Patent ID: 8535300

Claim:
A tip apparatus for a reusable laser surgical device, the tip apparatus comprising: a) a disposable tip housing with a first end having a longitudinal axis and adapted to releasably fit on the distal end of the surgical device; b) an optical fiber for delivery of light energy axially positioned within the tip housing and extending beyond the tip housing; c) means for releasably locking the tip housing first end to the surgical device; and d) a laser housing assembly that receives the first end of the tip housing, wherein the laser housing assembly includes a channel that is sized to receive the tip housing first end along the longitudinal axis, and a conductive wire sensor having two ends positioned transverse to the tip housing longitudinal axis, whereby the conductive wire sensor contacts the tip housing first end when it is properly positioned within the channel, and wherein contact between the conductive wire sensor and the tip housing first end closes an electrical circuit.