Support system for treatment device

Abstract

A support system for a handpiece is provided. The support system includes a cantilever assembly having a rigid anchor base and a flexible rod having a proximal end and a distal end, and a connection assembly having a proximal end configured to be coupled to the distal end of the flexible rod and a distal end configured to be coupled to the handpiece. The flexible rod is pivotally secured at its proximal end to the anchor base, and the flexible rod has increased flexibility from its distal end to the proximal end. The connection assembly is configured to enable the handpiece to rotate in at least two degrees of freedom. The cantilever assembly is configured to support the connection assembly and the handpiece such that the connection assembly and the handpiece are stationary in a neutral position.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480027414.5 (22) Application Date 2024.04.03 (30) Priority Data 63 / 458,560 2023.04.11 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.10.22 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 022822 2024.04.03 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 215539 EN 2024.10.17 (71) Applicant: Avawar Corporation, Address: Massachusetts, USA (72) Inventors: J. Bavarka, R. Martin, P. Shaughnessy, L. Levin, A. Ziegler, M.S. Lafferty, A. Jones, R. Bain, Z.M. Zlevo (74) Patent Agency: King & Wood Mallesons, Beijing 11256 Patent Attorney: Li Chunhui (51) Int.Cl. A61B 18 / 22 (2006.01) A61N 5 / 067 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Support System for Disposal Equipment (57) Abstract: A support system for a handheld device is provided. The support system includes a cantilever assembly and a connecting assembly, the cantilever assembly having a rigid anchoring base and a flexible rod having a proximal end and a distal end, and the connecting assembly having a proximal end configured to be coupled to the distal end of the flexible rod and a distal end configured to be coupled to a handheld device. The flexible rod is pivotally fixed to the anchor base at its proximal end, and the flexible rod has increasing flexibility from its distal end to its proximal end. The connecting assembly is configured such that the handheld component can rotate in at least two degrees of freedom. The cantilever assembly is configured to support the connecting assembly and the handheld component such that the connecting assembly and the handheld component are stationary in a neutral position. Claims 2 pages, Description 10 pages, Drawings 10 pages, CN 121038728 A 2025.11.28 CN 1 21 03 87 28 A 1. A support system for a handheld device, comprising: a cantilever assembly having a rigid anchoring base and a flexible rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible rod being pivotally fixed to the anchoring base at the proximal end of the flexible rod, the flexible rod having increased flexibility from the proximal end to the distal end of the flexible rod; and a connecting assembly having a proximal end configured to be coupled to the distal end of the flexible rod and a distal end configured to be coupled to the handheld device, the connecting assembly being configured such that the handheld device is rotatable in at least two degrees of freedom, wherein the cantilever assembly is configured to support the connecting assembly and the handheld device such that the connecting assembly and the handheld device are stationary in a neutral position.2. The support system of claim 1, further comprising a handheld device coupled to the connecting assembly. 3. The support system of claim 2, wherein the handheld device comprises a laser treatment device for medical and / or cosmetic procedures. 4. The support system of claim 1, wherein the connecting assembly and the handheld device are operable with minimal force within an envelope surrounding the neutral position. 5. The support system of claim 1, wherein the connecting assembly is configured such that the handheld device is rotatable in three degrees of freedom, each of which is substantially orthogonal to the other degrees of freedom. 6. The support system of claim 1, wherein the flexible rod has a uniform taper from the proximal end to the distal end of the flexible rod, and wherein the flexibility of the rod increases proportionally to the constant taper from the proximal end to the distal end. 7. The support system of claim 1, wherein the flexible rod is hollow. 8. The support system of claim 1, further comprising an actuable lift coupled to the anchoring base, the actuable lift being configured to extend in an upward direction and retract in a downward direction. 9. The support system of claim 8, wherein the actuable lift is capable of extending approximately 18 inches to 30 inches. 10. The support system of claim 8, wherein the actuable lift includes a fulcrum extension configured to support the rigid anchoring base at an angle relative to the rigid anchoring base. 11. The support system of claim 10, wherein the rigid anchoring base is configured to slide relative to the fulcrum extension when the actuable lift is extended and retracted, such that the angle is configured to move between approximately 120 degrees and 180 degrees. 12. A support system for a handheld device, comprising: a trolley including an extendable lift movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a cantilever assembly coupled to the extendable lift, the cantilever assembly including a rigid anchoring base, a flexible rod coupled at its proximal end to the proximal end of the rigid anchoring base; and a connecting assembly coupled to the distal end of the flexible rod, the connecting assembly configured to be coupled to the handheld device such that the handheld device is rotatable relative to the connecting assembly in at least two degrees of freedom. 13. The support system of claim 12, wherein the cantilever assembly and the connecting assembly are configured to support the handheld device in a neutral position, and wherein the handheld device is manipulated with minimal force within an envelope surrounding the neutral position. 14. The support system of claim 13, wherein when the handheld device is within the envelope, the force required to move the handheld device is less than or equal to about 0.5 lbF.15. The support system of claim 12, wherein the connecting assembly is configured such that the handheld component is capable of rotation in three degrees of freedom, each of which is substantially orthogonal to the other degrees of freedom. 16. The support system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of conveying lines traveling along the cantilever assembly, wherein a corresponding first end of the plurality of conveying lines is disposed in the trolley, and a corresponding second end is configured to connect to the handheld component. 17. The support system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of conveying lines includes at least one fluid line. 18. The support system of claim 17, wherein the at least one fluid line includes: a first fluid line configured to convey a first fluid, and a second fluid line configured to convey a second fluid different from the first fluid. 19. The support system of claim 18, wherein the first fluid is a dehumidifying gas, and the second fluid is a coolant. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 121038728 A Cross-Reference to Related Applications for Support System for Treatment Device

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 458,560, filed April 11, 2023, entitled “Support System for Treatment Device”. The entire contents of that patent application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0002] Laser-based treatment devices can effectively treat many diseases. During a treatment procedure, a treatment operator, such as a physician or beautician, moves such a treatment device over the affected tissue while the treatment device irradiates the affected tissue with a precise dose of energy. Too much energy delivered to the affected tissue may cause potential harm to the patient, while too little energy delivered to the affected tissue may result in an ineffective treatment. To maximize the effectiveness of the treatment, the treatment operator must carefully control the treatment device, which may weigh several pounds or more, to deliver the correct dose of radiation during a treatment procedure that may last thirty minutes or longer. During the treatment procedure, the treatment operator may become fatigued, which may adversely affect the patient. Furthermore, the operator may have multiple successive procedures throughout the day, which can further exacerbate problems associated with operator fatigue, leading to inadequate or even harmful exposure of the patient to the treatment device.

[0003] To combat the problem of fatigue, certain support systems and armatures have been developed to relieve the operator's burden. However, these systems typically utilize articulated arms with one or more manually adjustable joints, to which the treatment device is freely suspended.Such systems still require the operator to fully support the weight of the treatment equipment and associated cables in order to control finer movements of the treatment equipment during the treatment process. Therefore, improved support systems are still needed to assist the operator during the treatment process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A support system for a handheld device is provided.

[0005] In one embodiment, a support system for a handheld device is provided, comprising: a cantilever assembly having a rigid anchoring base and a flexible rod having a proximal end and a distal end; and a connecting assembly having a proximal end configured to be coupled to the distal end of the flexible rod and a distal end configured to be coupled to the handheld device. The flexible rod may be pivotally fixed to the anchoring base at its proximal end. The flexible rod may have increasing flexibility from its proximal end to its distal end, and the connecting assembly is configured such that the handheld device is rotatable in at least two degrees of freedom. The cantilever assembly may be configured to support the connecting assembly and the handheld device such that the connecting assembly and the handheld device are stationary in a neutral position.

[0006] The support system can vary in a variety of ways. For example, the support system may include a handpiece coupled to a connecting assembly. In some aspects, the handpiece may be a laser treatment device for medical and / or cosmetic procedures. For example, the connecting assembly and the handpiece may be maneuverable with minimal force within an envelope around a neutral position. For example, the connecting assembly may be configured such that the handpiece is rotatable in three degrees of freedom. Each of these degrees of freedom may be substantially orthogonal to the other degrees of freedom. For example, a flexible rod may have a uniform taper from its proximal end to its distal end, and the flexibility of the rod may increase proportionally to the constant taper from the proximal end to the distal end. The flexible rod may also be hollow. For example, an actuated lift may be coupled to an anchoring base, and the actuated lift may be configured to extend in an upward direction and retract in a downward direction. Furthermore, the actuated lift may be able to extend from about 18 inches to 30 inches. In addition, the actuated lift may include a fulcrum extension configured to support the rigid anchoring base at an angle relative to the rigid anchoring base. In some aspects, the rigid anchoring base can be configured to slide relative to the fulcrum extension when the actuable lift is extended and retracted, such that the angle is configured to move between approximately 120 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0007] In another embodiment, a support system for a handheld device is provided, the support system comprising: a trolley including an extendable lift movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a cantilever assembly coupled to the extendable lift; and a connecting assembly coupled to the distal end of a flexible rod. The cantilever assembly may include a rigid anchoring base and a flexible rod, the flexible rod being coupled at its proximal end to the proximal end of the rigid anchoring portion. The connecting assembly may be configured to be coupled to the handheld device such that the handheld device can rotate relative to the connecting assembly in at least two degrees of freedom.

[0008] The support system can vary in a variety of ways. For example, the cantilever assembly and connecting assembly can be configured to support the handpiece in a neutral position, and the handpiece can be manipulated with minimal force within an envelope surrounding the neutral position. In some variations, the force required to move the handpiece when it is within the envelope can be less than or equal to about 0.5 lbF. For example, the connecting assembly can be configured such that the handpiece is rotatable in three degrees of freedom, and each of these degrees of freedom can be substantially orthogonal to the other degrees of freedom. For example, the support system can include multiple delivery lines traveling along the cantilever assembly. A corresponding first end of the multiple delivery lines can be disposed in a trolley, and a corresponding second end can be configured to connect to the handpiece. Furthermore, the multiple delivery lines can include at least one fluid line. In some variations, the at least one fluid line can include: a first fluid line configured to deliver a first fluid, and a second fluid line configured to deliver a second fluid different from the first fluid. In some aspects, the first fluid is a dehumidifying gas, and the second fluid is a coolant.

[0009] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG1 depicts a perspective view of a support system according to one embodiment;

[0011] FIG2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the support system of FIG1;

[0012] FIG3 depicts a side view of a cantilever assembly that can be used with the support system of FIG1;

[0013] FIG4 is a perspective view of the support system of FIG1 having a lifting system in an extended position;

[0014] FIG5 is a partial perspective view of the top portion of the support system of FIG1;

[0015] FIG6 is a perspective view of a connection assembly supporting a handpiece that can be used with the support system of FIG1;

[0016] FIG7 is a perspective view of the support system of FIG1 with a defined minimum force envelope;

[0017] FIG8 is a side view of the support system of FIG1 in a docked position;

[0018] FIG9 is a side view of the support system of FIG1 in an extended docked position; and

[0019] Figure 10 is a side view of the support system of Figure 1 in its unfolded and extended docking position.

[0020] Note that the figures are not necessarily to scale. The figures are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. The systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. Detailed Description

[0021] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the figures.Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0022] Methods for treating various conditions, such as for medical and / or cosmetic purposes, can be performed using the systems described herein. It should be understood that although such methods can be performed by a physician, non-physicians (such as beauticians and other properly trained personnel) can use the systems described herein to treat various conditions with and without the supervision of a physician.

[0023] Furthermore, in this disclosure, similarly named components of embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, within a particular embodiment, each feature of each similarly named component is not necessarily fully described. Additionally, with regard to the use of linear or circular dimensions in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for any geometry, equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined. The size and shape of systems and devices, and their components, can depend at least on the anatomy of the object to which the system and device will be used, the size and shape of the components to which the system and device will be used, and the methods and procedures to which the system and device will be used.

[0024] Various diseases and conditions can be treated using precise doses of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) deposited on diseased tissue by a laser treatment device. In these treatment procedures, the treatment operator, such as a physician or cosmetologist, must move a heavy treatment device (also known as a handpiece) over the affected tissue in order to properly administer the dose to the tissue during a procedure that may last thirty minutes or longer. The weight of the handpiece and the fine movements required over the long duration of the treatment procedure (or in multiple successive procedures performed on more than one patient) can lead to operator fatigue, which can result in a loss of the effectiveness of the treatment procedure. This document describes support systems for laser-based treatment devices that address these needs, as well as methods associated therewith. The support system can support the handpiece in an area near the patient and allows for fine motor control of the handpiece by the operator when the support system relieves the operator of the burden. Laser treatment devices and handpieces compatible with the support system can vary, and exemplary devices and handpieces are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0138261 entitled “Feedback Detection for a Treatment Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025] Such devices can be applied to a wide variety of medical and / or cosmetic procedures. References to specific types of procedures are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the entire disclosure. Various medical and / or cosmetic procedures involve prolonged and precise treatments performed by a treatment operator, and fatigue can be detrimental in such procedures, regardless of the type of tissue or disease being treated, the specific operator, etc. Therefore, the devices and methods described herein can be broadly applied to generally provide operators with increased endurance and control.

[0026] Typically, the support system described herein includes a cantilever assembly coupled to an anchoring base. The cantilever assembly can take various forms, and typically, it can include a hinged and stable portion coupled to a flexible section, which can support an directional component similar to a gimbal system to ultimately support the handpiece during the treatment procedure, while also allowing the handpiece to rotate about one, two, or three degrees of freedom so as not to restrict its maneuverability during the procedure and ultimately not to limit the quality of the procedure.

[0027] When the handpiece is supported by the cantilever assembly and manipulated during the treatment process, the anchoring base can provide support to the cantilever assembly. Operation of the handpiece requires various connections, cables, and wiring, and the anchoring base can also provide a place to store components of the systems required to operate the equipment during the treatment process, such as power supplies, cooler assemblies (e.g., cooling lines) for cooling the handpiece to be treated, EMR sources, etc. The anchoring base can also include an actuator that can raise or lower the cantilever assembly, which can grant the treatment operator greater flexibility during the treatment process.

[0028] When the support systems are not in use, they can be placed in a docking position in which the handpiece is positioned within a docking member located on the cantilever assembly to minimize the overall footprint of the support systems. When needed, the handpiece can be un-docked and operated by the operator according to the requirements of a given process.

[0029] Referring now to FIG1, a support system 10 for use with a laser treatment device and a handpiece is shown according to some embodiments. The support system 10 shown in the disengaged position typically includes an anchor base 100, a cantilever assembly 200 coupled to the anchor base 100, and a connection assembly 300 configured to support a handpiece such as a handpiece 400. The anchor base 100, cantilever assembly 200, and connection assembly 300 together support the handpiece 400 during the process to minimize and / or eliminate operator fatigue, as described above. As shown, the support system 10 is positioned in the disengaged position, in which the handpiece 400 is not coupled to anything other than the connection assembly 300, and the handpiece 400 is always attached to the connection assembly 300.As described above, this disengaged docking position contrasts with the docking position of the support system 10, in which the handpiece is secured within the docking member (not shown). The docking position will be described in more detail below, and the docking member (not shown) will be described with reference to the docking position.

[0030] The anchoring base 100 can take various forms, including the form of a cabinet having a substantially hollow anchoring frame 102 having one or more doors 104 thereon, which provide access to the interior of the anchoring base 100. The anchoring base 100 can be supported by various mechanisms, including selectively lockable wheels 106 (e.g., casters), which allow the anchoring base to remain fixed or move as needed. The anchoring base 100 may also include one or more handles 108 for its movement, and the one or more handles 108 may be located on the anchoring base 100 in positions that allow a handling operator to adjust the position of the anchoring base 100 while remaining seated, such as during a process.

[0031] The anchoring base 100 may also include a display 110, which can convey various information and other information related to the handling process. The display 110 may be mounted to or otherwise coupled to the anchoring base 100 so that it can be easily adjusted as needed. A handheld docking member 112 may be located on the anchoring base 100, which can be used to store the handheld 400 when it is not in use. As seen in FIG1, for example, when the handheld 400 is in the ready position, it rests at a distance away from the anchoring base 100, which may not always be desirable. Instead of resting in the outward position, the handheld 400 may be placed within the docking member 112 to reduce the overall footprint of the support system 10. The anchoring base 100 may also include various inputs 114 located thereon, such as key activation, locking mechanisms, controls, etc. One such input may be a foot pedal 116, which can be operated by the handling operator to turn the handheld on or off as needed during the handling process.

[0032] As briefly described above, the anchoring base 100 may house one or more systems required for the treatment process, including an EMR source (not shown), a cooler 118, a power supply 120, an air drying system (not shown), and various electronic devices for controlling the handheld device 400. A lifting system 210, which is part of the cantilever assembly 200 and will be described below, is also included within the anchoring base 100. These systems can be seen in the cross-section of the anchoring base 100 depicted in FIG. 2. One or more systems may be housed within the interior of the anchoring base 100, accessible through one or more doors 104, and various connectors 122, such as cables and conduits, may travel along the cantilever assembly 200 and may be connected to the handheld device 400.As mentioned above, the handheld device may include an optical window through which coolant travels. The coolant may travel through connector 122 to be cooled by a cooling assembly to cool the tissue being treated during the treatment process. Connector 122 may include a cable for transmitting power from power source 120 to handheld device 400, and a conduit for delivering the cooled coolant to the optical window. In some variations, connector 122 may also include a conduit for delivering dehumidified air. During treatment operations, condensation may occur on the cooled optical window, which may interrupt the transmission of the treatment bundle through it. Introducing dehumidifying gas and / or air via connector 122 into the cooled optical window can prevent condensation buildup. Connector 122 may travel along cantilever assembly 200 to electrically and fluidly engage handheld device 400 with a system located in anchor base 100, as will be described in more detail below. In some aspects, such as when the handpiece 400 becomes necessary or if the various handpieces 400 are used with the support system 100, the connector 122 may be designed to facilitate the rapid release of the handpiece 400.

[0033] The support system 10 may also include a cantilever assembly 200 that may be coupled to the anchor base 100 and may support the handpiece 400 during a handling operation. The cantilever assembly may typically be hinged by the handling operator while simultaneously supporting at least most of the weight of the handpiece 400. As can be seen in FIG3, the cantilever assembly 200 is isolated from the anchor base 100 while still being coupled to both the connection assembly 300 and the handpiece 400. Typically, the cantilever assembly 200 may include a lifting system 210, a rigid support base 220, and a flexible rod 230.

[0034] The lifting system 210 may be substantially located within the anchor base 100 and may extend and retract as needed to raise and lower the handpiece 400 to a more preferred position for the handling procedure. The lifting system 210 can be a mechanical system, such as a rail system. In other variations, the lifting system 210 can also be pneumatic or hydraulic. When the lifting system 210 is fully retracted, the top of the lifting system 210 can be substantially flush with the top of the anchoring base, as seen, for example, in Figures 1 and 2. When extension of the lifting system 210 is desired, the operator or another person can extend the lifting system 210 a distance D (shown in Figure 4) up to the upper limit via one or more inputs 114. Through this range, the lifting system 210 can provide an additional height of up to 18 inches to 30 inches or more, and in some variations, a height of about 20 inches or more.

[0035] The rigid support base 220 can be pivotally and / or slidably coupled to the lifting system 210, such that the rigid support base 220 can move relative to the lifting system 210 and the anchoring base 100 as needed.For example, the proximal end of the rigid support base 220 may be coupled to an internal lifting mechanism (not shown) in the lifting system 210, such that the rigid support base 220 may be extended or retracted to pivot together with and / or relative to the lifting system 210, and provide a range of angles at which the lifting system may pivot. For example, the rigid support base 220 may be manipulated within an angle α between approximately 5 degrees and 50 degrees relative to the vertical direction (as seen in Figures 3 and 8 through 10). In some variations, the angle α may be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the vertical direction, and the rigid support base 220 may be intentionally positioned for any value within the entire range of possibilities.

[0036] To facilitate the extension, retraction, and pivoting of the rigid support base 220, a spring-loaded guide 222 (as seen in Figure 5) may be located at the top of the lifting system 210. The spring-loaded guide 222 may be spring-biased or otherwise mechanically biased toward the rigid support base 220. As the rigid support base 220 extends and retracts relative to the lifting system 210, the spring-loaded guide 222 can bend and pivot to compensate for the increased load applied to it, thus serving as a fulcrum for the rigid support base 220. Furthermore, to facilitate movement of the rigid support base 220 relative to it, the spring-loaded guide 222 may feature one or more rollers 224 that can roll freely to minimize frictional contact between the spring-loaded guide 222 and the rigid support base 220.

[0037] The cantilever assembly 200 may also include a flexible rod 230, which may be a flexible element attached to the rigid support base 220. The proximal end of the flexible rod 230 may be coupled closer to the proximal end of the rigid support base 220 such that when the flexible rod 230 bends under the weight of the handpiece 400, the rigid support base 220 can bear some of the load to stabilize the handpiece 400 and the cantilever assembly 200 itself. Essentially, the flexible rod 230 operates similarly to a fishing rod under load. When the handpiece 400 is attached to the flexible rod 230 and is in the disengaged position, the flexible rod 230 will bend to a certain extent under the weight of the handpiece 400 and the angle α at which the rigid support base 220 is positioned, depending on the characteristics of the flexible rod 230. Eventually, the handpiece 400 will reach its resting equilibrium or neutral position. Modifying the characteristics of the flexible rod 230, such as making it from different materials, having different geometry and bending characteristics, can alter the positioning of this neutral position, and the manipulation angle α and / or distance D can also affect the exact positioning of this neutral position relative to the rest of the support system 10. For example, if the flexible rod 230 becomes more rigid and the handpiece remains the same, the handpiece 400 will not bend the rod to the same degree.This can result in a relatively higher and / or more distant neutral position from the anchor base 100.

[0038] Typically, the handheld component 400 can weigh about 2 lbs, plus or minus about 0.25 lbs. The flexible rod 230 can be designed and sized based on the total weight of the handheld component 400 to ensure that the neutral position is in place relative to the rest of the system so that the operator can effectively utilize the support system 10. Specifically, in some embodiments, the flexible rod 230 can be substantially hollow and can have a consistent taper from its proximal end to its distal end. The flexibility of the rod can increase proportionally to the constant taper of the flexible rod 230, making the distal end substantially more flexible and pliable than the proximal end. In some variations, the flexible rod 230 can even be a fishing rod without the eyelets and other components for fishing. The similarity between the flexible rod 230 and a fishing rod can be similar enough that the flexible rod 230 can be described as a fishing rod, thus including fishing rods. For example, the flexible rod 230 may have a length of approximately seven feet, plus or minus approximately one foot, and the flexible rod 230 may have a diameter at the distal end (also known as the thick end diameter) that is between approximately 0.5 inches and 0.55 inches, or in some cases, approximately 0.527 inches. A characteristic referred to as "action" describes how the fishing rod bends under a given load, and this action can be described using terms including slow, medium, and fast, where slow action equals a greater degree of bend under a given load, and slow motion equals a smaller degree of bend under the same given load. The flexible rod 230 can be described as having a medium-fast action. The flexible rod 230 can be made of a variety of materials. To achieve consistent performance with a given handpiece 400, the exact dimensions of the flexible rod 230 may vary slightly due to the different properties of the materials. These materials may include fiberglass, bamboo, poplar, carbon fiber, bent metal sheets, graphite, or other materials, including various types of wood, metals, plastics, composites, etc., that produce similar properties.

[0039] As mentioned above, connector 122 can transfer energy and one or more fluids to handpiece 400, which are necessary for the handling process and proper operation of handpiece 400. Connector 122 can take various forms, such as cables and / or conduits, which can travel along cantilever assembly 200 through lifting system 210, through rigid support base 220, and along flexible rod 230. Connector 122 can be coupled to flexible rod 230 in a variety of ways. For example, flexible rod and connector 122 can be contained within a sheath 232, which can extend the entire length of flexible rod 230 between rigid support base 220 and connection assembly 300.

[0040] Connection assembly 300 can be seen throughout the figures (e.g., FIG. 6), and operates to engage handpiece 400 to cantilever assembly 200 in a manner that allows for the mobility of handpiece 400.The connecting assembly 300 can take various forms, and as depicted in the figure, it can take the form of a universal joint assembly that allows the handpiece 400 to rotate in at least one, at least two, or even three degrees of freedom, all while the handpiece 400 remains coupled to the cantilever assembly 200. The connecting assembly 300 can be designed to accommodate the size and weight of the handpiece 400 to ensure that the handpiece 400 can be manipulated with minimal effort. For example, as seen in Figure 6, the connecting assembly 300 includes three rotation axes Rx, Ry, and Rz about which the handpiece 400 can rotate in the corresponding degrees of freedom. Each of the rotation axes Rx, Ry, and Rz can pass through the center of mass of the handpiece 400 to make rotation of the handpiece 400 as smooth as possible, and each of the rotation axes Rx, Ry, and Rz can be substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0041] In summary, the support system 10 can be designed to adapt to the specific handheld component 400 in order to minimize the force required to manipulate the handheld component 400. Ultimately, the handheld component 400 will be supported in a neutral position, and the operator will be able to move the handheld component 400 freely within the envelope 410 surrounding the neutral position with minimal force, and freely move the neutral position and the envelope 410 as needed. The envelope 410 can be seen in Figure 7. Within the envelope 410, the handheld component 400 can be manipulated with a force of 0.5 lbF or less, although otherwise the weight is between approximately 1.75 lbs and 2.25 lbs.

[0042] As described herein, the support system 10 can be adjusted in the following ways: movement of the anchor base 100 on the wheel 106; extension and retraction of the lifting system 210; rotation of the lifting system 210; extension, retraction, and pivoting of the rigid support base 210; bending of the flexible rod 230; and rotation of the handpiece 400 relative to the connecting assembly 300. To distinguish these adjustments: 1) movement of the anchor base 100 on the wheel 106 and extension and retraction of the lifting system 210 are adjustments that facilitate movement of the envelope 410; 2) rotation of the lifting system 210 and bending of the flexible rod 230 are adjustments that facilitate movement of the handpiece 400 within the envelope 410; and 3) rotation of the handpiece relative to the connecting assembly 300 is an adjustment that facilitates orientation of the handpiece 400 within the envelope 410.

[0043] For the adjustment in group 1, the anchor base 100 can be moved on the wheel 106 as needed, and the lifting system 210 can be extended and retracted by approximately 20 inches.For the adjustments in Group 2, the lifting system 210 can rotate approximately 60 degrees in the yaw direction (±30 degrees relative to the center position, depicted by arrow β in Figure 7), while the distance between the lifting system 210 and the handpiece 400 is approximately 46 inches, and the flexible rod 230 can move up or down approximately 3 inches, toward the anchor base approximately 7 inches, and away from the anchor base 100 approximately 5 inches. These movements represent exemplary ranges defining the envelope 410 for a given setup, but specific values ​​may vary beyond these values. Furthermore, when the lifting system 210 is positioned at either extreme of its angular position (i.e., ±30 degrees relative to the center position), the flexible rod 230 can be moved such that the handpiece extends approximately 24 inches beyond the maximum angular position, while the force required to move the handpiece remains approximately 0.5 lbF or less.

[0044] In other variations, the lifting system 210 can rotate further than a mere 60-degree range, and β can be a full 360-degree range of approximately ±180 degrees from the center.

[0045] As described above, the support system 10 can be positioned in the docking position such that the handpiece 400 is secured close to the cantilever assembly. As illustrated in Figures 8 through 10, when the support system 10 is in the docking position, the handpiece is placed within the docking member 450. As shown, the support system 10 can transition between the docking position (Figure 8), the extended docking position (Figure 9), and the extended and expanded docking position (Figure 10), all of which occur while the handpiece 400 remains secured within the docking member 450. In the docking position of Figure 8, the lifting system 210 is fully retracted within the anchoring base 100, minimizing the height of the support system 10. The rigid support base 220 is also positioned as vertical as possible to minimize angle α (e.g., depending on its range, equal to 0 degrees or 5 degrees with respect to the vertical). In the extended docking position shown in Figure 9, the lifting system 210 is fully retracted within the anchoring base 100, again minimizing the height of the support system 10. The rigid support base 220 is positioned as horizontal as possible to maximize angle α (e.g., depending on its range, equal to 50 degrees or 90 degrees with respect to the vertical). In the extended docking position, the lifting system 210 is fully extended beyond the anchoring base 100, maximizing distance D (e.g., depending on its range, equal to 18+ inches, 20+ inches, 30+ inches, etc.). The rigid support base 220 is again positioned as horizontal as possible. While these three docking variations are depicted, any combination of positions within any range described herein is possible.

[0046] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware including structural means and their structural equivalents disclosed herein, or in a combination thereof. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device) or embodied in a propagating signal, for execution by or control of the operation of a data processing device (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple co-files (e.g., a file that stores portions of one or more modules, subroutines, or code). Computer programs can be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers located at a single site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.

[0047] The processes and logic flows described herein (including the method steps of the subject matter described herein) can be executed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the subject matter described herein by manipulating input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry (e.g., FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)), and the means of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0048] By way of example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose microprocessors and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices for storing data, or the computer will also be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, or both, such as a disk, magneto-optical disk, or optical disk.Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CDs and DVDs). Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0049] To provide interaction with a user, the subjects described herein can be implemented on a computer having: a display device for displaying information to the user (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor), and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input.

[0050] The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term "module" refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and / or various combinations thereof. However, a module should not be interpreted as software that is not implemented in hardware or firmware or documented on a non-transient processor-readable and recordable storage medium (i.e., a module is not software itself). In practice, a "module" should be interpreted as always including at least some physical, non-transient hardware, such as a processor or part of a computer. Two different modules may share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules may use the same processor and network interface). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated, and / or replicated to support a variety of applications. Furthermore, functions that replace or are attached to a particular module may be performed at one or more other modules and / or by one or more other devices. Additionally, modules may be implemented across multiple devices and / or other components, either locally or remotely. Furthermore, a module may be moved from one device and added to another, and / or included in both devices.

[0051] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes back-end components (e.g., a data server), middleware components (e.g., an application server), or front-end components (e.g., a client computer with a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. Components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication (e.g., a communication network) of any form or medium.Examples of communication networks include local area networks (“LANs”) and wide area networks (“WANs”), such as the Internet.

[0052] The approximate language used herein throughout the specification and claims may be applied to modify any quantitative representation, which may vary permissibly without causing a change in the essential function associated with it. “Approximately,” “substantially,” or “about” may include numbers falling within 1% in either direction (greater or less than the number), or within 5% of the number in some embodiments, or within 10% of the number in some embodiments, unless otherwise stated or otherwise apparent from the context (unless such a number would not be permitted to exceed 100% of the possible value). Thus, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” are not limited to the specified precise value. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Herein and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and such ranges are identified and include all subranges contained herein unless otherwise indicated by the context or language.

[0053] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the terms “a” and “an” as used herein in the specification and claims shall be understood to include plural indicators. A claim or description including “or” among one or more members of a group is considered to satisfy the requirement that one, more than one, or all members of the group are present in, employed in, or otherwise associated with a given product or process, unless indicated otherwise or otherwise apparent from the context. This disclosure includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise associated with a given product or process. This disclosure also includes embodiments in which more than one or all members of the group are present in, employed in, or otherwise associated with a given product or process. Furthermore, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments provide for all variations, combinations, and substitutions, wherein one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims are incorporated into another claim (or any other related claim) that is dependent on the same basic claim, unless otherwise indicated, or unless it would be obvious to a person skilled in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise. It is contemplated that all embodiments described herein may be adapted to all different aspects of the disclosed embodiments where appropriate. It is also contemplated that any embodiment or aspect may be freely combined with one or more other such embodiments or aspects where appropriate.Where elements are presented as a list, for example in Markush groups or a similar format, it should be understood that each subgroup of elements is also disclosed, and any element(s) may be removed from the group(s). It should be understood that, generally, where a particular element, feature, etc., is referred to as being included in a disclosed embodiment or aspect of a disclosed embodiment, certain embodiments or aspects of this disclosure consist of or are substantially composed of such elements, features, etc. For simplicity, those embodiments have not been specifically described in every instance herein with so many words. It should also be understood that any embodiment or aspect of this disclosure may be expressly excluded from the claims, regardless of whether a specific exclusion is stated in the specification. For example, any one or more active agents, additives, ingredients, optional reagents, biological types, disorders, objects, or combinations thereof may be excluded.

[0054] Within the scope given herein, embodiments of this disclosure include embodiments that include endpoints, embodiments that exclude two endpoints, and embodiments that include one endpoint and exclude the other endpoint. Unless otherwise indicated, it should be assumed that two endpoints are included. Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated or otherwise apparent from the context and to those skilled in the art, values ​​represented as ranges may have any specific value or subrange within the range stated in different embodiments of this disclosure, up to one-tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that, in the case of a series of numerical values ​​stated herein, this disclosure includes embodiments similarly associated with any intermediate value or range defined by any two values ​​in that series, and the lowest value may be taken as a minimum and the highest value may be taken as a maximum. Numerical values ​​as used herein include values ​​expressed as percentages. Specification 9 / 10 pages 12 CN 121038728 A

[0055] Although several variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible.

[0056] In the above description and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” may appear before a combined list of elements or features. The term “and / or” may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such phrases are intended to mean any element or feature listed individually, or any combination of any element or feature described with any other element or feature described. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B,” “one or more of A and B,” and “A and / or B” are each intended to mean “A alone,” “B alone,” or “A and B together.” Similar interpretations are intended for lists comprising three or more items.For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, and / or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.” Furthermore, the use of the term “based on” in the foregoing and claims is intended to mean “at least partially based on,” making undescribed features or elements permissible.

[0057] The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems, apparatuses, methods, and / or articles of manufacture according to desired configurations. The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Rather, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to and described subject matter. Although several variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, additional features and / or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the above implementations may be for various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, and / or combinations and sub-combinations of several other features disclosed above. Furthermore, the logical flows depicted in the accompanying drawings and / or described herein do not necessarily require the specific order or sequence shown to achieve the desired result. Other implementations may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Instruction manual, page 10 / 10, 13 CN 121038728 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 10, page 14 CN 121038728 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 10, page 15 CN 121038728 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 10, page 16 CN 121038728 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 10, page 17 CN 121038728 A, Figure 5; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 10, page 18 CN 121038728 A, Figure 6; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 10, page 19 CN 121038728 A, Figure 7; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 10, page 20 CN 121038728 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual, Figure 8 / 10, page 21 CN 121038728 A, Figure 9; Instruction manual, Figure 9 / 10, page 22 CN 121038728 A, Figure 10 The instruction manual includes attached figures on page 10 / 10, document number 23, CN 121038728 A.

Claims

1. A support system for a handpiece, comprising: a cantilever assembly having a rigid anchor base and a flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible shaft being pivotally fixed to the anchor base at the proximal end of the flexible shaft, the flexible shaft having an increasing flexibility from the proximal end to the distal end of the flexible shaft; and a connection assembly having a proximal end configured to be coupled to the distal end of the flexible shaft and a distal end configured to be coupled to the handpiece, the connection assembly being configured to enable the handpiece to rotate in at least two degrees of freedom, wherein the cantilever assembly is configured to support the connection assembly and the handpiece such that the connection assembly and the handpiece are at rest in a neutral position.

2. The support system of claim 1, further comprising a handpiece coupled to the connection assembly.

3. The support system of claim 2, wherein the handpiece comprises a laser treatment device for medical and / or cosmetic procedures.

4. The support system of claim 1, wherein the connection assembly and the handpiece are minimally forceable to maneuver in an envelope about the neutral position.

5. The support system of claim 1, wherein the connection assembly is configured to enable the handpiece to rotate in three degrees of freedom, each of the degrees of freedom being substantially orthogonal to the other degrees of freedom.

6. The support system of claim 1, wherein the flexible shaft has a uniform taper from the proximal end of the flexible shaft to the distal end of the flexible shaft, and wherein the flexibility of the shaft increases proportionally to the constant taper from the proximal end to the distal end.

7. The support system of claim 1, wherein the flexible shaft is hollow.

8. The support system of claim 1, further comprising an actuatable riser coupled to the anchor base, the actuatable riser being configured to extend in an upward direction and to retract in a downward direction.

9. The support system of claim 8, wherein the actuatable riser is extendable about 18 inches to 30 inches.

10. The support system of claim 8, wherein the actuatable riser comprises a fulcrum extension configured to support the rigid anchor base at an angle relative to the rigid anchor base.

11. The support system of claim 10, wherein the rigid anchor base is configured to slide relative to the fulcrum extension as the actuatable riser is extended and retracted, such that the angle is configured to move between about 120 degrees and 180 degrees.

12. A support system for a handpiece, comprising: a cart comprising an extendable riser movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a cantilever assembly coupled to the extendable riser, the cantilever assembly comprising a rigid anchor base, a flexible shaft coupled at a proximal end thereof to a proximal end of the rigid anchor portion; and a connection assembly having a proximal end configured to be coupled to the distal end of the flexible shaft and a distal end configured to be coupled to the handpiece, the connection assembly being configured to enable the handpiece to rotate in at least two degrees of freedom, wherein the cantilever assembly is configured to support the connection assembly and the handpiece such that the connection assembly and the handpiece are at rest in a neutral position. a connection assembly coupled to a distal end of the flexible shaft, the connection assembly configured to be coupled to the handpiece such that the handpiece is rotatable relative to the connection assembly in at least two degrees of freedom.

13. The support system of claim 12, wherein the cantilever assembly and the connection assembly are configured to support the handpiece at a neutral position, and wherein the handpiece is manipulatable with minimal force in an envelope about the neutral position.

14. The support system of claim 13, wherein the force required to move the handpiece is less than or equal to about 0.5 lbF when the handpiece is within the envelope.

15. The support system of claim 12, wherein the connection assembly is configured to enable the handpiece to rotate in three degrees of freedom, each of the degrees of freedom being substantially orthogonal to the other degrees of freedom.

16. The support system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of delivery lines running along the cantilever assembly, wherein respective first ends of the plurality of delivery lines are disposed in the cart and respective second ends are configured to be connected to the handpiece.

17. The support system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of delivery lines comprises at least one fluid line.

18. The support system of claim 17, wherein the at least one fluid line comprises: a first fluid line configured to deliver a first fluid, and a second fluid line configured to deliver a second fluid different from the first fluid.

19. The support system of claim 18, wherein the first fluid is a dehumidified gas and the second fluid is a coolant.

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