Variable-wedge rotating-disk beam attenuator for ophthalmic endoilluminator
AssigneeAlcon Inc.
InventorsBruno Dacquay, John C. Huculak, Ron T. Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator for use in an ophthalmic endoilluminator is disclosed. The attenuator includes a wedge attached to an axle. The size of the wedge can be adjusted over a variable angle as measured through an arc of the wedge. The axle to which the wedge is attached rotates such that the wedge rotates around a pivot defined by the axle. The variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator is located such that it affects the intensity of a light beam transmitted into an eye.
Claims13
A variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator for use in an ophthalmic endoilluminator comprising:
- a wedge whose size is capable of being adjusted over a variable angle as measured through an arc of the wedge;
- a second wedge located opposite the wedge;
- and
- an axle to which the wedge is attached, the axle capable of rotating such that the wedge rotates around a pivot point defined by the axle;
- wherein the variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator is located such that it affects the intensity of a light beam transmitted into an eye.
A variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator for use in an ophthalmic endoilluminator comprising:
- a first spine, the approximate center of which is located at a pivot point;
- a second spine, the approximate center of which is located at the pivot point, the first and second spines being independently rotatable;
- and
- a substantially optically opaque material located between the first and second spines, the substantially optically opaque material forming two wedges, each wedge capable of being adjusted, the two wedges located opposite each other with respect to the pivot point;
- wherein the two wedges are rotated such that they attenuate the intensity of a light beam transmitted into an eye.
A variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator for use in an ophthalmic endoilluminator comprising:
- a first spine, the approximate center of which is located at a pivot point;
- a second spine, the approximate center of which is located at the pivot point, the first and second spines being independently rotatable;
- a substantially optically opaque material located between the first and second spines, the substantially optically opaque material forming two wedges, each wedge capable of being adjusted, the two wedges located opposite each other with respect to the pivot point;
- a first axle to which the first spine is attached, the first axle located along a line containing the pivot point that is substantially perpendicular to the first spine;
- a second axle to which the second spine is attached, the second axle located along a line containing the pivot point that is substantially perpendicular to the second spine;
- a first motor connected to the first axle, the first motor for rotating the first axle;
- a second motor connected to the second axle, the second motor for rotating the second axle;
- and
- a controller for controlling the operation of the first and second motors;
- wherein the controller operates the first and second motors at the same rotation rate but out of phase with each other to cause the variable-wedge rotating-disk attenuator to affect the intensity of a light beam transmitted into an eye.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.