Patents by Inventor Robert G. Heitel

Robert G. Heitel 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: 11590025
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interfacing an ophthalmic surgical laser with an eye using a patient interface (PI). The PI may include a closed, fluid-filled bladder having fiducials that contacts and deforms to the eye. Or, the PI may have an applanation lens with an outer ring portion and an inner concave portion for receiving the apex of the cornea. Another PI features a suction ring with a flexible skirt for contacting the sclera that is non-circular and/or non-planar. A system for injecting an index matching fluid into the area above the eye may also be incorporated. An integrated system includes a co-molded lens cone and attachment ring, with a lens window at the bottom of the lens cone which provides a sealed volume for vacuum-attaching a laser delivery system above the lens cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Heitel, Charles C. Vice, Hon M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20210346195
    Abstract: A system and method for performing ophthalmic surgery using an ultra-short pulsed laser is provided. The system includes a laser engine configured to provide an ultra-short pulsed laser beam, optics configured to direct the laser beam to an undocked eye of a patient, an eye tracker configured to measure five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye, an optical coherence tomography module configured to measure depth of the undocked eye, and a controller configured to control laser beam position on the undocked eye toward a desired laser pattern based on depth and the five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye. Adaptive optics are also provided. Also disclosed are a scleral ring including fiducial markings and a compliant contact lens and fluid tillable contact lens configured to facilitate ultra-short pulsed laser surgery while reducing or eliminating eye docking requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Hon M. Lee, Peter-Patrick De Guzman, Victor Kardos, Hong Fu, Robert G. Heitel, John M. Tamkin, Mikhail Levin, Bing Wang
  • Patent number: 11076990
    Abstract: A system and method for performing ophthalmic surgery using an ultra-short pulsed laser is provided. The system includes a laser engine configured to provide an ultra-short pulsed laser beam, optics configured to direct the laser beam to an undocked eye of a patient, an eye tracker configured to measure five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye, an optical coherence tomography module configured to measure depth of the undocked eye, and a controller configured to control laser beam position on the undocked eye toward a desired laser pattern based on depth and the five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye. Adaptive optics are also provided. Also disclosed are a scleral ring including fiducial markings and a compliant contact lens and fluid tillable contact lens configured to facilitate ultra-short pulsed laser surgery while reducing or eliminating eye docking requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Hon M. Lee, Peter-Patrick De Guzman, Victor Kardos, Hong Fu, Robert G. Heitel, John M. Tamkin, Mikhail Levin, Bing Wang
  • Publication number: 20210161705
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interfacing an ophthalmic surgical laser with an eye using a patient interface (PI). The PI may include a closed, fluid-filled bladder having fiducials that contacts and deforms to the eye. Or, the PI may have an applanation lens with an outer ring portion and an inner concave portion for receiving the apex of the cornea. Another PI features a suction ring with a flexible skirt for contacting the sclera that is non-circular and/or non-planar. A system for injecting an index matching fluid into the area above the eye may also be incorporated. An integrated system includes a co-molded lens cone and attachment ring, with a lens window at the bottom of the lens cone which provides a sealed volume for vacuum-attaching a laser delivery system above the lens cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Robert G. Heitel, Charles C. Vice, Hon M. Lee
  • Patent number: 10898377
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interfacing an ophthalmic surgical laser with an eye using a patient interface (PI). The PI may include a closed, fluid-filled bladder having fiducials that contacts and deforms to the eye. Or, the PI may have an applanation lens with an outer ring portion and an inner concave portion for receiving the apex of the cornea. Another PI features a suction ring with a flexible skirt for contacting the sclera that is non-circular and/or non-planar. A system for injecting an index matching fluid into the area above the eye may also be incorporated. An integrated system includes a co-molded lens cone and attachment ring, with a lens window at the bottom of the lens cone which provides a sealed volume for vacuum-attaching a laser delivery system above the lens cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Heitel, Charles C. Vice, Hon M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20180110647
    Abstract: A system and method for performing ophthalmic surgery using an ultra-short pulsed laser is provided. The system includes a laser engine configured to provide an ultra-short pulsed laser beam, optics configured to direct the laser beam to an undocked eye of a patient, an eye tracker configured to measure five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye, an optical coherence tomography module configured to measure depth of the undocked eye, and a controller configured to control laser beam position on the undocked eye toward a desired laser pattern based on depth and the five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye. Adaptive optics are also provided. Also disclosed are a scleral ring including fiducial markings and a compliant contact lens and fluid tillable contact lens configured to facilitate ultra-short pulsed laser surgery while reducing or eliminating eye docking requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Hon M. Lee, Peter-Patrick De Guzman, Victor Kardos, Hong Fu, Robert G. Heitel, John M. Tamkin, Mikhail Levin, Bing Wang
  • Publication number: 20180036168
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interfacing an ophthalmic surgical laser with an eye using a patient interface (PI). The PI may include a closed, fluid-filled bladder having fiducials that contacts and deforms to the eye. Or, the PI may have an applanation lens with an outer ring portion and an inner concave portion for receiving the apex of the cornea. Another PI features a suction ring with a flexible skirt for contacting the sclera that is non-circular and/or non-planar. A system for injecting an index matching fluid into the area above the eye may also be incorporated. An integrated system includes a co-molded lens cone and attachment ring, with a lens window at the bottom of the lens cone which provides a sealed volume for vacuum-attaching a laser delivery system above the lens cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Robert G. Heitel, Charles C. Vice, Hon M. Lee
  • Patent number: 9795509
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interfacing an ophthalmic surgical laser with an eye using a patient interface (PI). The PI may include a closed, fluid-filled bladder having fiducials that contacts and deforms to the eye. Or, the PI may have an applanation lens with an outer ring portion and an inner concave portion for receiving the apex of the cornea. Another PI features a suction ring with a flexible skirt for contacting the sclera that is non-circular and/or non-planar. A system for injecting an index matching fluid into the area above the eye may also be incorporated. An integrated system includes a co-molded lens cone and attachment ring, with a lens window at the bottom of the lens cone which provides a sealed volume for vacuum-attaching a laser delivery system above the lens cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Heitel, Charles C. Vice, Hon M. Lee
  • Patent number: 9158084
    Abstract: A scanning lens component includes a primary and transverse axis stages and motors. The primary axis motor includes a first coil moving along the primary axis in the first direction along with the primary axis stage and a first magnet configured to move in a second, opposite direction, in response to movement of the first coil a first distance that exceeds a threshold primary axis distance. The transverse axis stage is adjacent and coupled to the primary axis stage and moves along a transverse axis in a third direction. The transverse axis motor includes a second coil for moving along the transverse axis in the third direction with the transverse axis stage, and a second magnet configured to move in a fourth, opposite direction, in response to movement of the second coil along the transverse axis in the third direction a second distance that exceeds a threshold transverse axis distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventor: Robert G Heitel
  • Publication number: 20140275751
    Abstract: Embodiments of a collagen-based ophthalmic interface for reducing patient eye movement are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ophthalmic interface serving as a partial barrier between a patient's eye and a surgical laser system includes an annular-shaped collagen-based shield configured to overlay the anterior surface of the eye. The shield is applied directly to the eye with an eyelid speculum, and reduces eye movement by adding friction to the surface of the eye. In another embodiment, a collagen-based material coats an attachment ring of a conical interface for coupling a patient's eye to a surgical laser system. The collagen-based coat glues the surface of the eye to the conical interface, reducing eye movement, and simultaneously eliminating the need for vacuum suction to hold the device in place. The gap in the middle of the annular-shaped collagen-coated attachment ring is filled with a liquid whose refractive index matches that of the cornea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Robert G. Heitel, Teresita (Tessie) Smith, Mark Evan Steen
  • Publication number: 20140276673
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interfacing an ophthalmic surgical laser with an eye using a patient interface (PI). The PI may include a closed, fluid-filled bladder having fiducials that contacts and deforms to the eye. Or, the PI may have an applanation lens with an outer ring portion and an inner concave portion for receiving the apex of the cornea. Another PI features a suction ring with a flexible skirt for contacting the sclera that is non-circular and/or non-planar. A system for injecting an index matching fluid into the area above the eye may also be incorporated. An integrated system includes a co-molded lens cone and attachment ring, with a lens window at the bottom of the lens cone which provides a sealed volume for vacuum-attaching a laser delivery system above the lens cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Robert G. Heitel, Charles C. Vice, Hon M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20140276674
    Abstract: A system and method for performing ophthalmic surgery using an ultra-short pulsed laser is provided. The system includes a laser engine configured to provide an ultra-short pulsed laser beam, optics configured to direct the laser beam to an undocked eye of a patient, an eye tracker configured to measure five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye, an optical coherence tomography module configured to measure depth of the undocked eye, and a controller configured to control laser beam position on the undocked eye toward a desired laser pattern based on depth and the five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye. Adaptive optics are also provided. Also disclosed are a scleral ring including fiducial markings and a compliant contact lens and fluid fillable contact lens configured to facilitate ultra-short pulsed laser surgery while reducing or eliminating eye docking requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Hon M. Lee, Peter Patrick De Guzman, Victor Kardos, Hong Fu, Robert G. Heitel, John M. Tamkin, Mikhail Levin, Bing Wang
  • Publication number: 20140114294
    Abstract: A scanning lens component includes a primary and transverse axis stages and motors. The primary axis motor includes a first coil moving along the primary axis in the first direction along with the primary axis stage and a first magnet configured to move in a second, opposite direction, in response to movement of the first coil a first distance that exceeds a threshold primary axis distance. The transverse axis stage is adjacent and coupled to the primary axis stage and moves along a transverse axis in a third direction. The transverse axis motor includes a second coil for moving along the transverse axis in the third direction with the transverse axis stage, and a second magnet configured to move in a fourth, opposite direction, in response to movement of the second coil along the transverse axis in the third direction a second distance that exceeds a threshold transverse axis distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventor: Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7513289
    Abstract: A slide-lateral arm box awning system for motor homes and recreational vehicles having an extendable coach slider includes a encasement, a slider awning and a lateral arm awning. First and second roll bars are disposed within the encasement and attached respectively to the slider awning and the lateral arm awning within the encasement. Independent of operation of the roll bars enables independent operation of the slider awning and the lateral bar awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventors: Vince Weddell, Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7344182
    Abstract: A vehicle awning system includes a plurality of arm supports disposable in a spaced apart relationship on a vehicle roof with each support having a cantilevered portion disposable in a spaced apart relationship with the vehicle roof. A roller is disposed between the cantilevered portion and the vehicle roof and a fabric having a topside and a bottom side is wound on the roller and extendable therefrom with a lead rail. A plurality of articulated arms interconnect a corresponding arm support with the lead rail and are disposed over the fabric topside for tensioning the fabric between the roller and the lead rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventors: Vince Weddell, Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7302988
    Abstract: A breakaway awning includes an awning moveable between an open position and a closed position and having a lead rail attached to a leading edge of the awning. A pair of tracks mountable on opposite sides of a window are provided with longitudinal slots therein. Track guides are slidably disposed within a corresponding slot and awning guides are fixed to opposite ends of the lead rail. Track guide fittings and awning guide fittings engagable with one another enable both longitudinal movement of the lead rail along the tracks and transverse separation of the lead rail and awning guides from the track guides and track upon the application of force thereto thus facilitating egress from the underline window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7261115
    Abstract: A combo slide-window awning system for motor homes and recreational vehicles having an extendable coach slider includes an encasement, a slider awning and a window awning. First and second roll bars are disposed within the encasement and attached respectively to the slider awning and the window awning within the encasement. Independent of operation of the roll bars enables independent operation of the slider awning and the window awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventors: Vince Weddell, Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7163257
    Abstract: An awning mechanism for a recreational vehicle having a slider includes a box awning having a frame and a roller disposed therein with an awning rolled about the roller and extendable therefrom. The awning includes a leading edge and a bracket is provided for mounting the frame to a stationary wall of the recreational vehicle. A header attachable to the slider beneath the frame is provided with the bracket and the header having a generally coplanar relationship with the slide out in a fully retracted position. Linkage is provided which interconnects the header and the leading edge and includes structure enabling shortening of the linkage as the header passes beneath the leading edge on the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: D545182
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: D549378
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Robert G. Heitel