Counterbalance mechanism in ophthalmic laser system employing a variable beam balance to provide a variable net load

A ophthalmic laser system employing a counterbalance mechanism, comprising:

• a laser system frame;
• a gantry supported by the laser system frame;
• and
• a counterbalance system disposed within the gantry, including:
• a support block fixedly attached to the gantry;
• a balance beam pivotably mounted on the support block by a fulcrum, the balance beam having a first end and a second end located on opposite sides of the fulcrum;
• a laser beam delivery head attached to the balance beam near the first end;
• a counterweight;
• a bearing configured to mount the counterweight to the balance beam near the second end, wherein the counterweight is movable along the balance beam via the bearing;
• and
• an inclined slot disposed adjacent to the second end of the balance beam, the inclined slot being non-parallel to the balance beam and extending outwardly as it extends upwardly, wherein a part of the counterweight is disposed in the inclined slot and slidable along the inclined slot, wherein the inclined slot is configured to move the counterweight along the balance beam when the balance beam pivots around the fulcrum.