BIOLASE Receives New Patent

"We remain committed to innovation that furthers our core technology and protects our market-leading position in the field of laser dentistry. While this new patent has broad claims covering the laser technology for pulse and circuitry that drives our Waterlase technology, it also contains a scope of claims beyond dentistry and medicine that further expands our intellectual property position," commented Jeffrey W. Jones, President and CEO.

U.S. patent No. 7.108.693 B2, granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, contains 78 claims, of which 23 are independent. All claims are apparatus claims that cover system and laser pulse technology and circuitry related to electromagnetic energy sources with different laser mediums that operate in conjunction with water, gas or fluid to impart disruptive forces for cutting, ablating and shaping tissue and non-tissue materials. Some of the claims are for laser diode pumping sources as well as other potential sources for energizing laser rods. The Company believes diode pumping technology provides a great opportunity for future technological development, offering the potential for higher efficiency systems in a smaller design with greater longevity.

The patent also covers key laser pulse structures responsible for fast and effective interaction of laser with water applications. Some of these pulse structures are incorporated in the BIOLASE products based on Er.Cr: YSGG technology. The combination of specialized laser pulses, laser wavelength and atomized water spray technology is one of the critical driving factors behind the Company's proprietary Waterlase technology. Additionally, the patent covers important BIOLASE expansions of general laser and water soft tissue technology, including dermatological applications.