US 4,979,180 AGranted

Modular interchangeable laser system

OwnerArthur M. Muncheryaninventor

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Abstract

A modular interchangeable laser instrumentation system for applications in industrial processing, medical surgery and treatment, dental treatment, metrology, military applications, forensic investigation, micromachining, optical storage, spectroscopy, research and many other related applications. The system principally comprises a handheld stylus with interchangeable modules to produce various selected laser-radiation beams for any particular work as needed. Each module and the combined modular stylus is adapted to produce a particular type of laser beam for the intended project in hand, and as the modular section of one stylus is replaced by the modular section of another stylus, the generated laser beam assumes a different optical and spectral character, so as to be compatible with the work under process and characterized by the type of material and thickness thereof, texture, or human anatomical tissue of one kind or another, requiring different focus intensities and modal formats. In short, the laser system is a universal, operational device for use in numerous applications now requiring various specific laser systems to accomplish them.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A modular interchangeable laser system, comprising a modular housing means provided therein with an interchangeable radiation source energized by an electric current supply means having a current-control means and a radiation-generator control means independently operable by a double-throw switch means disposed in said housing said modular housing means having a radiation outlet means and a current outlet means being positioned side by side in one wall thereof and respectively connected to a radiation-conduit means and to a current-carrying conduit means, with said current outlet means being in electrical contact with said electric current supply means;

said current-carrying conduit means provided with coupling means adapted to be connected to one end of a handheld modular stylus having therein a laser beam-generating and amplifying means energized by the current from said current-carrying conduit means, and a laser-beam spectrum modifying means disposed therein in the path of the laser beam emitted by the laser beam-generating means to modify and project said laser beam to the exterior of said modular stylus;
said radiation conduit means being in optical connection at one end thereof with said interchangeable radiation source, through said radiation outlet means and at the other end being adapted with means to be connected to a modular section of a modular stylus to form a unitary laser system theretogether;
a peripheral spacing within each of said conduits and in said modular stylus adapted to receive a gaseous element from an external source connected to said conduits for transmittal of said gaseous element through either of said conduits into said modular stylus for conduction therethrough to the exterior thereof during laser-processing a workpiece.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 07/440,725Filed 24 Nov 1989
Granted: 18 Dec 1990
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification17 codes

A61B 18/22
Using laser: the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
A61B 18/20
By applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves: using laser
A61C 1/0046
Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design: dental lasers
B23K 26/02
Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring: positioning or observing the workpiece, e.g. with respect to the point of impact;…