based on a modulation of the light emitted by the external non-visible light source and received by the energy receiver. Other embodiments are also described. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120109295 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CONFIGURING ARTIFICIAL RETINA DEVICES - Methods and apparatuses for configuring an implantable device to interface with retina cells are described. The device may comprise an array of pixel units capable of stimulating the retina cells are described. The pixel units may operate in a mode of operation selected from a plurality of modes including a normal mode and a calibration mode. A control circuitry of the device may be configured to switch the mode of operation for the pixel units. In one embodiment, the pixel units may be configured to receive light for stimulating the retina cells during the normal mode to enable perception of the light. During the calibration mode, the pixel units may be configured to adjust amount of stimulation to the retina cells. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109296 | FLEXIBLE ARTIFICIAL RETINA DEVICES - An implant apparatus comprising a plurality of photo sensors, a plurality of micro electrodes and circuitry coupled to the photo sensors and the micro electrodes are described. The photo sensors may receive incoming light. The circuit may drive the micro electrodes to stimulate neuron cells for enabling perception of a vision of the light captured by the photo sensors. The apparatus may be implemented in a flexible material to conform to a shape of a human eyeball to allow the micro electrodes aligned with the neuron cells for the stimulation. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120116507 | RETINAL PROSTHESIS - The present invention relates to retinal prostheses, and in particular to the transfer of electrical power and data from outside of the human body to such a prosthesis. The retinal prosthesis comprises: A retinal electrode array implanted in the eye to stimulate the retina. A receiving coil implanted sub-sclerally to inductively receive power or data signals, or both. An electrical connection between the implanted receiving coil and the implanted retinal electrode array. Wherein the receiving coil is flexible and able to conform to scleral curvature, when it is implanted. And wherein power or data signals, or both, received by the receiving coil from a remote transmitting coil are automatically provided to the electrode array. According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for implanting a retinal prosthesis. In a further aspect the present invention further provides an ocular implant. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120221103 | RETINAL PROSTHESIS WITH EFFICIENT PROCESSING CIRCUITS - A medical device includes an array of electrodes, configured for implantation in contact with tissue in an eye of a living subject. Driver circuitry is configured to drive the electrodes in an alternating pattern, such that different groups of the electrodes are driven to stimulate the tissue during different, predetermined respective time periods. A power sensor, may be coupled to deactivate a first group of the electrodes when the available electrical power drops below a predetermined threshold, while a second group of the electrodes remains active. Other embodiments are also described. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20130023986 | ARTIFICIAL RETINA THAT INCLUDES A PHOTOVOLTAIC MATERIAL LAYER INCLUDING A TITANIUM DIOXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR - An artificial retina that includes: (i) a substrate; (ii) a first layer, placed onto said substrate and including photovoltaic material portions separated by at least one insulating material portion; and (iii) a second layer, placed onto said first layer and including conductive material portions separated by at least one insulating material portion. In said artificial retina, the photovoltaic material includes a titanium dioxide semiconductor. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130046382 | MINIMALLY-INVASIVE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESTRUCTURING THE RETINA - The present invention comprises an implant for placing inside the eye such that the implant comes into contact with the interior tissue of the eye such that it conforms to the inner globe geometry of the eye. Implants of the present invention may also be used to alter the focal length of the eye thereby providing a treatment method for the correction of myopia and hyperopia. The device may consist of several possible configurations, an open mesh structure, a solid metal ring, a solid polymer shape, a mesh polymer shape or combination of these. The shape may be a curve, a sphere, a ring or a combination thereof that are specifically shaped to approximate a desired portion of the interior globe of the eye in order to treat myopia or hyperopia. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130110236 | RETINA PROSTHESIS | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130131797 | RETINAL IMPLANT AND VISUAL PROSTHESIS INCORPORATING SUCH AN IMPLANT - A system for generating artificial vision in a subject, comprising: an image capture means for capturing an image from a surrounding environment; an image processing means for processing the image and converting the image into an image signal; and a retinal implant or stimulation device ( | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130218271 | Artificial Retinal System and Retinal Implant Chip Thereof - An artificial retinal system includes an external optical device having an image generator and a background light generator, and a retinal implant chip having a solar cell and a stimulus generator. The stimulus generator is disposed to receive a target image projected by the image generator and a background light provided by the background light generator, and receives the electrical power from the solar cell. The stimulus generator includes an image sensing stimulator operable to convert the target image into electrical stimuli, and a contrast enhancer for reducing effect of the background light on the electrical stimuli. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130282119 | RETINAL PROSTHESIS - A retinal prosthesis including an electronic stimulation unit housed inside an eye and including: a plurality of electrodes that contact a portion of a retina of the eye; an electronic control circuit, which is electrically connected to the electrodes and supplies to the electrodes electrical stimulation signals designed to stimulate the portion of retina; and a local antenna connected to the electronic control circuit. The retinal prosthesis further includes an electromagnetic expansion housed inside the eye and formed by a first expansion antenna and a second expansion antenna electrically connected together, the first expansion antenna being magnetically or electromagnetically coupled to an external antenna, the second expansion antenna being magnetically or electromagnetically couple to the local antenna, the electromagnetic expansion moreover receiving an electromagnetic supply signal transmitted by the external antenna and generating a corresponding replica signal. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130297019 | HIGH-LEAD COUNT IMPLANT DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - The invention provides chip packaging and processes for the assembly of retinal prosthesis devices. Advantageously, photo-patternable adhesive or epoxy such as photoresist is used as glue to attach a chip to the targeted thin-film (e.g., parylene) substrate so that the chip is used as an attachment to prevent delamination. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130310933 | RETINAL PROSTHESIS SYSTEM USING NANOWIRE LIGHT DETECTOR, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A retinal prosthesis system can comprise: a flexible substrate; a nanowire light detector which is placed on the substrate, and comprises one or more nanowires of which the resistance changes according to the applied light; one or more micro-electrodes which are placed on the substrate, are electrically connected to the nanowire light detector, and come in contact with retinal cells; and an electric power supply source for applying electric power to the nanowire light detector and the micro-electrodes. The retinal prosthesis system can be implemented into a very thin and flexible substrate type high resolution retinal system by manufacturing a nanowire light detector on a substrate in which micro-electrodes are implemented. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20140031931 | RETINAL PROSTHESIS WITH EFFICIENT PROCESSING CIRCUITS - A medical device includes an array of electrodes, configured for implantation in contact with tissue in an eye of a living subject. Driver circuitry is configured to drive the electrodes in an alternating pattern, such that different groups of the electrodes are driven to stimulate the tissue during different, predetermined respective time periods. A power sensor, may be coupled to deactivate a first group of the electrodes when the available electrical power drops below a predetermined threshold, while a second group of the electrodes remains active. Other embodiments are also described. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140074234 | Scleral Epimacular Implant - The scleral epimacular implant comprises an arm ( | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140128972 | ULTRA-HIGH PHOTOSENSITIVITY VERTICAL NANOWIRE ARRAYS FOR RETINAL PROSTHESIS - A prosthetic retina for implantation in an eye having a defective retina is formed from an array of nanowires having a predetermined spatial distribution, density, size and shape implanted in close proximity to the retina. An electrical conductor is formed at a first end of all nanowires in the array of nanowires and placed in contact with a bias source which biases the array. A plurality of electrodes is located on a second end of each of one nanowire or a bundle of nanowires in the array. Each nanowire produces a photocurrent at a corresponding electrode in response to detection of light impinging on the array of nanowires and the photocurrent stimulates one or more neurons adapted for visual perception. In the preferred embodiment, the predetermined spatial distribution mimics a distribution of rods and cones in a normal eye. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140180411 | RETINAL REPAIR DEVICE AND METHOD - A device which may be formed of suitable elastomeric, biocompatible material is configured to be wedged into Tenon's space between the orbital and scleral walls of the eye at the location of a retinal tear or break. When positioned, the device pushes the eye wall inward to close the tear, and fluid below the retinal wall resorbs. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20150327990 | OPTICAL AID AND RETINAL IMPLANT DEVICE THEREOF - An optical aid comprises a projecting device and a retinal implant device. The projecting device includes an image projector for outputting a projected image and a light generator for emitting an auxiliary light that differs in wavelength from the projected image. The retinal implant device includes an optical-to-electrical converter and an image sensor. The optical-to-electrical converter converts the auxiliary light received thereby into electricity for powering the image sensor. The image sensor is disposed in such a way that the auxiliary light is not received thereby, and generates an electrical stimulus signal associated with the projected image. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150371929 | IMPLANT DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - The invention provides chip packaging and processes for the assembly of retinal prosthesis devices. Advantageously, photo-patternable adhesive or epoxy such as photoresist is used as glue to attach a chip to the targeted thin-film (e.g., parylene) substrate so that the chip is used as an attachment to prevent delamination. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160074659 | FLEXIBLE ARTIFICIAL RETINA DEVICE - An implant apparatus comprising a plurality of photo sensors, a plurality of micro electrodes, a plurality of guard rings surrounding the micro electrodes and circuitry coupled to the photo sensors and the micro electrodes are described. The photo sensors may receive incoming light. The circuit may drive the micro electrodes to stimulate neuron cells for enabling perception of a vision of the light captured by the photo sensors. The guard rings may confine electric flows from the micro electrodes to the targeted neuron cells. The apparatus may be implemented in a flexible material to conform to a shape of a human eyeball to allow the micro electrodes aligned with the neuron cells for the stimulation. | 03-17-2016 |
