Abstract: Light system useful for activating light-activated materials are disclosed. Various configurations of light emitting semiconductor chips and heat sinks are disclosed, as well as various structures and methods for driving, controlling and using them, and materials and structures usable therewith.

Abstract: A surgical light apparatus is disclosed having a first light source generating visible light and heat energy radiation, an enclosure surrounding the first light source and including a lens substantially transparent to visible light and a reflector for reflecting light from the first light source through the lens, and a filter apparatus coupled to the enclosure and formed at least in part from a material that is substantially transparent to at least a portion of visible light radiation and that substantially blocks transmission of heat energy radiation. The filter apparatus is configured to block transmission of heat energy radiation from the first light source to the reflector and to intercept substantially all radiation from the first light source that otherwise would pass to the reflector and through the lens. The filter apparatus includes a plurality of filter elements configured to define at least one gap between two adjacent filter elements allowing air flow therethrough.

Abstract: An astral lamp includes a light source and a concave mirror. The concave mirror reflects light emitted by the light source and condenses the reflected light on a light source side toward an illumination area remote from the light source. The concave mirror is constituted by a plurality of concave mirror surfaces that form one parabolic mirror of revolution as a whole. The mirror surfaces respectively have curved surfaces for separately reflecting the light emitted by the light source and condensing the reflected light toward an entire portion of the illumination area.

Abstract: A light curing device has a light source for curing light-polymerizable dental materials. A control circuit controls the light output of the light source according to a pre-determined output profile. The output profile has a starting time period with a decreased output relative to a maximum output, followed by a main curing time period. In the main curing time period, a pulsed output with alternating high output value and low output value is provided.

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 method of setting adjusting displacement for surgical light illuminating field comprises the steps of: (a) setting an illumination plane below the surgical light head for a selected distance; (b) setting a first height of the filament such that the light emitting from the filament will be reflected by the reflector of the surgical light and projected onto the illumination plane to form a minimum illuminating field; and (c) setting a second height of the filament to enable light passing over the upper rim of the lamp cup and projecting to the lowest position of the housing of the surgical light head (or between the lowest effective reflection point of the reflector and the lowest position of the housing of the surgical light head).

Abstract: A ceiling mount for a medical light shall positions a light body at different points of a treatment table in a simple manner. A bracket system is fastened to a lifting arm that can be actuated by a motor and which has at its free end a bracket guided in parallel for the mounting flange of the bracket system.

Abstract: The present invention provides such a surgical light handle cover with ridges. A second ridge engages the outer rim of the light handle's flange, while a first ridge and a generally conical portion create a suctional force to more securely attach the cover to the non-sterile handle. The ridges and a guard portion help to minimize the chance of accidental contamination. The surgical light handle cover of the present invention is disposable, sterilizable and obviates the need for adhesives to attach the cover to the light handle.

Abstract: A surgical light apparatus is disclosed having a first light source generating visible light and heat energy radiation, an enclosure surrounding the first light source and including a lens substantially transparent to visible light and a reflector for reflecting light from the first light source through the lens, and a filter apparatus coupled to the enclosure and formed at least in part from a material that is substantially transparent to at least a portion of visible light radiation and that substantially blocks transmission of heat energy radiation The filter apparatus is configured to block transmission of heat energy radiation from the first light source to the reflector and to intercept substantially all radiation from the first light source that otherwise would pass to the reflector and through the lens. The filter apparatus includes a plurality of filter elements configured to define at least one gap between two adjacent filter elements allowing air flow therethrough.

Abstract: A surgical lighthead includes a reflector, a lens coupled to the reflector, and a handle located adjacent the lens. The handle defines an air passage to facilitate installation of a shield over the handle. A lamp assembly includes a support and at least one bulb located on the support between the reflector and the lens. Tubes are mounted in an interior region of the lighthead between the reflector and the lens, and rods are configured to engage the support. Each rod extends through the support and into a corresponding tube. The rods include at least one threaded portion configured to secure the lamp assembly within the interior region. The rods are slidable relative to the tubes upon disengagement of the threaded portions of the rods to permit the lamp assembly to move out of the interior region of the lighthead. The rods include stops to prevent separation of the lamp assembly from the lighthead. A controller turns the bulb on and off and adjusts the intensity level of light emitted from the bulb.

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 surgical light apparatus comprising a lighthead coupled to an arm adapted for mounting to a surface of a surgical room, and wherein the lighthead has a sterile field at an outlet end thereon, and with a bulb located within the lighthead, a controller coupled to the bulb, and an actuator coupled to the controller to adjust an intensity of light of the bulb itself, and wherein the actuator is located in the sterile field on the lighthead.

Abstract: A lighting device for an operational field of the “cast shadow” type, which is particularly useful for but not limited to field of dental surgery, includes a lighting head which is fed with light by at least one cord of optical fibers for directing the light produced by a light generator placed at a distance from the lighting head. The light generator is provided with a mechanical system for moving an inlet end piece of the cord away from or closer to a lamp which serves as the light generator. The lighting head is further configured to project the approximately rectangular light spot which is required for illuminating the operational field onto the work zone.

Abstract: A surgical lamp is mounted on a ceiling arm system (2) and is so improved that the entire light field can be uniformly aerated with germ-free air. The ceiling arm system (2) has a flow channel (12) which establishes a flow connection between the gas delivery unit (8) and the interior space (13) of the lamp. The light exit surface of the surgical lamp (1) is configured as a light permeable air-conducting plate (15) which has gas outlet openings (16) arranged in the manner of a mesh.

Abstract: A disposable light handle is designed for removable attachment to manually adjustable light fixtures employed in sterile medical settings. The light handle includes an elongated handle body, having one end closed, and an opposite end provided with a threaded portion. At the junction of handle body and threaded portion is an integrally formed circular shield that projects therefrom to provide a guard against contact between the hand of a user and the light fixture. The shield is sufficiently resilient and flexible to permit opposite sides of an outer periphery to bend into an overlying relationship to the handle body for minimizing width in storage. The shield is provided with loops located diametrically opposed to one another on the periphery of the shield. Connector projections are diametrically opposed to one another along the length of the handle body, and positioned to releasably receive thereon the loops when the shield is bent into an overlying relationship.

Abstract: A lamp cartridge according to the present invention includes a lamp as a light source; a reflecting mirror for converging the light emitted from the lamp; and several side surfaces forming a case for covering the lamp, the reflecting mirror and for supporting the reflecting mirror. In the present invention, one of the surfaces forming the case where light is emitted out of the lamp cartridge and away from the reflecting mirror is provided with a hole having a diameter smaller than that of the end of the reflecting mirror. In addition, an optical axis of the hole is directly aligned with an optical axis of the end of the reflecting mirror where light is emitted out of the lamp cartridge. Further, a fan is provided on one of the side surfaces forming the lamp cartridge case. Outside air is introduced through the hole and into the interior of the lamp cartridge whereby heat generated by the lamp and the reflecting mirror is exhausted by the fan.

Abstract: A curing light system useful for curing light activated composite materials is disclosed. The system may be a hand-held portable curing light system operated by batteries or a chair side curing light system operated by AC power. The curing light system includes a light source which may be one or more light emitting diode chips or one or more diode laser chips. The chips of the light source are located on a single heat sink for heat dissipation. The heat sink and chips are located in an encasement that may include a focus dome or transparent window through which light travels to reach light activated composite materials. In the preferred embodiment, the light travels from the light source directly to a curing surface without first going through a light guide or fiber optic cable. The light source is preferably located in a handle that is manipulated by a user in order to direct light emitted by the light source to composite materials to be cured.

Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus. The arm assembly includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm about a main pivot axis. A rod extends within an interior region of the second arm. A link is coupled to the rod to the first arm for pivoting movement about a link pivot axis that is spaced apart from the main pivot axis. A spring extends within the interior region of the second arm. The spring exerts a force on the rod and the link to counterbalance the surgical lighthead. A space filler includes an outer cover coupled to the first arm and formed to include a first slot and an inner cover nested within the outer cover and formed to include a second slot.

Abstract: Oral hygiene apparatus for destroying sensitized oral bacteria, comprising: an incoherent light source; and a light directing member, adapted for directing light from light source and onto at least part of a surface of at least one tooth within an oral cavity.

Abstract: A system is provided for photographing an open surgical procedure, comprising a high resolution endoscopic video camera, a surgical lamp having a handle covered by a sterile, compressible sheath and being positioned in spaced relation to the open surgical site, and a clamp for securing the video camera to the handle. A preferred clamp for securing the video camera to the handle is also provided.

Abstract: A gazing point illuminating device is provided with: a light source; a direction changing mechanism for changing the lighting direction of the light source; a gazing direction detector for detecting the direction of the user's gazing line; and a controller for changing the lighting direction corresponding to the detected gazing direction. When, LEDs are used as the light source, and the light source is attached to the goggles worn by a user, the goggles can be useful gazing point illuminating device by themselves even if they do not include gazing point or direction detectors, because a person normally look straight ahead except for unusual occasions where he/she purposefully avert his/her gaze. Thus, an illuminating device fixed to a person's head for lighting forward is a gazing point illuminating device. It is preferred to provide an LED panel at the left and right ends of goggles.

Abstract: A surgical lighthead is provided with an outer cover, an inner reflective component, and handles disposed in recesses in the outer cover. The handles do not extend substantially beyond the outer surface of the outer cover. The recesses in the outer cover are spaced apart from the inner component. The handles and recesses are formed by multi-component handle assemblies shrink fit to eliminate gaps in the seams between the components.

Abstract: A lamp with improved safety features, to avoid fire and burn hazards, includes an electrical circuit having a thermostat connected in series with the bulb of the lamp. The thermostat is mounted in close proximity to the lamp's bulb and, upon the ambient air temperature in the vicinity of the thermostat reaching a predetermined temperature, the thermostat effectively opens the electrical circuit, shutting the lamp off. Once power is turned off for a period of time, the thermostat resets and the lamp may be operated again. A protective guard is positioned over at least a portion of the bulb of the lamp to prevent accidental burning. Alternatively, the electrical circuit further includes a detector for sensing an object being placed within the lamp shade and generating a signal in response thereto. The detector is electrically connected to a switching device which terminates power to the lamp in response to the detector signal.

Abstract: This invention discloses a U-shaped trough frame used for hanging Christmas light bulb series. The U-shaped trough frame is provided with a plurality of partition plates that divide the U-shaped trough frame into several segments. In each segment there are two support plates that define a channel therebetween. The channel allows a light bulb holder of Christmas light bulb series to extend through.

Abstract: A surgical lighthead includes a light source having a reference point defined thereon and a reflector including a concave reflector surface which has a central axis. The concave reflector surface is formed to include a plurality of facets configured to reflect light emanating from the light source. The plurality of facets includes a first set of facets for which each associated longitudinal boundary line is angularly spaced by a first angle from each of the next adjacent boundary lines relative to the central axis. In addition, the plurality of facets includes a second set of facets for which each associated longitudinal boundary line is angularly spaced by a second angle from each of the next adjacent boundary lines relative to the central axis.

Abstract: A dental handpiece with integrated light source has on its casing a socket for a lamp carrier which in turn has a lamp socket. An incandescent lamp is inserted into said lamp socket. In those regions in which the incandescent lamp is covered up by the lamp carrier or parts of the casing a reflecting layer is provided on the outer surface of the incandescent lamp. This may be, for example, a metal film deposited by vaporisation onto the outer surface of the lamp in the appropriate region. The lamp carrier is molded onto the partially vapor-coated incandescent lamp.

Abstract: In a method for the manipulation of an operating theater lamp, control signals are conducted via a signal path which is conducted in the interior of the lamp between an operating unit and at least one setting element. The control signals are modulated via a modulator onto a carrier signal and demodulated back from the latter via a demodulator.

Abstract: Profiles for shadowless reflector for operating lighting, wherein the operating lighting includes a front and a rear shade assembled together while the front shade has an opening for projecting the light rays, and the rear shade is mounted over the opening; the lower edge of the reflector's opening in the front and the rear shades is fixed on the front transparent shade which has a handle at the edge thereof while a socket for bulbs is installed over the front transparent shade; the bulb is enclosed by a heat absorbing glass; the light rays received by the reflector are focused on the front transparent shade and are projected; the longitudinal tangent of the reflector in the longitudinal direction consists of at least two connecting datum curves, and the connecting datum curves has the same tangent slope rate at the connecting point; each datum curve reflects the light rays well-distributed to the focusing datum plane; The datum curve of the reflector near the end point of the middle of the reflector reflects

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating theater lamp comprising a housing having a light outlet opening at the bottom with a light source being arranged centrally in the housing and deflecting light all around it to a concave reflector, preferably a ring-like concave reflector arranged in the housing, which reflects the incident light rays to the light outlet opening and concentrates them as uniformly as possible onto a main light field arranged at a distance from the light outlet opening. The invention hereby provides that the concave reflector, and/or at least one auxiliary concave reflector arranged in its vicinity and in particular concentric to it, is or are so designed and/or arranged that a part of the light rays transmitted from the light source is reflected into an outer light field extending around the main light field and preferably adjoining the latter, in such a way that a brightly illuminated main light field and a stepped-down, less brightly illuminated outer light field is present.

Abstract: A surgical light apparatus includes a support arm assembly configured to couple a lighthead to a support surface such as a ceiling, a wall, or a stand. The arm assembly includes an upper arm, a lower arm pivotably coupled to the upper arm and a yolk coupled to the lower arm. The lighthead is pivotable with respect to the yolk which includes a task light. The task light coupled to the yolk assembly provides an auxiliary light source for the room when the surgical light is not in use.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light box for use with a dental intraoral camera is disclosed. The light box having a lamp inside is coupled to the dental intraoral camera via fiber optic cables. The light box allows easy access to the lamp for lamp replacement by pulling a tray out containing the lamp.

Abstract: In accord with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for illuminating and magnifying an object in a sterile field for observation is provided. A holder is mounted at one end of a base assembly. A magnifying lens is mounted to the holder and defines a field of vision. A light is attached to the holder by an attaching means in a predetermined spatial relationship with the lens such that the light directs a beam of light into the field. A method is provided for illuminating and magnifying an object in a sterile field without contaminating the sterile field. The base assembly and the holder are sterilized. The base assembly is positioned in the sterile field. A sterile pack containing the light in a sterilized condition is opened and the light is moved into the sterile field. The light is inserted into the opening of the holder. The light is actuated and provides a light beam. The magnifying lens is removed from a sterile pack and moved into the sterile field.

Abstract: The specification relates to a means of illuminating the drip chamber of intravenous bags during medical processes that are performed in a darkened atmosphere. The apparatus uses an adjustable pole that supports an intravenous bag support that is capable of holding multiple bags and a plate that supports a fiber optic light housing which illuminates all drip chambers adequately and equally and with differing colored light if necessary for distinction. The apparatus is attachable to a procedure table using an adjustable attachment means. The light housing position is fully adjustable in relation to it's target.

Abstract: An operating room light with ceiling suspension is provided with a shaft protruding from the ceiling and containing internal electrical conductors, the shaft being enveloped in its end region by a support body provided on its outer circumference with slip rings for establishing electrical connections between the shaft and the conductors contained in a swivel arm; the swivel arm is provided with a swivel arm head as part of a rotary joint, which envelops the support body and which contains on its barrel-shaped inside slip ring pickups for making contact with the slip rings of the support body; viewed in axial direction, the support body is provided at both of its ends with bearing bushes functioning as sliding bearings, the upper bearing bush supporting an axial bearing ring that bears thereon to hold the swivel arm head; the support body together with the bearing bushes is secured against radial and axial shifting by means of threaded pins passed through openings in the pivot as well as by a locking ring held

Abstract: A light irradiation method and apparatus which emits light to avoid a photochemical reaction which returns an intermediate product to a pigment, in which a photochemical reaction or a thermochemical reaction transforms the pigment into the intermediate product, and at least a thermochemical reaction transforms the intermediate product into a pigment decomposed substance. Therefore, the photosensitization by irradiation with light is made brighter without increasing the total quantity of photons by irradiation with light in a specific time.

Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus includes a first arm and a first clevis appended to the first arm and having a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The arm assembly also includes a second arm formed to include an interior region and a second clevis appended to the second arm and having a third stop surface and a fourth stop surface. The surigcal lighthead is supported by the second arm.

Abstract: An irradiation device, especially for the cosmetic, diagnostic and therapeutic application of light, having an incoherent light source and a reflector that surrounds the light source and has a slit-like opening defining the direction of the radiation. Arranged in the beam path of the light source is a spectral dispersion element. In the output beam path of the spectral dispersion element, a fiber-optic cross-sectional transformer is disposed in such a way that its circular end is located opposite the spectral dispersion element. The fiber-optic cross-sectional transformer and the spectral dispersion element are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A device for the angular positioning of a mass with respect to a horizontal support axis includes a support arm intended to carry the mass and the mounted angularly displaceable about the support axis and the balancing device for balancing the arm connected thereto and cooperating with an elastic return member adapted to apply to a point of the support arm a mass balancing moment opposed to the moment generated by the weight of the mass. The assembly of the balancing member and the elastic return device is mounted oscillating on an oscillation axis parallel to the support axis and situated at a fixed distance therefrom so as to be orientated permanently towards the point during angular displacements of the support arm.

Abstract: A surgical lighthead having a stacked elliptical reflector (20) directs light from a lamp (10) to an illumination zone (Y) without the need for a refractor to redirect the reflected light. The reflector is formed of at least three annular reflector segments (22, 24, 26) stacked on top of each other to form a continuous reflector surface. Each of the reflector segments has a longitudinal cross section of a different conical shape such as elliptical or parabolic for directing the light to a different portion of the illumination plane. The stacked elliptical reflector provides the benefits of reduction of the image of the filament in the light field and reduction of shadowing due to objects passing between the lighthead and the illumination plane.

Abstract: A frame (10) supports a plurality of illumination modules (12) arranged in a common plane in a spoke-like pattern extending radially outward from a central axis. Each module includes a lamp (24) with a vertical filament (26) mounted in a faceted reflector (22) to direct a beam of light to a planar, dichroic mirror (30). The mirror (30) reflects the visible spectrum portion of the beam of light downward toward the central axis with all of the beams of light intersecting the central axis in a common plane to create an illumination zone of selected diameter. A disk (32) which is light transmissive at least in portions (34) forms a bottom cover for a cover (14). A handle (40) is rotatably mounted to the frame and connected by a mechanical linkage (50) with the reflectors for tipping the angle of the emitted light beams to adjust the diameter of the illumination zone.

Abstract: A surgical light (10) includes a conical shaped reflector (12) which is formed from pre-finished sheet of reflector material into a conical shape. The conical reflector (12) reflects the light from a lamp (14) at a plurality of different angles. Light directly from the lamp and reflected from the reflector strikes a refractor (18) at a plurality of angles of incidence which vary with distance from a central axis (X) of the reflector. The refractor has a plurality of differently shaped prisms (20) whose shape varies with the distance from the central axis to redirect the light to an illumination zone (Z).

Abstract: A cool white light source for use by surgeons delivers a balanced white light having a color temperature over 500.degree. K. essentially without any halos, rings or darkened regions. The light source includes an electrical circuit for detecting the delivery of radiation toxic to human tissue. If the light source detects the delivery of such toxic radiation, the light generating source is disabled.

Abstract: A portable, high power arc lamp system for composite curing and tooth whitening applications utilizes battery cells to power a lamp, such as a short-arc xenon lamp. The use of battery power allows for a high power system without the need for costly components required if ac power were used. Battery power is acceptable for low duty cycle applications such as composite curing and tooth whitening. The batteries may be recharged using either standard 110 V or 220 V house current and a charging circuit is included to charge the batteries. An elliptical reflector is used to direct the light from the xenon lamp to a flexible light guide. The system of the present invention is particularly suited to the curing of dental composites and tooth whitening procedures. Significantly improved methods of curing and whitening may be realized through the use of a high power light source of the present invention.

Abstract: A cool white light source includes a reflectorized lamp which outputs light having a correlated color temperature of about 5830.degree. K., a first ultraviolet (UV) filter and a second infrared (IR) filter. The lamp reflector also acts as an initial IR filter and initially filters out about 80 percent or more of the infrared radiation spectrum of the lamp generated light before the lamp generated light is passed through the first UV filter and the second IR filter. The second IR filter has an effective filtration of about 90 percent at least above about 760 nm, suggestedly above about 720 nm and most desirably above about 700 nm. The UV filter has an effective UV reflectance of over 99 percent at least below about 375 nm and suggestedly below about 400 nm and desirably below about 420 nm. Since filtration occurs at the margins of the visible light spectrum, a high correlated color temperature is maintained, such that a balanced white light having a color temperature over 5000.degree. K. is delivered.

Abstract: A light for medical purposes has a lamp housing (11), at least one lamp (12) arranged therein, a reflector (16) arranged therein, and a light transmissive plate arrangement (13) closing off the lamp housing (11) towards the illumination field (14). The lamp housing (11) with the light transmissive plate (13) is closed off towards the exterior for reasons of hygiene and is formed from a material with a lower thermal conductivity than that of human skin, at least at those sites at which a contact by the operating person can arise.

Abstract: A field-of-operation illuminating fixture with a video camera in the vicinity of a lamp housing for displaying the field. The video signals emitted by the camera are forwarded along with signals for controlling the camera over the same cable that transmits power to the lamps. The cable extends through the mechanism that the housing is suspended from, such as being extended from a ceiling. The cable is in sections connected by rotating contacts in the form of slip rings at the articulations between a suspension boom and arms. Video signals and camera-control signals are modulated before entering the cable by a module in the ceiling-mounted base of the fixture and are demodulated in another module after leaving the cable. The video signals are processed in a separate accessory. The present invention provides a cost-effective design for a field-of-operation illuminating fixture equipped for video and simple modification of fixtures already equipped therewith.

Abstract: A surgical camera assembly and method for visually producing an operative field with enhanced focal illumination is disclosed as including a retaining assembly operably disposed in connection with a light source. Preferably, the retaining assembly provides a sterile surface for orienting the light source in relation to the operative field and includes a means for retaining a first end of camera lens. Removably disposed in operable engagement with the retaining assembly, the camera lens comprises an elongated body and a variable focus and zoom capability for producing visual images of the operative field. The elongated body of the camera lens is removably introduced within a channel formed in the body of a housing assembly. In preferred relationship, the housing assembly provides a sterile surface for manually adjusting the variable focus and zoom capability of the camera lens for purposes of enhancing the visual images of the operative field produced by the lens.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment to a conventional operating room light fixture includes a handle and a disposable cover. The handle has an upper portion adapted to be attached to the light fixture. The handle further includes an annular rigid disk at a central portion thereof and an annular ring provided below the annular rigid handle flange and defining a groove therebetween. A grip portion is provided at a lower portion of the handle. The assembly also includes a sterile, disposable cover, including a hollow grip cover having a closed end and a flexible flange formed integrally with the grip cover at an open end thereof and adapted to be fitted over the grip portion of the handle and advanced thereon. The disposable cover further includes a circular rigid cover flange attached to the flexible flange and curved away from the rigid disk when the grip cover is fitted over the grip portion of the handle, with the rigid disk restraining further advancement of the rigid cover flange.

Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a condensing lens group disposed at one end for collecting and collimating a light from a light source, an exit lens group at the other end of the assembly, including at least one objective lens element for projecting an illuminated light spot at a predetermined distance, and an iris disposed between the condenser lens group and the exit lens group having a variable opening for varying the size of the illuminated light spot between a minimum and a maximum spot diameter at the predetermined distance. The invention allows the illuminated light spot to be focused for at least two separate iris positions at the predetermined distance by allowing relative movement between the objective lens element and the iris to provide enhanced edge definition and illumination uniformity.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for projecting a light pattern onto a target object, wherein the light pattern has a generally uniform brightness with well defined boarders. The apparatus includes a fiber optic conduit that emits a beam of light along an optical path. Light emitted from a fiber optic conduit typically contains a central region of a predetermined brightness and a peripheral region, created by light interference patterns, where the light is less bright. A first adjustable optical diaphragm is disposed along the optical path proximate the fiber optic conduit. By selectively varying to aperture of the first optical diaphragm, the diameter of the beam of light propagated along the optical path can be controlled. A second adjustable optical diaphragm is disposed along the optical path a predetermined distance away from the first optical diaphragm.