Patent Grant
10285804
This application is related to the following U.S. patent applications and issued patents:
This disclosure is generally directed to eye implants and associated devices, and more specifically to a scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods.
In order for the human eye to have clear vision of an object at different distances (especially near objects), the effective focal length of the eye's crystalline lens is adjusted to keep an image of the object focused as sharply as possible on the retina. This change in effective focal length is known as “accommodation” and is accomplished by varying the shape of the crystalline lens in the eye. Generally, in the unaccommodated emmetropic eye, the curvature of the lens is such that distant objects are sharply imaged on the retina. In the unaccommodated eye, near objects are not focused sharply on the retina because their images lie behind the retinal surface. In order to visualize a near object clearly, the curvature of the crystalline lens is increased, thereby increasing its refractive power and causing the image of the near object to fall on the retina.
The change in the shape of the crystalline lens is accomplished by the action of certain muscles and structures within the eyeball or the “globe” of the eye. The lens is located in the forward part of the eye immediately behind the pupil. It has the shape of a classical biconvex optical lens, meaning it has a generally circular cross section with two convex refracting surfaces. The lens is located generally on the optical axis of the eye, which is typically the straight line from the center of the cornea to the macula in the retina at the posterior portion of the globe. In the unaccommodated eye, the curvature of the posterior surface of the lens (the surface adjacent to the vitreous body) is somewhat greater than the curvature of the anterior surface.
The lens is closely surrounded by a membranous capsule that serves as an intermediate structure in the support and actuation of the lens. The lens and its capsule are suspended on the optical axis behind the pupil by a circular assembly of radially directed elastic fibers called “zonules.” The zonules are attached at their inner ends to the lens capsule and at their outer ends to the ciliary body and indirectly to the ciliary muscle. The ciliary muscle is a muscular ring of tissue located just within the sclera, the outer supporting structure of the eye.
According to the classical theory of accommodation originating with Helmholtz, the ciliary muscle is relaxed in the unaccommodated eye and therefore assumes its largest diameter. The relatively large diameter of the ciliary muscle in this condition causes a tension on the zonules, which pull radially outward on the lens capsule. This causes the equatorial diameter of the lens to increase slightly and decreases the anterior-posterior dimension of the lens at the optical axis. In other words, the tension on the lens capsule causes the lens to assume a flattened state where the curvature of the anterior surface, and to some extent the posterior surface, is less than it would be in the absence of the tension. In this state, the refractive power of the lens is relatively low, and the eye is focused for clear vision on distant objects.
According to the classical theory, when the eye is intended to be focused on a near object, the ciliary muscle contracts. This contraction causes the ciliary muscle to move forward and inward, thereby relaxing the outward pull of the zonules on the equator of the lens capsule. This reduced zonular tension allows the elastic capsule of the lens to contract, causing an increase in the anterior-posterior dimension of the lens at the optical axis (meaning the lens becomes more spherical). This results in an increase in the optical power of the lens. Because of topographical differences in the thickness of the lens capsule, the central anterior radius of curvature may change more than the central posterior radius of curvature. This is the accommodated condition of the eye, where images of near objects fall sharply on the retina.
Presbyopia is the universal decrease in the amplitude of accommodation, which is typically observed in individuals over forty years of age. In a person having normal vision or “emmetropic” eyes, the ability to focus on near objects is gradually lost. As a result, the individual comes to need glasses for tasks requiring near vision, such as reading.
According to the conventional view, the amplitude of accommodation of the aging eye is decreased because of the loss of elasticity of the lens capsule and/or sclerosis of the lens with age. Consequently, even though the radial tension on the zonules is relaxed by contraction of the ciliary muscle, the lens does not assume a greater curvature. According to this conventional view, it is not possible to restore the accommodative power to the presbyopic eye by any treatment. The loss of elasticity of the lens and its capsule is seen as irreversible. One solution to the problems presented by presbyopia is to use corrective lenses for close work or possibly bifocal lenses if corrective lenses are required for distant vision. Other solutions may include surgically reshaping the cornea of the eye or implanting a presbyopic intra-ocular lens in the eye
Contrary to the conventional view, it is possible to restore the accommodative power to a presbyopic eye by implanting scleral prostheses within the sclera of the eye. For each individual scleral prosthesis, an incision is made in the sclera of the eye, such as near the plane of the equator of the crystalline lens. The incision is then extended under the surface of the sclera to form a scleral “tunnel,” and a scleral prosthesis is placed within the tunnel. A typical scleral prosthesis could be formed from a generally rectangular-shaped bar approximately five millimeters long, one and a half millimeters wide, and one millimeter tall. One or multiple scleral prostheses may be implanted in a patient's eye to partially or completely restore the accommodative power to a presbyopic eye. The same or similar technique can also be used to treat glaucoma, ocular hypertension, elevated intraocular pressure, or other eye disorders. This technique is described more fully in the U.S. patents and patent applications incorporated by reference above.
This disclosure provides a scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods.
In a first embodiment, a scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end and a second free end opposite the first free end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first free end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions of the body are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The body is configured to receive and retain, between the first portions of the body, an insert that is configured to maintain the separation of the first portions.
In a second embodiment, a system includes a scleral prosthesis configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end and a second free end opposite the first free end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first free end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions of the body are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The system also includes an insert configured to be placed between the first portions of the body to maintain a separation of the first portions.
In a third embodiment, a method includes forming an elongated body of a scleral prosthesis. The body has a first free end and a second free end opposite the first free end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The method also includes forming an insert for the body. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first free end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions of the body are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The body is configured to receive and retain, between the first portions of the body, the insert to maintain the separation of the first portions.
Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
As shown in
In this example, the portions 112a-112b of the prosthesis 100 span a majority of the length of the prosthesis 100, meaning the prosthesis 100 is split along at least half of its length (or some other substantial portion of its length). The portions 112a-112b are generally biased so that they remain separated from one another without external interference. The portions 112a-112b may be biased such that they can be pushed towards each other or together but then separate after release. Also, the portions 112a-112b may not be excessively biased to the point where they tear through an incision in the patient's eye or pull the prosthesis 100 out of a scleral tunnel. Also, the cylindrical areas 110 and 114 project out from the sides of the prosthesis 100, meaning the cylindrical areas 110 and 114 form bases that are wider than the middle portion of the prosthesis 100. In addition, in this example, the top surface 106 of the prosthesis 100 is generally curved, and the bottom surface 108 could be generally flat or curved.
In this example embodiment, the scleral prosthesis 100 can be implanted within a scleral tunnel in a patient's eye. For example, the scleral prosthesis 100 can be implanted such that the cylindrical areas 110 and 114 remain outside of the scleral tunnel. Also, the flat bottoms of the cylindrical areas 110 and 114 can lie on the surface of the patient's eye outside of the scleral tunnel. To implant the scleral prosthesis 100 in the scleral tunnel, the portions 112a-112b of the scleral prosthesis 100 could be pushed together and pulled through the scleral tunnel. This may help to reduce the width or cross-sectional area of the end 104 of the scleral prosthesis 100 as the prosthesis 100 is pulled through the scleral tunnel during implantation. However, any other suitable technique could be used to implant the scleral prosthesis 100 in a scleral tunnel.
The scleral tunnel in which the scleral prosthesis 100 is implanted can be formed near the ciliary body of a patient's eye. Once implanted in a scleral tunnel, the scleral prosthesis 100 helps to, for example, increase the amplitude of accommodation of the patient's eye. The scleral prosthesis 100 could also help to treat other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, ocular hypertension, elevated intraocular pressure, or other eye disorders. In some embodiments, multiple prostheses (such as four) are implanted in a patient's eye, and the ends of the prostheses are “free” (not attached to the ends of other prostheses).
By making the ends of the scleral prosthesis 100 wider than its middle portion, various benefits could be obtained, such as stabilization of the prosthesis 100. For example, with wider ends, it is less likely that the scleral prosthesis 100 would turn or rotate within a scleral tunnel after implantation. Also, the wider ends help to lock the scleral prosthesis 100 into place and impede movement of the scleral prosthesis 100. In addition, the wider ends make it less likely that the scleral prosthesis 100 can be inadvertently ejected out of the scleral tunnel after implantation.
In particular embodiments, the prosthesis 100 in
The scleral prosthesis 200 in
In this example embodiment, the scleral prosthesis 200 can be implanted within a scleral tunnel in a patient's eye, such as by implanting the scleral prosthesis 200 so that the cylindrical areas 210 and 212 remain outside of the scleral tunnel. Also, the flat bottom portions of the cylindrical areas 210 and 212 can lie on the surface of the patient's eye outside of the scleral tunnel. Further, the cylindrical areas 210 and 212 project out from the sides of the prosthesis 200, forming bases that are wider than the middle portion of the prosthesis 200. As noted above, this may help to stabilize the scleral prosthesis 200, such as by reducing or preventing rotation, locking the prosthesis 200 into place, impeding movement of the prosthesis 200, and reducing the likelihood that the prosthesis 200 can exit the scleral tunnel. In addition, in this example, the top surface of the prosthesis 200 is generally curved, and the bottom surface could be generally flat or curved.
To implant the scleral prosthesis 200 in the scleral tunnel, the portions 206a-206b or 208a-208b of the scleral prosthesis 200 can be pushed together and pulled through the scleral tunnel. An example of this is shown in
In particular embodiments, the prosthesis 200 in
As shown in
In this example, the portions 310a-310b of the prosthesis 300 span less than a quarter of the length of the prosthesis 300 (or some other less substantial portion of its length), and the portions 312a-312b of the prosthesis 300 span more than half of the length of the prosthesis 300 (or some other more substantial portion of its length). Also, in this example, the ends 302-304 of the prosthesis 300 have areas 314-316, respectively, that are more triangular in shape. As shown in
In this example embodiment, the scleral prosthesis 300 can be implanted within a scleral tunnel in a patient's eye, such as by implanting the scleral prosthesis 300 so that the areas 314 and 316 remain outside of the scleral tunnel. Also, the flat bottom portions of the areas 314 and 316 can lie on the surface of the patient's eye outside of the scleral tunnel. Further, the areas 314 and 316 project out from the sides of the prosthesis 300 to form bases wider than the middle portion of the prosthesis 300. Again, the wider ends may provide certain benefits for the scleral prosthesis 300, such as stabilization of the prosthesis 300. In addition, in this example, the top surface 306 and the bottom surface 308 of the prosthesis 300 are generally curved.
In particular embodiments, the prosthesis 300 in
Examples of differently sized and dimensioned prostheses are shown in
The prostheses 300a-300d in
In this example, the scleral prosthesis 400 in
The prosthesis 400 also includes an insert 408 placed between or around the multiple portions 406a-406b of the end 404 of the prosthesis 400. The insert 408 can be permanently or removably placed between or around the portions 406a-406b of the end 404 of the prosthesis 400. For example, the insert 408 could be placed between or around the portions 406a-406b of the end 404 after the prosthesis 400 has been implanted in a scleral tunnel in a patient's eye. The insert 408 could later be removed, such as to facilitate removal of the prosthesis 400 from the scleral tunnel.
The insert 408 may generally help to stabilize the prosthesis 400 (in addition to the stabilization already provided by the wider ends). For example, the insert 408 could help to prevent the portions 406a-406b of the prosthesis 400 from separating excessively, which could pull the opposite end 402 through the scleral tunnel and force the prosthesis 400 out of the tunnel completely. The insert 408 could also function to reduce or prevent rotation of the prosthesis 400 within the scleral tunnel. For instance, the insert 408 may help to ensure that the end 404 of the prosthesis 400 maintains a desired width and therefore remains wide enough to prevent the prosthesis 400 from rolling over once implanted in the scleral tunnel. Moreover, the insert 408 can be inserted into or around the prosthesis 400 only after the prosthesis 400 has been implanted, which enables the portions 406a-406b of the prosthesis 400 to be pushed together during implantation while preventing portions 406a-406b from coming together after implantation (reducing the likelihood that the prosthesis 400 can exit the scleral tunnel).
The insert 408 could be attached or coupled to the prosthesis 400 in any suitable manner. For example, the insert 408 could have one or more structures that engage one or more corresponding structures of the portions 406a-406b of the prosthesis 400, such as male structures on the insert 408 that engage female structures on the prosthesis body. The insert 408 could also be attached to the prosthesis 400 using sutures or looped around the prosthesis 400. The insert 408 could be attached or coupled to the prosthesis 400 in any other suitable manner.
As shown in
As shown here, portions 508-510 of the ends 502-504 of the prosthesis 500 are hook-shaped, where the portions 508 of the end 502 are hooked back towards the end 504 and the portions 510 of the end 504 are hooked back towards the end 502. These portions 508-510 of the prosthesis 500 could also lie outside of a scleral tunnel and rest on the surface of a patient's eye. Again, the ends 502-504 of the prosthesis 500 are wider than the middle, helping to stabilize the prosthesis 500.
In this example, the prosthesis 500 also includes ridges 512 along the inner sides of the portions 506a-506b The ridges 512 generally travel lengthwise along the portions 506a-506b of the prosthesis 500. The ridges 512 may or may not link up to each other along the curved intersection of the portions 506a-506b. The ridges 512 may have any suitable height, width, or shape.
The prosthesis 500 could have the dimensions shown in
As explained in more detail below, an insert can be placed between or around the multiple portions 506a-506b of the end 504 of the prosthesis 500. The insert can be permanently or removably placed between or around the portions 506a-506b of the end 504 of the prosthesis 500. For example, the insert could be placed between or around the portions 506a-506b of the end 504 after the prosthesis 500 has been implanted in a scleral tunnel in a patient's eye. The insert could later be removed, such as to facilitate removal of the prosthesis 500 from the scleral tunnel.
The insert may generally help to stabilize the prosthesis 500 (in addition to the stabilization already provided by the wider ends). For example, the insert could help to prevent the portions 506a-506b of the prosthesis 500 from separating excessively, which could pull the opposite end 502 through the scleral tunnel and force the prosthesis 500 out of the tunnel completely. The insert could also function to reduce or prevent rotation of the prosthesis 500 within the scleral tunnel. For instance, the insert may help to ensure that the end 504 of the prosthesis 500 maintains a desired width and therefore remains wide enough to prevent the prosthesis 500 from rolling over once implanted in the scleral tunnel. Moreover, the insert can be inserted into or around the prosthesis 500 only after the prosthesis 500 has been implanted, which enables the portions 506a-506b of the prosthesis 500 to be pushed together during implantation but prevents portions 506a- 506b from coming together after implantation (reducing the likelihood that the prosthesis 500 can exit the scleral tunnel).
As shown in
As shown here, portions 608-610 of the ends 602-604 of the prosthesis 600 are hook-shaped, and the prosthesis 600 includes ridges 612 along the inner sides of the portions 606a-606b. The ridges 612 generally travel lengthwise along the portions 606a-606b of the prosthesis 600 and may or may not be linked along the curved intersection of the portions 606a-606b. Again, the ends 602-604 of the prosthesis 600 are wider than the middle, helping to stabilize the prosthesis 600.
The prosthesis 600 could have the dimensions shown in
As shown below, the prosthesis 600 can include an insert permanently or removably placed between or around the multiple portions 606a-606b of the end 604 of the prosthesis 600. The insert may generally help to stabilize the prosthesis 600 (in addition to the stabilization already provided by the wider ends).
As shown in
As with the prostheses 500 and 600, the prosthesis 700 includes ridges 712 along the inner sides of the portions 706a-706b. The ridges 712 generally travel lengthwise along the portions 706a-706b of the prosthesis 700 and may or may not be linked together.
The prosthesis 700 could have the dimensions shown in
Although
As shown in
As shown in
Although
In this example, the threader tube 900 includes a wider upper portion 902, a tapered portion 904, and a narrower lower portion 906. The lower portion 906 in this example includes an angled end 908. The threader tube 900 could be formed from any suitable material(s), such as heat-shrink tubing formed from TEFLON PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Also, the threader tube 900 could have any suitable shape that allows the threader tube 900 to be pulled through a scleral tunnel. For example, the threader tube 900 could have an overall length of 3.0 cm (±0.5 cm). The upper portion 902 could have a length of 1.0 cm (±0.2 cm), an internal diameter of 1.0 mm, and a minimum wall thickness of 0.08 mm. The lower portion 906 could have an internal diameter of 0.5 mm and a recovered minimum wall thickness of 0.12 mm. In addition, the end 908 of the lower portion 906 could have an angle of 30°.
Optionally, a suture 910 can be placed through the threader tube 900, and a rod 912 can be inserted into the lower portion 906 of the threader tube 900. The illustration in
The rod 912 in this example includes a tapered and rounded end that can be inserted through a scleral tunnel ahead of the lower portion 906 of the threader tube 900. The rod 912 can be used to facilitate insertion of the threader tube 900 into a scleral tunnel of a patient's eye. For example, the rod 912 may help the scleral tunnel to open and obtain a larger size before the lower portion 906 of the threader tube 900 is inserted into the scleral tunnel. The rod 912 could be formed from any suitable material(s) and can have any suitable size or shape, such as a cigar-shaped rod having a maximum diameter of 0.3 mm. Also, both ends of the rod 912 could, but need not, have the shape shown in
Although
In this example, the surgical blade 1000 is used to automatically feed a suture through a scleral tunnel. The suture could then be used to pull a prosthesis into the scleral tunnel, such as is shown in
As shown in
In this example, the cutting blade 1004 includes a notch 1008. After the cutting blade 1004 is rotated into the scleral tissue of a patient's eye (and before it is rotated out of the scleral tissue), a suture 1010 can be placed in the notch 1008. In some embodiments, the suture 1010 could have multiple loops at its end, and the loops may be placed in the notch 1008. In other embodiments, the suture 1010 itself is placed within the notch 1008. The suture 1010 could be loaded into the notch 1008 in any suitable manner, such as automatically or manually. The cutting blade 1004 is then rotated out of the patient's scleral tissue, pulling the suture 1010 with it. This allows the suture 1010 to be pulled through the scleral tunnel in a patient's eye at the time that the scleral tunnel is formed. The suture 1010 also helps to mark the location of the scleral tunnel, allowing a surgeon or other personnel to quickly locate the scleral tunnel in the patient's eye after the surgical blade 1000 is removed.
Although
In this example, the scleral prosthesis 1100 changes shape after being implanted into a scleral tunnel. For example, the prosthesis 1100 could be formed from a shape-memory metal or other material that changes shape when exposed to certain temperatures or temperature ranges, such as a nickel titanium alloy or Nitinol. In this example, the prosthesis 1100 before implantation may have the shape shown in
Once inserted into a scleral tunnel, the temperature of the patient's scleral tissue may cause the prosthesis 1100 to assume the shape shown in
The prosthesis 1100 could be implanted into a patient's eye in any suitable manner. For example, the scleral prosthesis 1100 could be inserted into a scleral tunnel after a surgical blade has been used to form the scleral tunnel.
In other embodiments, as shown in
In particular embodiments, the prosthesis 1100 may be malleable and caused to assume the shape shown in
Although
In this example, the scleral prosthesis 1200 is configured to receive an insert 1202. The prosthesis 1200 includes a textured bottom surface 1204, and the insert 1202 includes a textured bottom surface 1206 (although this feature could be omitted). Also, the interior sides of the legs of the prosthesis 1200 have “male” ridges 1208, and the insert 1202 has “female” slots 1210 that guide the insert 1202 smoothly between the legs of the prosthesis 1200 (after the prosthesis 1200 itself has been inserted in a scleral tunnel).
In addition, the insert 1202 includes a slightly wider circular “male” area 1212 at the interior end of the insert 1202, which can be inserted into a corresponding circular “female” expansion 1214 on the prosthesis 1200 itself. As the insert 1202 approaches the end of its travel into the prosthesis 1200, the area 1212 can be snapped into the expansion 1214, which helps to ensure that the insert 1202 does not fall out of the prosthesis 1200 after implantation.
The insert 1212 can be permanently or removably placed between the legs of the prosthesis 1200, For example, the insert 1212 could be placed between the legs of the prosthesis 1200 after the prosthesis 1200 has been implanted in a scleral tunnel in a patient's eye. The insert 1212 could later be removed, such as to facilitate removal of the prosthesis 1200 from the scleral tunnel.
The insert 1212 may generally help to stabilize the prosthesis 1200 (in addition to the stabilization already provided by its wider ends). For example, the insert 1212 could help to prevent the legs of the prosthesis 1200 from separating excessively, which could pull the opposite end through the scleral tunnel and force the prosthesis 1200 out of the tunnel completely. The insert 1212 could also function to reduce or prevent rotation of the prosthesis 1200 within the scleral tunnel. For instance, the insert 1212 may help to ensure that the legs of the prosthesis 1200 form an end having a desired width, so the end remains wide enough to prevent the prosthesis 1200 from rolling over once implanted in the scleral tunnel. Moreover, the insert 1212 can be inserted into or around the prosthesis 1200 only after the prosthesis 1200 has been implanted, which enables the legs of the prosthesis 1200 to be pushed together during implantation but prevents the legs from coming together after implantation.
As shown in
As shown in
In particular embodiments, the prostheses 1200-1400 shown in
Although
In addition, in some embodiments, any of the scleral prostheses described above could be fabricated using at least one magnetic material. For example, the entire body of a scleral prosthesis could be formed from at least one biocompatible magnetic material, or the scleral prosthesis could be formed from at least one non-biocompatible magnetic material and then encased in a biocompatible cover or shell. Also, a portion of a scleral prosthesis could be formed from at least one magnetic material. For instance, when a scleral prosthesis includes an insert (such as is shown in
A scleral tunnel is formed in a patient's eye and a suture is placed through the scleral tunnel at step 1502. This could include, for example, using a tool with a curved cutting blade to form the scleral tunnel. This may also include pulling a suture through the scleral tunnel using the curved cutting blade. This may further include pulling a suture through the scleral tunnel after the curved cutting blade has completed the formation of the tunnel.
The suture is looped around a scleral prosthesis at step 1504. This could include, for example, placing loops at the end of a suture around one end of the scleral prosthesis (such as is done in
The scleral prosthesis is inserted into the threader tube at step 1506. This could include, for example, inserting one end of the scleral prosthesis into the threader tube. Any suitable portion of the scleral prosthesis can be inserted into the threader tube, such as a portion that prevents premature ejection of the scleral prosthesis within the scleral tunnel.
The threader tube is inserted into the scleral tunnel at step 1508. This could include, for example, pushing the lower portion 906 of the threader tube into the scleral tunnel. This could also include pulling the threader tube into the scleral tunnel using the suture. This could further include using the rod 915 to open the scleral tunnel before the body of the threader tube is pulled into the scleral tunnel. The scleral prosthesis is pulled into the scleral tunnel at step 1510. This could include, for example, pulling the scleral prosthesis into its proper position within the scleral tunnel using the threader tube and the suture.
The scleral prosthesis is removed from the threader tube at step 1512, and the threader tube and the suture are removed at step 1514. This could include, for example, pulling the threader tube off the scleral prosthesis. This could also include pulling on one end of the suture to remove the suture from the scleral tunnel.
If necessary or desired, an insert can be placed between or around portions of the implanted scleral prosthesis at step 1516. This could include, for example, placing the insert between or around separated or divided portions of the scleral prosthesis to prevent rotation, flexing, ejection, or other movement by the scleral prosthesis.
Although
It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.
While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/331,793 filed on Oct. 21, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,717,588), which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/975,152 filed on Dec. 18, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,504,559), which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/570,630 filed on Dec. 15, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,486,310), which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/654,249 filed on Oct. 17, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,911,496), which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/827,382 filed on Jul. 11, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,277), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/819,995 filed on Jul. 11, 2006. All of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
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| WO 2007051345 | May 2007 | WO |
| WO 2008090225 | Jul 2008 | WO |
| 984634 | Feb 1999 | ZA |
| 989149 | Jun 1999 | ZA |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170296329 A1 | Oct 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60819995 | Jul 2006 | US |
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| Parent | 15331793 | Oct 2016 | US |
| Child | 15637285 | US | |
| Parent | 14975152 | Dec 2015 | US |
| Child | 15331793 | US | |
| Parent | 14570630 | Dec 2014 | US |
| Child | 14975152 | US | |
| Parent | 13654249 | Oct 2012 | US |
| Child | 14570630 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11827382 | Jul 2007 | US |
| Child | 13654249 | US |
