Patents by Inventor Rafael Armando Sierra

Rafael Armando Sierra 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: 9028536
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device (e.g., a Pockels cell) positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael Armando Sierra, Mirko Mirkov, Richard Shaun Welches
  • Publication number: 20140371730
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed for delivery of pulsed treatment radiation by employing a pump radiation source generating picosecond pulses at a first wavelength, and a frequency-shifting resonator having a lasing medium and resonant cavity configured to receive the picosecond pulses from the pump source at the first wavelength and to emit radiation at a second wavelength in response thereto, wherein the resonant cavity of the frequency-shifting resonator has a round trip time shorter than the duration of the picosecond pulses generated by the pump radiation source. Methods, systems and apparatus are also disclosed for providing beam uniformity and a sub-harmonic resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: CYNOSURE, INC.
    Inventors: Rafael Armando Sierra, Mirko Georgiev Mirkov
  • Publication number: 20140321484
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed for delivery of pulsed treatment radiation by employing a pump radiation source generating picosecond pulses at a first wavelength, and a frequency-shifting resonator having a lasing medium and resonant cavity configured to receive the picosecond pulses from the pump source at the first wavelength and to emit radiation at a second wavelength in response thereto, wherein the resonant cavity of the frequency-shifting resonator has a round trip time shorter than the duration of the picosecond pulses generated by the pump radiation source. Methods, systems and apparatus are also disclosed for providing beam uniformity and a sub-harmonic resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: CYNOSURE, INC.
    Inventors: Rafael Armando Sierra, John Robertson, Daniel Hohm, Christian Hoffman, Mirko Georgiev Mirkov
  • Publication number: 20130296835
    Abstract: Lasers capable of lasing at least two wavelengths are provided having a lasing medium which is capable of lasing at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength. Also provided are laser workstations having two lasers driven by a single electronics drive system in which a single energy storage network is connected to a first laser pump chamber operative to excite a first laser medium and connected to a second laser pump chamber operative to excite a second laser medium. Also provided are methods of treating skin having a skin problem using multiple wavelengths of laser energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Rafael Armando SIERRA, Eric Calvin KOSCHMANN, Joseph M. DAY, Evan Andrew SHERR, James Henry BOLL
  • Publication number: 20130178917
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, use non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:NAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the tar et tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Georgiev Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra, George E.S. Cho
  • Publication number: 20130096546
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including: an incoherent light source that generates a treatment beam having a non-uniform energy profile, the non-uniform energy profile being included of regions of relatively high energy per unit area within a substantially uniform background region of relatively low energy per unit area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Georgiev Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra, George E.S. Cho
  • Publication number: 20130035675
    Abstract: This application provides a consumer device for aesthetic applications, and methods for titrating doses of therapeutic light output from the device in the form of a non-uniform beam, in connection with dermal rejuvenation and cosmetic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: CYNOSURE, INC.
    Inventors: Mirko Georgiev Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra, George E.S. Cho, James Henry Boll
  • Patent number: 8322348
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, using non-uniform laser radiation. An output beam from a laser source is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a non-uniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. A large area of tissue, preferably 7-10 mm in diameter, can be treated simultaneously, while minimizing the risk of burning or other damage to the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Georgiev Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra, George E. S. Cho
  • Patent number: 8317779
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, use non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra, George Cho
  • Publication number: 20120046653
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method is disclosed of delivering therapeutic light to a treatment region to effect heating in the treatment region. The method includes providing a light emitting diode and driving the light emitting diode to generate therapeutic light during a pulse period. The method further includes directing the therapeutic light to the treatment region at an average power density of about 200 W/cm2 or more at the treatment region during the pulse period and maintaining the light emitting diode in a non-emitting state for a recovery period which is longer than the pulse period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: CYNOSURE, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Shaun Welches, Mirko Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra
  • Publication number: 20120022510
    Abstract: A laser surgical method is disclosed including: providing a laser surgical device including a handpiece including: an optical delivery component that transmits laser energy from a source to a treatment volume; and an accelerometer configured to provide information indicative of the position of the handpiece. The method includes using the handpiece to transmit laser energy from the source to a plurality of positions within the treatment volume; using the accelerometer, providing information indicative of the position of the handpiece; determining information indicative of an amount of energy delivered at each of the plurality of positions within the treatment volume based on the information indicative of the position of the handpiece, and displaying a graphical representation indicative of the amount of energy delivered at each of the plurality of positions within the treatment volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: CYNOSURE, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Shaun Welches, James Henry Boll, Mirko Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra
  • Publication number: 20110152847
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, using non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a non-uniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CYNOSURE, INC.
    Inventors: Mirko Georgiev Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra, George E.S. Cho
  • Patent number: 7929579
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Hohm, Mirko Mirkov, Richard Shaun Welches, Rafael Armando Sierra
  • Patent number: 7856985
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, using non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a non-uniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Georgiev Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra, George E. S. Cho
  • Publication number: 20100296531
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Hohm, Mirko Mirkov, Richard Shaun Welches, Rafael Armando Sierra
  • Publication number: 20100217248
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, use non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Mirko Georgiev MIRKOV, Rafael Armando Sierra, George E.S. Cho
  • Publication number: 20100195680
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device (e.g., a Pockels cell) positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael Armando Sierra, Mirko Mirkov, Richard Shaun Welches
  • Publication number: 20090292277
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device (e.g., a Pockels cell) positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael Armando Sierra, Mirko Mirkov, Richard Shaun Welches
  • Patent number: 7586957
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device (e.g., a Pockels cell) positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Cynosure, Inc
    Inventors: Rafael Armando Sierra, Mirko Mirkov, Richard Shaun Welches
  • Publication number: 20090076489
    Abstract: A laser surgical method is disclosed including: providing a laser surgical device including a handpiece including: an optical delivery component that transmits laser energy from a source to a treatment volume; and an accelerometer configured to provide information indicative of the position of the handpiece. The method includes using the handpiece to transmit laser energy from the source to a plurality of positions within the treatment volume; using the accelerometer, providing information indicative of the position of the handpiece; determining information indicative of an amount of energy delivered at each of the plurality of positions within the treatment volume based on the information indicative of the position of the handpiece, and displaying a graphical representation indicative of the amount of energy delivered at each of the plurality of positions within the treatment volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Shaun Welches, James Henry Boll, Mirko Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra, Daniel Hohm