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US Patent 5019074 - Laser reprofiling system employing an erodable mask
US Patent Issued on May 28, 1991
Estimated Patent Expiration Date:
August 11, 2009Estimated 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.
Estimated Patent Expiration Date:
August 11, 2009Estimated 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.AbstractA laser system for reprofiling a surface comprising a laser and an erodable mask disposed between the laser means and the surface for providing a predefined profile of resistance to erosion by laser radiation, and control for controlling the laser such that upon irradiation of the mask, 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 be connected to the support structure and disposed in optical alignment with the laser means and the cornea. The mask can be directed integrated with the support structure or, preferably, a transparent stage can be formed as part of the support structure to support and position the masking lens. In one preferred embodiment, the mask is spatially separated from the surface and imaged onto the surface, thereby permitting the use of an oversized mask, which is easier to form.Other References
| InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 392782 filed on 08/11/1989US Classes:606/5, Recurving or reshaping of the eye128/898, Methods219/121.6, Using laser219/121.67, Cutting219/121.69, Methods219/121.73, Shaping219/121.85, Method359/297, Light control surface formed or destroyed606/13, Applicators607/89Laser applicationField of Search128/898, Methods606/3, With particular wavelength606/4, Ophthalmic606/5, Recurving or reshaping of the eye606/13, Applicators219/121.6, Using laser219/121.67, Cutting219/121.68, Etching or trimming219/121.69, Methods219/121.7, Hole punching219/121.71, Methods219/121.72, Methods219/121.73, Shaping219/121.74, With mirror219/121.75, With lens219/121.85MethodExaminersPrimary: Pellegrino, Stephen C.Assistant: Shay, David M. Attorney, Agent or FirmUS Patent References3558208, 3703176, 3769963, 3941973, Laser material removal apparatusIssued on: 03/02/1976 Inventor: Luck, Jr. , et al.3982541, Eye surgical instrument Issued on: 09/28/1976 Inventor: L'Esperance, Jr.4173980, Corneal resurfacing apparatus and method Issued on: 11/13/1979 Inventor: Curtin4266549, Laser scalpel Issued on: 05/12/1981 Inventor: Kimura4309998, Process and apparatus for ophthalmic surgery Issued on: 01/12/1982 Inventor: Aron nee Rosa , et al.4326529, Corneal-shaping electrode Issued on: 04/27/1982 Inventor: Doss , et al.4381007, Multipolar corneal-shaping electrode with flexible removable skirt Issued on: 04/26/1983 Inventor: Doss4461294, Apparatus and process for recurving the cornea of an eye Issued on: 07/24/1984 Inventor: Baron4527043, Laser machining system Issued on: 07/02/1985 Inventor: Hashiura , et al.4538608, Method and apparatus for removing cataractous lens tissue by laser radiation Issued on: 09/03/1985 Inventor: L'Esperance, Jr.4648400, Ophthalmic surgery system Issued on: 03/10/1987 Inventor: Schneider , et al.4665913, Method for ophthalmological surgery Issued on: 05/19/1987 Inventor: L'Esperance, Jr.4669466, Method and apparatus for analysis and correction of abnormal refractive errors of the eye Issued on: 06/02/1987 Inventor: L'Esperance4686979, Excimer laser phototherapy for the dissolution of abnormal growth Issued on: 08/18/1987 Inventor: Gruen , et al.4718418, Apparatus for ophthalmological surgery Issued on: 01/12/1988 Inventor: L'Esperance, Jr.4721379, Apparatus for analysis and correction of abnormal refractive errors of the eye Issued on: 01/26/1988 Inventor: L'Esperance4729372, Apparatus for performing ophthalmic laser surgery Issued on: 03/08/1988 Inventor: L'Esperance, Jr.4732148, Method for performing ophthalmic laser surgery Issued on: 03/22/1988 Inventor: L'Esperance, Jr.4770172, Method of laser-sculpture of the optically used portion of the cornea Issued on: 09/13/1988 Inventor: L'Esperance, Jr.4773414, Method of laser-sculpture of the optically used portion of the cornea Issued on: 09/27/1988 Inventor: L'Esperance, Jr.4798204, Method of laser-sculpture of the optically used portion of the cornea Issued on: 01/17/1989 Inventor: L'Esperance, Jr.4838266, Lens shaping device using a laser attenuator Issued on: 06/13/1989 Inventor: Koziol , et al.4856513Laser reprofiling systems and methods Issued on: 08/15/1989 Inventor: Muller Foreign Patent References
International ClassA61N 005/06 |
