Scalable fluid-filling system for accommodating intraocular lenses and associated systems and methods

Abstract

The present technology relates to scalable fluid-filling systems for accommodating intraocular lenses (AIOLs) and methods of operating the same. Fluid-filling systems as disclosed herein include a vacuum enclosure, a positioning assembly positioned within the vacuum enclosure, a fill needle and a vent needle positioned proximate to the linear stage assembly, an actuator coupled to the fill needle, and a beam emitter and a camera positioned external to the vacuum enclosure. The positioning assembly can be controlled to move an AIOL base such that the vent needle or the fill needle is inserted. The actuator can be controlled to pump fluid through the fill needle and into the AIOL base. The camera can measure a degree of distortion of a beam emitted through the AIOL base by the beam emitter. An optical power of the AIOL base can be determined based on the measured degree of distortion.

Description

SCALABLE FLUID-FILLING SYSTEM FOR ACCOMMODATINGINTRAOCULAR LENSES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS ANDMETHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 582,631, filed Sept. 14, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 660,383, filed June 14, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology7relates to scalable fluid-filling systems for accommodating intraocular lenses (AIOLs) and methods of operating the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Cataracts can affect a large percentage of the worldwide adult population with clouding of the native crystalline lens and resulting loss of vision. Patients with cataracts can be treated by native lens removal and surgical implantation of a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL). Worldwide, there are millions of IOL implantation procedures performed annually. In the U.S., there are 3.5 million cataract procedures performed, while worldwide there are over 20 million annual procedures performed.

[0004] Although IOL implantation procedures can be effective at restoring vision, conventional IOLS have several drawbacks. For example, many prior IOLS are not able to change focus as a natural lens would (known as accommodation). Other drawbacks of conventional IOLs include refractive errors that occur after implantation and require glasses for correcting distance vision, or in other cases the IOLs can be effective in providing good far vision, but patients need glasses for intermediate and near vision.

[0005] Several multi-focal IOLs have been developed to address these drawbacks, but they too can have drawbacks. For example, although multi-focal IOLs generally perform well for reading and distance vision, in at least some instances such multi-focal IOLs may cause significant glare, halos, reduced contrast sensitivity, and other visual artifacts.

[0006] AIOLs have been proposed to provide accommodative optical power in response to the distance at which a patient views an object. However, such AIOLs are generally still in development and have different drawbacks. For example, prior AIOLs can provide insufficient accommodation after implantation or produce suboptimal refractive correction of the eye. The amount of accommodation of the prior AIOLs can also decrease after implantation in at least some instances. The prior AIOLs can also be too large to be inserted through a small incision of the eye and may require the incision to be somewhat larger than would be ideal. Also, at least some of the prior AIOLs can be unstable when placed in the eye, which can lead to incorrect accommodation and other errors.

[0007] Improved implantable intraocular lenses that accommodate with the natural mechanisms of controlling focusing of the eye that overcome at least some of the above deficiencies would be desirable. Ideally, such improved AIOLs would provide increased amounts of accommodation when implanted, provide refractive stability, introduce few if any perceptible visual artifacts, and allow the optical power of the eye to change from far vision to near vision in response to the distance of the obj ect viewed by the patient.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present technology. Furthermore, components can be shown as transparent in certain views for clarity of illustration only and not to indicate that the component is necessarily transparent. Components may also be shown schematically.

[0009] FIG. 1 A is a perspective, partially transparent view of a scalable fluid-filling system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] FIG. IB is a schematic view of another scalable fluid-filling system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a linear stage assembly included in the scalable fluid-filling system of FIG. 1A.

[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an accommodating intraocular lenses with a fill needle inserted and configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology7.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another scalable fluid-filling system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the scalable fluid-filling system of FIG. 4 with select components removed for illustrative purposes.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fluid delivery assembly included in the scalable fluid-filling system of FIG. 4 and configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0016] FIGS. 7 A and 7B are perspective views of a base and venting needle moving assembly included in the scalable fluid-filling system of FIG. 4 and configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology7.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view7of the base and venting needle moving assembly of FIG. 7A with select components removed for illustrative purposes.

[0018] FIGS. 9 and 10 are enlarged perspective views of select portions of the base and venting needle moving assembly of FIG. 7A.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view of select portions of the base and venting needle moving assembly of FIG. 7A.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of a sensor assembly included in the scalable fluid-filling system of FIG. 4 and configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates operation of the scalable fluid-filling system of FIG. 4 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0022] FIGS. 14A and 14B are top perspective and side perspective views, respectively, of yet another scalable fluid-filling system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0023] FIG. 15 is an enlarged top perspective view7of the scalable fluid-filling system of FIG. 14 A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present technology' is directed to scalable fluid-filling systems for AIOLs and methods of operating the same. In many of the embodiments disclosed herein, the fluid-fillingsystems can be used to at least partially fill an AIOL base with oil or other fluids within a vacuum enclosure. In some embodiments, the AIOL base is evacuated to a low pressure (e.g., a nearvacuum pressure level) prior to being filled with fluid. The AIOL base can be moved using a positioning assembly such that a fill needle and / or a vent needle is inserted. An actuator can be controlled using a controller to pump fluid through the fill needle and into the AIOL base. A beam emitter can emit a beam through the AIOL base and, as the AIOL base is filled with fluid, a camera can determine an optical power of the AIOL base. In some embodiments, the camera communicates and forms a feedback loop with the controller such that the amount of fluid injected is precisely controlled to achieve a target optical power for the AIOL base.

[0025] The fluid-filling systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can be scalable and / or modular. For example, the vacuum enclosure of the fluid-filling systems can be expanded in size to support a plurality of positioning assemblies, a plurality of fill needles and vent needles, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of beam emitters, and / or a plurality of cameras, etc. such that multiple AIOL bases can be filled with fluid (e.g., simultaneously) in the single vacuum enclosure. In another example, one or more of the individual components of the fluid-filling systems (e.g., the positioning assembly, the fill needle, the vent needle, the actuator, the beam emitter, the camera) can be swapped or replaced with another (e.g., an equivalent component but with different specifications), allowing the systems to be highly modular.

[0026] Specific details of various embodiments of the present technology are described below with reference to FIGS. 1A-13. Although many of the embodiments are described below with respect to at least partially filling AIOLs with oil and associated methods, other embodiments are within the scope of the present technology. Additionally, other embodiments of the present technology can have different configurations, components, and / or procedures than those described herein. For instance, filling systems configured in accordance with the present technology may include additional elements and features beyond those described herein, or other embodiments may not include several of the elements and features shown and described herein.

[0027] As used herein, the use of relative terminology, such as “about,’' “approximately,'’ “substantially” and the like refer to the stated value plus or minus ten percent. For example, the use of the term “about 100” refers to a range of from 90 to 1 10, inclusive. In instances in which the context requires otherwise and / or relative terminology is used in reference to something thatdoes not include a numerical value, the terms are given their ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art.

[0028] FIG. 1 A is a perspective, partially transparent view of a scalable fluid-filling system 100 (“system 100”) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The system 100 can include a motor 110 (e.g., a stepper motor), a rotary vacuum feedthrough 120 coupled to the motor 110, a vacuum enclosure 130, a dispense component or injector 140, a fill needle 144, a vent needle 146, and a linear stage assembly 150. The vacuum enclosure 130 can include a first end portion 130a coupled to the rotary vacuum feedthrough 120 and a second end portion 130b opposite the first end portion 130a. The injector 140 can include one or more valves, pumps, syringes (e.g., acting as pumps), etc. In some embodiments, the injector 140 allows fluid to flow or pass due to a pressure differential as opposed to, e.g., actively pumping or transferring the fluid. In the illustrated embodiment, the injector 140 comprises a syringe, and is referred to as “the syringe 140” herein. The syringe 140 can be positioned between the first and second end portions 130a, 130b (e.g., along the x-axis). The fill needle 144 can be coupled to one end of the syringe 140, and the vent needle 146 can be disposed proximate to the fill needle 144. The linear stage assembly 150 can be disposed within the vacuum enclosure 130 proximate to the second end portion 130b. Outside of the vacuum enclosure 130, the system 100 can further include a beam emitter 160 (also referred to as a laser diode 160), a camera 170, and a side-view camera 180. The beam emitter 160 and the camera 170 can be positioned on opposite sides of the vacuum enclosure 130 and oriented to face the linear stage assembly 150 (e.g., facing along the z-axis). The side-view camera 180 can be positioned to face the linear stage assembly 150 through the second end portion 130b of the vacuum enclosure 130 (e.g.. facing along the x-axis).

[0029] The motor 110 can be operatively coupled to a power source (not shown) and / or a controller (not shown) configured to control the motor 110. The motor 110 can also be coupled to a lead screw 112 that extends into the vacuum enclosure 120 through the rotary vacuum feedthrough 120 along the x-axis. The syringe 140 can include a moveable plunger 142 operatively coupled to the lead screw 112 within the vacuum enclosure 130. The vacuum enclosure 130 can be made from a transparent material (e.g., glass, polycarbonate) such that the beam emitter 160 can emit a beam (e.g., a laser) through the vacuum enclosure 130 and to the camera 170, and such that the side-view camera 180 can view the fill needle 144 and the vent needle 146. In some embodiments, the side-view camera 180 is mounted on a rail or an actuator (not shown) configured to move the side-view camera 180 along the y-axis. The side-view camera 180 can be moved to another position to view a different linear stage assembly in a different vacuum enclosure.

[0030] Prior to operation of the system 100, an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base 102 (“the base 102”) can be placed or secured on the linear stage assembly 150. In some embodiments, an interior pressure of the base 102 is reduced to a low pressure level (e.g., less than about 10 torr, near-vacuum pressure level) via the vent needle 146. As discussed further herein, the low pressure level can facilitate degassing the fluid and / or evacuating the base 102. In some embodiments, the system 100 further includes a temperature controller that can control the temperature inside the vacuum enclosure 130. Temperature control can facilitate process repeatability. The syringe 140 can be at least partially filled with oil or other fluid. In some embodiments, the oil is degassed (e.g., made bubble-free) prior to filling. For example, the oil can be degassed by passing the oil through a permeable tubing using a peristaltic pump. In another example, the oil can be degassed using the syringe 140 and the plunger 142 (or another set of a syringe and a plunger) to create a reduced pressure environment for the oil. In such cases, the syringe can be fully contained within the vacuum enclosure 130.

[0031] During operation of the system 100, the linear stage assembly 150 can be controlled to move the base 102 along any one or more of the x-, y-, and z-axes. In some embodiments, the fill needle 144 and the vent needle 146 are fixed in position relative to the vacuum enclosure 130 and the linear stage assembly 150 can be controlled to move the base 102 until the fill needle 144 and / or the vent needle 146 are properly inserted into the base 102. The side-view camera 180 can be used to view the relative positions of the fill needle 144, the vent needle 146, and the base 102 while a user operates the linear stage assembly 150 to ensure precise insertion. In some embodiments, the beam emitter 160 and the camera 170 can be positioned to be aligned with the fill needle 144. the vent needle 146. and / or the base 102 such that a beam from the beam emitter 160 goes through the base 102 and reaches the camera 170. In some embodiments, the linear stage assembly 150 is replaced with a different positioning assembly that can move the base 102 between desired positions and / or orientations.

[0032] Once the fill needle 144 is properly inserted into the base 102. the motor 110 can be controlled to rotate the lead screw 112 at a desired rotation rate and to a desired rotation angle, thereby moving the plunger 142 along the x-axis toward or away from the fill needle 144. As the plunger 142 is moved toward the fill needle 144, the oil or other fluid in the syringe 140 is injected into the interior of the base 102.

[0033] While the base 102 is being injected with oil, the beam emitter 160 can be operated to emit a beam (e.g., a laser beam) through the base 102 and to the camera 170. In someembodiments, for example, the emitted beam comprises a columnated 3 mm diameter green laser beam. The emitted beam can comprise other types of beams, such as beams of different diameters and / or colors. The emitted beam is diffracted, distorted, converged, diverged, or otherwise affected by the oil injected into the base 102. In some embodiments, the degree of such distortion is affected by the amount of oil injected (e.g., by changing thickness of oil that the emitted beam must pass through). The camera 170 can be configured to determine the degree of distortion (e.g., by measuring the size of a spot formed by the emitted beam), and hence determine an optical power of the base 102, which is affected by the amount of oil, at any given moment. In some embodiments, the camera 170 can determine the optical power of the base 102 based on the focal length of the base 102 provided by the distance at which the emitted beam is best focused. In some embodiments, an operator or an actuator (not shown) can move the camera 170 to dynamically identify the distance at which the emitted beam is best focused, and use that distance as the focal length of the base 102.

[0034] In some embodiments, the camera 170 is configured to communicate with the motor 110 (or with a controller controlling the motor 110) to form a feedback loop that modulates the amount of oil injected into the base 102 to reach a target optical power. In some embodiments, the target optical power can be set to be. for example, between about 5 and 7 diopters, between about 5.5 and 6.5 diopters, between about 5.75 and 6.25 diopters, or about 6 diopters. In some embodiments, the volume of oil to be injected to reach the target optical power can be between about 20 pL and 40 pL, between about 25 and 35 pL, or about 30 pL. It will be further appreciated that the above values can further vary in additional embodiments of the present technology.

[0035] FIG. IB is a schematic view of another scalable fluid-filling system 101 (“system 10T’), configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The system 101 includes a number of components generally similar to or identical to components of the system100 described above with reference to FIG. 1A. Relative to the system 100, however, the system101 is shown with a vacuum pump and a corresponding port on a lower-right comer of the vacuum enclosure. The vacuum enclosure is also shown with a lid that can open (e g., via a pneumatic opening hinge) for insertion and removal of the syringe, the linear stage assembly, the AIOL base, and other components, and close (e.g., via pneumatic latching) to seal the vacuum enclosure.

[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the linear stage assembly 150 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the linear stage assembly 150 includes a frame 250, a first linear stage 252 coupled to the frame 250, a first set of wires 253coupled to provide power and / or control signals to the first linear stage 252, a second linear stage 254 coupled to the frame 250, and a second set of wires 255 coupled to provide power and / or control signals to the second linear stage 254. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 250 is generally L-shaped such that the first linear stage 252 is operably coupled to a first portion of the L-shaped frame 250 and the second linear stage 254 is coupled to a second portion of the L-shaped frame 250, thereby allowing the first and second linear stages 252, 254 to actuate in different directions.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2A, the linear stage assembly 150 further includes a base platform 256 operably coupled to the first linear stage 252. The AIOL base 102 can be placed or secured on a distal end portion of the base platform 256, and the distal end portion of the base platform 256 can extend beyond an edge of the first linear stage 252 such that the vent needle 146 can access the base 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the fill needle 144 includes a fill needle tip 294 that bends from the x-axis to the z-axis. The vent needle 146 includes a vent needle tip 296 that bends from the y-axis to the z-axis. In some embodiments, each of the fill needle tip 294 and the vent needle tip 296 can have an outer diameter that ranges between about 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm (e.g., about 0.24 mm). In other embodiments, however, the outer diameters of the fill needle tip 294 and / or the vent needle tip 296 can vary.

[0038] The illustrated orientations of the components are by way of example only, and a person skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the components can be positioned and / or oriented differently. For example, the vent needle 146 can extend from above and extend toward the base 102 along the z-axis, and the vent needle tip 296 may be straight instead. In some embodiments, the second linear stage 254 is coupled to another object (e.g., the vacuum enclosure 130).

[0039] As best seen in FIG. 2A, during operation of the linear stage assembly 150, the second linear stage 254 (which can be fixed to the vacuum enclosure 130) can move the frame 250, and thereby the rest of the linear stage assembly 150, linearly along the z-axis. The first linear stage 252 can move the platform 256, and thereby the base 102 thereon, linearly along the x-axis. Therefore, the first and second linear stages 252. 254 can be independently controlled to move the base 102 along the x- and / or z-axes such that the curved fill needle tip 294 and / or the curved vent needle tip 296, which can remain stationary relative to the vacuum enclosure 130, pierce the base 102 at a desired location. As discussed above, the side-view camera 180 can be used to maintain view of the insertion positioning. The linear stage assembly 150 can be vacuum compatible. Eachof the first and second linear stages 252, 254 can be adapted to move a maximum distance that ranges between about 10 mm and 50 mm (e.g., about 20 mm). Each of the first and second linear stages 252, 254 can be adapted to provide a force between about 0.01 Newtons (N) and 10 N (e.g., about 3 N) such that the curved fill needle tip 294 and the curved vent needle tip 296 can reliably be inserted into and withdrawn from the base 102.

[0040] In some embodiments, the base 102 is first moved such that only the vent needle 146 is inserted into the base 102. As discussed previously, the vent needle 146 can extract air or other fluid from the base 102 until the interior pressure reaches a low value (e.g., less than about 10 torr). The base 102 can then be moved such that only the fill needle 144 is inserted into the base 102. The fill needle 144 can fill the interior of the base 102 w ith oil or other fluid, as discussed above. For example, outflow rate of the fill needle 144 can be controlled according to a feedback loop. In some embodiments, for example, the curved fill needle tip 294 and the curved vent needle tip 296 are aligned along the x-axis such that the base 102 only needs to be moved along the x- axis (e.g., via the first linear stage 252) when moving from the vent needle 146 to the fill needle 144. In additional embodiments, the curved fill needle tip 294 and the curved vent needle tip 296 are suspended at different positions along the z-axis to allow for greater space for the components. In some embodiments, the fill needle 144 is inserted into the same aperture into which the vent needle 146 was inserted. In other embodiments, however, the fill needle 144 and the vent needle 146 are inserted into different apertures. After the fill needle 144 and / or the vent needle 146 is removed from the base 102, the aperture(s) can be swabbed with alcohol and sealed with silicone. In subsequent manufacturing steps, the base 102 can then be cured in an oven and further processed for assembly.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fill needle 144 and the vent needle 146 are inserted into the base 102 simultaneously instead of sequentially. As the interior of the base 102 is filled with the oil, the vent needle 146 can passively or actively extract air at an appropriate rate to avoid over-pressurization of the base 102. After the fill needle 144 and the vent needle 146 are removed from the base 102, the apertures can be swabbed with alcohol and sealed with silicone. The base 102 can then be further processed for assembly.

[0042] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the AIOL base 102 with a tip 394 of a needle 344 inserted in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The needle 344 can comprise a fill needle (e.g., the fill needle 344) or a vent needle (e.g., the vent needle 346). As shown in FIG. 3B, the base 102 can define a first fluidchamber or reservoir 322 (which can also be referred to as an "outer fluid reservoir 322,” a "haptic reservoir 322,” and / or the like) and a second fluid chamber or reservoir 324 (which can also be referred to as an ‘'inner fluid reservoir 324,” an “optical fluid chamber 324,” and / or the like), each of which can be filled with fluid (e.g., oil). The fluid contained within the base 302 (e.g., within the outer fluid reservoir 322 and the inner fluid reservoir 324) can have a refractive index that is less than, equal to, or greater than the refractive index of aqueous and / or another portion of a patient’s eye. A channel 326 can extend between and fluidly couple the outer fluid reservoir 322 and the inner fluid reservoir 324 to allow the fluid to flow between the outer fluid reservoir 322 and the inner fluid reservoir 324. The outer fluid reservoir 322 can be defined at least partially between a first or outer wall 328 and a second or inner wall 330 of a first component 306 and / or a first or outer wall 332 and a second or inner wall 334 of a second component 308.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the needle tip 394 is inserted through the second component and into the outer fluid reservoir 322. In other embodiments, however, the needle tip 394 can be inserted elsewhere and / or from a different direction, such as into the outer fluid reservoir 322 through the first component 306. As fluid (e.g., oil) is injected into the outer fluid reservoir 322, the fluid can also flow into the inner fluid reservoir 324. In some embodiments, the fluid has a viscosity between about 400 cP and 800 cP, between about 500 cP and 700 cP, or between about 550 cP and 650 cP (e.g., 600 cP) such that the fluid can be injected into the base 102 at high pressure and at a relatively slow rate. In other embodiments, however, the viscosity of the fluid can have other suitable values.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another scalable fluid-filling system 400 (“the system 400”) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Certain features of the system 400 can be identical or generally similar to certain features of the system 100 (FIG. 1A) and / or the system 101 (FIG. IB).

[0045] The system 400 can include a housing 410. a sensor-transmitter 402. a controller 406 (illustrated schematically), and a vacuum source 408 (illustrated schematically). In some embodiments, the system 400 further includes a temperature controller (not shown). The housing 410 can include a bottom panel 411. a back panel 412, a left panel 413, a right panel 414, a front panel 415, and a top panel 416. The top panel 416 can include an aperture 418. One or more of the panels 41 1-416 can be coupled together (e.g., via fasteners, welding, adhesives, etc.), and can be arranged to form a box as shown. In particular, the front panel 415 can be rotatably coupled to the bottom panel 411 via a hinge 419, and the front panel 415 can be releasably secured to the toppanel 416 via one or more latches 417. The panels 411-416 can be composed of opaque, transparent, and / or translucent materials such as plastic (e.g., acry lic, polycarbonate), metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum), and / or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the housing 410 can have a length of about 10-15 inches, a width of about 4-8 inches, and a height of about 4-8 inches. The system 400 is also scalable such that in other embodiments, the housing 410 has other dimensions and / or shapes and includes a plurality of select ones of the components.

[0046] Once the front panel 415 is closed (e g., via the latches 417), the housing 410 can be hermetically sealed to define an internal chamber 404. During operation of the system 400, the controller 406 can control operation of the vacuum source 408 (e.g., a vacuum pump), which can be coupled to a port (not shown) on one of the panels (e.g., the back panel 412), to create a vacuum or near-vacuum within the internal chamber 404. In some embodiments, the housing 410 is sized to minimize the volume of the internal chamber 404, which can minimize the amount of time required to achieve the vacuum or near-vacuum pressure within, and allow faster operation cycles for, e.g., filling additional AIOL bases. In some embodiments, the housing 410 further includes one or more gaskets to further hermetically seal the internal chamber 404. The sensor-transmitter 402 can be in fluid communication with the internal chamber 404 via a port (not shown) on one of the panels (e.g., the top panel 416), and can measure and transmit (e.g., to a computing device) a pressure value of the internal chamber 404. The measured and transmitted pressure value can be used to ensure that a sufficient vacuum is created w ithin the internal chamber 404.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system 400 with the left panel 413, the front panel415, and the top panel 416, among other components (e.g., the hinge 419 and the latches 417) removed for illustrative purposes. As shown, the system 400 can further include a fluid delivery' assembly 520, a base and venting needle moving assembly 540, and a sensor assembly 580.

[0048] The fluid delivery assembly 520 can include a pump motor 522 (e.g.. a step motor) positioned external to the housing 410. a first frame structure 524 mounted on the back panel within the internal chamber 404, and a second frame structure 526 also mounted on the back panel within the internal chamber 404. The fluid delivery' assembly 520 can include additional components supported by the first frame structure 524 and the second frame structure 526, as described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 6. The pump motor 522 can be operably coupled to the additional components through an aperture 504 in the right panel 414. The aperture 504 can provide a hermetic seal around the connection therebetw een such that a vacuum or near- vacuum can be created in the internal chamber 404.

[0049] The base and venting needle moving assembly 540 can include a first motor 542 (e.g., a stepper motor), a second motor 562 (e.g., a stepper motor), and additional components, as described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 7A-11. The first motor 542 and the second motor 562 can be positioned external to the housing 410, and the additional components can be housed within the internal chamber 404. Each of the first motor 542 and the second motor 562 can be operably coupled to the additional components through corresponding apertures in the left panel 413 (omitted in FIG. 5 for illustrative purposes only). Also, as shown, the controller 406 can be operably coupled to control the pump motor 522, the first motor 542, and the second motor 562.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sensor assembly 580 is positioned in the aperture 418 of the top panel 416. However, as discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 12, in other embodiments the sensor assembly 580 can be positioned external to the housing 410. As also discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 12, the sensor assembly 580 can include an optical sensor and may not be coupled to any components within the internal chamber 404.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fluid delivery assembly 520 of the system 400. For purposes of illustration, the fluid delivery7assembly 520 is shown in FIG. 6 before installation with the rest of the system 400. The fluid delivery assembly 520 can include the pump motor 522, an enclosure 622, one or more couplers 623, a lead screw 624, a pusher 626, the first frame structure 524, and a syringe 630. The second frame structure 526 is omitted from FIG. 6 for illustrative purposes only.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 together, the enclosure 622 can be coupled (e.g., via fasteners) to the right panel 414 (FIG. 5) to support the pump motor 522 thereon. The pump motor 522 can be coupled to rotate the lead screw 624, which extends from the pump motor 522, into the internal chamber 404 through the aperture 504 (FIG. 5), and to a distal end of the first frame structure 524. In some embodiments, the lead screw7624 includes multiple shaft components, and the one or more couplers 623 can couple the multiple shaft components for alignment and load transfer. The first frame structure 524 can include a rail 628 that extends parallel to the load screw- 624, and the pusher 626 can be positioned to slide along the rail 628. The pusher 626 can also include internal threads (not shown) that threadably engage the lead screw therethrough.

[0053] The syringe 630 can store oil or other fluid. The syringe 630 can be fully contained within the internal chamber 404 (e.g., at least partially enclosed by the second frame structure 526(FIG. 5)). A plunger 632 is operably coupled between a proximal end portion of the syringe 630 and the pusher 626. A valve 634 can be operably coupled to a distal end portion of the syringe 630. As discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 7 A, a needle (not shown in FIG. 6) can be coupled to a distal end of the syringe 630 for dispensing the fluid stored therein. Prior to operation, the syringe 630 can be at least partially filled with the oil or other fluid. The valve 634 can be operated to ensure that the syringe 630 is filled properly. In some embodiments, the fluid is degassed (e.g.. made bubble-free) prior to filling.

[0054] In operation, the pump motor 522 can be operated to rotate the lead screw 624. Because the pusher 626 is threadably engaged with the lead screw 624 and the rail 628 maintains the upright orientation of the pusher 626, rotating the lead screw 624 causes the pusher 626 to slide along the rail 628. As the pusher 626 moves, the pusher pushes (or pulls) the plunger 632 into (or out of) the syringe 630, thereby pumping the fluid stored in the syringe 630 out of needle at the distal end of the syringe 630 (and thereby push or pull the plunger 632). The pump motor 522 can be controlled to move the pusher 626 and thus the plunger 632 in a desired direction and at a desired rate to achieve a desired flow rate of the fluid out of the syringe 630.

[0055] FIGS. 7 A and 7B are perspective views of the base and venting needle moving assembly 540 (‘‘the assembly 540”) of the system 400 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Again, for purposes of illustration, the assembly 540 is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B before installation with the rest of the system 400. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B together, the assembly 540 can include the first motor 542, the second motor 562, a frame structure 740, a base L-bracket 748, a vent needle mount 768, and a laser enclosure 774. The frame structure 740 can be coupled (e.g., via fasteners) to the left panel 413 (FIG. 4) to support the first motor 542 and the second motor 562 thereon. The laser enclosure 774 can be coupled to the outer housing 410, thus remaining fixed in position during operation of the assembly 540. As discussed in further detail herein, the first motor 542 can be operably coupled to move the base L-bracket 748 vertically (e.g., up or down), and the second motor 562 can be operably coupled to move the vent needle mount 768 vertically (e.g., up or down).

[0056] Referring first to the components operated by the first motor 542, the assembly 540 can also include a first shaft 742, one or more first couplers 743, a first right angle gear box 744, a first nut 745, and a first lead screw 746. The first right angle gear box 744 can be coupled to the laser enclosure 774, and thus remains fixed in position during operation of the assembly 540. The first lead screw' 746 can extend betw een the first right angle gear box 744 and a bracket 747 thatremains fixed in position (e.g., coupled to the first right angle gear box 744). The first motor 542 can be coupled to rotate the first shaft 742. The first right angle gear box 744, coupled between the first shaft 742 and the first lead screw 746, can convert the rotation of the first shaft 742 about a horizontal axis to rotation of the first lead screw 746 about a vertical axis. The first lead screw 746 can threadably engage the first nut 745, which is coupled to the base L-bracket 748. As further discussed below with reference to FIG. 9, the base L-bracket 748 is slidably coupled to and maintained at a constant onentation by the laser enclosure 774. Therefore, rotating the first lead screw 746 causes the first nut 745 and the base L-bracket 748 to move vertically.

[0057] The assembly 540 can further include a base support 750 positioned on top of the base L-bracket 748 and coupled to rotate about the first lead screw 746. In some embodiments, the portion of the first lead screw 746 extending through the base support 750 is not threaded such that rotation of the first lead screw 746 does not rotate the base support 750. As shown, the base support 750 can support an AIOL base 702 thereon, and is discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 11.

[0058] Referring next to the components operated by the second motor 562 (as better shown in FIG. 7B), the assembly 540 can also include a second shaft 762, one or more second couplers 763, a second right angle gear box 764, a second nut 765, and a second lead screw 766. The second right angle gear box 764 can be coupled to the laser enclosure 774, and thus remains fixed in position during operation of the assembly 540. The second lead screw 766 can extend between the second right angle gear box 764 and a bracket 767 that remains fixed in position (e.g., coupled to the back panel 412). The second motor 562 can be coupled to rotate the second shaft 762. The second right angle gear box 764, coupled between the second shaft 762 and the second lead screw 766, can convert the rotation of the second shaft 762 about a horizontal axis to rotation of the second lead screw 766 about a vertical axis. The second lead screw 766 can threadably engage the second nut 765, which is coupled to the vent needle mount 768. As further discussed below with reference to FIG. 10, the vent needle mount 768 is slidably coupled to and maintained at a constant orientation by the bracket 767. Therefore, rotating the second lead screw 766 causes the second nut 765 and the vent needle mount 768 to move vertically.

[0059] FIGS. 7A and 7B additionally illustrate a fluid-dispensing needle mount 770 including a port 772 positioned to couple to the distal end of the syringe 630 or the valve 634. The fluid-dispensing needle mount 770 can be mounted to the second frame structure 526 (FIG. 5), and thus remains fixed in position during operation of the assembly 540.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the assembly 540 with the laser enclosure 774 (FIG. 7A) removed for illustrative purposes only. As shown, the laser enclosure 774 (FIG. 7A) houses a laser source 874, a wire 873, a laser mount 876, and a transparent disc 878. The wire 873 can extend from the laser source 874 and out of the housing 410 (e.g., through an aperture in the bottom panel 411), and can deliver power and / or control signals to the laser source 874. The laser mount 876 can support the laser source 874 in the vertical orientation illustrated. The laser mount 876 can be coupled to the laser enclosure 774 and remain fixed in position during operation of the assembly 540, and can thus keep the laser source 874 likewise fixed in position. The transparent disc 878 can be supported on the laser mount 876 and can be positioned distal of the laser source 874 such that the laser beam emitted from the laser source 874 passes therethrough. The transparent disc 878 can serve as a filter for the laser beam and / or provide protection for other components of the assembly 540 from the laser beam. The transparent disc 878 can be composed of glass (e.g., borosilicate glass) or other suitable material.

[0061] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the base L-bracket 748 (first introduced above with reference to FIG. 7A). As shown, the base L-bracket 748 slidably engages a rail 972 coupled to the laser enclosure 774. Therefore, as the first lead screw 746 rotates, the rail 972 can maintain the orientation of the base L-bracket 748, allowing the first nut 745 and the base L- bracket 748 to move vertically along the length of the first lead screw' 746.

[0062] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the vent needle mount 768 (also first introduced above with reference to FIG. 7A). As shown, the vent needle mount 768 slidably engage a rail 1067 coupled to the bracket 767. Therefore, as the second lead screw7766 rotates, the rail 1067 can maintain the orientation of the vent needle mount 768, allowing the second nut 765 and the vent needle mount 768 to move vertically along the length of the second lead screw 766.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view illustrating the base L-bracket 748, the base support 750, and the AIOL base 702. As shown, the base support 750 can include an aperture 1151 to receive the first lead screw 746 therethrough, an elongate portion 1152 extending away from the aperture 1151, and a distal tip 1154 coupled to the elongate portion 1152. The distal tip 1154 can include a recess 1156 and an aperture 1155 extending through the distal tip 1154 from the recess 1156. The assembly 540 can further include a base holder 1158 shaped and sized to be supported in the recess 1156 of the distal tip 1154. In particular, the base holder 1158 and the recess 1156 can include corresponding key features 1159 and 1157, respectively, such that thebase holder 1158 is supported on the distal tip 1154 in a predetermined orientation. The base holder 1158 can also include an aperture 1153 that aligns with the aperture 1155. The AIOL base 702 can include an anterior component 1104 and a posterior component 1 106 that can be attached to the anterior component 1104 to define an interior space therebetween. As discussed in further detail below, the system 400 can at least partially fill the interior space between the anterior component 1104 and the posterior component 1106 with fluid (e.g., oil).

[0064] The assembly 540 further includes a first pair of magnets 1150a (e.g., neodymium magnets) and a second pair of magnets 1150b (e.g.. neodymium magnets). The base support 750 can include two recesses (not shown) on the underside of the base support 750 to receive the first pair of magnets 1150a. The first pair of magnets 1150a can be attached to the base support 750 via adhesives or other coupling mechanisms. The base L-bracket 748 can include two apertures 1148 to receive the second pair of magnets 1150b. The second pair of magnets 1150b can be supported in the apertures 1148 by resting on, for example, the first nut 745 (not shown in FIG. 11) and / or adhesives or other coupling mechanisms. In some embodiments, one or more of the apertures 1148 are replaced by recesses.

[0065] Prior to operation of the system 400, while the housing 410 is open (e.g., the front panel 415 is rotated about the hinge 419 (FIG. 4)), an operator can place the AIOL base 702 and the base holder 1158 on the distal tip 1154 of the base support 750. In particular, the base support 750 can be oriented such that the distal tip 1154 is positioned away from the laser source 874, the vent needle mount 768, and the fluid-dispensing needle mount 770, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7A, and 7B. The first pair of magnets 1150a and the second pair of magnets 1150b, by aligning themselves, can keep the base support 750 in said orientation. After the AIOL base 702 has been placed on the distal tip 1154. the operator can rotate the AIOL base 702 about the first lead screw 746 to move the distal tip 1154, and thus the AIOL base 702, above the laser source 874 and generally adjacent the vent needle mount 768 and the fluid-dispensing needle mount 770. In some embodiments, the operator can move a rod 752 (FIG. 7B) coupled to the base support 750 to rotate the base support 750. The first pair of magnets 1150a and the second pair of magnets 1150b, by aligning themselves in different pairs than when the base support 750 was in the original orientation, can keep the base support 750 in said new orientation.

[0066] After the AIOL base 702 is filled with liquid, as discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 13, the user can rotate the base support 750 back to the original orientation facing away from the laser source 874, the vent needle mount 768, and the fluid-dispensing needlemount 770, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7A, and 7B. Again, the operator can use the rod 752 for rotating the base support 750. Therefore, the base support 750 does not require a separate motor for rotation since the base support 750 only need be rotated before or after the filling process, which allows easy and convenient manual rotation.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of the sensor assembly 580 (first introduced above in FIG. 5) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology7. The sensor assembly 580 can include a cylindrical component 1280. an adhesive tape or layer 1282, a transparent lens 1284, a sensor mount 1286. and a sensor 1288. The cylindrical component 1280 can have an annular sidewall defining a recess 1285a and another, smaller recess 1285b, and an aperture 1281 centered on the recess 1285b. The cylindrical component 1280 can also include apertures for receiving fasteners. The cylindrical component 1280 can be composed of the same or different material as the top panel 416 (e.g., acrylic). The adhesive layer 1282 can have an annular form factor with an opening 1283. and can be composed of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or other suitable adhesive material. The transparent lens 1284 can be composed of glass (e.g., ultra-high-temperature quartz glass) or other suitable material. The sensor mount 1286 can include an opening 1287 and apertures for receiving fasteners. The sensor 1288 can include electrical components (e.g., a circuit board) and can be configured to receive and measure parameters of the laser beam emitted from the laser source 874 and through the AIOL base 702, as discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 13.

[0068] When assembling the sensor assembly 580, the transparent lens 1284 can be positioned in the recess 1285b and coupled to the cylindrical component 1280 via the adhesive layer 1282. The sensor 1288 can be coupled to the sensor mount 1286 (e.g., via fasteners), and the sensor mount 1286 can be positioned in the recess 1285a and coupled to the cylindrical component 1280 (e.g., via fasteners). The assembled sensor assembly 580 can then be positioned in the aperture 418 (FIG. 4) of the top panel 416 and held therein via fasteners, a supporting lip, etc. to form a hermetic seal at the aperture 418. In particular, the sensor assembly 580 can be positioned directly above the laser source 874 such that the laser beam emitted therefrom reaches the sensor 1288. The aperture 1281, the opening 1283, and the opening 1287 allow the laser beam to hit the transparent lens 1284 first, then the sensor 1288 next. The transparent lens 1284 can serve as a filter for the laser beam and / or provide protection for other components of the sensor assembly 580 from the laser beam.

[0069] FIG. 13 illustrates operation of the system 400 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. More specifically, FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view of the vent needle mount 768, the fluid-dispensing needle mount 770, the AIOL base 702 supported on the base holder 1158, and the sensor 1288. As shown, the vent needle mount 768 can support a vent needle 1368 extending horizontally and bent (e.g., by 90 degrees) to extend downward toward a first side of the AIOL base 702. The fluid-dispensing needle mount 770 can support a fluid-dispensing needle 1370 extending horizontally from the syringe 630 (FIG. 6) coupled to the port 772 (FIGS. 7A and 7B), and bent (e.g., by 90 degrees) to extend downward toward a second side of the AIOL base 702. In some embodiments, the vent needle 1368 and / or the fluid-dispensing needle 1370 comprise hypodermic needles of a small size (e.g., 33 gauge). In some embodiments, the system 400 further comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions configured to cause one or more processors to perform a method as described below.

[0070] During operation of the system 400. as discussed above, the operator can place the AIOL base 702 to be filled with fluid on the base holder 1 158 and on the base support 750 (FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 11) while the base support 750 is oriented such that the distal tip 1154 extends towards the opening of the housing 410. The operator can then close the housing 410 and operate the first motor 542 (e.g., via the controller 406) to move the base holder 1158 upward, allowing both needles 1368, 1370 to pierce the AIOL base 702. The vacuum source 408 can then be operated (e.g., via the controller 406) to create a vacuum or near-vacuum within the internal chamber 404. The vent needle 1368 can allow the pressure in the interior space of the AIOL base 702 to also reach the vacuum or near-vacuum. After the vacuum source 408 is turned off, the system 400 can allow to settle for a settling period (e.g.. 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes) such that, for example, the pressure in the interior space of the AIOL base 702 can settle. The second motor 562 can be operated (e.g., via the controller 406) to move the vent needle mount 768 upward, thereby disengaging the vent needle 1368 from the AIOL base 702.

[0071] In some embodiments, prior to piercing the AIOL base 702 with the needles 1368, 1370, an optical expansion test is performed to visually confirm that the AIOL base 702 is properly sealed. For example, a camera (not show) can be positioned to face the AIOL base 702 from the side. As the vacuum source 408 is operated, the camera can confirm whether the AIOL base 702 expands or not, such as by observing the curvature of the AIOL base 702. If the AIOL base 702 expands, this can indicate that the AIOL base 702 is properly sealed. If the AIOL base 702 does not expand, this can indicate that air is leaking from the AIOL base 702. and the AIOL base 702 can be retrieved to either properly seal the AIOL base 702 or replace it with another AIOL base.In some embodiments, the side view camera comprises a computer vision camera and / or a machine vision system, and an algorithm can be implemented to automatically determine whether the AIOL base 702 is sealed or not based on images taken by the computer vision camera and / or the machine vision system. In some embodiments, the computer vision camera and / or the machine vision system can be used to dynamically (e.g., flexibly) position and / or orient the needles 1368, 1370 and / or the target region of the AIOL base 702. This can allow a more flexible or adaptable system compared to. e.g., a system with hard stops and preconfigured geometries.

[0072] Next, the pump motor 522 can be operated (e.g., via the controller 406) to dispense the fluid (e.g., degassed oil) stored in the syringe 630 into the interior space of the AIOL base 702. Example relative positions of a fluid-dispensing needle and an AIOL base are illustrated in and described in further detail above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. While the AIOL base 702 is being filled with the fluid, the laser source 874 can be turned on to emit a laser beam upward through the aperture 1155 (FIG. 11 ) of the base support 750. through the aperture 1153 of the base holder 1158, and through the AIOL base 702. The sensor 1288 can also be turned on to receive and sense parameters of the laser beam that has passed through the AIOL base 702.

[0073] As discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 A, the emitted laser beam is diffracted, distorted, converged, diverged, or otherwise affected by the oil (or other fluid) injected into the AIOL base 702. In some embodiments, the degree of such distortion is affected by the amount of oil (or other fluid) injected (e.g., by changing thickness of oil that the emitted beam must pass through). The sensor 1288 can be configured to determine the degree of distortion (e g., by measuring the size of a spot formed by the emitted beam), and hence determine an optical power of the AIOL base 702, which is affected by the amount of oil or other fluid, at any given moment.

[0074] In some embodiments, the sensor 1288 is configured to communicate with the controller 406 to form a feedback loop that modulates the amount of fluid injected into the AIOL base 702 to reach a target optical power. In some embodiments, the target optical power can be set to be, for example, between about 5 and 7 diopters, between about 5.5 and 6.5 diopters, between about 5.75 and 6.25 diopters, or about 6 diopters. In some embodiments, the volume of oil to be injected to reach the target optical power can be between about 20 pL and 40 pL. between about 25 and 35 pL, or about 30 pL. It will be further appreciated that the above values can further vary in additional embodiments of the present technology.

[0075] Once the target optical power is reached, the controller 406 can operate the first motor 542 to lower the base holder 1158 and the AIOL base 702 back down, thereby disengagingthe fluid-dispensing needle 1370, which remains fixed in position during operation, from the AIOL base 702. The AIOL base 702 can be composed of silicone or other suitable material, and can have a sufficient thickness (e.g., 400-500 microns) such that the AIOL base 702 can self-seal the holes created by the needles 1368, 1370. In some embodiments, adhesives (e.g., one or two drops) can be added to further seal the holes created by the needles 1368, 1370.

[0076] In some embodiments, prior to disengaging the fluid-dispensing needle 1370 from the AIOL base 702, the AIOL base 702 is slightly overfilled with the fluid. Then, the pump motor 522 can be operated in the opposite direction to suck the excess fluid back into the syringe 630 via the fluid-dispensing needle 1370 to reach the target optical power again. By configuring the fluid-dispensing needle 1370 to apply a suction pressure as the last step prior to disengagement from the AIOL base, the system 400 can reduce or avoid the fluid dripping or trickling, which can affect the optical power of the AIOL base 702.

[0077] Advantageously, the system 400 uses separate needles 1368, 1370 for venting and filling, simplifying the motions required to operate the system 400 and reducing the fluid filling time period. Therefore, the system 400 can be used to fill at least 10, 20, 30, 40 or more AIOL bases each day, providing a rapid production speed.

[0078] FIGS. 14A and 14B are top perspective and side perspective views, respectively, of yet another scalable fluid-filling system 1400 (“the system 1400”) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B together, the system 1400 can include a housing 1410, first through third motors (individually labeled 1420a, 1420b, 1420c, collectively referred to as “the motors 1420”), a vacuum source 1470 (shown schematically), an actuator 1480 (shown schematically), and a fluid reservoir 1490 (shown schematically). In some embodiments, the system 1400 further includes a temperature controller (not shown). Certain components of the system 1400 can be similar in structure and / or function as corresponding components of the system 400.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1410 has a generally rectangular form factor and an open top. The system 1400 can further include a cover 1412 that can be disposed over the open top of the housing 1410 to define an interior chamber 1414. The cover 1412 can comprise an at least partially transparent material (e.g., glass, polycarbonate, acry lic) to allow an operator to see the components inside the interior chamber 1414 during operation of the system 1400. A sidewall of the housing 1410 can include an opening 1415, and the vacuum source 1470 can be connected to the opening 1415 and operated to create a vacuum within the interior chamber1414. In some embodiments, the vacuum source 1470 forms part of an electronic pressure regulator that can control the pressure within the interior chamber 1414.

[0080] The housing 1410 can house a syringe 1440. a syringe fixture 1416, a valve 1450, a vent needle and a fluid-dispensing needle (not shown), and a needle-bending fixture 1418 in the interior chamber 1414. The syringe fixture 1416 and / or the needle-bending fixture 1418 can be composed of foam, metal, plastic, or other suitable materials, and can be integrated with or be separate components from the housing 1410. In particular, the syringe fixture 1416 can have a cutout shaped to receive the syringe 1440 so that the syringe fixture 1416 can securely keep the syringe 1440 in position during operation, and the needle-bending fixture 1418 can be shaped to bend the vent needle and the fluid-dispensing needle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13). The syringe 1440 can be coupled to the fluid-dispensing needle via the valve 1450. The actuator 1480 can be operably coupled to the valve 1450 via a rotary feedthrough 1422d (shown schematically), and the fluid reservoir 1490, positioned outside of the housing 1410. can be coupled to valve 1450 and contain oil or other suitable fluid. In some embodiments, however, the fluid reservoir 1490 can be positioned inside the housing 1410, and the fluid inside the fluid reservoir 1490 can be degassed (e.g., constantly) as the interior chamber 1414 is brought to and / or maintained at the near- vacuum or vacuum pressure level. The fluid reservoir 1490 can be refilled from outside the housing 1410 as needed, such as via a septum.

[0081] The first motor 1420a (e.g., a stepper motor) can be coupled to a lead screw 1430 that extends into the interior chamber 1414 via an opening in the housing 1410 and a rotary feedthrough 1422a (shown schematically). While not illustrated in detail to avoid obscuring certain parts of the system 1400, like the lead screw 624 and the syringe 630 illustrated in FIG. 6, the lead screw 1430 can be operably coupled to the syringe 1440 and the first motor 1420a can be operated to use the syringe 1440 to dispense or withdraw fluid (e.g., oil) via the fluid-dispensing needle coupled to the syringe 1440. As indicated in FIG. 14B, the first motor 1420a can rotate the lead screw 1430 via a transmission belt 1424a.

[0082] The second motor 1420b (e.g., a stepper motor) can be operated to move either the vent needle or the fluid-dispensing needle vertically (e.g., up and down). The other of the vent needle or the fluid-dispensing needle can be fixed in position relative to the housing 1410. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 13, the second motor 1420b can move the vent needle to, e.g., disengage the vent needle from the AIOL base after the pressure in the interior space of the AIOL base settles. The second motor 1420b can rotate a lead screw (e.g., the lead screw 766 inFIGS. 7B and 10) via a transmission belt 1424b (FIG. 14B) to move the vent needle vertically. The lead screw can extend into the interior chamber 1414 via a rotary feedthrough 1422b (shown schematically).

[0083] The system 1400 can further include a base tray 1460 that can receive an AIOL base (e.g., the AIOL base 102, the AIOL base 702). The base tray 1460 can move horizontally or laterally on rails 1462 between an open state (illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B) in which the base tray 1460 can receive the AIOL base and a closed state in which the base tray 1460 can position the AIOL base adjacent to or inside the interior chamber 1414. The third motor 1420c (e.g., a stepper motor) can be operated to rotate a lead screw via a transmission belt 1424c (FIG. 14B) to move the AIOL base vertically (e.g., up and down). The lead screw can extend into the interior chamber 1414 via a rotary feedthrough 1422c (shown schematically).

[0084] FIG. 15 is an enlarged top perspective view of the scalable fluid-filling system 1400, particularly of the valve 1450. As shown, the valve 1450 can comprise a 3-way valve with a first port 1552 connected to the syringe 1440. a second port 1554 connected to the fluid-dispensing needle (not shown), and a third port 1556 connected to the fluid reservoir 1490 (FIGS. 14A and 14B). The valve 1450 can also include a toggle knob 1558 that can be operated (e.g., rotated) to fluidly connect two of the three ports 1552, 1554, 1556. The actuator 1480 can be operably coupled to the toggle knob 1558 via a rotary feedthrough 1422d (shown schematically in FIGS. 14A and 14B). and can operate the toggle knob 1558 to selectively fluidly connect the desired two of the three ports 1552, 1554, 1556. It is appreciated that the actuator 1480 can be omitted in some embodiments and the toggle knob 1558 can be operated manually instead.

[0085] By locating the motors 1420 outside of the housing 1410, the system 1400 can insulate the AIOL base inside the interior chamber 1414 from waste heat and / or particulates / contaminants from the motors 1420, and can allow the size of the interior chamber 1414 to be smaller, reducing the time to reach the vacuum or near-vacuum pressure level and enabling faster operations overall. Also, although FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate the use of the transmission belts 1424a, 1424b, 1424c to rotate corresponding lead screws using the motors 1420, it will be appreciated that the motors 1420 can rotate the corresponding lead screws via direct drive or other transmission mechanisms in other embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the rotary feedthroughs 1422a, 1422b, 1422c, 1422d can provide ferrofluid seals or other suitable types of seals that allow7movement (e.g., rotation) of lead screws or other components extending into the interior chamber 1414 while maintain the vacuum pressure within.

[0086] In operation, many of the components of the system 1400 can function in a manner similar to corresponding components of the system 400. First, an operator or robot can place an AIOL base on the base tray 1460, and the base tray 1460 can be moved along the rails 1462 from the open state to the closed state. Then, the second motor 1420b and / or the third motor 1420c can be operated to move the AIOL base to engage the vent needle and / or the fluid-dispensing needle. The vacuum source 1470 (and / or the electronic pressure regulator that the vacuum source 1470 forms part of) can be operated to lower the pressure in the interior chamber 1414. In some embodiments, a camera can confirm whether the AIOL base expands or not, such as by observing the curvature of the AIOL base. If the AIOL base expands, this can indicate that the AIOL base is properly sealed, and the pressure of the interior chamber 1414 can be further lowered. If the AIOL base does not expand, this can indicate that air is leaking from the AIOL base, and the AIOL base can be retrieved to either properly seal the AIOL base or replace it with another AIOL base.

[0087] To fill the AIOL base with oil or other suitable fluid, the actuator 1480 can position the toggle knob 1558 so that the fluid stored in the fluid reservoir 1490 can flow through the valve 1450 and into the syringe 1440. Then, the actuator 1480 can position the toggle knob 1558 so that the fluid stored in the syringe 1440 can flow through the valve 1450 and into the fluid-dispensing needle. The first motor 1420a can be operated to use the syringe 1440 to dispense the fluid into the interior space of the AIOL base. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 13, a laser and a sensor can be used to determine the degree of distortion (e.g., by measuring the size of a spot formed by the emitted beam), and hence determine an optical power of the AIOL base. The AIOL base can then be removed from the base tray 1460.

[0088] Any of the features of the scalable fluid-filling systems described herein may be combined with any of the features of the other scalable fluid-filling systems described herein and vice versa. Additionally, several specific examples of embodiments in accordance with the present technology are set forth below in the following examples.Examples

[0089] Several aspects of the present technology are set forth in the following examples:1. A scalable fluid-filling system for manufacturing an accommodating intraocular lens, the system comprising: a vacuum enclosure;a positioning assembly positioned within the vacuum enclosure, wherein the positioning assembly is configured to carry an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base; a fill needle positioned proximate to the positioning assembly, wherein, during operation, the fill needle is configured to inject fluid into the AIOL base; a vent needle positioned proximate to the positioning assembly, wherein, during operation, the vent needle is configured to evacuate the AIOL base to a near-vacuum pressure level; an actuator positioned within the vacuum enclosure and coupled to the fill needle; a beam emitter positioned external to the vacuum enclosure and proximate to the positioning assembly, wherein during operation, the beam emitter is configured to emit a beam through the vacuum enclosure and the AIOL base; and a camera positioned external to the vacuum enclosure and aligned with the beam emitter, wherein, during operation, the camera is configured to measure a degree of distortion of the beam emitted through the AIOL base and determine an optical power of the AIOL base based, at least in part, on the measured degree of distortion.2. The system of example 1 wherein the actuator comprises a step motor, and wherein the system further comprises a syringe operatively coupled between the step motor and the fill needle.3. The system of example 1 or example 2, further comprising a controller operatively coupled to control the actuator, wherein the camera and the controller form a feedback loop configured to modulate the amount of fluid injected into the base based on the determined optical power of the base.4. A method for filling an adjustable intraocular lens with fluid, the method comprising: moving, via a positioning assembly, an adjustable intraocular lens such that a vent needle is inserted into the adjustable intraocular lens; at least partially evacuating, using the vent needle, the adjustable intraocular lens to a near- vacuum pressure level;moving, via the positioning assembly, the adjustable intraocular lens such that the vent needle is removed from the adjustable intraocular lens and a fill needle is inserted into the adjustable intraocular lens; injecting fluid into the adjustable intraocular lens via the fill needle; while the fill needle is inserted in the adjustable intraocular lens, passing a beam through the adjustable intraocular lens; measuring a degree of distortion of the beam emitted through the adjustable intraocular lens; and determining an optical power of the adjustable intraocular lens based, at least in part, on the measured degree of distortion.5. The method of example 4 wherein injecting the fluid comprises operating a controller to control an actuator to pump fluid through the fill needle, and wherein the method further comprises: communicating the determined optical power of the adjustable intraocular lens to the controller, thereby forming a feedback loop to selectively modulate an amount of the fluid injected into the adjustable intraocular lens.6. A scalable fluid-filling system for manufacturing an accommodating intraocular lens, the system comprising: a housing; a vacuum source coupled to the housing; a fluid delivery assembly, including: a syringe configured to store a fluid and located within the housing, the syringe including a plunger; a first needle coupled to a distal end of the syringe; and a first motor coupled to move the plunger; a base and venting needle moving assembly: a base support configured to carry an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base; a second motor coupled to move the base support; a second needle located within the housing; and a third motor coupled to move the second needle;a laser source , wherein the base support is configured to carry the AIOL base between the(i) laser source and (ii) the first and second needles; a sensor assembly located external to the housing and positioned above the first needle and the second needle; and a controller operably coupled to the vacuum source, the first motor, the second motor, the third motor, the laser source, and the sensor assembly, wherein the controller is configured to: operate the vacuum source to create a vacuum or near-vacuum within the housing; operate the first motor to pump the fluid from the syringe out through the first needle; operate the second motor to move the base support along a first axis such that the first needle and the second needle pierce or disengage from the AIOL base; operate the third motor to move the second needle along the first axis such that the second needle pierces or disengages from the AIOL base; operate the laser source to emit a laser beam through the AIOL base; and operate the sensor assembly to measure parameters of the laser beam emitted through the AIOL base to determine an optical power of the AIOL base.7. A method of manufacturing an accommodating intraocular lens, the method comprising: positioning an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base between (i) a laser source and(ii) a first needle and a second needle, wherein the AIOL base, the first needle, and the second needle are located within a housing; moving the AIOL base towards the first needle and the second needle such that the first needle and the second needle pierce the AIOL base; creating a vacuum or near vacuum within the housing, wherein the second needle is configured to vent the AIOL base; moving the second needle away from the AIOL base such that the second needle is disengaged from the AIOL base while the AIOL base remains pierced by the first needle; emitting, using the laser source, a laser beam through the AIOL base; pumping a fluid into the AIOL base through the first needle; measuring a degree of distortion of the laser beam emitted through the AIOL base; andcalculating an optical power of the AIOL base based, at least in part, on the measured degree of distortion.8. The method of example 7, further comprising: inspecting the AIOL base expanding as the vacuum or near vacuum is created within the housing; and determining that the AIOL base is sealed based on inspecting the AIOL base expanding.9. The method of example 7 or example 8, further comprising: determining that the calculated optical power of the AIOL base has reached a target optical power; pumping an additional amount of the fluid into the AIOL base through the first needle to overfill the AIOL base; suctioning the additional amount of the fluid from the AIOL base through the first needle to return the AIOL base to the target optical power; and moving the AIOL base away from the first needle such that the first needle is disengaged from the AIOL base10. A scalable fluid-filling system for manufacturing an accommodating intraocular lens, the system comprising: a vacuum enclosure; a positioning assembly positioned at least partially within the vacuum enclosure, wherein the positioning assembly is configured to carry an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base; a syringe positioned in the vacuum enclosure and configured to store fluid; a fill needle coupled to the syringe and positioned proximate to the positioning assembly, wherein, during operation, the fill needle is configured to inject the fluid from the syringe into the AIOL base; and a vent needle positioned proximate to the positioning assembly, wherein, during operation, the vent needle is configured to evacuate the AIOL base to a near-vacuum pressure level.11. The system of example 10, further comprising: a beam emitter positioned external to the vacuum enclosure, wherein during operation, the beam emitter is configured to emit a beam through the vacuum enclosure and the AIOL base; and a camera positioned external to the vacuum enclosure and aligned with the beam emitter, wherein, during operation, the camera is configured to measure a degree of distortion of the beam emitted through the AIOL base and determine an optical power of the AIOL base based, at least in part, on the measured degree of distortion.12. The system of example 1 1. further comprising: an actuator external to the vacuum enclosure and coupled to operate the syringe to dispense the fluid through the fill needle; and a controller operably coupled to control the actuator, wherein the camera and the controller form a feedback loop configured to modulate an amount of fluid injected into the AIOL base based on the determined optical power of the base.13. The system of any of examples 10-12 wherein the fill needle and the vent needle extend toward the positioning assembly laterally from opposite directions, and wherein each ofthe fill needle and the vent needle is bent by 90 degrees such that portions of the fill needle and the vent needle configured to pierce the AIOL base extend vertically.14. The system of any of examples 10-13, further comprising a motor external to the vacuum enclosure and operably coupled to the fill needle, wherein the motor is configured to move the fill needle vertically relative to the AIOL base.15. The system of any of examples 10-14, further comprising a motor external to the vacuum enclosure and operably coupled to the vent needle, wherein the motor is configured to move the vent needle vertically relative to the AIOL base.16. The system of any of examples 10-15 wherein the positioning assembly includes a motor external to the vacuum enclosure and configured to move the AIOL base vertically relative to the fill needle and the vent needle.17. The system of any of examples 10-16 wherein the positioning assembly comprises: one or more rails; and a base tray movable on the one or more rails to move between (i) an open state in which the base tray can receive the AIOL base and (ii) a closed state in which the AIOL base received by the base tray is positioned in the vacuum enclosure.18. The system of any of examples 10-17 wherein the positioning assembly comprises: a bracket including a first pair of magnets; a base support rotatably coupled to a shaft, wherein the base support includes: a second pair of magnets, and an elongate portion extending away from the shaft and configured to receive the AIOL base. wherein the base support is rotatable about the shaft between (i) a first position in which the first and second pairs of magnets are in a first alignment and the elongate portion extends away from the fill needle and the vent needle, and (ii) a second position in which the first and second pairs of magnets are in a second alignment and the elongate portion extends toward the fill needle and the vent needle.19. The system of any of examples 10-18, further comprising: a fluid reservoir external to the vacuum enclosure; and a 3 -way valve having: a first port coupled to the syringe, a second port coupled to the fill needle, a third port coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a toggle knob controllable to selectively fluidly couple two of the first, second, and third ports.20. A method for filling an adjustable intraocular lens with fluid, the method comprising: moving at least one of an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base or a vent needle toward the other such that the vent needle is inserted into the AIOL base; at least partially evacuating, using the vent needle, the AIOL base to a near-vacuum pressure level; moving the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle away from the other such that the vent needle is disengaged from the AIOL; moving at least one of the AIOL base or a fill needle toward the other such that the fill needle is inserted into the AIOL base; and injecting fluid into the AIOL base via the fill needle.21. The method of example 20, further comprising: emitting, while injecting the fluid, a laser beam through the AIOL base; measuring a degree of distortion of the laser beam emitted through the AIOL base; and determining, in real-time, an optical power of the AIOL base based at least in part on the measured degree of distortion, wherein injecting the fluid comprises adjusting a quantity of the fluid injected into the AIOL base based on the determined optical power.22. The method of example 20 or example 21, further comprising: positioning the AIOL base in a vacuum enclosure: evacuating the vacuum enclosure;determining that the AIOL base is properly sealed by observing that the AIOL base expands while evacuating the vacuum enclosure.23. The method of example 20 or example 21, further comprising: positioning the AIOL base in a vacuum enclosure: evacuating the vacuum enclosure; determining that the AIOL base is improperly sealed by observing that the AIOL base does not expand while evacuating the vacuum enclosure.24. The method of any of examples 20-23 wherein moving the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle toward the other comprises operating a motor to rotate a lead screw coupled to the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle.25. The method of any of examples 20-24, further comprising: moving atoggle knob of a 3-way valve to afirst position, wherein the 3-way valve includes (i) a first port coupled to a syringe, (ii) a second port coupled to the fill needle, and (iii) a third port coupled to a fluid reservoir, wherein, when the toggle knob is in the first position, the 3-way valve allows the fluid stored in the fluid reservoir to flow to the syringe through the first and third ports; and moving the toggle knob to a second position, wherein, when the toggle knob is in the second position, the 3 -way valve allows the fluid stored in the syringe to flow to the fill needle through the first and second ports.26. The method of any of examples 20-25 wherein injecting the fluid comprises operating a motor to move a plunger of a syringe, wherein the syringe is coupled to the fill needle and is configured to store the fluid.27. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions configured to cause one or more processors to perform a method, the method comprising: moving at least one of an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base or a vent needle toward the other such that the vent needle is inserted into the AIOL base; at least partially evacuating, using the vent needle, the AIOL base to a near-vacuum pressure level;moving the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle away from the other such that the vent needle is disengaged from the AIOL; moving at least one of the AIOL base or a fill needle toward the other such that the fill needle is inserted into the AIOL base; and injecting fluid into the AIOL base via the fill needle.28. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 27, wherein the method further comprises: emitting, while injecting the fluid, a laser beam through the AIOL base; measuring a degree of distortion of the laser beam emitted through the AIOL base; and determining, in real-time, an optical power of the AIOL base based at least in part on the measured degree of distortion, wherein injecting the fluid comprises adjusting a quantity of the fluid injected into the AIOL base based on the determined optical power.29. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 27 or example 28, wherein the method further comprises: positioning the AIOL base in a vacuum enclosure: evacuating the vacuum enclosure; determining that the AIOL base is properly sealed by observing that the AIOL base expands while evacuating the vacuum enclosure.30. A scalable fluid-filling system for use in manufacturing an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL), the system comprising: a vacuum enclosure comprising: a sealable volume; a temperature controller; and a pressure controller; an AIOL interface configured to hold an AIOL and transfer the AIOL in and out of the vacuum enclosure; a fluid transfer system located within the vacuum enclosure and comprising at least one of: an AIOL positioning stage;an AIOL positioning stage actuator; an AIOL filling interface positioning stage; a filling interface comprising a filling needle; an AIOL filling interface actuator; an AIOL vent interface positioning stage; a vent interface comprising a vent needle; and an AIOL vent interface actuator; an optics performance sensor system comprising: an optical emitter; an optical detector; and an optical beam; a fluid source; and a vacuum source, wherein: the actuators are located outside the vacuum enclosure, the vacuum enclosure is sized to minimize the sealable volume, and the AIOL is loaded into the system outside the vacuum enclosure and transferred into the vacuum enclosure.31. A scalable fluid-filling system for manufacturing an accommodating intraocular lens, the system comprising: a vacuum enclosure; a positioning component positioned within the vacuum enclosure, wherein the positioning component is configured to carry an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base, the positioning component interfaced with an actuation component via a drive component, wherein the actuation component is positioned outside the vacuum enclosure and the drive component passes through a boundary of the vacuum enclosure; a syringe positioned in the vacuum enclosure and configured to store and dispense fluid, the syringe coupled to an actuation component via a drive component wherein the actuation component is positioned outside the vacuum enclosure and the drive component passes through the enclosure boundary;a fill needle coupled to the syringe and positioned proximate to the positioning component, wherein, during operation, the fill needle is configured to inject the fluid from the syringe into the AIOL base; and a vent needle positioned proximate to the positioning component, wherein, during operation, the vent needle is configured to evacuate the AIOL base to a nearvacuum pressure level.32. The system of example 31, further comprising: a beam emitter positioned external to the vacuum enclosure, wherein during operation, the beam emitter is configured to emit a beam through the vacuum enclosure and the AIOL base; and a camera positioned external to the vacuum enclosure and aligned with the beam emitter, wherein, during operation, the camera is configured to measure a degree of distortion of the beam emitted through the AIOL base and determine an optical power of the AIOL base based, at least in part, on the measured degree of distortion.33. The system of example 32, further comprising: an actuator external to the vacuum enclosure and coupled to operate the syringe to dispense the fluid through the fill needle; and a controller operably coupled to control the actuator, wherein the camera and the controller form a feedback loop configured to modulate an amount of fluid injected into the AIOL base based on the determined optical power of the base.34. The system of any of examples 31-33 wherein the fill needle and the vent needle extend toward the positioning component laterally from opposite directions, and wherein each ofthe fill needle and the vent needle is bent by 90 degrees such that portions of the fill needle and the vent needle configured to pierce the AIOL base extend vertically.35. The system of any of examples 31-34, further comprising a motor external to the vacuum enclosure and operably coupled to the fill needle, wherein the motor is configured to move the fill needle vertically relative to the AIOL base.36. The system of any of examples 31-35, further comprising a motor external to the vacuum enclosure and operably coupled to the vent needle, wherein the motor is configured to move the vent needle vertically relative to the AIOL base.37. The system of any of examples 31-36 wherein the positioning component includes a motor external to the vacuum enclosure and configured to move the AIOL base vertically relative to the fill needle and the vent needle.38. The system of any of examples 31-37 wherein the positioning component comprises: one or more rails; and a base tray movable on the one or more rails to move between (i) an open state in which the base tray can receive the AIOL base and (ii) a closed state in which the AIOL base received by the base tray is positioned in the vacuum enclosure.39. The system of any of examples 31-38 wherein the positioning component comprises: a bracket including a first pair of magnets; a base support rotatably coupled to a shaft, wherein the base support includes: a second pair of magnets, and an elongate portion extending away from the shaft and configured to receive the AIOL base, wherein the base support is rotatable about the shaft between (i) a first position in which the first and second pairs of magnets are in a first alignment and the elongate portion extends away from the fill needle and the vent needle, and (ii) a second position in which the first and second pairs of magnets are ina second alignment and the elongate portion extends toward the fill needle and the vent needle.40. The system of any of examples 31-39, further comprising: a fluid reservoir external to the vacuum enclosure; and a 3-way valve having: a first port coupled to the syringe, a second port coupled to the fill needle, a third port coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a toggle knob controllable to selectively fluidly couple two of the first, second, and third ports.41. A method for filling an adjustable intraocular lens with fluid, the method comprising: moving at least one of an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base or a vent needle toward the other such that the vent needle is inserted into the AIOL base; at least partially evacuating, using the vent needle, the AIOL base to a near-vacuum pressure level; moving the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle away from the other such that the vent needle is disengaged from the AIOL; moving at least one of the AIOL base or a fill needle toward the other such that the fill needle is inserted into the AIOL base; and injecting fluid into the AIOL base via the fill needle.42. The method of example 41, further comprising: emitting, while injecting the fluid, a laser beam through the AIOL base; measuring a degree of distortion of the laser beam emitted through the AIOL base; and determining, in real-time, an optical power of the AIOL base based at least in part on the measured degree of distortion, wherein injecting the fluid comprises adjusting a quantity7of the fluid injected into the AIOL base based on the determined optical power.43. The method of example 41 or example 42, further comprising:positioning the AIOL base in a vacuum enclosure: evacuating the vacuum enclosure; determining that the AIOL base is properly sealed by observing that the AIOL base expands while evacuating the vacuum enclosure.44. The method of any of examples 41-43, further comprising: positioning the AIOL base in a vacuum enclosure: evacuating the vacuum enclosure; determining that the AIOL base is improperly sealed by observing that the AIOL base does not expand while evacuating the vacuum enclosure.45. The method of any of examples 41-44 wherein moving the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle toward the other comprises operating a motor to rotate a lead screw coupled to the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle.46. The method of any of examples 41-45, further comprising: moving a toggle knob of a 3-way valve to a first position, wherein the 3-way valve includes (i) a first port coupled to a syringe, (ii) a second port coupled to the fill needle, and (iii) a third port coupled to a fluid reservoir, wherein, when the toggle knob is in the first position, the 3-way valve allows the fluid stored in the fluid reservoir to flow to the syringe through the first and third ports; and moving the toggle knob to a second position, wherein, when the toggle knob is in the second position, the 3 -way valve allows the fluid stored in the syringe to flow to the fill needle through the first and second ports.47. The method of any of examples 41-46 wherein injecting the fluid comprises operating a motor to move a plunger of a syringe, wherein the syringe is coupled to the fill needle and is configured to store the fluid.48. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions configured to cause one or more processors to perform a method, the method comprising: moving at least one of an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base or a vent needle toward the other such that the vent needle is inserted into the AIOL base;at least partially evacuating, using the vent needle, the AIOL base to a near-vacuum pressure level; moving the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle away from the other such that the vent needle is disengaged from the AIOL; moving at least one of the AIOL base or a fill needle toward the other such that the fill needle is inserted into the AIOL base; and injecting fluid into the AIOL base via the fill needle.Wherein all of49. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 48, wherein the method further compnses: emitting, while injecting the fluid, a laser beam through the AIOL base; measuring a degree of distortion of the laser beam emitted through the AIOL base; and determining, in real-time, an optical pow er of the AIOL base based at least in part on the measured degree of distortion, wherein injecting the fluid comprises adjusting a quantity of the fluid injected into the AIOL base based on the determined optical pow er.50. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 48 or example 49, wherein the method further comprises: positioning the AIOL base in a vacuum enclosure; evacuating the vacuum enclosure; determining that the AIOL base is properly sealed by observing that the AIOL base expands while evacuating the vacuum enclosure.51. A scalable fluid-filling system for manufacturing an accommodating intraocular lens, the system comprising: a vacuum enclosure; a positioning component positioned within the vacuum enclosure, wherein the positioning component is configured to carry an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base, the positioning component interfaced with an actuation component via a drive component wherein the actuation component is positioned outside the vacuum enclosure and the drive component passes through a boundary of the vacuum enclosure; a dispense component positioned in the vacuum enclosure and configured to dispense fluid, the dispense component coupled to an actuation component via a drive component wherein the actuation component is positioned outside the vacuum enclosure and the drive component passes through the enclosure boundary; a fill needle coupled to the dispense component and positioned proximate to the positioning component, wherein, during operation, the fill needle is configured to inject the fluid from the dispense component into the AIOL base; and a vent needle positioned proximate to the positioning component, wherein, during operation, the vent needle is configured to evacuate the AIOL base to a nearvacuum pressure level.52. The system of example 51, wherein the dispense component comprises a reservoir within the vacuum enclosure.53. The system of example 51 or example 52, further comprising a temperature controller configured to control a temperature inside the vacuum enclosure.Conclusion

[0090] The above detailed description of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology as those skilledin the relevant art will recognize. For example, any of the features of the fluid-filling systems described herein may be combined with any of the features of the other fluid-filling systems described herein and vice versa. Moreover, although steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0091] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions associated with AIOLs have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively.

[0092] Moreover, unless the word "or" is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of "or" in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term "comprising" is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and / or additional types of other features are not precluded. It will also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the technology have been descnbed in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSI / 'W e claim:

1. A scalable fluid-filling system for manufacturing an accommodating intraocular lens, the system comprising: a vacuum enclosure; a positioning component positioned within the vacuum enclosure, wherein the positioning component is configured to carry an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base, the positioning component interfaced with an actuation component via a drive component, wherein the actuation component is positioned outside the vacuum enclosure and the drive component passes through a boundary of the vacuum enclosure; a syringe positioned in the vacuum enclosure and configured to store and dispense fluid, the syringe coupled to an actuation component via a drive component wherein the actuation component is positioned outside the vacuum enclosure and the drive component passes through the enclosure boundary; a fill needle coupled to the syringe and positioned proximate to the positioning component, wherein, during operation, the fill needle is configured to inject the fluid from the syringe into the AIOL base; and a vent needle positioned proximate to the positioning component, wherein, during operation, the vent needle is configured to evacuate the AIOL base to a nearvacuum pressure level.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a beam emitter positioned external to the vacuum enclosure, wherein during operation, the beam emitter is configured to emit a beam through the vacuum enclosure and the AIOL base; and a camera positioned external to the vacuum enclosure and aligned with the beam emitter, wherein, during operation, the camera is configured to measure a degree of distortion of the beam emitted through the AIOL base and determine an optical power of the AIOL base based, at least in part, on the measured degree of distortion.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising: an actuator external to the vacuum enclosure and coupled to operate the syringe to dispense the fluid through the fill needle: and a controller operably coupled to control the actuator, wherein the camera and the controller form a feedback loop configured to modulate an amount of fluid injected into the AIOL base based on the determined optical power of the base.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the fill needle and the vent needle extend toward the positioning component laterally from opposite directions, and wherein each of the fill needle and the vent needle is bent by 90 degrees such that portions of the fill needle and the vent needle configured to pierce the AIOL base extend vertically.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a motor external to the vacuum enclosure and operably coupled to the fill needle, wherein the motor is configured to move the fill needle vertically relative to the AIOL base.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a motor external to the vacuum enclosure and operably coupled to the vent needle, wherein the motor is configured to move the vent needle vertically relative to the AIOL base.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the positioning component includes a motor external to the vacuum enclosure and configured to move the AIOL base vertically relative to the fill needle and the vent needle.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the positioning component comprises: one or more rails; and a base tray movable on the one or more rails to move between (i) an open state in which the base tray can receive the AIOL base and (ii) a closed state in which the AIOL base received by the base tray is positioned in the vacuum enclosure.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the positioning component comprises: a bracket including a first pair of magnets; a base support rotatably coupled to a shaft, wherein the base support includes:a second pair of magnets, and an elongate portion extending away from the shaft and configured to receive the AIOL base, wherein the base support is rotatable about the shaft between (i) a first position in which the first and second pairs of magnets are in a first alignment and the elongate portion extends away from the fill needle and the vent needle, and (ii) a second position in which the first and second pairs of magnets are in a second alignment and the elongate portion extends toward the fill needle and the vent needle.

10. The system of claim 1. further comprising: a fluid reservoir external to the vacuum enclosure; and a 3 -way valve having: a first port coupled to the syringe, a second port coupled to the fill needle, a third port coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a toggle knob controllable to selectively fluidly couple two of the first, second, and third ports.

11. A method for filling an adjustable intraocular lens with fluid, the method comprising: moving at least one of an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base or a vent needle toward the other such that the vent needle is inserted into the AIOL base; at least partially evacuating, using the vent needle, the AIOL base to a near-vacuum pressure level; moving the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle away from the other such that the vent needle is disengaged from the AIOL; moving at least one of the AIOL base or a fill needle toward the other such that the fill needle is inserted into the AIOL base; and injecting fluid into the AIOL base via the fill needle.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: emitting, while injecting the fluid, a laser beam through the AIOL base;measuring a degree of distortion of the laser beam emitted through the AIOL base; and determining, in real-time, an optical power of the AIOL base based at least in part on the measured degree of distortion, wherein injecting the fluid comprises adjusting a quantity of the fluid injected into the AIOL base based on the determined optical power.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: positioning the AIOL base in a vacuum enclosure; evacuating the vacuum enclosure; determining that the AIOL base is properly sealed by observing that the AIOL base expands while evacuating the vacuum enclosure.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: positioning the AIOL base in a vacuum enclosure: evacuating the vacuum enclosure; determining that the AIOL base is improperly sealed by observing that the AIOL base does not expand while evacuating the vacuum enclosure.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein moving the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle toward the other comprises operating a motor to rotate a lead screw coupled to the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: moving a toggle knob of a 3-way valve to a first position, wherein the 3-way valve includes (i) a first port coupled to a syringe, (ii) a second port coupled to the fill needle, and (iii) a third port coupled to a fluid reservoir, wherein, when the toggle knob is in the first position, the 3-way valve allows the fluid stored in the fluid reservoir to flow to the syringe through the first and third ports; and moving the toggle knob to a second position, wherein, when the toggle knob is in the second position, the 3 -way valve allows the fluid stored in the syringe to flow to the fill needle through the first and second ports.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein injecting the fluid comprises operating a motor to move a plunger of a syringe, wherein the syringe is coupled to the fill needle and is configured to store the fluid.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions configured to cause one or more processors to perform a method, the method comprising: moving at least one of an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base or a vent needle toward the other such that the vent needle is inserted into the AIOL base; at least partially evacuating, using the vent needle, the AIOL base to a near-vacuum pressure level; moving the at least one of the AIOL base or the vent needle away from the other such that the vent needle is disengaged from the AIOL; moving at least one of the AIOL base or a fill needle toward the other such that the fill needle is inserted into the AIOL base; and injecting fluid into the AIOL base via the fill needle.Wherein all of19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises: emitting, while injecting the fluid, a laser beam through the AIOL base; measuring a degree of distortion of the laser beam emitted through the AIOL base; and determining, in real-time, an optical power of the AIOL base based at least in part on the measured degree of distortion, wherein injecting the fluid comprises adjusting a quantity of the fluid injected into the AIOL base based on the determined optical power.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the method further compnses: positioning the AIOL base in a vacuum enclosure; evacuating the vacuum enclosure; determining that the AIOL base is properly sealed by observing that the AIOL base expands while evacuating the vacuum enclosure.

21. A scalable fluid-filling system for manufacturing an accommodating intraocular lens, the system comprising: a vacuum enclosure; a positioning component positioned within the vacuum enclosure, wherein the positioning component is configured to carry an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) base, the positioning component interfaced with an actuation component via a drive component wherein the actuation component is positioned outside the vacuum enclosure and the drive component passes through a boundary of the vacuum enclosure; a dispense component positioned in the vacuum enclosure and configured to dispense fluid, the dispense component coupled to an actuation component via a drive component wherein the actuation component is positioned outside the vacuum enclosure and the drive component passes through the enclosure boundary; a fill needle coupled to the dispense component and positioned proximate to the positioning component, wherein, during operation, the fill needle is configured to inject the fluid from the dispense component into the AIOL base; and a vent needle positioned proximate to the positioning component, wherein, during operation, the vent needle is configured to evacuate the AIOL base to a nearvacuum pressure level.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the dispense component comprises a reservoir within the vacuum enclosure.

23. The system of claim 21, further comprising a temperature controller configured to control a temperature inside the vacuum enclosure.

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