Patents by Inventor Richard Hofer

Richard Hofer 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: 20250025344
    Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for real-time process monitoring during laser-based refractive index modification of an intraocular lens. During in situ laser treatment of the IOL to modify the refractive index of the IOL material, a signal from the IOL is measured to determine the processing effect of the refractive index modification, and based on the determination, to adjust the laser system parameters to achieve intended processing result. The signal measured from the IOL may be a fluorescent signal induced by the treatment laser, a fluorescent signal induced by an external illumination source, a temporary photodarkening effect, a color change, or a refractive index change directly measured by phase stabilized OCT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
  • Publication number: 20250009558
    Abstract: The XYZ beam position of an ophthalmic laser system is calibrated by measuring a fluorescent signal induced by the focused laser beam in a thin glass coverslip via multiphoton absorption. A video camera measures the XY position and intensity of the fluorescent signal as the focused laser beam strikes the coverslip. The Z position of the focus is determined by scanning the targeted z position and identifying the Z scanner position of peak fluorescence. An OCT system measures the real space Z location of the coverslip, which is correlated with the Z scanner position. Other laser system parameters are assessed by repeatedly scanning a lower energy laser beam in a piece of IOL material, and observing damage (scattering voids) formation in the IOL material. Based on the rate of damage formation, laser system parameters such as beam quality, numerical aperture, pulse energy, and pulse duration, etc. can be assessed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Richard Hofer, Georg Schuele
  • Publication number: 20240404050
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for pulsed LED illumination, image capture processing to remove corneal specular reflections in torsion images for iris registration. A system may first and second infrared LED light sources and a torsion camera to capture images during illumination of a patient's eye based on a pulsed synchronization signal. Within a period of time, a first image is captured having a reflection from the first LED light source and then a second image is captured having a reflection from the second LED light source. The first and second images are processed to remove respective areas having corneal specular reflections and combined into a third image not including any specular reflections. Various embodiments are disclosed including implementations with excimer and femtosecond laser eye surgery platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Li Chen, Jianming Xu, Richard Hofer
  • Patent number: 12109151
    Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for real-time process monitoring during laser-based refractive index modification of an intraocular lens. During in situ laser treatment of the IOL to modify the refractive index of the IOL material, a signal from the IOL is measured to determine the processing effect of the refractive index modification, and based on the determination, to adjust the laser system parameters to achieve intended processing result. The signal measured from the IOL may be a fluorescent signal induced by the treatment laser, a fluorescent signal induced by an external illumination source, a temporary photodarkening effect, a color change, or a refractive index change directly measured by phase stabilized OCT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
  • Patent number: 12042434
    Abstract: The XYZ beam position of an ophthalmic laser system is calibrated by measuring a fluorescent signal induced by the focused laser beam in a thin glass coverslip via multiphoton absorption. A video camera measures the XY position and intensity of the fluorescent signal as the focused laser beam strikes the coverslip. The Z position of the focus is determined by scanning the targeted z position and identifying the Z scanner position of peak fluorescence. An OCT system measures the real space Z location of the coverslip, which is correlated with the Z scanner position. Other laser system parameters are assessed by repeatedly scanning a lower energy laser beam in a piece of IOL material, and observing damage (scattering voids) formation in the IOL material. Based on the rate of damage formation, laser system parameters such as beam quality, numerical aperture, pulse energy, and pulse duration, etc. can be assessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Richard Hofer, Georg Schuele
  • Patent number: 11833031
    Abstract: A laser scanning method for forming a Fresnel type gradient index lens in an intraocular lens IOL. The radial profile of the desired optical pathlength (OPL) difference to be achieved in the IOL has multiple zones, each zone ramping from unchanged OPL to one wave, and stepping down to zero. To form a zone of a predefined OPL difference profile, the laser beam is scanned in multiple passes; in each pass, the laser beam is scanned in concentric circles of varying radii covering all or a part of the zone, with laser energy ramping up (along the radius) to a maximum allowed energy and staying at that energy. The ramp up region, which is dependent on the predefined OPL difference profile and the maximum allowed energy, is short, and most part of the pass is scanned at the maximum allowed energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Georg Schuele, David A. Dewey, Jenny Wang, Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov
  • Publication number: 20230130142
    Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for real-time process monitoring during laser-based refractive index modification of an intraocular lens. During in situ laser treatment of the IOL to modify the refractive index of the IOL material, a signal from the IOL is measured to determine the processing effect of the refractive index modification, and based on the determination, to adjust the laser system parameters to achieve intended processing result. The signal measured from the IOL may be a fluorescent signal induced by the treatment laser, a fluorescent signal induced by an external illumination source, a temporary photodarkening effect, a color change, or a refractive index change directly measured by phase stabilized OCT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
  • Patent number: 11540946
    Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for real-time process monitoring during laser-based refractive index modification of an intraocular lens. During in situ laser treatment of the IOL to modify the refractive index of the IOL material, a signal from the IOL is measured to determine the processing effect of the refractive index modification, and based on the determination, to adjust the laser system parameters to achieve intended processing result. The signal measured from the IOL may be a fluorescent signal induced by the treatment laser, a fluorescent signal induced by an external illumination source, a temporary photodarkening effect, a color change, or a refractive index change directly measured by phase stabilized OCT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
  • Publication number: 20220061983
    Abstract: A laser scanning method for forming a Fresnel type gradient index lens in an intraocular lens IOL. The radial profile of the desired optical pathlength (OPL) difference to be achieved in the IOL has multiple zones, each zone ramping from unchanged OPL to one wave, and stepping down to zero. To form a zone of a predefined OPL difference profile, the laser beam is scanned in multiple passes; in each pass, the laser beam is scanned in concentric circles of varying radii covering all or a part of the zone, with laser energy ramping up (along the radius) to a maximum allowed energy and staying at that energy. The ramp up region, which is dependent on the predefined OPL difference profile and the maximum allowed energy, is short, and most part of the pass is scanned at the maximum allowed energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Georg Schuele, David A. Dewey, Jenny Wang, Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov
  • Publication number: 20220047423
    Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in a patient's eye in a cataract procedure is modified by altering the spatial refractive index profile of the IOL to remove higher order aberrations of the patient's visual system. The higher order aberrations are measured by an aberrometer, and the measured distortions on the cornea are propagated from the corneal surfaces to the IOL plane, and corrected in the IOL. This allows the choice to have high order aberration correction to be an independent choice for the patient, independent of the decision to have cataract surgery. In addition, patients with existing standard IOLs implanted may obtain the benefit of high order aberration correction at any time after implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Georg Schuele
  • Publication number: 20220015948
    Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for real-time process monitoring during laser-based refractive index modification of an intraocular lens. During in situ laser treatment of the IOL to modify the refractive index of the IOL material, a signal from the IOL is measured to determine the processing effect of the refractive index modification, and based on the determination, to adjust the laser system parameters to achieve intended processing result. The signal measured from the IOL may be a fluorescent signal induced by the treatment laser, a fluorescent signal induced by an external illumination source, a temporary photodarkening effect, a color change, or a refractive index change directly measured by phase stabilized OCT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Hofer, Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Georg Schuele
  • Publication number: 20220015949
    Abstract: The XYZ beam position of an ophthalmic laser system is calibrated by measuring a fluorescent signal induced by the focused laser beam in a thin glass coverslip via multiphoton absorption. A video camera measures the XY position and intensity of the fluorescent signal as the focused laser beam strikes the coverslip. The Z position of the focus is determined by scanning the targeted z position and identifying the Z scanner position of peak fluorescence. An OCT system measures the real space Z location of the coverslip, which is correlated with the Z scanner position. Other laser system parameters are assessed by repeatedly scanning a lower energy laser beam in a piece of IOL material, and observing damage (scattering voids) formation in the IOL material. Based on the rate of damage formation, laser system parameters such as beam quality, numerical aperture, pulse energy, and pulse duration, etc. can be assessed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Alexander Vankov, Jenny Wang, David A. Dewey, Phillip Gooding, Richard Hofer, Georg Schuele
  • Patent number: 7624566
    Abstract: A Hall effect plasma accelerator includes inner and outer electromagnets, circumferentially surrounding the inner electromagnet along a thruster centerline axis and separated therefrom, inner and outer magnetic conductors, in physical connection with their respective inner and outer electromagnets, with the inner magnetic conductor having a mostly circular shape and the outer magnetic conductor having a mostly annular shape, a discharge chamber, located between the inner and outer magnetic conductors, a magnetically conducting back plate, in magnetic contact with the inner and outer magnetic conductors, and a combined anode electrode/gaseous propellant distributor, located at a bottom portion of the discharge chamber. The inner and outer electromagnets, the inner and outer magnetic conductors and the magnetically conducting back plate form a magnetic circuit that produces a magnetic field that is largely axial and radially symmetric with respect to the thruster centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: David H. Manzella, David T. Jacobson, Robert S. Jankovsky, Richard Hofer, Peter Peterson
  • Publication number: 20070152635
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a number of battery cells in a battery pack is provided which includes an electronic detection circuit with a memory. The electronic detection circuit may be an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model. The electronic speed controller measures the battery pack voltage on power up to determine the cell count and the appropriate cutoff voltage for the determined cell count. The electronic speed controller provides an indication to the operator to verify that the correct cell count was determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Hofer
  • Publication number: 20070029956
    Abstract: Control of rotational speed of a direct current multi-phase brushless motor is provided using an apparatus and method that works at low speed but does not depend upon Hall effect sensors. An apparatus for accelerating rotation of the motor shaft has a power stage circuit coupled to a back Electromotive Force (EMF) sensor circuit and a microprocessor. The power stage pulses at a duty cycle less than 100% under control of the microprocessor. The back EMF sensor circuit measures an order with respect to voltage of at least one phase relative to one or more other phases during off-time. The microprocessor determines one or more phases to be pulsed, and the polarity of the pulses based on the measured order. A method for sustaining rotation pulses the phases, measures order with respect to voltage of at least one phase relative to one or more other phases, and updates commutation state based on the measured order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Hofer
  • Patent number: 4881292
    Abstract: A housing, such as an air filter housing, with a plastic attachment tab is provided with a releasable, one-piece, U-shaped attachment clip engaging in a through aperture in the attachment tab and having sleeves formed in the vicinity of the through aperture on the inside of each leg of the U-shaped clip, and at least one resilient tongue on each leg of the clip pressing against the attachment tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Hoferer, Arthur Klotz, Volker Lehmann, Gunter Trumpfheller
  • Patent number: 4257380
    Abstract: A one-way throttling valve for use in the vacuum line of a pneumatic membrane actuator which controls the combustion air temperature of a carburetor-euipped internal combustion engine by means of an air flow proportioning flapper admitting cold raw air and/or preheated raw air into a duct junction upstream of the intake filter, the throttling valve having a tiny throttling orifice which remains open, while the throttling valve itself is closed, thereby delaying the removal of negative pressure from the pneumatic actuator. The one-way throttling valve may be arranged in one of the two vacuum line connectors of the valve housing of a thermostat relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Bendig, Richard Hoferer