US3858577A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fiber optic laser light delivery system
Assignee: University of Southern California
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Filing: 1974-04-05
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Granted: 1975-01-07
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Expires: 1994-04-05
Abstract
Abstract A flexible endoscope with a laser connected thereto for simultaneous viewing and performance of surgery on the interior stomach wall. A low power laser operating in the visible light range with the laser beam directed to one or more individual fiber optic fibers carried on an endoscope for performing laser surgery within a body cavity from an external position. A protective and replaceable cap for the distal end of the laser fiber.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Bass
- 👤 Richard M Dwyer
- 👤 Bernard J Haverback
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 16:00
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/0007; A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00163; A61B1/00165; A61B1/12; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B18/22; A61B18/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
In an instrument for simultaneously viewing an internal surface of a body cavity and performing a surgical procedure on the surface from an external position, the combination of: a flexible endoscope having at least one bundle of fiber optic fibers and a distal end and a proximal end; another separate fiber optic fiber carried by said endoscope; a laser for generating an output beam; and coupling optics for coupling the laser output beam to the interior of said other fiber adjacent the proximal end of said endoscope, with said other fiber terminating at the distal end of said endoscope.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
In an instrument for simultaneously viewing an internal surface of a body cavity and performing a surgical procedure on the surface from an external position, the combination of: a flexible endoscope having at least one bundle of fiber optic fibers and a distal end and a proximal end; another separate fiber optic fiber carried by said endoscope; a laser for generating an output beam; and coupling optics for coupling the laser output beam to the interior of said other fiber adjacent the proximal end of said endoscope, with said other fiber terminating at the distal end of said endoscope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 including a plurality of separate fiber optic fibers carried by said endoscope, with said coupling optics including means for coupling the laser output beam to each of said separate fibers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 including a plurality of separate fiber optic fibers carried by said endoscope, with said coupling optics including means for producing a plurality of separate beams and simultaneously coupling separate beams to each of said separate fibers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said coupling optics includes a shutter for controlling said laser output beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said coupling optics includes an attenuator for controlling said laser output beam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said laser provides an output beam in the visible light range.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said laser provides an output beam in the green range.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said laser provides an output at the distal end of said separate fiber of not more than a few watts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said laser provides an output at the distal end of said separate fiber in the order of one-half watt.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 including a cap carried on the distal end of said separate fiber and having a transparent window overlying said distal end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
An instrument as defined in claim 10 with said cap having a bend for bending said separate fiber for converging the lines of sight through said endoscope and said separate fiber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 including: a sleeve slideable onto the distal end of said separate fiber; and a replaceable transparent window carried in said sleeve and positionable at said distal end.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
90 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 including: guide means carried on the distal end of said separate fiber a flexible jacket about said separate fiber and terminating at said guide means; and a flexible transparent strip threaded from said proximal end through said jacket and said guide means, and back through said jacket to said proximal end; with said guide means guiding said strip across the distal end of said fiber, and with said strip movable in said sheath to present a new strip surface at said distal end.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 including: a cap carried on the distal end of said separate fiber and having a transparent window overlying said distal end; and means carried on said endoscope for delivering a fluid stream at the exposed surface of said window.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
47 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 including: a cap carried on the distal end of said separate fiber; a transparent window rotatably mounted in said cap, with a portion of said window overlying said distal end; and means carried on said endoscope for rotating said window.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-06 | 1978-07-08 | 1979-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-06 | 1982-07-08 | 1983-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-06 | 1986-07-08 | 1987-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |