Patent EP0617066B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3572913A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Comprehensive support for ophthalmic examination apparatus and instruments
Assignee: BOYLSTON RES ASS
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Filing: 1969-02-03
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Granted: 1971-03-30
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Expires: 1989-02-03
Abstract
Abstract Ophthalmic examination apparatus includes a fixed base structure that includes a circular track and a patient support chair positioned within the circular track. A generally cylindrical instrument support structure is supported for rotation on the circular track and has an aperture in it so that a patient may enter and so that the examiner may have direct access to the patient. An electrical motor drives the support structure on the circular track and a position switch and a series of spaced switch actuators control the positioning of particular instruments in proper position for examination purposes.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald R Korb
- 👤 Donald W Horley
- 👤 Peter L Lindenmuth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:35
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B3/00; A61B3/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
213 words
Ophthalmic examination apparatus for supporting and positioning ophthalmic examination instruments relative to a predetermined patient position comprising: a fixed position base structure including an annular drive surface, said base structure receiving a patient support means defining said predetermined patient position; a generally cylindrical support structure axially extending above said drive surface and having a wall aperture therein for entry of a patient to said base structure; a plurality of wheels, having axes radially extending from an axis perpendicular to said drive surface, connected to said support structure and engaging said drive surface for rotation of said support structure about said perpendicular axis, said perpendicular axis being located at the position of a patient''s eyes in aid predetermined patient position; an annular support surface on said support structure spaced above said base structure and having an opening at a position corresponding to said aperture; a drive for rotating said support structure; guide means interconnected between said base and said support structure for guiding rotation of said support structure; and a position switch and a plurality of spaced switch actuators positioned about said support structure for actuating said position switch at each of several predetermined support positions of said support structure relative to said predetermined patient position for detection and signalling of support structure position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
213 words
Ophthalmic examination apparatus for supporting and positioning ophthalmic examination instruments relative to a predetermined patient position comprising: a fixed position base structure including an annular drive surface, said base structure receiving a patient support means defining said predetermined patient position; a generally cylindrical support structure axially extending above said drive surface and having a wall aperture therein for entry of a patient to said base structure; a plurality of wheels, having axes radially extending from an axis perpendicular to said drive surface, connected to said support structure and engaging said drive surface for rotation of said support structure about said perpendicular axis, said perpendicular axis being located at the position of a patient''s eyes in aid predetermined patient position; an annular support surface on said support structure spaced above said base structure and having an opening at a position corresponding to said aperture; a drive for rotating said support structure; guide means interconnected between said base and said support structure for guiding rotation of said support structure; and a position switch and a plurality of spaced switch actuators positioned about said support structure for actuating said position switch at each of several predetermined support positions of said support structure relative to said predetermined patient position for detection and signalling of support structure position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 1 further including instrument support pallets mounted on vertically adjustable arms supported by said support structure, said arms being circumferentially adjustable on said support structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base structure further includes first electrical contacts for connection to a power supply and said support structure includes second electrical contacts for connection to electrically operated instruments, said first and second electrical contacts being mounted for movable, electrical contact therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said position switch is a photoelectric switch and said position switch actuators are light reflective strips.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 4 and further including at least one direction switch and a direction switch actuator means for signalling the direction of rotation of said support structure providing the shortest distance of rotation of said support structure moving from one said support position to another.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
107 words
The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 5 wherein said drive means rotates said support structure in a preferred direction when said direction switch is not actuated, and in the opposite direction when said direction switch is actuated, said direction switch actuator mans including a diode circuit connected to said position switches and signal switches so that when one of said signal switches is actuated said direction switch is not actuated when said preferred direction of rotation provides the shortest distance of rotation of said support structure moving from one said support position to another, and is actuated when the opposite direction of rotation provides the shortest distance.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 1 and further including at least one direction control and a direction control actuator for causing said support structure to rotate in the direction providing the shortest movement from one said support position to another.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
76 words
The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 7 wherein said drive means rotates said support structure in a first direction when said direction control is not actuated, and in the opposite direction when said direction control is actuated, said direction control actuator including a diode circuit connected to said position sensors and circuitry for actuating said direction control to provide the shortest distance of rotation of said support structure moving from one said support position to another.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 8 wherein said base structure includes first electrical contacts for connection to a power supply and said support structure includes second electrical contacts for connection to electrically operated instruments, said first and second electrical contacts being mounted for movable, electrical contact therebetween.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-29 | 1974-09-28 | 1975-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-29 | 1978-09-28 | 1979-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-29 | 1982-09-28 | 1983-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |