Patent ID: 6494899
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A phototherapy system comprising:(a) a base; (b) a carriage assembly operatively coupled to the base for movement relative to the base; (c) a light transmission medium selectively coupled to the base, the light transmission medium having a proximal portion adapted to receive light for transmitting through the light transmission medium and a distal portion for emitting light to a patient; (d) a first light source operatively coupled to the carriage assembly; (e) a second light source operatively coupled to the carriage assembly, the carriage assembly being moveable relative to the base such that in a first position the first light source is oriented with respect the proximal portion of the light transmission medium so as to provide light from the first light source onto the proximal portion of the light transmission medium and, in a second position the second light source is oriented with respect to the proximal portion of the light transmission medium so as to provide light from the second light source onto the proximal portion of the light transmission medium; (f) sensing means for sensing a failure of the first light source or the second light source; (g) moving means for causing the carriage assembly to move automatically from the first position to the second position responsive to the carriage assembly being in the first position and the sensing means indicating a failure of the first light source; and (h) a coupling system for selectively securing a proximal end portion of the light transmission medium to the base, the coupling system comprising: (1) a collar coupled to the base, the collar including: (i) a channel defined therein, the channel being configured to receive the proximal end portion of the light transmission medium, (ii) a rotation slot defined in a wall of the channel, and (iii) a key slot defined in the wall of the channel, the key slot providing access to the rotation slot; (2) a key pin fixed on an exterior surface of the light transmission medium, the key pin passing through the key slot and being positioned in the rotation slot responsive to inserting the proximal end portion of the light transmission medium into the channel, the key pin also being moveable within the rotation slot to permit swiveling of the proximal end portion of the light transmission medium relative to the collar; and (3) a detent pin provided in the key slot, the detent pin being moveable between a first position that permits access of the key pin to the rotation slot and a second position that blocks access of the key pin to the rotation slot.