SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT DEVICE
Support systems for handpieces are provided. The support system includes a boom assembly having a rigid anchor base and a flexible rod having proximal and distal ends, and a connection assembly having a proximal end configured to couple to the distal end of the flexible rod and a distal end configured to couple to the handpiece. The flexible rod is pivotally secured at the proximal end thereof to the anchor base, and the flexible rod has a flexibility that increases from a distal end to the proximal end thereof. The connection assembly is configured to enable the handpiece to rotate in at least two degrees of freedom. The boom assembly is configured to support the connection assembly and the handpiece such that the connection assembly and the handpiece rest in a neutral position.
1 - 19 . (canceled)
20 . A support system for a handpiece, comprising:
a boom assembly including a flexible anchor rod having proximal and distal ends, the flexible rod being operably secured at the proximal end thereof to a base, the flexible rod having a flexibility than increases from the proximal end to a distal end thereof; and
a connection assembly having a proximal end configured to couple to the distal end of the flexible rod and a distal end configured to couple to the handpiece,
wherein the boom assembly is configured to support the connection assembly and the handpiece such that when the connection assembly and the handpiece are in an undocked position, the handpiece can be maneuvered with a level of effort that is less than or equal to 0.5 lbF in an envelope surrounding a neutral position of the handpiece.
21 . The support system of claim 20 , wherein the connection assembly is configured to enable the handpiece to rotate in at least two degrees of freedom.
22 . The support system of claim 21 , wherein the connection assembly is configured to enable the handpiece to rotate in at least three degrees of freedom, each of the degrees of freedom being orthogonal to the other degrees of freedom.
23 . The support system of claim 20 , wherein the flexible rod has a consistent taper from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof, and wherein a flexibility of the rod increases proportionally with the constant taper from the proximal end to the distal end.
24 . The support system of claim 20 , wherein the flexible rod is hollow.
25 . The support system of claim 20 , further comprising a rigid anchor base operably coupled to the flexible rod.
26 . The support system of claim 25 , further comprising an actuatable lift coupled to the rigid anchor base, the actuatable lift being configured to extend in an upward direction and retract in a downward direction.
27 . The support system of claim 26 , wherein the actuatable lift is extendable in the range of 18 and 30 inches.
28 . The support system of claim 26 , wherein the actuatable lift includes a fulcrum extension configured to support the rigid anchor base at an angle relative thereto.
29 . The support system of claim 28 wherein the rigid anchor base is configured to slide relative to the fulcrum extension when the actuatable lift is extended and retracted such that the angle is configured to move in the range of 120 degrees and 180 degrees.
30 . A support system for a handpiece, comprising:
a cart including a flexible rod operably coupled thereto; and
a connection assembly having a proximal end configured to couple to the distal end of the flexible rod and a distal end configured to couple to the handpiece,
wherein the boom assembly is configured to support the connection assembly and the handpiece such that the handpiece can be maneuvered with a level of effort that is less than or equal to 0.5 lbF in an envelope surrounding a neutral position of the handpiece.
31 . The support system of claim 30 further comprising a plurality of transport lines running along the flexible rod, wherein respective first ends of the plurality of transport lines are disposed in the cart and respective second ends are configured to connect to the handpiece.
32 . The support system of claim 31 , wherein the plurality of transport lines comprise at least one fluid line.
33 . The support system of claim 32 , 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 than the first fluid.
34 . The support system of claim 33 , wherein the first fluid is a de-humidified gas and the second fluid is a coolant.
35 . The support system of claim 30 , further comprising a rigid anchor base operably coupled to the flexible rod.
36 . The support system of claim 35 , further comprising an actuatable lift coupled to the rigid anchor base, the actuatable lift being configured to extend in an upward direction and retract in a downward direction.
37 . The support system of claim 36 , wherein the actuatable lift is extendable in the range of 18 and 30 inches.
38 . The support system of claim 36 , wherein the actuatable lift includes a fulcrum extension configured to support the rigid anchor base at an angle relative thereto.
39 . The support system of claim 38 , wherein the rigid anchor base is configured to slide relative to the fulcrum extension when the actuatable lift is extended and retracted such that the angle is configured to move in the range of 120 degrees and 180 degrees.