Patent ID: 6332090
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
A hand-held biomedical apparatus adapted to communicate electromagnetic energy to an electromagnetic energy detector, the apparatus comprising:a probe having an outer surface, a first optical opening adapted for facing the electromagnetic energy to be communicated, a second optical opening adapted for facing the electromagnetic energy detector, said first optical opening and said second optical opening defining an optical path;a waveguide disposed in the optical path and extending between the first and second optical openings;heat sink means for providing a heat sink in thermal contact with the waveguide;air insulation means for providing a closed layer of air insulation between the outer surface of the probe and the waveguide along the entire length of the waveguide in the probe wherein the air insulation means comprises a removable outer boot disposed around the heat sink means, the outer boot having an inside surface separated from the heat sink means, the air insulation means providing the closed layer of insulating air between the heat sink means and the inside surface of the outer boot; andsaid outer boot comprises a distal end having a distal tip portion which is involuted, the air insulation means providing a portion of the closed layer of air insulation within the involution.