Patent · US Expired

Fiber-optic rotational device, optical system and method for imaging a sample

US7382949B2 · kind B2 · utility

288Cited by
181References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 2, 2005
Grant dateJun 3, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 11, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2017/00477
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A device, system and method for transmitting electro-magnetic radiation between at least two separate fibers (as well as for imaging a sample) are provided. For example, a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber may be provided, such that the first and/or second fibers is/are rotatable. At least one first optical arrangement may also be included which communicates with at least one end of the first optical fiber and/or the second optical fiber. Further, at least one second arrangement may be included which is configured to control a position of the optical arrangement to align longitudinal axes of the first and the second optical fibers at least at the ends thereof. In addition, at least one third arrangement can be provided which is adapted to rotate the first and/or second optical fibers at a rate that is greater than 40 revolutions per second. It is also possible to include at least one fourth arrangement which can be adapted for connecting the first optical fiber and/or the second optical fiber to a catheter arrangement, such that the fourth arrangement includes a protector provided at least at one end thereof, and wherein the protector is automatically removed upon a co…

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