Patents by Inventor Richard Hofer
Richard Hofer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11833031Abstract: A laser scanning method for forming a Fresnel type gradient index lens in an intraocular lens IOL. The radial profile of the desired optical pathlength (OPL) difference to be achieved in the IOL has multiple zones, each zone ramping from unchanged OPL to one wave, and stepping down to zero. To form a zone of a predefined OPL difference profile, the laser beam is scanned in multiple passes; in each pass, the laser beam is scanned in concentric circles of varying radii covering all or a part of the zone, with laser energy ramping up (along the radius) to a maximum allowed energy and staying at that energy. The ramp up region, which is dependent on the predefined OPL difference profile and the maximum allowed energy, is short, and most part of the pass is scanned at the maximum allowed energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: AMO Development, LLCInventors: Georg Schuele, David A. Dewey, Jenny Wang, Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov
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Publication number: 20230130142Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for real-time process monitoring during laser-based refractive index modification of an intraocular lens. During in situ laser treatment of the IOL to modify the refractive index of the IOL material, a signal from the IOL is measured to determine the processing effect of the refractive index modification, and based on the determination, to adjust the laser system parameters to achieve intended processing result. The signal measured from the IOL may be a fluorescent signal induced by the treatment laser, a fluorescent signal induced by an external illumination source, a temporary photodarkening effect, a color change, or a refractive index change directly measured by phase stabilized OCT.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
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Patent number: 11540946Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for real-time process monitoring during laser-based refractive index modification of an intraocular lens. During in situ laser treatment of the IOL to modify the refractive index of the IOL material, a signal from the IOL is measured to determine the processing effect of the refractive index modification, and based on the determination, to adjust the laser system parameters to achieve intended processing result. The signal measured from the IOL may be a fluorescent signal induced by the treatment laser, a fluorescent signal induced by an external illumination source, a temporary photodarkening effect, a color change, or a refractive index change directly measured by phase stabilized OCT.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: AMO Development, LLCInventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
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Publication number: 20220061983Abstract: A laser scanning method for forming a Fresnel type gradient index lens in an intraocular lens IOL. The radial profile of the desired optical pathlength (OPL) difference to be achieved in the IOL has multiple zones, each zone ramping from unchanged OPL to one wave, and stepping down to zero. To form a zone of a predefined OPL difference profile, the laser beam is scanned in multiple passes; in each pass, the laser beam is scanned in concentric circles of varying radii covering all or a part of the zone, with laser energy ramping up (along the radius) to a maximum allowed energy and staying at that energy. The ramp up region, which is dependent on the predefined OPL difference profile and the maximum allowed energy, is short, and most part of the pass is scanned at the maximum allowed energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: Georg Schuele, David A. Dewey, Jenny Wang, Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov
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Publication number: 20220047423Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in a patient's eye in a cataract procedure is modified by altering the spatial refractive index profile of the IOL to remove higher order aberrations of the patient's visual system. The higher order aberrations are measured by an aberrometer, and the measured distortions on the cornea are propagated from the corneal surfaces to the IOL plane, and corrected in the IOL. This allows the choice to have high order aberration correction to be an independent choice for the patient, independent of the decision to have cataract surgery. In addition, patients with existing standard IOLs implanted may obtain the benefit of high order aberration correction at any time after implantation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2020Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Georg Schuele
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Publication number: 20220015949Abstract: The XYZ beam position of an ophthalmic laser system is calibrated by measuring a fluorescent signal induced by the focused laser beam in a thin glass coverslip via multiphoton absorption. A video camera measures the XY position and intensity of the fluorescent signal as the focused laser beam strikes the coverslip. The Z position of the focus is determined by scanning the targeted z position and identifying the Z scanner position of peak fluorescence. An OCT system measures the real space Z location of the coverslip, which is correlated with the Z scanner position. Other laser system parameters are assessed by repeatedly scanning a lower energy laser beam in a piece of IOL material, and observing damage (scattering voids) formation in the IOL material. Based on the rate of damage formation, laser system parameters such as beam quality, numerical aperture, pulse energy, and pulse duration, etc. can be assessed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2020Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Richard Hofer, Georg Schuele
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Publication number: 20220015948Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for real-time process monitoring during laser-based refractive index modification of an intraocular lens. During in situ laser treatment of the IOL to modify the refractive index of the IOL material, a signal from the IOL is measured to determine the processing effect of the refractive index modification, and based on the determination, to adjust the laser system parameters to achieve intended processing result. The signal measured from the IOL may be a fluorescent signal induced by the treatment laser, a fluorescent signal induced by an external illumination source, a temporary photodarkening effect, a color change, or a refractive index change directly measured by phase stabilized OCT.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2020Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
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Patent number: 9653863Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. Del Castillo
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Patent number: 9625903Abstract: Electronic components that are operable within remote control vehicles include Electronic Speed Controllers, radio control receivers, and telemetry transmitters. Hardware and software are described that support communication between a user computer and electronic components. A data link device has analog input and output interfaces that communicate to a mobile computing device such as smartphone. The data link device communicates with an electronic component to send and receive data such as parameters or operational data over a wired bidirectional bus interface. Software for performing data link operations run for example on an electronic component, a mobile computing device, a smartphone, a data link device, or a telemetry receive radio, or a combination of the above.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jonathan R. Feldkamp, Richard A. Hofer, Louis E. Estingoy, III
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Publication number: 20160043521Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: RICHARD A. HOFER, PATRICK D. DEL CASTILLO
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Patent number: 9166506Abstract: Control of rotational speed of a motor is provided using an apparatus and method that provides a staging and a driving mode. A processor controls speed of the motor in three different modes to provide different control that is appropriate for different situations. Control-input indications are received by a processor indicating that a stepping mode is selected. In stepping mode, a sequence of commutation states are chosen in succession at a given stepping frequency for a given control selection. In an active-holding mode, the same phase in the commutation sequence is pulsed at low power to hold a motor location. In a closed-loop motor-control mode, the commutation state is sensed and state transition time is controlled relative to neutral timing. These modes may be used to advantage to simulate a drag race. An operator controls a remote-control vehicle in a stepping mode to drive toward a first beam at a drag start line.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Jonathan R. Feldcamp
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Publication number: 20150253770Abstract: Electronic components that are operable within remote control vehicles include Electronic Speed Controllers, radio control receivers, and telemetry transmitters. Hardware and software are described that support communication between a user computer and electronic components. A data link device has analog input and output interfaces that communicate to a mobile computing device such as smartphone. The data link device communicates with an electronic component to send and receive data such as parameters or operational data over a wired bidirectional bus interface. Software for performing data link operations run for example on an electronic component, a mobile computing device, a smartphone, a data link device, or a telemetry receive radio, or a combination of the above.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventors: JONATHAN R. FELDKAMP, RICHARD A. HOFER, LOUIS E. ESTINGOY, III
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Patent number: 9106039Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. del Castillo
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Patent number: 9043047Abstract: Electronic components that are operable within remote control vehicles include Electronic Speed Controllers, radio control receivers, and telemetry transmitters. Hardware and software are described that support communication between a user computer and electronic components. A data link device has analog input and output interfaces that communicate to a mobile computing device such as smartphone. The data link device communicates with a electronic component to send and receive data such as parameters or operational data over a wired bidirectional bus interface. Software for performing data link operations run for example on an electronic component, a mobile computing device, a smartphone, a data link device, or a telemetry receive radio, or a combination of the above. Embodiments include software operable on a smartphone and a data link device that enables parameter or operational data communication between a smartphone and an electronic component using the microphone and speaker interface on the smartphone.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jonathon R. Feldkamp, Richard A. Hofer, Louis E. Estingoy, III
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Patent number: 8663207Abstract: Treatment table verification techniques involve comparing intended refraction information with expected optical refraction information, and validating or qualifying the treatment table based on such comparisons. Systems and methods for verifying treatment tables provide enhanced safety for laser vision correction treatments.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: AMO Development, LLCInventors: Guang-ming Dai, Richard A. Hofer, Dimitri Chernyak
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Publication number: 20130282350Abstract: Treatment table verification techniques involve comparing intended refraction information with expected optical refraction information, and validating or qualifying the treatment table based on such comparisons. Systems and methods for verifying treatment tables provide enhanced safety for laser vision correction treatments.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Guang-ming Dai, Richard A. Hofer, Dimitri Chernyak
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Publication number: 20130234634Abstract: Control of rotational speed of a motor is provided using an apparatus and method that provides a staging and a driving mode. A processor controls speed of the motor in three different modes to provide different control that is appropriate for different situations. Control-input indications are received by a processor indicating that a stepping mode is selected. In stepping mode, a sequence of commutation states are chosen in succession at a given stepping frequency for a given control selection. In an active-holding mode, the same phase in the commutation sequence is pulsed at low power to hold a motor location. In a closed-loop motor-control mode, the commutation state is sensed and state transition time is controlled relative to neutral timing. These modes may be used to advantage to simulate a drag race. An operator controls a remote-control vehicle in a stepping mode to drive toward a first beam at a drag start line.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Jonathan R. Feldcamp
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Patent number: 8409178Abstract: Treatment table verification techniques involve comparing intended refraction information with expected optical refraction information, and validating or qualifying the treatment table based on such comparisons. Systems and methods for verifying treatment tables provide enhanced safety for laser vision correction treatments.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: AMO Development LLC.Inventors: Guangming Dai, Richard A. Hofer, Dimitri Chernyak
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Patent number: 8353713Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. del Castillo
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Publication number: 20120330481Abstract: Electronic components that are operable within remote control vehicles include Electronic Speed Controllers, radio control receivers, and telemetry transmitters. Hardware and software are described that support communication between a user computer and electronic components. A data link device has analog input and output interfaces that communicate to a mobile computing device such as smartphone. The data link device communicates with a electronic component to send and receive data such as parameters or operational data over a wired bidirectional bus interface. Software for performing data link operations run for example on an electronic component, a mobile computing device, a smartphone, a data link device, or a telemetry receive radio, or a combination of the above. Embodiments include software operable on a smartphone and a data link device that enables parameter or operational data communication between a smartphone and an electronic component using the microphone and speaker interface on the smartphone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Castle Creations, Inc.Inventors: Jonathon R. Feldkamp, Richard A. Hofer, Louis E. Estingoy, III