US5048911A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coupling of multiple laser beams to a single optical fiber
Assignee: UNIVERSITI MALAYA 59100 KUALA LAMPUR MALAYSIA
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Filing: 1989-06-21
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Granted: 1991-09-17
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Expires: 2009-06-21
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for coupling a parallel array of laser beams into a single optical fiber. The increased optical laser power, if that of helium-neon lasers, can be used for photodynamic therapy of cancer with hematoporphyrin derivatives.
Inventors
- 👤 Low K. Sang
- 👤 Tan B. Cheok
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 15:11
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/06; A61N5/0613; A61N5/062; A61N5/0601; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4249; G02B6/425; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B2018/2065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A beam delivery system for photodynamic therapy comprising: an optical fiber; a plurality of lasers emitting laser beams at substantially similar wavelengths; a plurality of beam steering means, each said steering means directing one of said laser beams through at least two right angles to form an array of near parallel beams onto focussing means; and said focussing means receiving said steered beams for focussing said steered beams into said optical fiber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A beam delivery system for photodynamic therapy comprising: an optical fiber; a plurality of lasers emitting laser beams at substantially similar wavelengths; a plurality of beam steering means, each said steering means directing one of said laser beams through at least two right angles to form an array of near parallel beams onto focussing means; and said focussing means receiving said steered beams for focussing said steered beams into said optical fiber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of laser beams are produced by a parallel array of high power helium-neon lasers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said steering means includes mirrors which direct said laser beams in approximately parallel directions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the steered, parallel beams are less than 3 millimeters apart.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the focussing means has an f-number such that all of the focussed beams will enter the fiber at an angle smaller than the fiber's acceptance angle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the focussing means includes a lens.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the focussing means includes a mirror.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-09-16 | 1995-03-18 | 1995-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-09-16 | 1999-03-18 | 1999-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-09-16 | 2003-03-18 | 2003-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |