Medical laser interconnect system
US5116329A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 1990 |
| Grant date | May 26, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2006/4297
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention comprises a first interconnect assembly and a second interconnect assembly which detachably connects to the first interconnect assembly. One of the interconnect assemblies includes a shutter for blocking an optical path. The first and second assemblies have surfaces which mechanically co-act to drive the shutter away from the optical path. An optical fiber is connected to one of these assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, the first assembly forms a plug and the second assembly forms an adapter, such as a socket. The socket assembly includes a shutter which is spring-biased to a normally closed position. In this normally closed position, the shutter blocks passage of laser light of the optical fiber. The plug assembly includes an appendage having a camming surface which co-acts with a camming surface on the socket assembly so as to drive the shutter to an open position which permits transmission of laser light to the optical fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.