US3639043A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
An adjustable housing for apparatus for determining cornea contour
Assignee: W-J (DELAWARE) Inc
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Filing: 1970-09-24
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Granted: 1972-02-01
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Expires: 1990-09-24
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for determining the contour of the human cornea comprising a substantially opaque target having a plurality of light-transmitting gaps through which light beams can be projected onto the eye of a patient. The pattern of light beams reflected in the eye can then be photographed with the particular configuration providing a basis for determining mathematically the contour of the eye. The target structure comprises a pair of hollow plastic shells provided with an opaque coating. The coating is removed in selected areas to provide the light transmitting gaps. The shells are mounted at one end of an adjustable housing, and a camera and through-the-lens focusing means are located at the opposite end of the housing. The adjusting means comprise double joint ball and socket means which permit the operator to make finite adjustments for accurate alignment while viewing the eye.
Inventors
- 👤 Malcolm G Townsley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 13:35
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B3/00; A61B3/10; A61B3/107
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
In an apparatus for determining the contour of the human cornea wherein an illuminated target is provided for developing a light pattern on the eye surface and including a camera for providing a photographic record of the pattern, the improvement in means for adjusting the position of the target structure in order to center the light pattern on the eye, said adjusting means comprising an externally threaded rod, means extending from said target structure connecting the structure to the rod, and a ball and socket secured to a supporting base for the target structure, said ball defining a threaded bore receiving the rod means for rotating said rod about its own axis for shifting the target structure longitudinally relative to said base, and a resiliently mounted rear support means extending between said target structure and said base, and further including means allowing for pivotal movement of said target structure about a horizontal axis in response to the application of a vertical force component to the rod.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
In an apparatus for determining the contour of the human cornea wherein an illuminated target is provided for developing a light pattern on the eye surface and including a camera for providing a photographic record of the pattern, the improvement in means for adjusting the position of the target structure in order to center the light pattern on the eye, said adjusting means comprising an externally threaded rod, means extending from said target structure connecting the structure to the rod, and a ball and socket secured to a supporting base for the target structure, said ball defining a threaded bore receiving the rod means for rotating said rod about its own axis for shifting the target structure longitudinally relative to said base, and a resiliently mounted rear support means extending between said target structure and said base, and further including means allowing for pivotal movement of said target structure about a horizontal axis in response to the application of a vertical force component to the rod.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means connecting the target structure to the rod comprise a second ball and socket, the second ball being secured against movement relative to the rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further including a first pair of wheels carried by said support and riding on the top surface of said base, a lower carriage means resiliently tied to said rear support means, and a second pair of wheels riding on the underside of said base, said lower carriage and associated wheels yielding relative to said rear support means when a vertical component of force is applied.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 3 including guide rollers located between said lower carriage and said rear support means, said guide rollers ride in slots formed in said base.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3463579A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-31 | 1975-08-02 | 1976-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-31 | 1979-08-02 | 1980-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-31 | 1983-08-02 | 1984-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |