Abstract A laser photocoagulator 101 comprises a fibre optic guide 13 one end of which is accommodated by an endoscope 14 and the other end of which has a coupling 18 for connection to a laser 11 and a gas supply 12. Launch optics (32 Fig.2 not shown) are accurately located in coupling 18 with respect to the free end (34A) of an optical fibre (34) which traverses the length of the guide 13 thereby rendering the guide replaceable without dislocation of the endoscope 14, the laser 11 and the gas supply 12. The coupling 18 comprises separate clamp means for the optical fibre (34) and the optics (32) enabling accurate alignment co-axially and spatially so that the laser output is focussed on the free end (34A) of the fibre (34) without any requirement to align the laser 11 accurately with optics (32). <IMAGE>
A fibre-optic light guide for use with lasers, comprising a tubular housing containing a single optical fibre the ends of which are secured to the housing by clamp means, and wherein one end of said housing incorporates a lens arrangement for delivering focussed radiation to the pertaining end of the optical fibre, said one end of the housing being in the form of a coupling for attachment to a laser.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
A fibre-optic light guide for use with lasers, comprising a tubular housing containing a single optical fibre the ends of which are secured to the housing by clamp means, and wherein one end of said housing incorporates a lens arrangement for delivering focussed radiation to the pertaining end of the optical fibre, said one end of the housing being in the form of a coupling for attachment to a laser.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A light guide as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coupling comprises means for directing a gas flow along said housing coaxially with said optical fibre and the other end of said housing comprises means for emitting said gas from said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A light guide as claimed in either preceding claim, wherein said coupling is formed in two interengageable parts the releasable one of which incorporates said clamp means for the pertaining end of the optical fibre.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A light guide as claimed in claim 3, wherein said clamp means comprises a collar bonded to said optical fibre and axially adjustable with respect to said releasable coupling part and an accurately co-axial guide for the free end of the optical fibre.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A light guide as claimed in claim 4, wherein said releasable coupling part comprises a clamp and seating arrangement for accurately locating said lens arrangement with its optical axis co-axial with said co-axial guide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A light guide as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
85 words
A laser photocoagulator comprising a laser mounted on a support having a coupling member adjacent the radiation output of the laser, a fibre optic light guide as claimed in any preceding claim with the coupling thereof releasably connected to said coupling member, and an endoscope accommodating the free end of said tubular housing, the tubular housing incorporating an interlock connected to prevent lasing operation of said laser except when said interlock is enabled by correct positioning of the endoscope with respect to the tubular housing.
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