公开(公告)号：EP1006862A4

公开(公告)日：2000-06-14

申请号：EP97926794

申请日：1997-06-02

Applicant: LEICA INC

Inventor： LUCE DAVID A

IPC: A61B3/16

CPC classification number: A61B3/165

Abstract: An air pulse generator (110) for a non-contact tonometer comprises a bi-directional linear motor (124) drivably connected to a compression mechanism (114) and responsive to an applanation signal for reducing unnecessary air pulse energy delivered to an eye (2). Upon receiving the applanation signal from an applanation detector (140), a motor controller (138) reverses current flow in the coil (130) of the motor (124) to create a reverse electromagnetic force to stop generation of the air pulse. In a first embodiment, the linear motor (124) includes a moving permanent magnet armature (126) for reversibly driving the compression mechanism (114), while in a second embodiment, the linear motor (124) includes a moving coil (230) for reversibly driving the compression mechanism (214).