Abstract:
A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a non-cylindrical shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side-fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.
Abstract:
Electromagnetic energy generated by a collection of individual laser modules is coupled by corresponding individual waveguides to an input of a multi-lumen ferrule. The energy is conveyed from an output of the multi-lumen ferrule to collimating and converging assemblies before being transmitted to a trunk fiber and thence to a laser handpiece.
Abstract:
A high power source of electro-magnetic radiation having a multi-purpose housing is disclosed. The multi-purpose housing includes an interior filled with a material forming at least a light source and further comprising a reflector which can envelope a laser rod surrounded by light sources for providing light excitation to the laser rod. A material defining outer surfaces of the light sources extends out to and defines outer surfaces of the reflector. A high-reflectivity coating is disposed over an outer surface of the reflector, as is a protective coating. Also disposed over an outer surface of the reflector can he an optional heat sink, with cooling being performed by an optional arrangement of forced-air traveling over the heat sink. The light sources may be light source pumps, and the high-reflectivity coating may be formed to envelop the reflector.
Abstract:
A cleaning and whitening system for teeth having an electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush and a dentifrice with a photosensitive agent is disclosed. The toothbrush has a cleaning surface, such as bristles. The toothbrush is also adapted to direct electromagnetic radiation toward the cleaning surface. The electromagnetic radiation may be monochromatic or polychromatic. Further, the electromagnetic radiation may be substantially free of ultraviolet radiation, Additionally, the electromagnetic radiation may consist essentially of wavelengths within a range of 300 to 750 nanometers. The photosensitive agent is dispersed throughout the dentifrice. The dentifrice transmits the electromagnetic radiation through a varying thickness disposed over a target surface during use of the system. As a result, a significant portion of the photosensitive agent reacts, resulting m whitening stains, removing and/or disclosing undesired substances, and/or foaming. The dentifrice may be clear and may have clear abrasive particles. A method for tuning the cleaning and whitening system for teeth includes formulating the dentifrice with photosensitive agents that react to a range of electromagnetic radiation arid providing a toothbrush that emits that electromagnetic radiation range, Another method of tuning the cleaning arid whitening system includes designing a toothbrush that emits a range of electromagnetic radiation and formulating a dentifrice with photosensitive agents that react to the electromagnetic radiation range.
Abstract:
A satellite platform facilitates the dividing of a laser system into functional modules, and provides one or more of the functional module (e.g. articulated arm, handpiece, control panel) in a user's operational space while part, or a majority of the laser system may remain away from the user's operational space (e.g., on the wall, on the counter-top or at the walk-way).
Abstract:
An electromagnetic energy output device in the form of laser handpiece and a trunk assembly is disclosed. The electromagnetic energy output device includes a digital camera and electromagnetic energy waveguides for emitting illumination or excitation light energy to enhance user viewability of a target surface and signal analysis and to receive electromagnetic energy such as return excitation light. An image acquisition fitting routes images acquired at or in a vicinity of the distal end of the electromagnetic energy output device. The image acquisition fitting can include an attachable or clip-on element or set of elements. In other implementations, the image acquisition fitting may be securable, in whole or in part, within an interior of the electromagnetic energy output device.
Abstract:
A medical laser is described that contains a modulator or saturable absorber. The laser produces output optical energy suitable for cutting tissue while minimizing wasted output optical energy that could result in unnecessary pain to a patient. The medical laser described enables efficient, effective cutting of tissue.
Abstract:
A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a double bevel-cut shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side- fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.
Abstract:
A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a double bevel-cut shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side-fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.
Abstract:
Output attachments to an electromagnetic-energy outputting device are coded using colors, topography, or combinations of color and topography. The output attachments, which are removable and interchangeable, may be interchanged for purposes of performing particular surgical or other cutting procedures. Instructions provided to a user refer to colors or other coded indicators in order to provide rapid and reliable switching of output attachments.