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).

  • Patent number: 11833031
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Georg Schuele, David A. Dewey, Jenny Wang, Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov
  • Publication number: 20230130142
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
  • Patent number: 11540946
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
  • Publication number: 20220061983
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Georg Schuele, David A. Dewey, Jenny Wang, Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov
  • Publication number: 20220047423
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Georg Schuele
  • Publication number: 20220015949
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Richard Hofer, Georg Schuele
  • Publication number: 20220015948
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
  • Patent number: 9653863
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. Del Castillo
  • Patent number: 9625903
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Feldkamp, Richard A. Hofer, Louis E. Estingoy, III
  • Publication number: 20160043521
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: RICHARD A. HOFER, PATRICK D. DEL CASTILLO
  • Patent number: 9166506
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Jonathan R. Feldcamp
  • Publication number: 20150253770
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: JONATHAN R. FELDKAMP, RICHARD A. HOFER, LOUIS E. ESTINGOY, III
  • Patent number: 9106039
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Patent number: 9043047
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathon R. Feldkamp, Richard A. Hofer, Louis E. Estingoy, III
  • Patent number: 8663207
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Guang-ming Dai, Richard A. Hofer, Dimitri Chernyak
  • Publication number: 20130282350
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Guang-ming Dai, Richard A. Hofer, Dimitri Chernyak
  • Publication number: 20130234634
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Jonathan R. Feldcamp
  • Patent number: 8409178
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: AMO Development LLC.
    Inventors: Guangming Dai, Richard A. Hofer, Dimitri Chernyak
  • Patent number: 8353713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Publication number: 20120330481
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon R. Feldkamp, Richard A. Hofer, Louis E. Estingoy, III