Tonometer air pulse generator
US5779633A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B3/165
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An air pulse generator for a non-contact tonometer comprises a bi-directional linear motor drivably connected to a compression mechanism and responsive to an applanation signal for reducing unnecessary air pulse energy delivered to an eye. Upon receiving the applanation signal from an applanation detector, a motor controller reverses current flow in the coil of the motor to create a reverse electromagnetic force to stop generation of the air pulse. In a first embodiment, the linear motor includes a moving permanent magnet armature for reversibly driving the compression mechanism, while in a second embodiment, the linear motor includes a moving coil for reversibly driving the compression mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.