Abstract: The present application discloses, in some embodiments thereof, an apparatus, systems and methods for measuring specimens' displacement or transformation while heating. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses apparatus and methods for determining the transformation temperature or range of temperatures of specimens, such as specimens manufactured from a memory shape alloy.

Abstract: The present application discloses, in some embodiments thereof, an apparatus, systems and methods for measuring specimens' displacement or transformation while heating. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses apparatus and methods for determining the transformation temperature or range of temperatures of specimens, such as specimens manufactured from a memory shape alloy.

Abstract: A focusable imaging laser otoscope for performing laser surgery without the need for anesthesia, The apparatus includes a housing, an end member movably disposed within the housing, an imaging device attached to the housing for producing an image of a target area, an illuminating system attached to the housing for illuminating the target area, a speculum having a longitudinal axis and detachably attached to the end member, an optical system attached to the housing and having a main optical axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the speculum, for directing a surgical and/or an aiming laser beam from a laser source through the housing and the speculum to strike the target area and for directing image forming light rays to project an image of the target area onto the imaging device such that when the image of the target area is focused, the surgical laser beam and/or aiming laser beam are also focused on the target area, and a focusing assembly attached to the housing and to the end member for adjustably mov

Abstract: A system and a method for manipulating movement within a body cavity. The device includes an optical fiber coupled to an energy source and a sleeve for containing the fiber. The fiber has distal end for positioning adjacent to a surface being treated within the body cavity and a proximal end located external to the body cavity which is coupled to an operating device for controlling the lateral and/or longitudinal movement of the fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for tracking the operation of a light beam, preferably a laser light beam, which operates to treat the skin of the patient. The apparatus includes plurality of markings in accordance with the light beam impinges on the locations to be treated. The apparatus including the plurality of markings may be a cooling apparatus which also cools the skin during the treatment.

Abstract: A light-emitting adder allowing to obtain a high brightness, integrated, substantially coherent light beam illuminating a target area either evenly or with increased brightness in the center of the illuminated spot, comprises a plurality of light sources located in a same plane and beam-shaping means provided with beam-transporting means in order to form the resultant beam. Various ranges of variations for optical lengths L and wavelengths &lgr; of the light sources, as well as for degrees of beams mixing, are proposed.

Abstract: A system for protection from light generated by interaction of laser energy with matter is provided. The system, which is designed for use with lasing apparatus having a laser, includes an optical protection device with at least one optical element of a material that transforms between an active state for blocking laser light and an inactive state, where the optical element is transparent. A mechanism for controlling the transformation of the optical element between the inactive and active states, attaches to the optical protection device and the lasing apparatus respectively, and is responsive to the activating and deactivating of the laser, such that when the laser is activated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the active state and when the laser is deactivated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the inactive state.

Abstract: A device for use in laser induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) is provided which includes a fiber for coupling to a laser energy source and an emitting element having a proximal end coupled to the fiber and a distal end for positioning adjacent to the surface receiving LITT, the emitting element radially emitting light whose intensity is controllable along its longitudinal length. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the emitting element is roughened to achieve a power scattering function.

Abstract: An adaptor attachable to a laser apparatus and to a microscope for directing a laser beam from the laser apparatus onto an object in a working plane as viewed via the microscope. The adaptor includes an optical system located in the path of the laser beam for focusing the laser beam onto an object in the working plane. The optical system includes a number of mirrors. The adaptor also includes a manipulatable mirror located between the optical system and the working plane. The manipulatable mirror is selectively manipulatable to direct the laser beam to any desired location in the working plane. Further the adaptor includes a focusser coupled to the optical system that is capable of selectively focusing and defocussing the laser beam.

Abstract: A handpiece assembly for laser apparatus is provided which includes a manually-graspable handpiece having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway through the handpiece from its proximal end to its distal end for receiving an optical fiber having a proximal end to be optically coupled to a laser beam source and a distal end to project through the distal end of the handpiece for delivering the laser beam to a working area; a clamping device for clamping the optical fiber to the handpiece such that a predetermined length of the optical fiber projects outwardly of the distal end of the handpiece; and an applicator device having at one end a quickly-attachable connector quickly attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the handpiece, and at the opposite end a rigid preformed sheath of a length to enclose the projecting length of the optical fiber, and of a shape to impart to the optical fiber a desired shape according to the particular working area to receive the laser beam.

Abstract: A method of treating facial skin depressions is provided in which, following laser ablation of the epidermal layer, the underlying dermal plug of skin is obtained having minimal thermal damage and is implanted into an area of depressed skin.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a laser beam to a working surface, by displacing the laser beam to trace a plurality of circular scans over the working surface; and continuously varying the diameters of the circular scans at a rate to produce a substantially homogenous distribution of the laser energy over the working surface.

Abstract: A method of facial rejuvenation is provided in which ablation of an area of skin is accomplished to above the papillary dermis, providing effective permanent smoothness. A laser beam directs a laser beam from a laser source to a scanner which directs the beam to ablate the skin.

Abstract: Reconditioning a fiber for laser applications by cleaving off its tip and shaping the cleaved end into a conical or pyramidal shape with a grinder. The cleaved end is grasped in a fiber holder. The grinder is driven, e.g., to rotate. The fiber holder is moved relative to the grinder to bring it into contact with the moving grinder. The fiber holder may be rotated during the contact. Preferably, the axis of symmetry of the fiber is substantially parallel to the plane of rotation of the grinder to effect tangential grinding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applying a laser beam to a working surface, by displacing the laser beam to trace a plurality of circular scans over the working surface; and continuously varying the diameters of the circular scans at a rate to produce a substantially homogenous distribution of the laser energy over the working surface.

Abstract: A method of delivering a laser beam from a laser to a working site, comprising applying the laser beam received from the laser to a first positive optical element which converges the laser beam; applying the laser beam received from the first positive optical element to a negative optical element which diverges the laser beam; applying the laser beam received from the negative optical element to a second positive optical element which substantially collimates the laser beam before being applied to the working site; and varying the distance between the negative optical element and the second positive optical element to thereby vary the diameter of the substantially collimated laser beam applied to the working site.

Abstract: There is provided a side-emitting optical fiber having a proximal end for receiving radiation and a distal end for emitting the radiation in a direction laterally of the longitudinal axis of the fiber via a radiation exit region at the distal end; characterized in that the outer surface of the distal end of the a glass cap is formed with a visually discernible surface formation which is narrow at one end thereof and which increases in width towards the opposite end thereof, to thereby enable visually discerning the orientation of the optical fiber with respect to the radiation exit region thereof.

Abstract: A device for treating the interior of a body cavity with laser energy includes an optical fiber having a distal end to be inserted into the body cavity to be treated, and a proximal end to be located externally of the body cavity and to be coupled to a source of laser energy; a second fiber axially movable with respect to the optical fiber and mechanically coupled to its distal end to cause it to move in the lateral direction; and a stiffening spine normally supporting the distal ends of the two fibers in side-by-side relation, but permitting the distal end of one fiber to move laterally with respect to the other fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a myringotomy in a child's ear without the need for anaesthesia. A charge coupled device or television camera is aimed within a micromanipulator housing at a child's ear drum. The housing is retained to the ear, either with a fastener such as an adhesive or in a helmet, so that the housing moves with the movement of the child's head. A video image of the ear drum surface is displayed on a screen from signals transmitted from the camera device. A physician marks on the screen with an electronic pen pointer where the laser beam should be aimed at the ear drum surface. A microprocessor responds to this marking to determine the appropriate coordinates and instructs mirror control motors to rotate a scanning mirror in the path of the laser beam. The laser may be fired and its beam is directed by the scanning mirror to strike a desired location by passing through the housing attached to the child's ear without being affected by any sudden movement of the child's head.

Abstract: A system for causing uniform ablation of irradiated material of living tissue while not causing damage below a predetermined depth where laser radiation is provided sequentially and continuously in a predetermined pattern is disclosed.