U.S. patent granted for laser pulse technology

Biolase Technology today announced that it has been granted a new U.S. patent protecting key areas related to its laser pulse technology.

U.S. Patent No. 6,821,272, granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, has broad claims related to the laser pulse technology utilized in the Waterlase(R) and Waterlase(R) MD hard and soft tissue lasers. The patent is a continuation of previously granted U.S. Patent 6,288,499, and has 111 claims, of which seven are independent. Method and apparatus claims cover the use of laser pulse technology, which allows the laser system to effectively interact with the water spray, to produce a fast, clean and precise cutting action. The scope of the patent's claims is very extensive, and not limited to only dental and medical applications.

The patented laser pulse technology is responsible for the physical shape of the laser energy pulses emitted from the laser active medium, which for BIOLASE's product is the Er,Cr:YSGG crystal. The combination of specialized laser pulses, laser wavelength and water spray technology is the critical driving factor behind the Company's proprietary Waterlase technology.

"As this advancement in our core technology demonstrates, we remain committed to the development of new innovations that will further strengthen our industry-leading position in the field of laser dentistry," said Jeffrey W. Jones, Chief Technology Officer. "This patent has method and apparatus claims covering a unique laser pulse circuitry that drives HydroPhotonic technology. Additionally, this patent is part of the Company's strategic plan to expand its intellectual property portfolio and protect its market leading Waterlase technology," continued Jones.

This patented technology has been incorporated into the Company's new Waterlase MD system, which offers variable pulse rate functionality of 10 - 50 Hz, or pulses emitted per second. Pulse rate variability provides dentists with greater functionality and flexibility to adjust the speed and quality of hard and soft tissue cutting in a broad range of dental procedures.