Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
An instrument for inserting a lens through an incision into the eye of a patient, comprising: a tubular member having a central section of a particular diameter and a first end section of a reduced outer diameter with respect to said central section to be received in the incision, said first end section forming a shoulder with said central section to limit the distance that the first end section may be inserted into the incision, an elongated probe received into said tubular member through a second end section thereof, a handle mounted at one end of said probe, said handle having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of said central section of said tubular member to prevent the handle from entering said central section and thereby limiting the linear displacement of said probe into said tubular member, said probe being linearly movable in said handle, and a spring mounted in said handle and coupled to said probe to provide a spring-bias action to said probe so as to limit the maximum force that may be exerted on said probe by said handle as said probe is inserted into said tubular member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
An instrument for inserting a lens through an incision into the eye of a patient, comprising: a tubular member having a central section of a particular diameter and a first end section of a reduced outer diameter with respect to said central section to be received in the incision, said first end section forming a shoulder with said central section to limit the distance that the first end section may be inserted into the incision, an elongated probe received into said tubular member through a second end section thereof, a handle mounted at one end of said probe, said handle having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of said central section of said tubular member to prevent the handle from entering said central section and thereby limiting the linear displacement of said probe into said tubular member, said probe being linearly movable in said handle, and a spring mounted in said handle and coupled to said probe to provide a spring-bias action to said probe so as to limit the maximum force that may be exerted on said probe by said handle as said probe is inserted into said tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
90 words
The instrument defined in claim 1, in which the inner diameter of said first end section is reduced with respect to the inner diameter of said central section, and the inner diameter of said central section at the end thereof adjacent to said first end section is curved inwardly towards said first end section to provide a transition zone to permit a folded flexible lens to be folded and inserted into said first end section through said central section and held in a folded configuration in said first end section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The instrument defined in claim 1, in which the second end section of said tubular member is flared outwardly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The instrument defined in claim 2, in which said transition has a gradual curvature to reduce insertion forces and virtually to eliminate damage to soft intraocular lenses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The instrument defined in claim 1, in which the probe is constructed of composite materials to achieve maximum stiffness while presenting a soft surface to preclude damage to the lens being inserted.