Rotatably connecting optical fibers
US5949929A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22072
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A connection includes an interventional medical device having a rotatable optical fiber, an assembly having a conduit for conveying a light beam to the rotatable fiber as well as a rotor and a fixed housing, and a coupling. A drive mechanism is attached to the rotor for continuously rotating the rotor. The coupling includes a rotatable portion attachable to a proximal end of the rotatable fiber and to the rotor so as to permit the rotatable fiber to rotate continuously with the rotor while the rotatable fiber remains in axial alignment with the light beam. The coupling also includes a stationary shield surrounding the rotatable portion. The stationary shield is attachable to the fixed housing so as to urge the rotatable portion and the rotor together. The proximal end of the rotatable portion of the coupling has a vee-shaped coupling surface that complements a distal end surface of the rotor. The rotor is at least partially hollow and includes a bearing that holds the light beam conduit in axial alignment with the rotatable fiber when the rotatable portion of the coupling engages the rotor. The rotatable fiber may be disengageable from the rotatable portion of the coupling when the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.