US5324281A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser reprofiling system employing a photodecomposable mask
Assignee: Summit Technology Inc
•
Filing: 1992-10-22
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Granted: 1994-06-28
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Expires: 2012-10-22
Abstract
Abstract A laser system for reprofiling a surface, such as the corneal surface of an eye, comprising a laser and a photoreactive mask disposed between the laser means and the surface for providing a predefined profile of resistance to laser radiation, 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 surface. The mask can be directly integrated with support structure attached to the surface or spatially separated from the surface and imaged onto the surface. In one preferred embodiment, the mask includes a transparent matrix and light-absorbing dispersoids selectively distributed within the matrix, such that the dispersed elements are progressively bleached by exposure to the laser radiation.
Inventors
- 👤 David F. Muller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:03
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/007; A61F9/008; A61F9/00802; A61F9/00817; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/30; A61B2017/306; A61F2009/00861; A61F2009/00872; A61F9/00804; A61F9/00819
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A masking apparatus for use in laser reprofiling of a target surface, the apparatus comprising: a support structure and a mask connected to the support structure, the mask comprising an optically transmission portion and a photobleachable composition having a distribution which provides a predefined profile of resistance to ablative laser radiation, whereby upon irradiation of the mask, the composition of the mask is progressively bleached, such that a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed and another portion is transmitted to the target surface, in accordance with the mask profile to selectively ablate the target surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A masking apparatus for use in laser reprofiling of a target surface, the apparatus comprising: a support structure and a mask connected to the support structure, the mask comprising an optically transmission portion and a photobleachable composition having a distribution which provides a predefined profile of resistance to ablative laser radiation, whereby upon irradiation of the mask, the composition of the mask is progressively bleached, such that a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed and another portion is transmitted to the target surface, in accordance with the mask profile to selectively ablate the target surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mask varies in composition to provide the profile of resistance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mask varies in shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mask further comprises a transmissive matrix and light absorbing matter distributed within the matrix.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support structure further includes a holder adapted to receive the mask 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
124 words
A method of reprofiling a surface comprising: locating a laser means in optical alignment with a target surface, the laser means being operable to deliver laser radiation to the target surface; disposing a masking means between the laser means and the target surface, the masking means comprising an optically transmissive portion and a photobleachable composition having distribution which provides a predefined profile of resistance to laser radiation; and irradiating the masking means with laster radiation of sufficient intensity to ablate the target surface, whereby the light-absorbing properties of the mask are progressively bleached, such that a portion of the radiation is selectively absorbed and another portion is transmitted to the target surface, in accordance with the mask profile to selectively ablate the target surface.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of reprofiling a surface comprising: locating a laser means in optical alignment with a target surface, the laser means being operable to deliver laser radiation to the target surface; disposing a masking means between the laser means and the target surface, the masking means comprising an optically transmissive portion and a photobleachable composition having distribution which provides a predefined profile of resistance to laser radiation; and irradiating the masking means with laster radiation of sufficient intensity to ablate the target surface, whereby the light-absorbing properties of the mask are progressively bleached, such that a portion of the radiation is selectively absorbed and another portion is transmitted to the target surface, in accordance with the mask profile to selectively ablate the target surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the the step of providing a masking means further comprises providing a masking means in which the photobleachable composition varies in distribution to provide the profile of resistance.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the method further comprises locating the laser means and the masking means in optical alignment with corneal tissue, and then irradiating the masking means to selectively erode the corneal tissue.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7 wherein step of providing masking means further comprises providing a masking means which varies in shape to provide the profile of resistance.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the step of providing a masking means further comprises providing masking means which varies in thickness to provide the profile of resistance.
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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) | 1997-06-27 | 1997-12-27 | 1998-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-06-27 | 2001-12-27 | 2002-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-06-27 | 2005-12-27 | 2006-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |