Handpiece optical proximity detector for disabling surgical laser beam
First Claim
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1. A proximity detector for the probe of the beam delivery apparatus of a laser system comprising:
- a probe having a face for contacting a target surface to be struck by the laser beam;
means for directing a gauging light to said target surface;
means for sensing any gauging light returning from said target surface to said probe; and
means, responsive to said means for sensing, for generating a control signal inhibiting the firing of the laser system if gauging light returning from said target is sensed by said means for sensing.
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Abstract
A proximity detector for the probe of a beam delivery apparatus of a laser system includes a probe having a face for confronting a target surface to be struck by the laser beam; means for directing a gauging light to the target surface; means for sensing the gauging light returning from the target surface to the probe; and means responsive to the means for sensing for generating a control signal representative of the position of the probe relative to the surface to enable the laser system to fire.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A proximity detector for the probe of the beam delivery apparatus of a laser system comprising:
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a probe having a face for contacting a target surface to be struck by the laser beam; means for directing a gauging light to said target surface; means for sensing any gauging light returning from said target surface to said probe; and means, responsive to said means for sensing, for generating a control signal inhibiting the firing of the laser system if gauging light returning from said target is sensed by said means for sensing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A proximity detector for the probe of a beam delivery apparatus of a laser system including a laser arming circuit comprising:
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a probe having a face for contacting a target surface to be struck by the laser beam; means for directing a gauging light to said target surface; means for sensing any gauging light returning from said target surface to said probe; and means for sending a signal to said arming circuit when said means for sensing senses gauging light returning from said target surface to said probe.
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Specification