Abstract: An optical system for endoscopes comprising a light source and a condenser optical system for focusing the light emitted from said light source, and adapted so as to lead the light emitted from said light source to be incident through said condenser optical system onto light guides having different NA's, said condenser optical system being equipped with a means capable of varying or adjusting NA of the light emerging from said condenser optical system in conjunction with NA of a light guide selected for use. This optical system for endoscopes permits matching NA of the emerging light bundle with the NA of the selected light guide by using the adjusting means, thereby improving light distribution characteristic and transmission efficiency.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for covering the handles of a dentist's light is formed of two flexible plastic panels joined at four edges and having an aperture cut therein to allow access to the interior of the sleeve. The T-shaped handle of the light is inserted into the aperture, which is preferably elliptical in shape, and the sleeve pulled onto the handle. The sleeve is pulled off the handle after completion of a procedure on a patient and a new sleeve is put on before treatment of the next patient, thus avoiding possible transmission of disease from one patient to another from contact with the light handle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a lighthead which allows the lamp to be serviced without removing any components of the lighthead. The invention includes a lamp socket connected to the handle of the lighthead. The handle can be displaced from an operative position to expose the lamp for maintenance while remaining attached to the lighthead to prevent damage or loss of the components.

Abstract: A surgical lighting system provides remote control of surgical lights. The parameters (for example, illumination levels and beam direction) of the lights are remotely controlled, thereby eliminating the need for surgical personnel to manipulate the lights. The individual light instruments that are employed with the system are enclosed in the housing that isolates the instruments from the surgical suite, thereby avoiding contamination. A sequence of lighting parameters as required for a particular surgical procedure may be pre-recorded and played back by the processor that controls the light instrument parameters.

Abstract: The apparatus is a modular medical lighting system which includes a ceiling-mounted reading light module, examination light module and ambient light module. The reading light is directed toward a selected reading area on a hospital bed directly below the medical lighting system. The examination light illuminates the entire top surface of the hospital bed. The ambient light directs light to a wall abutting the head of the hospital bed thereby providing reflected light to the vicinity of the hospital bed. The modules may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: A concealable surgical light device, such as for a birthing room, has a fixed housing and a single door for supporting the light on one side and decorative ceiling panels on the other side. The door is rotatably attached to the fixed housing. In a closed position of the door, the light is concealed within the ceiling structure, and the decorative panels are flush with the ceiling. In an open position, the light is deployable as it faces into the room. Rotation of the door between the two positions is powered by a motor acting through an actuator and a linkage system. The linkage system includes two first arms rotatably connected to an actuator rod and fixed to a pivot shaft such that extension and retraction of the rod pivot the shaft. Two second arms are fixed to opposite ends of the shaft and pivotally connect to two third arms, in turn connected to the door. Pivoting the shaft rotates the second arms which, in turn, move the third arms up or down to close or open the door.

Abstract: A directable light device particularly suited for surgical or other medical use wherein preferably three 12 volt halogen lamps with built in dichroic reflectors are mounted in high impact polycarbonate molded receptacles each providing at least two annular vents to remove heat generated by the bulb through a coaxial louvered opening in the back of the housing. Light from the bulbs is also passed through filter means.

Abstract: An automatic focus position adjusting unit for use in a shadowless lighting device for medical purposes includes a sensor, a start switch, a start processor, and a direction adjuster. The unit also includes a focus mover, a peak detector, and an adjustment completion unit. The shadowless lighting device for medical purposes has a housing, illuminating bulbs arranged in the housing, and a drive system for inclining the illuminating bulbs so that the optical axes of the illuminating bulbs may converge, and form a focus, on a predetermined position along a focus moving axis. The automatic focus position adjusting unit permits, with a simple operation, an accurate focus position adjustment at a desired position. This is because it is possible to move the focus to a position at which the amount of light, reflected from the predetermined region at the center of the range of light, becomes a maximum.

Abstract: A handle and cooperating cover for a moveable lighting fixture, particularly a lighting fixture of the type utilized in surgical operating rooms or like environments. The handle is provided with an elongated body that is attachable at one end thereof to the light fixture and includes a circular shoulder radially projecting from the elongated body near the end thereof that is attached to the light fixture. The cover comprises an elongated hollow tubular section having a closed end and an open end and which fits over the elongated body of the handle and includes a radially extending flange section adjacent the open end of the tubular section. Latch means are carried by the flange section for engaging lip means defined by the radial edge region of the circular shoulder to removably secure the cover in position on the handle.

Abstract: A concealable surgical light device such as for a birthing room has a frame for supporting the light on one side and a decorative panel on the other side. The frame includes reinforcing ribs positioned in a Y shape, and a cylindrical section at the intersection of the ribs for attaching the light. The frame is rotatably supported inside a housing which is fixed within the ceiling structure. At one end of the housing there is a fixed tube and a bearing and at the other end is an output shaft of a speed reducer gear connected to the frame through a torque limiter and slip clutch for rotatably supporting the frame. Wires are fed through the tube without being subjected to rubbing or twisting. In a closed position of the frame, the light is concealed within the ceiling structure and the decorative panel is flush with the ceiling. In an open position, the light is deployable as it faces into the birthing room.

Abstract: A surgical lamp having four quartz-halogen lamps and color-correcting glass filters that also shield the light bulbs provides flat shadow-free intense lighting having a color temperature of at least about 3,500.degree. K. for surgical purposes and includes a shroud having lower ventilating openings, interior baffles for directing the flow of warm air along a plurality of chimneys, and a plurality of ventilating holes in the top of the shroud. The surgical lamp may also include a floor stand or ceiling mount, and includes an arm having a number of pivot points that allow the surgeon to adjust the position of the light by grasping the handle and moving the light to the desired location.

Abstract: The apparatus is a medical lighting system which includes a ceiling-mount reading light, examination light and ambient light. The reading light is directed toward a selected reading area on a hospital bed directly below the medical lighting system. The examination light illluminates the entire top surface of the hospital bed. The ambient light directs light to a wall abutting the head of the hospital bed thereby providing reflected light to the vicinity of the hospital bed.

Abstract: An operating-room light fixture features a cardanic mounting connected to an overhead beam or other stationary support by joints or linkages which rotate about horizontal and vertical axes. After setting of the optimal illumination zone into the operating plane, that zone's coordinates, and the associated coordinates of the lamp housing, are stored as values in a computer. Upon intentional or unintentional spatial displacement of the lamp housing, angle sensors in the joints, and a distance sensor in the lamp housing, furnish data to the computer, which calculates a compensating adjustment and carries it out by applying control signals to positioning motors in the cardanic mounting, until the axis or axes of the light beam(s) again place the optimal illumination zone on the operating field.

Abstract: The lamp handle cover system for surgical lamps includes a semi-permanent, non-disposal surgical lamp handle and its accessory component, a sterile disposable semi-flexible handle cover, which, in combination, provides an aseptic medium by which a surgical team member can manually adjust the operating room lamp during a surgical procedure, thereby preventing accidental or unknown incidental contamination. The non-disposable lamp handle includes an ergonomically designed grip handle and a locking/coupling assembly which couples the grip handle to the male component of the conventional surgical lamp. The sterile disposable handle cover is formed from a flexible sleeve closed at one end and having a relatively rigid collar formed about the opposite open end. By holding the sleeve just below the collar, the surgical team member can easily slide the handle cover over the grip handle to engage the locking/coupling assembly which holds the handle cover in a secure position.

Abstract: A mechanism for positioning one of a plurality of lamps, each carried by a lamp socket, at a desired focal point of an optical system is comprised of a first lamp socket positioned in an operative position such that a lamp carried by that socket will be at a desired focal point of the optical system. At least one other lamp socket is positioned in an inoperative position. A mechanism for enabling movement of the first lamp socket from the operative position to an inoperative position while simultaneously moving the other lamp socket from the inoperative position to the operative position is provided. The present invention enables a failed lamp to be replaced by a backup lamp in such a manner that no degradation or change in optical performance occurs.

Abstract: A circuit for energizing either a first or second lamp and for energizing a motor to position the energized lamp is comprised of first and second switches for supplying current to one of the lamps. Current sensors are provided to monitor the flow of current through each of the lamps. When current is flowing through one lamp and its associated switch, a biasing network assures that the other switch remains open. Upon the failure of the energized lamp, the other lamp is energized, a motor is energized so that the other lamp may be moved to a desired position within the optical system, and a visible indication that the lamp has failed open is provided.

Abstract: A miniature hand-held spot source of illumination particularly suited for use by health professionals to view and operate upon a patient's anatomy. The spot-source includes a handle with a tool mounted at its proximal end and a source for projecting light into the vicinity of the tool. The spot source is color corrected to enhance viewability under variety of ambient lighting conditions.

Abstract: A lighting fixture to illuminate a target surface, particulary a surgical site, is provided which includes a light source, a reflector superposing and partially circumscribing the light source, a cylindrical filter surrounding the light source coaxial to the axis of symmetry of the lighting fixture and a refractor positioned beneath the reflector through which the light reflected from the reflector must pass to reach the target surface. The refractor is divided into a plurality of portions which radiate outwardly from the axis of symmetry. Each portion includes first, second and third prism means having individual prism members of varying configuration for focusing the light to first, second and third areas, respectively, within a cylinder of light defined by the light passing through the refractor, to provide small, medium and large patterns respectively, of the cylinder of light when it impinges upon the target surface.

Abstract: A lamp for providing uniform luminosity in an area to be illuminated, such as in an operating theatre and the like. The lamp comprises a light source, an infrared filter element, a planar prism field, having a substantial number of radial sectors containing a plurality of transverse, outwardly curved prisms, and a toroidal lens system which controls the divergence of the light emanating from the light source so as to render the light substantially columnate and to direct the light onto the planar prism field, a transparent member beneath the planar prism field to protect the planar prism field from dirt, foreign material and scratches, and a handle extending downwardly from the face of the lamp by which the lamp can be manipulated. The radial sectors are held together in the planar prism field by attachment to one another. As a result, the transparent member can be thin since it is not required to support the planar prism field.

Abstract: A sterile disposable plastic cover for a handle of an operating room fixture such as a cylindrical handle for a light fixture is disclosed. The cover includes a hollow member which is open at one end and includes a hand guard. The open end is partially restricted with a retention member which permits the handle of the operating fixture to extend through the open end of the hollow member and holds it in place. Preferably, the retention member is a disc which includes a pair of intersecting slits which define an opening smaller than the opened end of the hollow member.

Abstract: A replaceable disposable cover for a handle of a dental light in a first embodiment (10) includes a bag (12) having an interior area (22). The bag has an open first side (16). An elastic strip (24) is attached to the bag and extends around a perimeter of the bag parallel to the open side. A skirt portion (28) enables installation and removal of the cover from a T-shaped handle (32) of a first type of dental light (30) without touching the handle. In a second embodiment (50) the cover has a pair of opposed bags (52, 54) having opposed open sides (58, 64). A pair of elastic strips (70, 74) extend between the bags and are attached thereto. The elastic strips hold the cover in position on opposed rectangular handles (82, 82') of a second type of dental light (80).

Abstract: A disposable plastic handle and shield in the form of a first embodiment including a unitary injection molded hollow handle with a threaded upper end portion for engagement with a threaded receptacle on the luminaire of a hospital operating room. An integral, generally circular shield is connected to the handle between the threaded upper end portion and a lightly knurled portion of the handle. The shield includes a pair of spaced apart grooves on its underside, one on each side of the handle serving as live hinges and defining a pair of segments capable of being folded down against the knurled handle or upward against the threaded end of the handle to facilitate packaging. A second embodiment has a shield similar to the first embodiment but which is separate from, rather than integral with, the plastic handle.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for surgery and the like includes a ceiling mounted track having opposed internal channels, a carriage assembly that rides in the track and that is connected to a depending tubular stem which terminates in a control head having a lighthead fastened to it. A switch on the control head energizes a solenoid having a movable core that acts through mechanical linkage to retract a pair of opposing brakes from engagement against the side walls of the track, thereby allowing the lamp assembly to be moved along the track easily. When the solenoid is de-energized, a compression spring urges the brakes firmly against the side walls of the track, locking the light assembly in place along the track.

Abstract: A device for holding a miniature high intensity flashlight along the side of the person's head to direct the beam of light in a path vertically positioned at the line of sight of the individual wearing the device. The device includes an elastic strap with overlapping ends held together with VELCRO.RTM. attachments with a tubular strap through which the body of the flashlight is inserted and held in position on the strap. The rear end of the flashlight is held with VELCRO.RTM. attachment or a corrugated spring clip against an inclined bearing surface block holding the end of the flashlight away from the person's head and allowing the rear end of the flashlight to be fixed to the bearing surface of that block at any height.

Abstract: A reflector for dental and surgical operating room light fixtures exhibits, in a first cutting plane, an elliptic contour. A parabolic contour is exhibited in a second cutting plane vertical to this first cutting plane. The center of the lamp filament is in the common focal point of the ellipse and parabola. A fine light-diffusing structure overlies the light-reflecting surface to improve the uniformity of the light field.

Abstract: An elongated light box for leaking light along its length with the elongated box having a first end and a second end, with the first end including a source of light for directing light toward the second end and the second end including a mirror for reflecting light from the source of light back toward the source of light, the elongated box including an interior surface defining an interior region for transmission of light therethrough, the interior surface having a high light reflecting film extending along a portion of the interior surface, the light reflecting film extending from the light source toward the second end, the high light reflecting film having a general triangular shape that converges from the first end to the second end to thereby provide greater light reflection near the light source; and a light diffuser panel extending along the light box and over the interior region with the light diffuser panel permitting light to leak from the interior region through the light diffuser panel to thereby p

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp for providing uniform luminosity in an area to be illuminated, such as in an operating theatre and the like, comprising generally (a) a light source, (b) a planar field, said planar field comprising a substantial number of radial sectors containing a plurality of transverse, outwardly curved prisms, and (c) a toroidal lens system which controls the divergence of the light emanating from the light source so as to render the light substantially columnate and direct the light onto the planar field. The present invention also includes structure whereby the radial sectors are held together in the planar field by attachment to one another, such as by tongue-and-groove means, and further includes (d) a transparent member located between the planar field and the area to be illuminated which protects the prism sectors from soil and injury.

Abstract: A lighting system, including a light source having a light bulb and a reflector, has an interference filter applied to a portion of the outer surface of the light bulb. The interference filter has a high transparency for visible light and a high reflectivity for infrared radiation. The area of the light bulb that is permeable to infrared radiation is adjacent to an area of the reflector which is made to be infrared-radiation transmitting.

Abstract: A unitary, quick-release handle for use on dental, medical and similar lighting fixtures has a quick-release feature which permits the handle to be quickly and easily removed and then placed in an autoclave for purposes of sterilization.

Abstract: A multi-beam surgical lighthead includes a central pod and multiple peripheral pods mounted on pivots and mechanically linked to provide synchronized adjustment of the convergence portion of the peripheral lighthead upon the axial beam of the central pod. This mechanical linkage is operated by handles mounted both axially and transverse the lighthead.

Abstract: A lighthead assembly includes a plurality (three) individual pods with spotlights pivotally mounted symmetrically around an adjustment post. The post carries cam surfaces linked to the pods for synchronous tilting of the pods by rotation of the post. The post may be rotated directly by an axial handle or remotely by means of mechanical linkage.

Abstract: Apparatus for contact-free imaging and measuring of a selected portion of the skin of a patient has a camera which is mounted on a support. The support is mounted on a holder so that it can move in the direction of as well as that it can turn about the optical axis of the camera. An annular light source on the support surrounds the objective of the camera, and the support is connected with an arcuate carrier of one, two or more additional light sources serving to illuminate that portion of the skin which is to be imaged by the camera. The latter can be connected to an electronic evaluating system including a computer, a video camera and/or a monitor which displays the images of the selected portion of the skin. The light source or sources on the carrier are adjustable relative to the carrier and relative to the selected portion of the skin, and the carrier is adjustable with reference to the support along an arcuate path.

Abstract: A dental astral lamp using a tungsten halogen lamp as a light source is detachably provided on its light emanating plane with a color temperature transducing filter serving to reduce a luminous intensity at its focal position to a range of 1,500 to 4,500 luxes and transduce a color temperature to a range of 5,000 to 7,500 kelvins.

Abstract: A headband of elastic material has one or two pockets, each for receiving the barrel of a flashlight, particularly the type which permits focusing of the light beam. In accordance with the preferred construction, each flashlight pocket is formed by an overlap of two ends of headband straps, which are joined together by stitching. The stitching is at the edges, leaving an open ended pocket oriented in the forward direction.

Abstract: To provide for automatic adjustment of the light field of an operating room light in accordance with manual positioning of the light, an electrical servo control loop positions the respective lamps and/or deflection mirrors of circularly placed light sources (2) in the housing (1) to iluminate a given field in a given plane. The distance of the lamp from the given field is determined by an ultrasonic distance sensor (5; 5a, 5b, 5c) to provide one input to the servo loop, for comparison of the positioning of the light source to illuminate said field. If the distance of the illuminated field increases, the angular position of the light sources is automatically adjusted to provide the field at the increased distance. If the distance decreases, however, no adjustment is carried out unless an operator touches an operating handle. This is transformed into a manual readjustment signal which releases the servo system to then readjust the position of the light sources.

Abstract: A replaceable focusing handle for the focusing shaft of a lighthead includes internal surfaces which register with reaction and locking surfaces of a drive post. A shield carried by the handle prevents inadvertent detachment of the handle.

Abstract: A light source device for use in a medical apparatus has a turnable or linearly movable member or flange provided in a housing, and an actuator removably attached to the movable flange and carrying two light sources thereon. The actuator has two connector plugs provided thereon which are connected to the two light sources respectively, while the movable member is provided with two corresponding connector sockets. The two connector plugs and the corresponding two connector sockets are coupled and separated together when the actuator and the movable member are coupled and separated together. The device further comprises light conductor means for guiding light from one of the light sources to an object to be illuminated, and switch means connected between a power source and each connector socket. The device is arranged such that one of the two light sources is positioned opposite to the inlet of the light conductor means by moving the movable member coupled with the actuator.

Abstract: A sterilizable multi-part handle for attachment to a handle receiving fitting of a hospital surgery room light fixture is made of light weight, inexpensive molded plastic parts which are disposable after use, the handle including a handle body having a body grip portion and a threaded head portion to engage the fixture fitting and a disc separate from the handle which is provided with a central aperture via which the disc is assembled to the handle in a snap on fit connection between the handle body and disc. The exemplary connecting means includes a plurality of detents provided on the inner periphery of the disc aperture which snap into and seat within a disc receiving groove provided in the handle body head portion adjacent a disc seating flange against which the disc seats when the handle is turned into tight engagement with the associated light fixture fitting.

Abstract: A reflector for use in dental or medical lighting devices includes a glass substrate of predetermined shape for reflecting light in a predetermined pattern. The reflector has a front surface and a rear surface. A cover plate is utilized for covering the rear surface of the glass substrate. A securing device is provided for fastening the cover plate to the glass substrate in a selectively removable manner.

Abstract: A light source assembly comprises a lamp holder and a battery frame detachably attached thereto for mechanical and electrical connection.

Abstract: A disposable shield for the handle of a light used by dentists or doctors is disclosed. A new shield is used for each patient, thereby preventing the spreading of contagious diseases. The shield includes a flap covering the stem of the handle, thereby providing additional protection.

Abstract: A dental lamp adjusting means protective covering, shield or prophylactic comprised of a thin, tear-resistant, semi-rigid but elastic material which is sterile and disposable for covering the entirety of each of several different types of dental lamp adjusting means providing a covering which will significantly reduce and/or prevent the spread of disease through the continued touching of the dental lamp adjusting means by non-sterile gloved or ungloved hands of dental practitioners and others.

Abstract: A dental lighting device arranged such that the light from a light source is reflected by a reflection plate and is cast into the inside of the mouth, wherein a mirror member used to look at the inside the mouth is provided in combination with a lighting device component so that the mirror member can take a mirror use posture where the surface of the mirror member is almost perpendicular to the light beam from the reflection plate at least when the mirror member is used. The mirror member of the lighting device can also take a mirror non-use posture where the mirror surface does not intercept the light beam.

Abstract: The illumination system has primary and secondary light sources with a lamp current sensor control circuit for automatically switching from the primary lamp to the secondary lamp in the event the primary lamp fails. An illumination directing mirror is positioned between the light sources and directs one or the other of the light sources towards a fiber optic cable. The lamps are mounted on a movable carriage which is remotely controllable by a pneumatic cylinder. The carriage moves to alter the distance from the lamp to the port of the fiber optic cable. This controls the intensity of illumination entering the cable without changing the color temperature of the light.

Abstract: A light for providing a larger diameter lighting pattern is comprised of a rotatable support. A motor for rotating the support at a frequency greater than the retention time of the human eye is provided. A source of light which provides a small lighting pattern is carried by the rotatable support such that upon rotation thereof a large diameter lighting pattern is created.

Abstract: An adjustable ring light for concentrating multiple beams of light in which the point of convergence can be moved along an axis. In an embodiment, the light sources which may be the ends of bundles of optical fibers, are mounted in tiltable carriers which are adjusted by rotation of a housing cover. In other embodiments tilting is accomplished by bending tabs or rotating a disk having slots through which the light sources project.

Abstract: A disposable shield for the handle of a light used by dentists or doctors is disclosed. A new shield is used for each patient, thereby preventing the spreading of contagious diseases.

Abstract: A laryngoscope, has a blade and a hollow body including a handle and a cap, and also includes:(a) the handle adapted to receive a dry cell or cells, the handle having an open end,(b) the cap telescopically and removably interfitting the handle to close its open end, and a seal sealing off between the cap and handle,(c) a sealed window carried by the cap to pass light from a light source within the body to a predetermined zone at the cap exterior, whereby such light may be transmitted along the blade removably attached to the cap,(d) a flexible barrier carried by the cap to be deflected by the blade upon its attachment to the cap, the barrier sealing off between the cap interior and exterior,(e) and circuitry including a motion transmitting element to be deflected within the hollow body in response to barrier deflection to establish an ON condition of the circuitry for transmitting current from the dry cell to the light source.

Abstract: A retractable light assembly for use in portions of a room and for hidden storage within the ceiling of the room when not in use, comprising a rigid support frame adapted to be mounted within an opening in and above the ceiling of a room and defining a lower frame opening containing movable panels attached to the frame for movement between a first position closing the frame opening and a second position extending downwardly therefrom into a room. A positionally adjustable lighting fixture mounted on the upper surface of one of the panels is carried thereby from a stored, hidden position in the ceiling into the room for manual positioning and use. An electromechanically-powered linear actuator connecting the frame to the panels is actuated to move the panels and lighting fixture from stored to use position.

Abstract: A medical examining lamp has a generally parabolic reflector, a socket for receiving an incandescent lamp and a removable shield mounted adjacent the open end of the reflector and in alignment with the socket. The reflector has a blue anodized surface to color correct the incandescent lamp.