Patents by Inventor R. Daniel Ferguson

R. Daniel Ferguson 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).

  • Publication number: 20100073634
    Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an eye includes a housing and a system of optical components disposed in the housing. The apparatus is capable of operating in a line scanning laser opthalmoscope (LSLO) mode and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) mode. The system of optical components can include a first source to provide a first beam of light for the OCT mode and a second source to provide a second beam of light for the LSLO mode. In the OCT mode, a first optic is used that (i) scans, using a first surface of the first optic, the first beam of light along a retina of an eye in a first dimension, and (ii) descans, using the first surface, a first light returning from the eye in the first dimension to a detection system in the OCT mode. In the LSLO mode, the first optic is used where the second beam of light passes through a second surface of the first optic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: R. Daniel Ferguson, Daniel X. Hammer, Nicusor V. Iftimia, Chad Bigelow
  • Patent number: 7648242
    Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an eye includes a housing and a system of optical components disposed in the housing. The apparatus is capable of operating in a line scanning laser ophthalmoscope (LSLO) mode and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) mode. The system of optical components can include a first source to provide a first beam of light for the OCT mode and a second source to provide a second beam of light for the LSLO mode. In the OCT mode, a first optic is used that (i) scans, using a first surface of the first optic, the first beam of light along a retina of an eye in a first dimension, and (ii) descans, using the first surface, a first light returning from the eye in the first dimension to a detection system in the OCT mode. In the LSLO mode, the first optic is used where the second beam of light passes through a second surface of the first optic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Daniel Ferguson, Daniel X. Hammer, Nicusor V. Iftimia, Chad Bigelow
  • Patent number: 7404640
    Abstract: Real time, high-speed image stabilization with a retinal tracking scanning laser ophthalmoscope (TSLO) enables new approaches to established diagnostics. Large frequency range (DC to 19 kHz), wide-field (40-deg) stabilized Doppler flowmetry imaging is described for human subjects. The fundus imaging method is a quasi-confocal line-scanning laser ophthalmoscope (LSLO). The retinal tracking system uses a confocal reflectometer with a closed loop optical servo system to lock onto features in the ocular fundus and automatically re-lock after blinks. By performing a slow scan with the laser line imager, frequency-resolved retinal perfusion and vascular flow images can be obtained free of eye motion artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Daniel Ferguson, Daniel X. Hammer
  • Patent number: 7284859
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a line-scanning laser ophthalmoscope (LSLO) are disclosed. The LSLO uses a substantially point source of light, such as an infrared laser or a super-luminescent diode. The point source is expanded to a line. The LSLO scans the line of light in a direction perpendicular to the line across a region of an eye having an undilated pupil The reflected light is received confocally, using monostatic beam geometry. A beam separator, such as a turning prism or mirror, diverts one of the incoming light and the reflected light to separate the light. An optical stop prevents non-confocally received light from reaching a one-dimensional detector, such as a linear CCD array. An electrical signal responsive to the output light at each of a plurality of locations along the line of output light is processed to provide images of the scanned portion of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Daniel Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20070178012
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for imaging a sample using a microwell array are provided. The methods and apparatus allow side view imaging of a sample to acquire fluorescence or bright field images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony Ferrante, David Rosen, R. Daniel Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6758564
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a line-scanning laser ophthalmoscope (LSLO) are disclosed. The LSLO uses a substantially point source of light, such as an infrared laser or a super-luminescent diode. The point source is expanded to a line. The LSLO scans the line of light in a direction perpendicular to the line across a region of an eye having an undilated pupil The reflected light is received confocally, using monostatic beam geometry. A beam separator, such as a turning prism or mirror, diverts one of the incoming light and the reflected light to separate the light. An optical stop prevents non-confocally received light from reaching a one-dimensional detector, such as a linear CCD array. An electrical signal responsive to the output light at each of a plurality of locations along the line of output light is processed to provide images of the scanned portion of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Daniel Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20030231285
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a line-scanning laser ophthalmoscope (LSLO) are disclosed. The LSLO uses a substantially point source of light, such as an infrared laser or a super-luminescent diode. The point source is expanded to a line. The LSLO scans the line of light in a direction perpendicular to the line across a region of an eye having an undilated pupil The reflected light is received confocally, using monostatic beam geometry. A beam separator, such as a turning prism or mirror, diverts one of the incoming light and the reflected light to separate the light. An optical stop prevents non-confocally received light from reaching a one-dimensional detector, such as a linear CCD array. An electrical signal responsive to the output light at each of a plurality of locations along the line of output light is processed to provide images of the scanned portion of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: R. Daniel Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5943115
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tracking a feature on a target surface and continually providing analog corrections to tracking mirrors in real time by utilizing a low-power incoherent tracking beam to detect the movements of a reference feature on the target and confocal reflectometry to monitor the reflection from the tracking beam's current position are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Daniel Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5899564
    Abstract: An homogenization valve design yields improved homogenization efficiency. The length of the valve surface relative to the valve seat or land is controlled so that the overlap is limited. This allows convergence between turbulent mixing layers and a homogenization zone. Preferably some overlap is provided, however, to contribute to the stability of the valves and avoid destructive chattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: APV Homogenizer Group, Div. of APV North America
    Inventors: Richard R. Kinney, William D. Pandolfe, R. Daniel Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5767941
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tracking a feature on a target surface and continually providing analog corrections to tracking mirrors in real time by utilizing a low-power incoherent tracking beam to detect the movements of a reference feature on the target and confocal reflectometry to monitor the reflection from the tracking beam's current position are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Daniel Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5749650
    Abstract: An homogenization valve design yields improved homogenization efficiency. The length of the valve surface relative to the valve seat or land is controlled so that the overlap is limited. This allows convergence between turbulent mixing layers and a homogenization zone. Preferably some overlap is provided, however, to contribute to the stability of the valves and avoid destructive chattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: APV Homogenizer Group, a Division of APV North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Kinney, William D. Pandolfe, R. Daniel Ferguson