US5095386A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical system for generating lines of light using crossed cylindrical lenses
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-05-01
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Granted: 1992-03-10
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Expires: 2010-05-01
Abstract
Abstract An optical system for generating lines includes a source of a diverging light beam, a first cylindrical lens (104) which receives the light beam, and a second adjacent cylindrical lens (106) which is at an angle with respect to the first. The beam of light passes through the first and second cylindrical lenses (104, 106) to produce a planar beam of light (124) which becomes a line (122) when incident upon a surface (126). The cylindrical lenses (104, 106) are mounted so as to be rotatable both simultaneously and with respect to each other. The angle of the line generated by the lens configuration is a bisector of the obtuse angles formed by the principal axes of the cylindrical lenses (104, 106) except where the lenses are at right angles to one another. The rotation of both lenses simultaneously changes the angle of the line (128) while rotation of one lens with respect to the other adjusts the focus of the line. The system generates long, sharp lines of substantially even brightness along the length of the line while allowing control of the focus (zoom capability) and the length of the projected line, and enabling two short focal length lenses to perform like one long focal length lens. The system for generating lines may be used as part of a patient positioning system.
Inventors
- 👤 Karl J. Scheibengraber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:20
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/08; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/10; A61N5/1048; A61N5/1049; G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/09; G02B27/0911; G02B27/0938; G02B27/095; G02B27/0955; G02B27/0966; A61N2005/105; G02B3/00; G02B3/02; G02B3/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; and (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect, and wherein the cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the first cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its planar surface and exits through its convex surface and the second cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its convex surface and exits through its planar surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; and (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect, and wherein the cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the first cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its planar surface and exits through its convex surface and the second cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its convex surface and exits through its planar surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
180 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; and (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect wherein the light source comprises a laser providing a light beam and a diverging lens positioned in the light beam between the laser and the first cylindrical lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
180 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; and (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect wherein the light source comprises a laser providing a light beam and a diverging lens positioned in the light beam between the laser and the first cylindrical lens.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical system of claim 2 wherein the non-power axes of the cylindrical lenses are oriented at right angles to one another.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
220 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect; (d) a beam splitter positioned in the light beam between the light source and the first cylindrical lens, the beam splitter dividing the light beam into two parts, the first part being directed to the first set of cylindrical lenses; and (e) a second set of adjacent cylindrical lenses, the second part of the light beam from the beam splitter being directed to the second set of cylindrical lenses.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
220 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect; (d) a beam splitter positioned in the light beam between the light source and the first cylindrical lens, the beam splitter dividing the light beam into two parts, the first part being directed to the first set of cylindrical lenses; and (e) a second set of adjacent cylindrical lenses, the second part of the light beam from the beam splitter being directed to the second set of cylindrical lenses.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The optical system of claim 4 wherein the light source comprises a laser providing a light beam and a diverging lens positioned in the light beam between the laser and the beam splitter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical system of claim 5 wherein the laser is a helium-neon laser.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical system of claim 4 wherein the non-power axes of the cylindrical lenses are oriented at right angles to one another.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
178 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of lights when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axis intersect; and (d) means for rotating the first and second lenses with respect to one another to focus the line of light that is incident upon a surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
178 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of lights when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axis intersect; and (d) means for rotating the first and second lenses with respect to one another to focus the line of light that is incident upon a surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical system of claim 8 wherein the non-power axes of the cylindrical lenses are oriented at right angles to one another.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
180 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axes, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect; and (d) means for rotating the first and second lenses together as a set to adjust the angle of the line of light that is incident upon a surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
180 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axes, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect; and (d) means for rotating the first and second lenses together as a set to adjust the angle of the line of light that is incident upon a surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
168 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line when incident upon a surface; and (d) means for rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses with respect to one another to change the angle between the first and second non-power axes to allow focusing of the line that is incident upon the surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
168 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line when incident upon a surface; and (d) means for rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses with respect to one another to change the angle between the first and second non-power axes to allow focusing of the line that is incident upon the surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
63 words
The optical system of claim 11 wherein the first and second cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the first cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its convex surface and exits through its planar surface and wherein the second cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its planar surface and exits through its convex surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
63 words
The optical system of claim 11 wherein the first and second cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the first cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its planar surface and exits through its convex surface and wherein the second cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its convex surface and exits through its planar surface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
The optical system of claim 11 wherein the light source comprises a laser providing a light beam and a diverging lens positioned in the light beam between the laser and the first cylindrical lens.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
77 words
The optical system of claim 11 further including a beam splitter positioned in the light beam between the light source and the first cylindrical lens, the beam splitter dividing the light beam into two parts, the first part being directed to the first set of cylindrical lenses, and further including a second set of adjacent cylindrical lenses, the second part of the light beam from the beam splitter being directed to the second set of cylindrical lenses.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The optical system of claim 15 wherein the light source comprises a laser providing a light beam and a diverging lens positioned in the light beam between the laser and the beam splitter.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The optical system of claim 11 further including means for rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses together as a set to adjust the angle of the line.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical system of claim 16 wherein the laser is a helium-neon laser.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
178 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect; and (d) means for rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses together as a set to change the angle of the line that is incident upon the surface.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
178 words
An optical system for generating a line of light on a surface comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect; and (d) means for rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses together as a set to change the angle of the line that is incident upon the surface.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
63 words
The optical system of claim 19 wherein the first and second cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the first cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its convex surface and exits through its planar surface and wherein the second cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its planar surface and exits through its convex surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
62 words
The optical system of claim 19 wherein the first and second lenses are plano-convex lenses and the first cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its planar surface and exits through its convex surface and wherein the second cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its convex surface and exits through its planar surface.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The optical system of claim 19 wherein the light source comprises a laser providing a light beam and a diverging lens positioned in the light beam between the laser and the first cylindrical lens.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
77 words
The optical system of claim 19 further including a beam splitter positioned in the light beam between the light source and the first cylindrical lens, the beam splitter dividing the light beam into two parts, the first part being directed to the first set of cylindrical lenses, and further including a second set of adjacent cylindrical lenses, the second part of the light beam from the beam splitter being directed to the second set of cylindrical lenses.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
The optical system of claim 23 wherein the light source comprises a laser providing a light beam and a diverging lens positioned in the light beam between the laser and the beam splitter.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical system of claim 24 wherein the laser is a helium-neon laser.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical system of claim 19 wherein the non-power axes of the cylindrical lenses are oriented at right angles to one another.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
182 words
A patient positioning system comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second axes intersect when projected upon each other; and a patient positioning device upon which a patient may be placed for a medical procedure, the line of light being projected upon the patient to establish the location of the procedure to be administered.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
182 words
A patient positioning system comprising: (a) a light source that produces an intense diverging or collimated light beam; (b) a first cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light beam and having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (c) a second cylindrical lens positioned adjacent to the first lens to receive the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens and having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis, the second cylindrical lens being positioned such that the light beam exiting the first cylindrical lens enters through a surface of the second cylindrical lens and exits through another surface of the second cylindrical lens as a planar beam of light which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second axes intersect when projected upon each other; and a patient positioning device upon which a patient may be placed for a medical procedure, the line of light being projected upon the patient to establish the location of the procedure to be administered.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
64 words
The patient positioning system of claim 27 wherein the first and second cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the first cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its convex surface and exits through its planar surface and wherein the second cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its planar surface and exits through its convex surface.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
61 words
The patient positioning system of claim 27 wherein the cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the first cylindrical lens is positioned such that the light beam enters through its planar surface and exits through its convex surface and wherein the second cylindrical lens is positioned so that the light beam enters through its convex surface and exits through its planar surface.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
36 words
The patient positioning system of claim 27 wherein the light source comprises a laser providing a beam of light and a diverging lens positioned in the light beam between the laser and the first cylindrical lens.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
78 words
The patient positioning system of claim 27 further including a beam splitter positioned in the light beam between the light source and the first cylindrical lens, the beam splitter dividing the light beam into two parts, the first part being directed to the first set of cylindrical lenses, and further including a second set of adjacent cylindrical lenses, the second part of the light beam from the beam splitter being directed to the second set of cylindrical lenses.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
34 words
The patient positioning system of claim 31 wherein the light source comprises a laser providing a light beam and a diverging lens positioned in the light beam between the laser and the beam splitter.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The patient positioning system of claim 32 wherein the laser is a helium-neon laser.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The patient positioning system of claim 27 wherein the non-power axes of the cylindrical lenses are oriented at right angles to one another.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of generating a line of light on a surface comprising the steps of: (a) directing an intense diverging or collimated light beam into a first cylindrical lens having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (b) directing the light exiting the first cylindrical lens into a second cylindrical lens having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis to form a planar beam of light exiting the second cylindrical lens which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface; and (c) rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses with respect to one another to focus the line of light.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of generating a line of light on a surface comprising the steps of: (a) directing an intense diverging or collimated light beam into a first cylindrical lens having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (b) directing the light exiting the first cylindrical lens into a second cylindrical lens having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis to form a planar beam of light exiting the second cylindrical lens which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface; and (c) rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses with respect to one another to focus the line of light.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the first and second cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the light beam is directed to enter through the convex surface of the first cylindrical lens and exit through its planar surface and wherein the light exiting the first cylindrical lens is directed to enter through the planar surface of the second cylindrical lens and exit through its convex surface.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the first and second cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the light beam is directed to enter through the planar surface of the first cylindrical lens and exit through its convex surface and wherein the light exiting the first cylindrical lens is directed to enter through the convex surface of the second cylindrical lens and exit through its planar surface.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the step of directing an intense light beam further comprises the step of directing a narrow, substantially collimated light beam into a diverging lens prior to directing the light beam into the first cylindrical lens.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the light beam is produced by a laser.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the laser is a helium-neon laser.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 35 further comprising the step of rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses together as a set to adjust the angle of the line of light.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of generating a line of light on a surface comprising the steps of: (a) directing an intense diverging or collimated light beam into a first cylindrical lens having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (b) directing the light exiting the first cylindrical lens into a second cylindrical lens having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis to form a planar beam of light exiting the second cylindrical lens which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect; and (c) rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses together to change the angle of the line of light.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of generating a line of light on a surface comprising the steps of: (a) directing an intense diverging or collimated light beam into a first cylindrical lens having a convex surface directed along a first lens non-power axis; (b) directing the light exiting the first cylindrical lens into a second cylindrical lens having a convex surface directed along a second lens non-power axis to form a planar beam of light exiting the second cylindrical lens which forms a line of light when incident upon a surface, the first and second cylindrical lenses being arranged such that the first and second non-power axes intersect; and (c) rotating the first and second cylindrical lenses together to change the angle of the line of light.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 42 wherein the first and second cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the light beam is directed to enter through the convex surface of the first cylindrical lens and exit through its planar surface and wherein the light exiting the first cylindrical lens is directed to enter through the planar surface of the second cylindrical lens and exit through its convex surface.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 42 wherein the first and second cylindrical lenses are plano-convex lenses and the light beam is directed to enter through the planar surface of the first cylindrical lens and exit through its convex surface and wherein the light exiting the first cylindrical lens is directed to enter through the convex surface of the second cylindrical lens and exit through its planar surface.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 44 wherein the step of directing an intense light beam further comprises the step of directing a narrow, substantially collimated light beam into a diverging lens prior to directing the light beam into the first cylindrical lens.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 45 wherein the light beam is produced by a laser.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 46 wherein the laser is a helium-neon laser.
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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) | 1995-03-10 | 1995-09-09 | 1996-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-03-10 | 1999-09-09 | 2000-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-03-10 | 2003-09-09 | 2004-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |