Apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece at an inaccessible location
First Claim
1. Apparatus for performing an operation on a workpiece at an inaccessible location, comprising a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being insertable in use into an inaccessible location;
- a head flexibly coupled to the distal end of the tube;
control means operable to adjust the position of the head with respect to the tube;
means to transmit laser energy through the tube to the head and out of the head;
viewing means for gathering and displaying an image of the workpiece;
tracking means operable to identify and record the position of one or more selected points on the workpiece;
a processor operable to actuate the control means to move the head so as to direct laser energy to the selected point or, sequentially, to each of the selected points on the workpiece and to control the laser transmission means so as to perform the desired operation.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for performing an operation on a workpiece at an inaccessible location are described. The apparatus includes a tube with proximal and distal ends, the distal end being insertable in use into an inaccessible location. A head is flexibly coupled to the distal end of the tube and can be moved relative to the tube by control means. Laser energy can be transmitted through the tube and out of the head. The apparatus includes viewing means for gathering and displaying an image of the workpiece and tracking means operable to identify and record the position of one or more selected points of the workpiece. A processor is provided to actuate the control means so as to move the head to direct the laser energy to the selected point or points of a workpiece and to control the laser so as to perform the desired operation on the workpiece.
62 Citations
35 Claims
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1. Apparatus for performing an operation on a workpiece at an inaccessible location, comprising a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being insertable in use into an inaccessible location;
- a head flexibly coupled to the distal end of the tube;
control means operable to adjust the position of the head with respect to the tube;
means to transmit laser energy through the tube to the head and out of the head;
viewing means for gathering and displaying an image of the workpiece;
tracking means operable to identify and record the position of one or more selected points on the workpiece;
a processor operable to actuate the control means to move the head so as to direct laser energy to the selected point or, sequentially, to each of the selected points on the workpiece and to control the laser transmission means so as to perform the desired operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
- a head flexibly coupled to the distal end of the tube;
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33. A method of performing an operation on a workpiece at an inaccessible location comprising the steps of:
positioning the tube with its distal end in the vicinity of the workpiece;
gathering an image of the workpiece with the viewing means and displaying the image;
identifying and recording the position of one or more selected points on the workpiece; and
operating a processor to move the head and to supply laser energy through the tube so as to direct the laser energy to the point or, sequentially, to each point so as to perform a desired operation.- View Dependent Claims (34, 35)
Specification