Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a subject's cornea, comprising (A.) a slit projection subsystem comprising a light source, (B.) a mask subsystem disposed in a path of light from the light source, comprising a first slit mask defining a plurality of apertures, (C.) a movement apparatus adapted to move at least a portion of the slit projection subsystem, the movement apparatus configured and arranged such that, by moving the portion of the slit projection subsystem, portions of the light can be selectively transmitted through an aperture of the plurality of apertures toward the cornea, (D.) an imaging element configured and arranged to image at least one of the plurality of apertures onto the cornea, and (E.) an image capture subsystem arranged to capture images of the portions of light after the light impinges on the cornea.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a subject's cornea, comprising (A.) a slit projection subsystem comprising a light source, (B.) a mask subsystem disposed in a path of light from the light source, comprising a first slit mask defining a plurality of apertures, (C.) a movement apparatus adapted to move at least a portion of the slit projection subsystem, the movement apparatus configured and arranged such that, by moving the portion of the slit projection subsystem, portions of the light can be selectively transmitted through an aperture of the plurality of apertures toward the cornea, (D.) an imaging element configured and arranged to image at least one of the plurality of apertures onto the cornea, and (E.) an image capture subsystem arranged to capture images of the portions of light after the light impinges on the cornea.

Abstract: A corneal measurement apparatus for measuring a subject's cornea, comprising (A.) an illumination projection subsystem comprising a light source (B.) a mask subsystem disposed in a path of light from the light source, comprising (i) a first slit mask defining a plurality of apertures, (ii) a second slit mask defining a selection aperture, (iii) a translation apparatus adapted to translate the second mask, the translation apparatus and the second slit mask being configured and arranged such that by translating the selection slit, portions of the light can be selectively transmitted through each of the plurality of apertures toward the cornea, (C.) an imaging element configured and arranged to image the plurality of apertures onto the cornea, and (D.) an image capture subsystem arranged to capture images of the portions of light after the light impinges on the cornea.

Abstract: A placido pattern 10 for use in obtaining a topography of an eye, includes a series of spaced arcuate segments 12 centered about a central point 14 and a series of spaced radial lines 16 emanating from the central point 14. Each pair of adjacent radial lines 16 defines a boundary of a portion of the arcuate segments 12.

Abstract: A lens mount 10 includes a base 12 and a housing 14 for holding a lens in a fixed position. A spring 16 is integrally formed between the base 12 and housing 14 for providing resilient support to the housing 14.

Abstract: A placido pattern 10 for use in obtaining a topography of an eye, includes a series of spaced arcuate segments 12 centered about a central point 14 and a series of spaced radial lines 16 emanating from the central point 14. Each pair of adjacent radial lines 16 defines a boundary of a portion of the arcuate segments 12.

Abstract: A device 10 for rotationally moving a mirror includes a mirror mount 20 connected to a pivot lever 22. A motor 12 having a lead-screw 14 moves the lead-screw in a linear manner along an axis 26. An elongated angled member 18 is connected to the lead-screw 14 and abuts the pivot lever 22. The elongated angled member 18 is set at a non-parallel angle with respect to the lead-screw 14 so that as the lead-screw 14 is moved along its axis 26 the elongated angled member 18 causes the pivot lever 22 to pivot, and in turn, causes the mirror 20 to rotate.

Abstract: An enucleated eye examination container 10 includes a housing 12 with an interior 14 to be pressurized. An eye retaining member 16 is contained within housing 12. An eye abutment portion 18 receives the eye 20 so that the eye 20 is urged against eye abutment portion 18 by eye retaining member 16. A connector 24 is attached to housing 12 for connection to a pressurized source of gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a subject's cornea includes a frame having first and second ends, a single curvature (i.e. non-planar and non-axisymmetrical) screen associated with the first end of the frame, the non-planar and non-axisymmetrical screen having an opaque covering which is interrupted along its surface to form a pattern. A light source is disposed to cast the pattern placed on the screen onto the subject's cornea, thus causing a pattern to reflect therefrom. A light detector (e.g. a camera, CCD, or human eye) is disposed to sense the pattern reflected from the subject's cornea. The improved Placido plate is easier to manufacture. The design allows for incorporation of extremely complex pattern shapes, while its shape helps to maintain focus of the image.

Abstract: An improved laser-energizable thermal probe system comprises a thermally conductive probe body having a curvoidal tip and a neck portion for receiving the distal portion of an optical fiber. Each spine of a plurality of spines is attached to the neck portion and extends proximally along the optical fiber for a length substantially longer than the length of the neck portion. Thermally conductive parallel wires are helically wound around the neck and spines and extend along the optical fiber. The wires are interwoven with the spines, and extend in helical coils around the spines to near the end of the spines, where they are crimped into the fiber jacket and thereafter potted with a biocompatible adhesive.

Abstract: A laser-energizable thermal probe apparatus useful for laser angioplasty procedures comprises a heat generating probe assembly connected to the distal end of an optical fiber, the proximal end of the fiber being connected to a source of laser energy. A thermocouple mounts on the probe assembly and is connected to control the temperature of the probe assembly in use.

Abstract: A composite microsize cable construction comprises a microsize optical fiber for transferring laser energy to a site, a pair of microsize electrical leads for transferring temperature sensing or other signals from the site and a casing material of microsize diameter extruded over the optical fiber and electrical leads and positioning the electrical leads in a parallel non-overlapping relationship.