Patent · US Expired

Beam selector for a photocoagulator

US4732460A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
2References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 1, 1986
Grant dateMar 22, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 1, 2006

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K26/067
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The subject invention relates to an apparatus for selectively intercepting and redirecting a beam from a laser. The apparatus is particularly suited for use in a photocoagulator having an argon laser and a dye laser which are rigidly mounted to a housing. A set of fixed optical elements are provided for directing the beam of the argon laser to the cavity of the dye laser to pump the dye laser. The subject apparatus selectively intercepts and redirects the argon laser beam from its initial path to the dye laser to an alternative path out of the photocoagulator. In this manner, the wavelengths available from the argon laser can also be utilized to perform surgery. The apparatus for selecting the argon beam includes a pivotally mounted frame which is easily aligned and can reliably maintain that alignment.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.