Support system for a 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 shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a connection assembly having a proximal end configured to couple to the distal end of the flexible shaft and a distal end configured to couple to the handpiece. The flexible shaft is pivotally fixed to the anchor base at its proximal end, and the flexible shaft has increasing flexibility from its distal end to its 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 at rest in a neutral position.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] 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. Background Technology

[0003] Laser-based treatment devices can effectively treat many conditions. During a treatment procedure, an operator, such as a physician or beautician, moves the device over the affected tissue while the device irradiates the tissue with a precise dose of energy. Delivering too much energy to the affected tissue can potentially harm the patient, while delivering too little energy can result in an ineffective treatment. To maximize the effectiveness of the treatment, the operator must carefully control the device, which may weigh several pounds or more, to deliver the correct dose of radiation during a treatment that may last thirty minutes or longer. During the treatment, the operator may become fatigued, which can adversely affect the patient. Furthermore, an operator may have multiple consecutive treatments throughout the day, which can further exacerbate problems associated with operator fatigue, leading to insufficient or even harmful irradiation of the patient using the treatment device.

[0004] To combat fatigue, certain support systems and armatures have been developed to relieve operator strain. However, these systems typically utilize articulated arms with one or more manually adjustable joints, from which the treatment device suspends freely. Such systems still require the treatment operator to fully support the weight of the treatment device and associated cables in order to control finer movements of the device during the treatment process. Therefore, improved support systems remain needed to assist the treatment operator during the treatment process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A support system for handheld devices is provided.

[0006] In one embodiment, a support system for a handheld device is provided, the support system 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.

[0007] The support system can vary in many 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 approximately 18 inches to 30 inches. Additionally, 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.

[0008] 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 base. 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.

[0009] The support system can vary in several 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 to allow the handpiece to rotate in three degrees of freedom, each of which 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. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view of a support system according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0012] Figure 2 Depicting Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the support system;

[0013] Figure 3 Depicting what can be combined with Figure 1 A side view of the cantilever assembly used in conjunction with the support system;

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the support system, which has a lifting system in an extended position;

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the top portion of the support system;

[0016] Figure 6 It is support and can be Figure 1 A perspective view of the connecting components of the handheld device used in conjunction with the support system;

[0017] Figure 7 It is an envelope with a defined minimum force. Figure 1 A perspective view of the support system;

[0018] Figure 8 It is in the docking position Figure 1 Side view of the support system;

[0019] Figure 9 It is in the unfolded docking position. Figure 1 Side view of the support system; and

[0020] Figure 10 It is in an unfolded and extended docking position. Figure 1 Side view of the support system.

[0021] Note that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings 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 accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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 accompanying drawings. 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 that 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.

[0023] Methods for treating various conditions, such as for medical and / or cosmetic purposes, can be performed using the system described herein. It should be understood that while such methods can be performed by a physician, non-physicians (such as beauticians and other appropriately trained personnel) can use the system described herein to treat various conditions, with and without the supervision of a physician.

[0024] Furthermore, in this disclosure, similarly named components in embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, within a particular embodiment, every feature of each similarly named component is not necessarily fully described. Additionally, the use of linear or circular dimensions in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods is 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 equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometry. 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 processes to which the system and device will be used.

[0025] A variety of diseases and conditions can be treated using precise doses of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) deposited onto diseased tissue via laser treatment devices. During these procedures, the operator, such as a physician or cosmetologist, must move a heavy treatment device (also known as a handpiece) over the affected tissue to properly administer the dose during procedures that may last thirty minutes or longer. The weight of the handpiece and the delicate movements required over the extended duration of a treatment procedure (or in multiple successive procedures on more than one patient) can lead to operator fatigue, potentially resulting in a loss of the treatment's effectiveness. This article describes a support system for laser-based treatment devices that addresses these needs, along with associated methods. The support system can support the handpiece in an area near the patient and allows for delicate motor control of the handpiece by the operator when the support system is relieved of the burden on the handpiece. Laser treatment devices and handheld devices compatible with the support system may vary, and exemplary devices and handheld devices 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.

[0026] Such equipment can be applied to a wide variety of medical and / or cosmetic procedures. References to specific types of procedures are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Various medical and / or cosmetic procedures involve prolonged and precise treatments performed by the 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 equipment and methods described herein can be broadly applied to generally provide operators with increased endurance and control.

[0027] 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 may include a hinged and stable portion coupled to a flexible section, which may support an directional component similar to a gimbal system to ultimately support the handpiece during the handling process, while also allowing the handpiece to rotate about one, two, or three degrees of freedom so as not to restrict its maneuverability during the process and ultimately not to limit the quality of the process.

[0028] When the handpiece is supported by the cantilever assembly and manipulated during the treatment process, the anchoring base provides support to the cantilever assembly. Operation of the handpiece requires various connections, cables, and wiring, and the anchoring base also provides a location for components of the systems required to operate the equipment during the treatment process, such as power supplies, cooling assemblies (e.g., cooling lines) for cooling the handpiece to be treated, EMR sources, etc. The anchoring base may also include actuators that can raise or lower the cantilever assembly, which can grant the treatment operator greater flexibility during the treatment process.

[0029] When the support systems are not in use, they can be placed in a docking position where the handpiece is positioned within the docking member on the cantilever assembly to minimize the overall space occupied by the support systems. When needed, the handpiece can be disengaged and operated by the operator according to the requirements of a given process.

[0030] Now for reference Figure 1 The figure illustrates a support system 10 for use with a laser treatment device and a handpiece, according to some embodiments. The support system 10, shown in a 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 a disengaged position in which the handpiece 400 is not coupled to anything other than the connection assembly 300, which is always attached to the handpiece 300. This disengaged position contrasts with the docked position of the support system 10, in which the handpiece is secured within a 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.

[0031] The anchoring base 100 can take various forms, including the form of a cabinet with a substantially hollow anchoring frame 102 having one or more doors 104 thereon, providing 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 these 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.

[0032] 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, allowing it to be easily adjusted as needed. A handheld device docking member 112 may be located on the anchoring base 100, which can be used to store the handheld device 400 when it is not in use. Figure 1 As seen in the diagram, for example, when the handheld device 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 remaining resting in the outward-facing position, the handheld device 400 can 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 could be a foot pedal 116, which can be operated by the disposal operator to engage or disengage the handheld device as needed during the disposal process.

[0033] As briefly described above, the anchoring base 100 can accommodate 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... Figure 2Seen in a cross-section of the anchoring base 100 depicted. One or more systems may be housed within 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 connect to the handpiece 400. As mentioned above, the handpiece 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 cables transmitting power from power source 120 to handpiece 400, and conduits delivering cooled coolant to the optical window. In some variations, connector 122 may also include conduits delivering dehumidified air. During treatment operations, condensation may occur on the cooled optical window, potentially disrupting the transmission of the treatment bundle through it. Introducing dehumidified gas and / or air via connector 122 into the cooled optical window can prevent condensation buildup. Connector 122 can travel along cantilever assembly 200 to electrically and fluidly engage the handpiece 400 with a system located in anchor base 100, as will be described in more detail below. In some respects, such as when maintenance of the handpiece 400 becomes necessary or if the various handpieces 400 are used with support system 100, connector 122 can be designed to facilitate quick release of the handpiece 400.

[0034] The support system 10 may also include a cantilever assembly 200, which can be coupled to the anchor base 100 and can support the handpiece 400 during handling operations. The cantilever assembly can typically be hinged by the handling operator while simultaneously supporting at least a majority of the weight of the handpiece 400. Figure 3 As can be seen, the cantilever assembly 200 is isolated from the anchoring base 100, while still being coupled to both the connecting assembly 300 and the handheld component 400. Typically, the cantilever assembly 200 may include a lifting system 210, a rigid support base 220, and a flexible rod 230.

[0035] The lifting system 210 may be mostly located within the anchoring base 100 and can extend and retract as needed to raise and lower the handpiece 400 to a more preferred position for the handling process. The lifting system 210 may be a mechanical system, such as a rail system. In other variations, the lifting system 210 may also be pneumatic or hydraulic. When the lifting system 210 is fully retracted, the top of the lifting system 210 may be substantially flush with the top of the anchoring base, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As seen in [the image]. When extension of the lifting system 210 is desired, the operator or another person can extend the lifting system 210 by a distance D via one or more inputs 114. Figure 4(As shown in the diagram) up to the upper limit. 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 variants, it provides a height of about 20 inches or more.

[0036] The rigid support base 220 can be pivotally and / or slidingly coupled to the lifting system 210, allowing the rigid support base 220 to 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 can be coupled to an internal lifting mechanism (not shown) in the lifting system 210, allowing the rigid support base 220 to be extended or retracted to pivot together with and / or relative to the lifting system 210, and providing a range of angles at which the lifting system can pivot. For example, the rigid support base 220 can be pivoted between approximately 5 degrees and 50 degrees relative to the vertical direction (in... Figure 3 and Figures 8 to 10 (As seen in the image) The angle α can be manipulated within a range. In some variations, the angle α can be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the vertical direction, and the rigid support base 220 can be intentionally positioned for any value within the entire range of possibilities.

[0037] To facilitate the extension, retraction, and pivoting of the rigid support base 220 (e.g. Figure 5 (As seen in the image) The spring-loaded guide 222 can be located at the top of the lifting system 210. The spring-loaded guide 222 can 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 itself, 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 be characterized by one or more rollers 224, which can roll freely to minimize frictional contact between the spring-loaded guide 222 and the rigid support base 220.

[0038] 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 can be analogous to a fishing rod operating under load. When the handpiece 400 is attached to the flexible rod 230 and is in a 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. Ultimately, the handpiece 400 will reach its resting equilibrium or neutral position. Modifying the properties of the flexible rod 230, such as making it from different materials, having different geometry and bending characteristics, can alter the positioning of the 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 handle remains the same, the handle 400 will not bend the rod to the same degree. This can result in a neutral position that is relatively higher and / or further away from the anchoring base 100.

[0039] Typically, the handheld component 400 can weigh approximately 2 lbs, plus or minus approximately 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, allowing the operator to 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 sufficient for the flexible rod 230 to 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 from 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.

[0040] 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, that 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 various ways. For example, flexible rod and connector 122 can be contained within a sheath 232 that can extend the entire length of flexible rod 230 between rigid support base 220 and connection assembly 300.

[0041] The connecting component 300 can extend through the attached diagram (e.g.) Figure 6The handpiece 400 is visible and operates by engaging the handpiece 400 to the cantilever assembly 200 in a manner that allows for the flexibility of movement of the handpiece 400. The connecting assembly 300 can take various forms, and as depicted, 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... Figure 6 As seen in the image, the connecting assembly 300 includes three rotation axes R. x R y R z The handheld component 400 can rotate around these three rotation axes in their respective degrees of freedom. Rotation axis R x R y R z Each of the components can pass through the center of mass of the handpiece 400, such that the handpiece 400 is rotated about the axis R. x R y R z The rotation should be as smooth as possible, and the axis of rotation R should be rotated. x R y R z Each of them can be substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0042] 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 envelope 410 as needed. Figure 7 Envelope 410 can be seen. Within envelope 410, handpiece 400 can be operated with a force of 0.5 lbF or less, although otherwise the weight is between approximately 1.75 lbs and 2.25 lbs.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 within a range of approximately 20 inches. For the adjustment in Group 2, the lifting system 210 can rotate within a range of approximately 60 degrees in the yaw direction (±30 degrees relative to the center position, determined by...). Figure 7 (As depicted by arrow β in the diagram), while the distance between the lifting system 210 and the handheld device 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 handheld device extends approximately 24 inches beyond the maximum angular position, while the force required to move the handheld device remains approximately 0.5 lbF or less.

[0045] 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.

[0046] As described above, the support system 10 can be placed in the docking position so that the handpiece 400 is secured close to the cantilever assembly. Figures 8 to 10 As shown in the figure, when the support system 10 is in the docking position, the handpiece is placed within the docking member 450. As illustrated, the support system 10 can be in the docking position (…). Figure 8 ), the unfolded docking position ( Figure 9 ), and the extended docking position ( Figure 10 The transition between these components occurs while the handheld component 400 remains fixed within the mating component 450. Figure 8In the docking position, 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 the angle α (e.g., depending on its range, equal to 0 degrees with the vertical, 5 degrees with the vertical, etc.). Figure 9 In the extended docking position, the lifting system 210 is fully retracted within the anchoring base 100, minimizing the height of the support system 10 again. 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 with respect to the vertical, 90 degrees with respect to the vertical, etc.). In the extended docking position, the lifting system 210 is fully extended beyond the anchoring base 100 to maximize 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.

[0047] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware including structural devices 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 a data processing apparatus (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 containing other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple co-located files (e.g., a file storing portions of one or more modules, subroutines, or code). A computer program can be deployed to execute on one computer or multiple computers located at a single site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.

[0048] The processes and logic flows described in this specification (including the method steps of the subject matter described herein) can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the subject matter described herein by manipulating input data and generating output. 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.

[0049] 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 in any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are the 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 magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. 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); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CDs and DVDs). The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0050] To provide interaction with the user, the subject matter 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 types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user. For example, the 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.

[0051] 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 construed as software not implemented in hardware or firmware or not 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 performed at a particular module, instead of or attached to, may be performed at one or more other modules and / or by one or more other devices. Additionally, modules can be implemented across multiple devices and / or other components, either locally or remotely. Furthermore, a module can be moved from one device and added to another, and / or included in both devices.

[0052] 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. The 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.

[0053] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that may be permissibly varied without causing a change in its underlying function. "Approximately," "substantially," or "about" may include numbers falling within 1% in any direction (greater or less than the number), or within 5% in some embodiments, or within 10% in some embodiments, unless otherwise stated or otherwise apparent from the context (unless such a number would not permissibly exceed 100% of the possible value). Therefore, 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 unless otherwise indicated by context or language, such ranges are identified and include all subranges contained herein.

[0054] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the terms “a” and “an” as used herein in the specification and claims shall be construed as including plural indicators. A claim or description including “or” among one or more members of the 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 in which 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 subordinate to the same basic claim, unless otherwise indicated, or unless such contradiction or inconsistency would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. It is anticipated that all embodiments described herein may be applied, where appropriate, to all different aspects of the disclosed embodiments. It is also anticipated 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 disclosed embodiment or aspect of a disclosed embodiment is referred to as including a particular element, feature, etc., 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.

[0055] Where a range is 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. 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 a unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that where a series of numerical values ​​is stated herein, this disclosure includes embodiments similarly related to 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 as a maximum. Numerical values ​​as used herein include values ​​expressed as percentages.

[0056] Although several variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible.

[0057] In the foregoing 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 implied or apparent otherwise in the context of its use, 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 also 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 and B and C together.” Furthermore, the use of the term "based on" in the above and claims is intended to mean "at least partially based on," so that undescribed features or elements are also permissible.

[0058] Depending on the desired configuration, the subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems, apparatus, methods, and / or articles of art. The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Rather, they are merely examples of aspects consistent with and related to the 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 flow depicted in the figures and / or described herein does 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.

Claims

1. A support system for a handheld device, comprising: A cantilever assembly having a rigid support base and a flexible rod having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at the proximal end of the flexible rod, the flexible rod is coupled to the rigid support base, and the flexible rod has increasing flexibility from the proximal end to the distal end of the flexible rod; as well as 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 member, the connecting assembly being configured such that the handheld member is rotatable 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.

2. The support system according to claim 1 further includes a handheld component coupled to the connecting assembly.

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

4. The support system of claim 1, wherein the connecting component and the handheld component are operable with a minimum force of less than or equal to 0.5 lbF within an envelope surrounding the neutral position.

5. The support system of claim 1, wherein the connecting component is configured such that the handheld member is rotatable in three degrees of freedom, each of the degrees of freedom being 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 according to claim 1, wherein the flexible rod is hollow.

8. The support system of claim 1 further includes an actuable lift coupled to the support 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 in the range of 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 support base at an angle relative to the rigid support base.

11. The support system of claim 10, wherein the rigid support 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 within a range of 120 degrees to 180 degrees.

12. A support system for a handheld device, comprising: The trolley includes an extendable lift that can move between an extended position and a retracted position; A cantilever assembly coupled to the extendable lift, the cantilever assembly including a rigid support base and a flexible rod coupled at its proximal end to the proximal end of the rigid support base; as well as A connecting assembly coupled to the distal end of the flexible rod, the connecting assembly being configured to be coupled to the handheld member such that the handheld member can rotate 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 handpiece in a neutral position, and wherein the handpiece is operable with a minimum force of less than or equal to 0.5 lbF within an envelope surrounding the neutral position.

14. The support system of claim 12, wherein the connecting component is configured such that the handheld member is rotatable in three degrees of freedom, each of the degrees of freedom being orthogonal to the other degrees of freedom.

15. The support system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of conveying lines traveling along the cantilever assembly, wherein a respective first end of the plurality of conveying lines is disposed in the trolley, and a respective second end is configured to be connected to the handpiece.

16. The support system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of delivery lines includes at least one fluid line.

17. The support system of claim 16, wherein the at least one fluid line comprises: A first fluid line configured to transport a first fluid, and a second fluid line configured to transport a second fluid different from the first fluid.

18. The support system of claim 17, wherein the first fluid is a dehumidifying gas and the second fluid is a coolant.

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