Patent 4856513 Issued on August 15, 1989. Estimated Expiration Date: March 9, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
A laser system for reprofiling a surface (18) comprising a laser (10) and an erodible mask (14) disposed between the laser and the surface (18) for providing a predefined profile of resistance to erosion by laser radiation, and a controller (22) for controlling the laser such that upon irradiation of the mask (14), a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed and another portion is transmitted to the surface in accordance with the mask profile to selectively erode the surface. The mask can further comprise a rigid structure (30) which is affixed to the surface, in particular to the sclera of an eye, and a masking lens (36) connected to the support structure and disposed above the cornea. The masking lens can be directed integrated with the support structure or, preferably, a transparent stage (34) can be formed as part of the support structure to support and position the masking lens.
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March 9, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
