Patents by Inventor John K. Shimmick
John K. Shimmick 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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Publication number: 20140100556Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery system and method for treating presbyopia by performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface. The offset image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed to ablate an optical zone sized to match the patient pupil with a peripheral transition zone outside the pupil. The shape of the ablated optical zone is different from the shape of the final optical correction on the anterior surface of the cornea. The optical zone corrects for near-vision centrally and far-vision peripherally. A movable image displacement mechanism enables radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: AMO Manufacturing USA, LLCInventors: Marc Odrich, Kenneth Greenberg, Jerome A. Legerton, Charles R. Munnerlyn, John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 7972325Abstract: A method for measuring an optical system comprises transmitting an image with the optical system. Gradients of the optical system can be determined by separating the transmitted image with a lenslet array. An error-correcting change in the shape of the optical system can be mapped by integrating across the gradients. The change in elevation around the path is related to the accuracy of the gradient array. A system for measuring a wavefront of an eye includes an image source for projecting an image into the eye, lenslets, a detector for measuring angles of light rays of an optical surface of an eye, and a computer for mapping the errors of the eye. A tomographic wavefront map is made by deflecting the measurement path of the wavefront sensor. Aberrations are selected for treatment in response to an order of the aberration and a tissue structure corresponding to the aberration.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: AMO Manufacturing, USA, LLCInventors: Lawrence W. Stark, John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 7918846Abstract: An ophthalmological surgery system and method for performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface by offset image scanning. The image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed with a movable image offset displacement mechanism capable of effecting radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture. The profiled beam is rotated by rotating the aperture in conjunction with the offset displacement mechanism. The invention enables wide area treatment with a laser having a narrower beam, and can be used in the treatment of many different conditions, such as hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism, irregular refractive aberrations, post ablation smoothing and phototherapeutic keratectomy.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: AMO Manufacturing USA, LLCInventors: John K. Shimmick, William B. Telfair, Charles R. Munnerlyn, Herrmann J. Glocker
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Publication number: 20090216217Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery system and method for treating presbyopia by performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface. The offset image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed to ablate an optical zone sized to match the patient pupil with a peripheral transition zone outside the pupil. The shape of the ablated optical zone is different from the shape of the final optical correction on the anterior surface of the cornea. The optical zone corrects for near-vision centrally and far-vision peripherally. A movable image displacement mechanism enables radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: AMO Manufacturing USA, LLC.Inventors: Marc Odrich, Kenneth Greenberg, Jerome A. Legerton, Charles R. Munnerlyn, John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 7503916Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention measure at least one reflecting surface of an object disposed along an optical path. In some embodiments a measured optical interference signal for each of at least three wavelengths of reflected light may be used to determine a modulation of frequency components of a Fourier series. Frequency components of a Fourier series may be transformed to spatial components that describe intensities and positions of light reflected along an optical path. Systems and methods of the present invention permit rapid measuring and may monitor corneal thickness during surgery. The invention may do so by integrating an ablation device and a measurement apparatus into a single system. An integrated scanning and monitoring system may include an ablative light source producing an ablative beam and a measurement light source producing a measurement beam.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.Inventor: John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 7238177Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Visx, IncorporatedInventors: Seema Somani, Kingman Yee, John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 7133137Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention measure at least one reflecting surface of an object disposed along an optical path. In some embodiments a measured optical interference signal for each of at least three wavelengths of reflected light may be used to determine a modulation of frequency components of a Fourier series. Frequency components of a Fourier series may be transformed to spatial components that describe intensities and positions of light reflected along an optical path. Systems and methods of the present invention permit rapid measuring and may monitor corneal thickness during surgery. The invention may do so by integrating an ablation device and a measurement apparatus into a single system. An integrated scanning and monitoring system may include an ablative light source producing an ablative beam and a measurement light source producing a measurement beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Visx, IncorporatedInventor: John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 7001376Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: VISX, Inc.Inventors: Seema Somani, Kingman Yee, John K. Shimmick
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Publication number: 20040199224Abstract: An ophthalmological surgery system and method for performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface by offset image scanning. The image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed with a movable image offset displacement mechanism capable of effecting radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture. The profiled beam is rotated by rotating the aperture in conjunction with the offset displacement mechanism. The invention enables wide area treatment with a laser having a narrower beam, and can be used in the treatment of many different conditions, such as hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism, irregular refractive aberrations, post ablation smoothing and phototherapeutic keratectomy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: VISX, IncorporatedInventors: John K. Shimmick, William B. Telfair, Charles R. Munnerlyn, Herrmann J. Glockler
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Patent number: 6755818Abstract: An ophthalmological surgery system and method for performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface by offset image scanning. The image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed with a movable image offset displacement mechanism capable of effecting radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture. The profiled beam is rotated by rotating the aperture in conjunction with the offset displacement mechanism. The invention enables wide area treatment with a laser having a narrower beam, and can be used in the treatment of many different conditions, such as hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism, irregular refractive aberrations, post ablation smoothing and phototherapeutic keratectomy.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2000Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: VISX, IncorporatedInventors: John K. Shimmick, William B. Telfair, Charles R. Munnerlyn, Herrmann J. Glockler
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Publication number: 20040078031Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: VISX, Inc.Inventors: Seema Somani, Kingman Yee, John K. Shimmick
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Publication number: 20040054356Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery system and method for treating presbyopia by performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface. The offset image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed to ablate an optical zone sized to match the patient pupil with a peripheral transition zone outside the pupil. The shape of the ablated optical zone is different from the shape of the final optical correction on the anterior surface of the cornea. The optical zone corrects for near-vision centrally and far-vision peripherally. A movable image displacement mechanism enables radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Applicant: VISX, IncorporatedInventors: Marc Odrich, Kenneth Greenberg, Jerome A. Legerton, Charles R. Munnerlyn, John K. Shimmick
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Publication number: 20040021874Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention measure at least one reflecting surface of an object disposed along an optical path. In some embodiments a measured optical interference signal for each of at least three wavelengths of reflected light may be used to determine a modulation of frequency components of a Fourier series. Frequency components of a Fourier series may be transformed to spatial components that describe intensities and positions of light reflected along an optical path.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: VISX, INCORPORATED, A Delaware CorporationInventor: John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 6685319Abstract: Systems and methods verify and/or correct optical errors of an eye. A plan is generated for a corrective procedure of the eye from a measured optical error, and a verification lens is formed based on the measured optical error to verify the procedure plan. Alignment of an aperture (with a size selected to correspond to the size of the pupil) with the eye while measuring optical properties of the eye through the verification lens improves verification accuracy, as does mounting of the verification lens and aperture to the patient with a trial frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Visx, IncorporatedInventors: Jason Watson, John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 6666855Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Visx, Inc.Inventors: Seema Somani, Kingman Yee, John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 6663619Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery system and method for treating presbyopia by performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface. A laser system ablates tissue to a predetermined ablation shape, and the cornea heals significantly to form a multifocal shape correcting presbyopia. The multifocal shape corrects for near-vision centrally and far-vision peripherally. The system and method enables wide area treatment with a laser having a narrower beam than the treatment area, and can be used in the treatment of many conditions in conjunction with presbyopia such as hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism and irregular refractive aberrations.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: VISX IncorporatedInventors: Marc Odrich, Kenneth Greenberg, Jerome A. Legerton, Charles R. Munnerlyn, John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 6605081Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for generating images of portions of the patient's eye, such as the anterior surface of the cornea. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are particularly useful for directly imaging the profile of the ablated region of the cornea during or immediately following a laser ablation procedure, such as photorefractive keratometry (PRK), phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or the like. These methods and apparatus allow the surgeon to precisely image the exterior edge of the eye to characterize the profile of ablated corneas and to determine the spatial variance of tissue ablation rates during the surgical procedures. Methods and apparatus are also provided for generating one or more images depicting the profile of the ablated region of the cornea. The profile is registered with a pre-ablation profile to provide feedback regarding the true ablation properties of the eye.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Visx, IncorporatedInventors: John K. Shimmick, Stephen J. Hinkson, Charles R. Munnerlyn
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Patent number: 6530916Abstract: Methods and devices for performing corrective eye surgery generally direct a laser beam at a target region of a patient's eye with the laser beam having a non-uniform energy distribution profile. As ablation rates vary locally across the beam cross-section, the energy distribution profile is tailored to effect a uniform ablation depth with each laser pulse of an excimer laser system.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Visx, IncorporatedInventor: John K. Shimmick
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Patent number: 6520958Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for generating images of portions of the patient's eye, such as the anterior surface of the cornea. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are particularly useful for directly imaging the profile of the ablated region of the cornea during or immediately following a laser ablation procedure, such as photorefractive keratometry (PRK), phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or the like. These methods and apparatus allow the surgeon to precisely image the exterior edge of the eye to characterize the profile of ablated corneas and to determine the spatial variance of tissue ablation rates during the surgical procedures. Methods and apparatus are also provided for generating one or more images depicting the profile of the ablated region of the cornea. The profile is registered with a pre-ablation profile to provide feedback regarding the true ablation properties of the eye.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: VISX, IncorporatedInventors: John K. Shimmick, Stephen J. Hinkson, Charles R. Munnerlyn
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Publication number: 20020198515Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: VISX, Inc.Inventors: Seema Somani, Kingman Yee, John K. Shimmick