US5019074A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser reprofiling system employing an erodable mask
Assignee: Summit Technology Inc
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Filing: 1989-08-11
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Granted: 1991-05-28
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Expires: 2009-08-11
Abstract
Abstract A 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.
Inventors
- 👤 David F. Muller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:56
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/007; A61F9/008; A61F9/00802; A61F9/00804; A61F9/00817; A61F9/00819; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/30; A61B2017/306; A61F2009/00861; A61F2009/00872
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A masking apparatus for use in laser reprofiling of a target surface, the apparatus comprising a support structure and an erodable mask connected to the support structure, the mask being erodable by radiation from a reprofiling laser and having a predefined profile of resistance to erosion by laser radiation, whereby upon irradiation of the mask, a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed by the mask and another portion is transmitted to the target surface in accordance with the mask profile to selectively erode the target surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A masking apparatus for use in laser reprofiling of a target surface, the apparatus comprising a support structure and an erodable mask connected to the support structure, the mask being erodable by radiation from a reprofiling laser and having a predefined profile of resistance to erosion by laser radiation, whereby upon irradiation of the mask, a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed by the mask and another portion is transmitted to the target surface in accordance with the mask profile to selectively erode the target surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mask which varies in thickness to provide the profile of resistance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mask varies in composition to provide the profile of resistance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mask is formed from poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(methyl styrene), or mixtures thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support structure further includes a transparent stage to which the mask is affixed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus further includes at least one imaging lens for projecting radiation transmitted through the mask to the target surface.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of reprofiling a surface comprising: locating a laser means for generating a laser beam in optical alignment with a target surface, the laser means being operable to deliver laser radiation to the target surface; and disposing an erodable masking means between the laser means and the target surface, the masking means being erodable by radiation from the laser means and having a predefined profile of resistance to erosion by laser radiation such that upon irradiation a portion of the radiation is selectively absorbed by the masking means and another portion is transmitted to the target surface in accordance with the mask profile to selectively erode the target surface.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of reprofiling a surface comprising: locating a laser means for generating a laser beam in optical alignment with a target surface, the laser means being operable to deliver laser radiation to the target surface; and disposing an erodable masking means between the laser means and the target surface, the masking means being erodable by radiation from the laser means and having a predefined profile of resistance to erosion by laser radiation such that upon irradiation a portion of the radiation is selectively absorbed by the masking means and another portion is transmitted to the target surface in accordance with the mask profile to selectively erode the target surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the method further includes varying the thickness of the masking means to provide the profile of resistance.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the method further includes varying the composition of the masking means to provide the profile of resistance.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the masking means is formed from poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(methyl styrene), or mixtures thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the method further includes a transparent stage means to which the masking means is affixed and in which radiation passes through a selected region and is absorbed in another selected region.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the method further includes at least one imaging lens means for projecting radiation transmitted through the masking means to the target surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the target surface is biological tissue.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the target surface is corneal tissue.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
88 words
A masking apparatus for use in laser reprofiling of corneal tissue comprising a support structure and an erodable mask connected to the support structure and positionable above the cornea, the mask being erodable by radiation from a reprofiling laser and having a predefined profile of resistance to radiation from the laser whereby, upon irradiation of the mask, a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed by the mask and another portion is transmitted to the cornea in accordance with the mask profile to selectively erode the tissue.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
88 words
A masking apparatus for use in laser reprofiling of corneal tissue comprising a support structure and an erodable mask connected to the support structure and positionable above the cornea, the mask being erodable by radiation from a reprofiling laser and having a predefined profile of resistance to radiation from the laser whereby, upon irradiation of the mask, a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed by the mask and another portion is transmitted to the cornea in accordance with the mask profile to selectively erode the tissue.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the support further includes a transparent stage for receiving the mask.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the mask varies in thickness to provide the profile.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the mask varies in composition to provide the profile.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the mask is formed from poly(methyl methacrylate), polymethylstyrene or mixtures thereof.
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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) | 1994-05-27 | 1994-11-26 | 1995-05-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-05-27 | 1998-11-26 | 1999-05-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-05-27 | 2002-11-26 | 2003-05-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |