Medical laser peripherals and connector system
US4722337A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 1986 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/00636
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved configuration for interchangeable laser surgery peripheral devices is disclosed. This configuration, which is an improved embodiment of the configuration disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 525,833, includes a directional plug of predetermined fixed orientation adapted to be connected to a laser output device. Within this plug and extending therefrom is an axially centered, flexible, laser light transmissive elongated optic fiber, the plug end of which is aligned to receive the output of the laser and the distal end of which is to be used for effecting the laser surgery procedure. The plug, when connected to the laser output in its predetermined fixed orientation provides an unambiguous signature signal which distinguishes the particular peripheral device from the other interchangeable peripheral devices. This connector system has the advantage of minimizing the cost of the signature generating parts within the peripheral device and facilitating the fabricating of inexpensive disposable peripheral devices. In another of the invention a laser energy resistive ceramic is used to align and affix the optic fiber into the plug.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.