Abstract: Lighted tubing includes an elongate wall and a light source. The elongate wall defines an interior channel. A conductor may be positioned adjacent to and extending from the light source to conduct light produced by the light source along the wall. A method of securing medical tubing includes the steps of providing medical tubing, providing a light source, attaching the light source to an elongate wall of the medical tubing, and the light source indicating the location of the wall in a dark environment.

Abstract: A gradient index wide-angle illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable to receive the light beam; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam; an optical element, optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and transmitting the light beam to illuminate a surgical field, wherein the optical element comprises a gradient index lens; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element. The optical element can be a small-gauge, divergent gradient index lens having a distal surface co-incident with the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: An illumination device (1,10,20,41) for illuminating an examination room (33) of an imaging medical examination device (31) has illuminants (7,21,55), which emit light when energized and can be electrically connected to a power source via connecting means (5A,5B,15A, . . . 15D), at least two of the illuminants (7,21,55) being connected by means of an electrical supply line (8) and the electrical supply line (8) having at least one high frequency filter (9,11) for reducing the interaction of the supply line (8) with a high frequency field.

Abstract: A kit, or family, of interchangeable headlamp parts for a headlight system is provided that enables illuminated light spots of different sizes and/or different light distribution styles to be produced. The headlight system includes a headband, a headlamp mounted on the headband, a light source, and a fiber optic cable having one end connected to the light source and an opposite end tip connected to the headlamp. According to one embodiment, an upper assembly of the headlamp includes a cable mounting module that is moveable relative to a core module and that permits the distance between the end tip of the fiber optic cable and a convergent lens to be adjusted to permit spots with different light distributions to be produced. A method of adjusting the light projected by a headlight system is also provided.

Abstract: A light coupling assembly that couples a light source to a light conducting system attached to a medical instrument so that light from the light source is transmitted to a surgical site. The light coupling assembly according to the present invention includes a member formed of a heat conducting material that receives and transfers heat from the light source to a light source housing. The light coupling assembly also includes an insulating member that receives a portion of the heat conducting member and prevents an attendant from being injured by the heat generated by the light source and carried by the heat conducting member.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained lighting system is attachable to a surgical tool to enable a user to selectively direct light at a site where the tool is to be applied. The system has a power unit that may contain rechargeable power cells, a malleable electrical connection element, and a light-emitting element powered thereby to emit high intensity white light, preferably from an LED. The system ensures against tissue damage due to inadvertent overheating by continuously removing byproduct heat from the light-emitting element, via the connection element, to the power unit with portions of each of these components serving as respective heat sinks and/or as thermal conduits to facilitate this process. The removed heat is dissipated to the ambient atmosphere, the surgical tool and even the user, and permits safe prolonged operations in confined regions of a patient's body.

Abstract: A method for applying energy to biological tissue. An electromagnetic energy source is directed to apply the energy to a region of the tissue, so as to ablate a portion of the tissue in the region. Preferably, cooling of tissue in the region is initiated subsequent to the ablation.

Abstract: A light-conductive rod element includes a solid rod-shaped body having a side surface extending along a longitudinal rod axis between a first light-input end and a second light-redirecting end. The rod element is fabricated from a material exhibiting a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air in order to facilitate total internal reflection. The light-redirecting end includes at least a first planar face extending along a first plane definable by a first normal that is pitched with respect to the rod axis such that light propagating by total internal reflection between the first and second ends that impinges on the interface defined by the rod-element material and air at the first planar face is redirected by at least one of (i) reflection and (ii) refraction. Refracted components of light exit the rod body through the first planar face and reflected components of light exit the rod body through the side surface.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic device with illumination, wherein the device is composed of a handle or the like in which the batteries are received and of a head which is placed on the handle. The switching transformer is arranged in a sleeve which is insertable into the handle and is electrically connected to the battery and the luminous diode.

Abstract: Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patient's skin. The dosage exceeds 1 MED as determined for the particular patient and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are preferably restricted to diseased tissue areas. A specialized handpiece provides a beam profile especially suitable for application of controlled doses. A specialized delivery device is useful for UV treatment of tissue within the mouth.

Abstract: An essentially u-shaped discharge lamp (13) comprises a gaz fill and a pair of electrodes (15) at its ends. The lamp (13) way be comprised in a handpiece (1) for treating a surface by means of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A surgical headlight that includes a small housing containing an LED white light source and light transmission elements including a fiber optic rod and lenses. The headlight housing is attached to a device worn by a surgeon. The LED provides a high intensity, light weight light source that can be varied in intensity through the power supply. Using the present invention, a very high intense illumination source of white light is achieved in a small housing for illuminating a surgical area.

Abstract: A single intravenous drip components illumination device containing a source of light that can illuminate IV bags or bottles, drip chambers and tubing. The directed light of the light source provides adequate lighting for use of the invention in unlit or dimly lit settings with minimum lateral scattering. The invention is powered by an external AC or DC power supply and/or by batteries mounted internally to the base of the invention.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy. In an exemplary embodiment, a therapeutic device generally includes one or more light sources for emitting therapeutic light. The therapeutic device can also include means for applying hot therapy and/or cold therapy to a user's body when the therapeutic device is positioned on the user's body. The therapeutic device can further include a massager and/or an adhesive bandage strip for attaching the lighted therapeutic device to the user's body.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for dental purposes having plurality of light sources supported on semi-conductor bases, which are mounted on a substrate is provided. The lighting apparatus includes a reflective over surface encircling the light sources which reflects visible light. The lighting apparatus may be deployed in a light hardening device as a light source unit with the emitted light beams being conducted, in particular, by a prismatic body, to a light guiding conduit.

Abstract: Methods for delivering light to a treatment site of a patient to administer a light therapy thereto are provided. A method includes steps of providing a portable power source, and a light source configured to provide light suitable for the light therapy for a period of at least two hours, and an optical fiber; positioning a distal portion of the optical fiber that is adapted to be disposed at the treatment site within a patient's body, where the light generated by the light source and conveyed by the optical fiber exits from the distal portion of the optical fiber; energizing the light source with the portable power supply; and administering the light treatment to the treatment site with the light source, wherein the patient is ambulatory without interruption of the light therapy during the treatment.

Abstract: A single intravenous drip components illumination device containing a source of light that can illuminate IV bags or bottles, drip chambers and tubing. The directed light of the light source provides adequate lighting for use of the invention in unlit or dimly lit settings with minimum lateral scattering. The invention is powered by an external AC or DC power supply and/or by batteries mounted internally to the base of the invention.

Abstract: A lighting system (10) suited to use in an operating theater includes one or more lightheads (14, 16), and an ambient lighting system (28) having one or more light emitting components (60). The light emitting components are mounted within a canopy assembly (49) of the lighthead and arranged around a central support hub (33) to provide even illumination throughout the room. The canopy assembly includes a canopy and a canopy extension (70, 70?), which is removably mounted to the canopy, allowing the ambient lighting system to be retrofitted to an existing lighting system.

Abstract: A surgical lighting system including overhead surgical lights having integrating cavities which capture metal halide arc lamp optical energy and output spatially uniform optical energy to reflectors which direct the optic energy to a common surgical illumination region, a surgical light port system having illuminating ports, and a thermal dissipater. The surgical lighting system includes power back-up systems and light sources with multiple lamps that are automatically sequenced to provide constant surgical illumination.

Abstract: On the light radiation device X6A side, a box structure is provided in which a lens is held one by one proximate to or close to the light emission end of each optical fiber. On the light source device side, a common casing houses a first light source lens that generally collimates the radiation light beams radiated from an LED and a second light source lens that condenses the light beams from the first light source lens and introduces the condensed light beams to the light introduction end of the optical fiber bundle. Thus, the current demands of tests on a piece of work can be fully satisfied in view of the light condensing area and the light condensing efficiency while making the best of the characteristics of the illumination system in which the light radiation device and the light source device are separated with an intervention of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A photoirradiation device in which an optical system can be miniaturized and utilization efficiency of light can be improved in a manner that includes a first lens and a second lens, which share refraction of light to convert light beams emitted from a plurality of light sources into the light beams substantially parallel to an optical axis, and a third lens focusing the light beams from the second lens on an incident surface 20A of a lightguide 20. A fiber rod which can output uniform light beams in a manner that includes a first rod having a single fiber and a second rod having a plurality of fibers.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for a medical diagnostic instrument, includes an open ended lamp housing, an incandescent lamp disposed within the housing. A peripheral sealing member is disposed in intimate contact with the exterior surface of the lamp envelope such that initial energization of said lamp causes the sealing member to create a substantial fluid-tight seal with the lamp to protect the interior of the housing, including the electrical contacts of the assembly.

Abstract: A joint (52) for connecting arm portions (40, 42) of a ceiling or wall mounted support system includes housing members (60,62) with an annular bearing (64) interposed between opposed surfaces (82,84) thereof. The housing members are clamped together on an axle (98) such that a braking force generated between the bearing and the housing member surfaces opposes rotation of one arm portion relative to the other. A variable braking force is generated between the bearing and surfaces (206) of the housing members which are generally perpendicular to the opposed surfaces (82,84). The variable braking force is generated by a spring (182) and is greatest when the arm supporting a piece of equipment (24, 26, 28, 56) is at its lowest point, relative to the horizontal. This overcomes the increased forces in the spring which otherwise tend to cause the arm portion (42) to drift upward.

Abstract: An instrument for providing illumination of intraocular tissue during surgery generally includes a hand held light source which includes a light emitting diode, a power source for driving the diode and a control switch for interconnecting the diode with the power source. At least one fiber optic having a proximal end in light communication with the LED and a distal end size for insertion into an eye for illumination of intraocular tissue is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides both continuously variable spot size illuminators and discretely variable spot size illuminators that can be utilized in many applications, e.g., photo-dynamic therapy, to provide a light spot on a treatment plane, e.g., a patient's retina, whose size can be continuously or discretely adjusted while ensuring that the light fluence and the working focal distance remain substantially constant at all spot sizes, thereby preserving parfocality with other optical systems. In a continuous variable spot size illuminator of the invention, a focusing lens system is employed to form an image of a light source on an intermediate plane, and a variable aperture is utilized to select a portion of the intermediate image. An objective lens system then images the selected portion of the intermediate image onto a treatment plane.

Abstract: A light source which may be used as part of a dental curing lamp is comprised of at least one, and preferably a plurality, of LEDs. To increase the efficiency of the light output the LEDs are encapsulated in a beam converger including an extractor portion and a collimator portion. Light rays leaving the collimator portion have an angle which matches the entrance angle input requirements of an associated light guide. In another aspect, cooling of LEDs is accomplished by reservoirs located in a hand piece and in a base station. In another aspect of the invention, cooling is achieved by use of a heat pipe and a cooling jacket. The cooling jacket may contain a material having a high latent heat of fusion at a phase change temperature suitable for cooling the LEDs.

Abstract: A surgical lighting system including overhead surgical lights having integrating cavities which capture metal halide arc lamp optical energy and output spatially uniform optical energy to reflectors which direct the optic energy to a common surgical illumination region, a surgical light port system having illuminating ports, and a thermal dissipater. The surgical lighting system includes power back-up systems and light sources with multiple lamps that are automatically sequenced to provide constant surgical illumination.

Abstract: An object is to provide a light collecting device for scanning tunneling microscope emission spectroscopy which has a higher light collective efficiency in vacuum without sacrifice in a high spatial resolution provided by the STM. The light collecting device for scanning tunneling microscope emission spectroscopy comprises a scanning tunneling microscope, and a plurality of optical fibers (2) radially disposed around a scanning tunneling microscope probe (1) with the tip end of the probe (1) as the center so as to collect light emission in operating this microscope.

Abstract: A lighting device includes an optic light guide having a free end that emits directional light. Surrounding the free end is a sleeve having an aperture through which a beam of light emitted by the free end of the light guide passes. The sleeve may be moved in and out relative to the free end to vary the size of the beam of light passing through the aperture.

Abstract: An instrument for providing illumination of intraocular tissue during surgery generally includes a hand held light source which includes a light emitting diode, a power source for driving the diode and a control switch for interconnecting the diode with the power source. At least one fiber optic having a proximal end in light communication with the LED and a distal end size for insertion into an eye for illumination of intraocular tissue is provided.

Abstract: A low voltage power supply includes a plurality of output terminal pairs interconnected by electrical circuitry effective to permit individual adjustment of the voltages applied between each such pair for powering simultaneously a plurality of light sources at individually selected voltages. The light sources are associated with dental handpieces through umbilical tubings, an exemplary one of which includes a bundle of flexible, light-conducting fibers connected between a first coupling fixture holding a subminiature bulb and a second coupling structurally adapted for connection to a dental handpiece.

Abstract: A luminaire body for a surgical operation light with an annular reflector has at least two electric light bulbs, a first bulb of which with its socket is associated in normal operation with a given centered position (with respect to the reflector) in the stationary part of the luminaire body, while a second bulb with its socket is situated in a reserve position away from the centered position; in case of a failure of the first bulb the positions of the sockets of both bulbs are changed by an electromagnetically operated turning service such that the second bulb can be turned to the original centered position of the first bulb for reserve-bulb operation after the first bulb has been withdrawn from the centered position.

Abstract: An improved illuminator for generating broadband light, and for delivering the light to a sample with an improved delivery efficiency, for higher optical density and/or reduced thermal transfer, than achieved with conventional halogen bulb sources. The illuminator enables spectroscopic analysis in thermally-sensitive or spatially-constrained environments. A phosphor-coated broadband white LED and integrated collimating optics produces a continuous, collimated broadband light beam from 400 nm to 700 nm, which is then transmitted through space to a sample region, such as a living tissue in vivo. This results in a high net efficient delivery of light to the tissue sample. An efficient conversion of power to light, and the high delivery efficiency, keeps both the illuminator and sample cool during operation, allowing the illuminator to be integrated into the tip of a medical probe or into monitoring systems.

Abstract: An improved illuminating unit for illuminating a target portion of an object to be illuminated is provided, including: a fiber holding portion having a fiber insert hole holding a light-emitting end portion of an optical fiber; and a lens holding portion located downstream of the fiber holding portion in a light traveling direction, light emitted from a light-emitting end of the optical fiber being directed to the target portion through a lens held by the lens holding portion, wherein: the fiber insert hole comprises an equal-diameter portion having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the optical fiber, and a larger-diameter portion having a larger diameter than the equal-diameter portion and opening at one end face of the fiber holding portion, the fiber insert hole holding the optical fiber extending through the equal-diameter portion; and the lens is abutted against the one end face of the fiber holding portion or a forward end face of a fusion-deformed portion of the optical fiber, the fusion-

Abstract: An instrument for providing illumination of intraocular tissue during surgery generally includes a hand held light source which includes a light emitting diode, a power source for driving the diode and a control switch for interconnecting the diode with the power source. At least one fiber optic having a proximal end in light communication with the LED and a distal end size for insertion into an eye for illumination of intraocular tissue is provided.

Abstract: A lighting system (10) suited to use in an operating theater includes one or more lightheads, each having a housing (28) and a bezel (50) extending therefrom. A light source (38) is disposed within the housing. A handle (36) extends below the bezel and is rotatable relative thereto. A lighting control input means (60), associated with the bezel allows adjustment of the intensity of light emitted by the light source. A sterile cover (54) can be placed over both the handle and the bevel, allowing the input means to be manipulated by pressure on the cover with the thumb of the operator's hand, while simultaneously grasping the handle in the palm and fingers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating a region of an eye is provided and may include at least one optical fiber in fluid connection with a light source for allowing light to be transmitted to a probe for diffusing light into the region of the eye. The probe be formed from a portion of the at least one optical fiber and may be directly inserted into a portion of the eye so that light is diffused into the eye to illuminate the region. The probe may be secured in a substantially fixed position when the probe is inserted within a portion of the eye such as by a frictional engagement between the diffusing means and the eye. A plurality of probes may be inserted within the eye where each probe may include a substantially tapered distal end to facilitate insertion into the eye. The distal end of each probe may be formed in different shapes or may include an optical lens for diffusing light into the eye for illuminating the region of the eye during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A portable reading light device utilizing an LEDs as the source of light mounted in a housing having a single lens through which light from the LEDs is projected, the power to the LEDs being controlled by Pulse Width Modulation.

Abstract: A medical lighting system is provided using electrodeless metal halide lamps and fiber optic light pipes to provide illumination to a plurality of medical appliances from a remote light source. In a first embodiment, multiple surgical lightheads and light utility outlets are illuminated from a remote lighting source. The single light source is further used in conjunction with multiple surgical lightheads, light utility outlets, and surgical task lights in operating or examination rooms. In a further embodiment, a remote metal halide lamp provides task lighting to an examination room in combination with standard incandescent ambient lighting. In further embodiments, multiple operating and/or examination rooms are supported by a single remote light source. By locating the light source remote from the end light consumers and providing optical fibers therebetween reduced size, heating, and other benefits are enabled in medical examination or operating rooms.

Abstract: A fiber tip fluid output device is provided for holding a fiber tip in an electromagnetic energy cutting apparatus and for directing water particles over a radiation delivery end of the fiber tip. The output device includes a generally cylindrical body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The lumen is sized and shaped to accommodate a fiber tip therethrough so that the fiber tip extends through the lumen. The device further includes a plurality of apertures extending around the generally cylindrical body, with each of the apertures fluidly connecting the outer surface to the lumen. Fluid is mixed around the cylindrical body, before entering the lumen through the apertures for additional mixing. The mixed fluid is then output from the lumen onto the fiber tip, for subsequent interaction with electromagnetic energy in an interaction zone above a target surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an array and a method for illuminating a skin surface of an examined person, especially the face, with the purpose of examining and determining the effect of color on the skin surface. Several light sources having different colors are provided for illumination. The intensity of said light sources can be adjusted individually.

Abstract: A micro-illuminator suitable for illuminating the iris of the eye of a subject wearing eyeglasses for the purpose of imaging of the iris for identification of the individual comprises an LED having a micro-lens having an opaque portion sized to block light reflected from the substrate of an LED and a lens for focusing light directly emitted by the dies of the LED. The elimination of the reflected light and the focusing of the directly emitted light minimizes the size of specularities reflected from the surfaces of the subject's eyeglasses.

Abstract: Illuminators and systems are provided that permit the production of a beam of electromagnetic radiation having selected peak wavelength, bandwidth, intensity, pulse frequency and pulse duration for a variety of analytical and therapeutic applications. Multiple beam illuminators use filter elements arranged into filter arrays, having characteristic wavelength absorption properties. By providing a series of filter arrays formed into tracks having defined wavelength offsets, radiation passing through a portion of a track can be modified to include selected peak wavelength and bandwidth. Selection of peak wavelength(s) and bandwidth can be accomplished using mechanical interrupters, mechanical shutters, or electro-optical devices including liquid crystal device. Multiple output beams permit the coordinated illumination of a target, and sensors provide feedback regarding the effects of illumination on a target.

Abstract: An illumination system previously determined for an illumination direction and an illumination position to an object to be observed is disposed to an imaging head, while a lens 4 is disposed to an apparatus body, so that the number of parts for the imaging head mounted to an apparatus body can be reduced, precision fabrication such as alignment of lens optical axis is no more necessary upon manufacture of the imaging head and optimum illumination can be illuminated in accordance with the magnification ratio or the object to be observed by merely exchanging the imaging head, illumination light optimal to the magnification ratio or object to be observed can be obtained with no provision of various kinds of expositive lens units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handpiece for radiating light onto a skin surface during a medical or cosmetic skin treatment. An optical coupling element (6) is provided in said handpiece (1). The light entrance surface (8) of said coupling element faces towards a light source, while its light exit surface (5) is in contact with the skin surface (2) during the skin treatment. The invention provides that the coupling element (6) of a handpiece (1) of this type consists of a bundle of light guides which end in the light entrance surface (8) and in the light exit surface (5) and which are in such close lateral contact with each other, at least in their end sections, that there are no optically ineffective intermediate spaces.

Abstract: A surgical theater apparatus for suspending from a ceiling structural member of a hospital includes a central hub mountable to the ceiling structural member to rotate about a rotation axis. The hub has a pivot axis spaced apart from the rotation axis. First and second devices, such as surgical lights, a cameras, and monitors, are mounted to a first end of a first device arm and a first end of a second device arm, respectively. A second end of the first device arm is mounted to the hub for movement about the rotation axis and about the pivot axis. A second end of the second device arm is mounted to the hub for movement about the rotation axis. The pivot axis and the rotation axis are parallel.

Abstract: A surgical task light is provided including a light source adapted to generate light. An elongate optical fiber carries the light generated by the light source to a remote target site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving the light generated by the light source and a distal end for emitting the light. A support member supports the optical fiber relative to the ceiling of an associated operating room and holds the optical fiber in a plurality of selected positions. A lens device is carried on the distal end of the optical fiber for focusing the light emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber into a desired selected pattern. A sterile sheath member in combination with the surgical task light provides a sterile barrier between the surgical area and the mechanical and optical portions of the task light. A re-lamping module includes a replaceable light bulb module carrying a light bulb to help facilitate replacement of the light bulb by maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A spot light fiber (100) which comprises a core (101) which can transmit the light entered from an incident end towards an output end (102) and output the light from the output end, and a light leaking means (103) positioned along the peripheral direction on the external peripher face near the output end of the core; characterized in that the light leaking means is formed by using a light diffusive-transmissive light leaking film.

Abstract: A patient portable photodynamic therapy device securable to a patient includes a lightweight rechargeable battery and a cold cathode fluorescent (CCF) tube powered thereby. The CCF tube is coupled in light channeling relation to a proximal portion of a biocompatible optical fiber, which includes a distal portion with an optional diffuser that uniformly distributes light as it exits the distal portion. The distal end of the optical fiber is optionally provided with an anchoring balloon that can be inflated after the optical fiber is properly positioned at a treatment site within a patient's body. The balloon securely lodges the distal portion within the tissue at the treatment site, and is deflated to facilitate the removal of the optical fiber once the treatment is complete.

Abstract: A small, lightweight, high intensity illumination assembly for use in dental and medical applications. The illumination assembly includes attachment means for removable attachment to headgear such as eyeglasses, face shields, or headbands, and lenses, loupes, and binoculars associated with such headgear. The illumination assembly is able to achieve extremely light weight by using only a single optical element therein, e.g., an aspheric condensing lens, binary optical element, or holographic optical means, and by piping illumination to the optical element from a remote light source by use of a flexible light guide, e.g., a fiberoptic bundle.