Abstract: A hand-held water purification system includes a pen-light sized ultraviolet lamp that is enclosed in a quartz cover and is powered by a battery and associated ballast circuitry. The battery and ballast circuitry are connected to the lamp by switches that are under the control of a liquid-level sensor. The sensor connects the battery, the ballast circuitry and the lamp once the sensor determines that the ultraviolet lamp is fully immersed in the water. If the container that holds the water is relatively large, the lamp and quartz cover end of the system are used to stir the water, to ensure that all of the water comes sufficiently close to the ultraviolet lamp.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent illuminated novelty device employing a a light-filtering thermoformed vessel having a form for holding chemiluminescent reagents, e.g. a round shaped chemical holding section. The lighting effects generated by reaction of the chemiluminescent reagents are enhanced by the presence of particles containing a secondary fluorescer. In one embodiment, these particles may have a particular geometrical shape, e.g. a star or heart shape, and further contain a secondary fluorescer capable of being excited by the primary chemiluminescent light source so as to emit a secondary source of light which creates a glitter effect.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head, a light source and a light guide. The cleaning head has a flexible contact member including photo-activating catalyst (photocatalyst). The light source emits short wave light rays to activate the photocatalyst. The light guide transmits the light rays from the light source to the contact member(brushes). The cleaning head may have a transparent brush supporter to support a group of brushes with many photocatalyst particles. The light guide may preferably include a transparent rod and/or an optical fiber. The cleaning apparatus may be applied for a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, such dirty component can be cleaned as bacteria, molds etc. by use of the cleaning apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: In a light curing device which is especially suitable for light-induced polymerization of dental material in the mouth of a patient, a light source is provided which is housed together with a reflector in the hand-held device together with a cooling fan. The reflector reflects the radiation emitted by the light source. The light source is supported within a substantially dust-tight light source casing having cooling ribs provided at its exterior.

Abstract: A hand-held light curing device has a light source and a light guiding device having a light receiving opening. A lens arrangement with a focusing lens is positioned between the light source and the light guiding device. The focusing lens has first and second cut-off filters on proximal and distal surfaces thereof, respectively. The cut-off filters are preferably vapor-deposited on the surfaces. Preferably, the focusing lens has a convex surface facing the light source, and the first filter has reflective properties with respect to infrared light.

Abstract: A counterfeit detection viewer apparatus for detecting security markings in paper currency. The counterfeit detection viewer apparatus includes a viewer housing having a detection opening on the bottom thereof for receiving the paper currency to be inspected and a viewing opening on the top thereof for inspecting the paper currency. The counterfeit detection viewer apparatus further includes a pair of holding brackets for detachably holding the counterfeit detector unit within the viewer housing which is usable within the housing and is removable for use as a hand-held counterfeit detector unit in a dark room or dark area. The counterfeit detector unit includes a UV light fixture mounted in the counterfeit detector unit having a UV fluorescent lamp for projecting UV light rays toward the detection opening and the paper currency to be inspected. The UV fluorescent lamp being less than 0.5 cm from the detection opening.

Abstract: A hand-held sterilization device that emits ultraviolet radiation in a range sufficient to eradicate germs, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens and microorganisms is disclosed. The device includes a housing containing an ultraviolet light source, a power source, and an electronic safety mechanism, wherein the electronic safety mechanism includes both a switch lock circuit and a digital lock circuit that must be actuated to close an electric circuit and actuate the device. A method of using the hand-held sterilization device is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a process for the curing of light-sensitive polymeric compositions by irradiation with light of wavelength suited to the polymeric composition it is proposed that the irradiation be carried out with a light intensity increasing continuously or in stepped form. An apparatus for carrying out said process is further proposed in which the raising of the light intensity is controlled during an irradiation procedure by a control unit (13).

Abstract: A counterfeit detection viewer apparatus for detecting security markings in paper currency, which includes a housing having a detection opening on the bottom thereof for receiving the paper currency to be inspected and a viewing opening on the top thereof for inspecting the paper currency. A UV light fixture is mounted in the housing and has a UV fluorescent lamp for projecting UV light rays toward the detection opening and the paper currency to be inspected. The UV light fixture includes a reflector to reflect the UV light rays toward the detection opening and the paper currency, and a switch for activating the UV fluorescent lamp prior to inspecting the paper currency through the viewing opening.

Abstract: A portable signal beacon adapted to be worn on the body so as to provide a discernable signal to a remote observer during low light conditions. The signal beacon includes a lightweight housing containing a light source, such as a bank of infrared LEDs. A signal generating device is also contained within the housing, wherein the signal generating device controls the activation of the light source and provides the light source with one of a plurality of different flashing sequences. At least one selection switch is provided that enables the user of the beacon to select which of the plurality of flashing sequences will be transmitted by the light sources.

Abstract: A compact hand-held high intensity ultraviolet inspection lamp having a straight handle aligned with beam direction includes a high-intensity light bulb enclosed within a bulb housing, a light-emitting aperture at the end of the bulb housing away from the handle, and an ultraviolet light filter in alignment with the aperture to absorb substantially all light emitted from the bulb at frequencies outside of the ultraviolet spectrum and to transmit the unabsorbed ultraviolet light. Three embodiments of such lamp are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A dental light curing device comprising a casing having a handle integrally formed therewith and extending therefrom to a lower end. The casing is defined by a front cover and a rear casing body. The rear casing body defines an interior space inside which a bulb, serving as a light source, and a reflector substantially concentrically surrounding the bulb are fixed. An optical fiber is mounted to the cover to be positionable in the proximity of the bulb for receiving and guiding light generated from the bulb. A pivotal connection is provided between the front cover and the rear casing body at the lower end of the handle that is far away from the bulb to allow the front cover to be movable relative to the rear casing body between an open position for replacement of the bulb and a closed position.

Abstract: An infrared illumination system for a digital camera having a taking lens, includes: a plurality of infrared emitting diodes arranged around the taking lens, each diode being contained in a can having an infrared transparent window; a first diffuser located over the windows of the cans; and a second diffuser spaced apart from the first diffusers. The first diffuser is a new type of diffuser called a Fourier transform holographic diffuser.

Abstract: A radiation device for therapeutic use in the human body allows the application of light waves to an affected area of the body. A bulb, preferrably a xenon bulb, produces light which is passed through a lens module having silicon and carbon granules therein. By applying different lenses to the device, a variation in the wavelengths of light and radiation applied to an area is achieved. The device has a pistol-like housing to allow for controlled application of the radiation.

Abstract: Light arrays for use in systems for separating and irradiating blood are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the light array has one or more bulbs with electrical connecting leads and first and second support members connected to the bulbs. The second support member preferably includes a connector for receiving the electrical leads. The support members preferably define an end surface and an interior surface, wherein the support members are disposed adjacent the bulbs so the end surfaces are opposed to define a channel, providing a space where tubing carrying blood or other fluids can be disposed without interfering with the array. The bulbs are most preferably attached to the support members using flexible self-locking straps, and in embodiments using two or more bulbs, the bulbs are also preferably held together by one or more straps. Improved mounting systems for connecting the array to the instrument by one or more spring mounts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A photopolymerization for dental use composed of a light of sources emitting at least visible light and infrared light transparent cells charged with coolant disposed to the emission side of said light source, whereby absorb infrared light; and a board for mounting a formed article which is composed of materials for a pattern made of photopolymerizable resin, impinging the light thereon from the light source after transmitting through said cells, wherein the tranparent cell is composed of disc-like shaped main body having a hollow space therein which is formed integrally with heat resistant glass; and two glass pipes for circulation of coolant which is disposed to the cell main body communicated to the hollow space.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a pocket sized instrument for reliable recognition of authenticity features of banknotes and other security documents. A basic embodiment of the instrument includes an elongated rod with a handle part at one end. The handle part contains the battery housing and the switch and is provided with a clip for facilitating handling. The other end of the rod includes a frontal test part. A banknote can be passed through a slit in the frontal test part and exposed to the enclosed optical elements. Authenticity features of the document become visible through illumination.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curing device comprising a housing having a wave guide disposed within one end thereof. Disposed within the housing and reciprocally movable between focused and unfocused positions therewithin is a reflector member which is oriented relative the light source so as to be operable to reflect ultraviolet light from the light source to the wave guide. When the reflector member is in the focused position, ultraviolet light is reflected from the light source to the wave guide in a manner facilitating the passage of a desired frequency of the ultraviolet light through the wave guide. When the reflector member is in the unfocused position, ultraviolet light is reflected from the light source to the wave guide in a manner preventing the passage of the desired frequency of the ultraviolet light through the wave guide.

Abstract: A method of and device for activating a luminescent fish attractor which is light activatable with a flash element connected with a battery housed in a battery casing via a voltage building circuit to provide highly intensive light flashes. The casing is provided with a tubular enclosure having a first end receiving light flashes from a flash element, and a second remote open end. The enclosure has an interiorly facing, substantially opaque, light reflective surface for concentrating light rays emitted from the flash element. The lure or attractor is first placed in the enclosure by inserting it through the remote open end. The flash element is then repetitively powered, and the flashed light rays emitted are directed successively into the enclosure.

Abstract: Polymerization devices having an irradiation space in an irradiation chamber, the space being accessible via at least one pivotable or displaceable wall, and having a light conductor and a radiation source unit, wherein the light conductor feeds the radiation from the radiation source into the irradiation space of the irradiation chamber and forms a releasable connection between the irradiation chamber and the radiation source unit, are known.

Abstract: Containers (20-20) which held UV curable acrylate materials commonly used as coating materials for drawn optical fiber are treated prior to disposal. Because of the presence of acrylate residues therewithin, the container cannot be disposed of in a landfill and has been incinerated. This problem has been overcome by exposing the residue within the container to suitable reproducible radiation determined in accordance with the photchemistry of the residue materials to cure completely the remaining acrylate material and thereby reduce its reactivity.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical probe for emission of light from a region smaller than a wavelength. The optical probe includes a transmission line fed by an optic fiber and an impedance matched coupling. In a first embodiment the optical probe ends with a surface-wave transmission line including a central conductor and a coaxial dielectric. The diameter of the central conductor at the optic fiber is selected to substantially match the transmission impedance of the surface-wave transmission line to that of the optic fiber. The diameter of the central conductor decreases to a diameter smaller than the use wavelength at the tip end. The far end of the dielectric preferably includes a concavity to shape the resulting electric fields. In an alternative embodiment, the optical probe includes a coaxial transmisson line. The optic fiber includes a section having a decreasing diameter outer cladding and a section having no outer cladding.

Abstract: Light emitting apparatus for curing photocurable dental material includes a handpiece having a housing, a depending handle and a detachable light guide. The light guide is received in a head connected to the housing. Rotational movement of the head relative to the housing also rotatably moves the light guide so that the guide may be turned by the same hand of the user that is grasping the handle. Additionally, a pivotal connection between the housing and the handle permits limited pivotal adjustment of the angle of the housing relative to the handle for improved manipulation and user comfort. A base of the apparatus includes an upright pedestal that houses a device for determining the intensity of light provided by the light guide.

Abstract: A nail drying apparatus by which any commercially available nail polish of any color can be dried after being applied to a person's finger or toe nails. The apparatus consists of a photo-reactive coating and a device that generates ultraviolet radiation. The photo-reactive coating is applied over the wet nail polish and then irradiated with safe dosages of ultraviolet radiation causing the nail polish to dry in a few minutes.

Abstract: Containers (20--20) which held UV curable acrylate materials commonly used as coating materials for drawn optical fiber are treated prior to disposal. Because of the presence of acrylate residues therewithin, the container cannot be disposed of in a landfill and has been incinerated. This problem has been overcome by exposing the residue within the container to suitable reproducible radiation determined in accordance with the photochemistry of the residue materials to cure completely the remaining acrylate material and thereby reduce its reactivity.

Abstract: Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in prodcing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.

Abstract: Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in producing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.

Abstract: Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in producing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting fluorescent evidence, including fingerprints. The device and method use a pair of matched filters, a source of noncoherent light, and a light intensifier to detect the wavelength-shifted luminescence from fluorescent substances. The light source and a first filter illuminate the substances with a light of predetermined band width. The second filter and the light intensifier detect and increase the luminance of the reflected light, shifted to a longer wavelength by luminescence from the florescent substances. The device may be hand-held and portable. The intensified light image may be displayed locally and/or may be transmitted to a remote receiver and displayed so that evidence may be detected remotely.

Abstract: A removable and disposable extension for a light guide of a dental curing light in which a hollow empty body having a calibrated aperture therein is detachably fitted on the rigid light guide so that the aperture faces the optical glass in the light guide. The hollow body is opaque to light and provides a pathway for light from the optical glass to and through the aperture. The aperture is calibrated so as to be of relatively small size compared to the optical glass to permit a relatively narrow beam of light to exit from the aperture. The extension permits substantially instantaneous spot curing of a composite between a laminate and a tooth to preserve their relative position when other operations are carried out.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light curing of a composition on a unit such as an aircraft canopy includes an ultraviolet light generator mounted for movement in at least three directions of motion relative to the unit. The generator is selectively movable in relation to the unit according to prerequisite procedure. A regulated environment cell is provided for the curing. The ultraviolet generator follows predetermined sequences and can be located partly within the canopy during curing. The canopy, after being mounted on a mobile fixture in the horizontal position is pivotally turned to be vertically located strategically relative to the ultraviolet light source during curing.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting fluorescent evidence, including fingerprints. The device and method use a pair of matched filters, a source of noncoherent light, and a light intensifier to detect the wavelength-shifted reflections from fluorescent substances. The light source and a first filter illuminate the substances with a light of predetermined band width. The second filter and the light intensifier detect and increase the luminance of the reflected light, shifted to a longer wavelength by reflection from the florescent substances. The device may be hand-held and portable.

Abstract: A device for biostimulation of tissue is disclosed comprising an array of substantially monochromatic radiation sources of a plurality of wavelengths, preferably of at least three different wavelengths. The radiation sources are arranged within the array such that radiation of at least two different wavelengths passes directly or indirectly through a single point located within the treated tissue. The radiation sources are preferably laser diodes, superluminous diodes or similar light-emitting diodes that, while low-power radiation sources, can provide significant energy densities to a treatment area. A method of treatment of tissue comprising exposing the treated tissue to the above-described device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental mirror is modified to provide an orange filter to block ultraviolet or blue light from a light source frequently used to cure plastic tooth filling materials. Various filter means are disclosed. Thus the glass of a dentist's hand held mirror may be colored orange or amber and the front surface may be a two-way mirror. Second, the clear glass of the mirror may be backed by a transparent plastic colored orange or amber, the front surface being a two-way mirror. Third, a bottomless mirror may be coated on its back surface with a chemical deposit which absorbs ultraviolet and blue light. These are some of several alternatives described. The mirror may be used in the same manner as conventional mirrors. When the dentist illuminates the ultraviolet lamp to cure plastic fillings, the filter is interposed between the light source and the eyes, preventing damage to the retinas which might otherwise occur.

Abstract: A dual mode germicidal lamp is disclosed having a base section with a fan and filters and a germicidal lamp section with a handle and switch means which can be moved by hand over surfaces to be sterilized and plugged into the base section to allow air to be drawn across the lamps and sterilized.

Abstract: When a hand-held visible-light curing unit is used in air to cure dental restorative material, a thin layer of soft, uncured surface material ordinarily remains and is removed by grinding. In the invention, the surface of the restorative material is fully cured by the simple expedient of using a hand-held light curing unit whose lightguide has a hollow tube having at least one orifice that is substantially colinear with the lightguide. An inert gas such as nitrogen is gently blown through the orifice and across the surface of the restorative material while the material is being cured by light from the light curing unit.

Abstract: An infrared flash unit, for use with camera employing infrared film, is mounted in a housing having a base configured to fit on the normal flash unit attachment of a standard camera. The housing has a front panel with an array of eight individual reflectors, each having an infrared light emitting diode or laser diode in it. A power supply is connected through a pulse driver circuit to the diodes, each of which are connected in series with a corresponding switch. The diode and switch combination are connected in parallel with one another and in series with the pulse driver circuit. Different combinations of diodes are selected for operation in accordance with the shutter speed and range of the camera. The pulse driver circuit supplies energizing pulses to the selected diodes at a repetition rate and duty cycle selected to match the primary infrared wave length of the diodes and the film used in the camera to reduce fogging due to background infrared light.

Abstract: A treatment chamber as an accessory device for an illuminator for the photopolymerization of dental plastics. The chamber is both light-tight and has at least one movable chamber wall. A light conductor is provided for the light input.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus for curing photopolymerizable dental fillings in situ comprises a lamp 10 for producing a convergent light beam with a convergence angle .alpha.E smaller than about 30.degree. with respect to the optical axis, and an optical wave guide 15 having an entrance surface 14 disposed in the light beam and an exit surface 16. The wave guide 15 is conical with a diameter decreasing from the entrance surface 14 to the exit surface 16 and has a refractive index of approximately .sqroot.2. At the exit surface 16, radiation of constant density and high intensity is produced within a substantially semi-spherical lobe, so that even such dental parts which are difficult to access can be irradiated and penetrated with high intensity radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying light in selective frequency ranges to organic composite materials used in restorative dentistry for optimum curing of the composite materials includes a lamp (14) energized by power supply (12) to transmit light through a flexible light transmitting cord (22). A dichroic filter lens (18) is disposed within an end cap (32) detachably securable to the end of a contra angle probe (27) mounted on a hand held handle (28) secured to the end of cord (22) opposite lamp (14). Lens (18) is selected with reference to the particular composite material to be cured so that substantially all frequencies of light produced by lamp (14) are blocked or attenuated except the frequency range which produces uniform and complete curing of the composite material without causing radical cross-linking of the composite material.

Abstract: An irradiation device for directing radiation onto a substance in a desired wavelength range for curing the substance, and particularly for use in curing substances on the teeth of dental patients. A light-emitting lamp assembly is located within a plastic housing of the device, and a heat shield surrounds the lamp assembly to divide the housing into an outer chamber between the shield and housing, and an inner chamber within the shield. The housing includes an entrance conduit for receiving pressurized cooling air, and a channeling arrangement is provided for directing the pressurized cooling air from the entrance conduit, through the outer and inner chambers within the housing, and out of the housing through exit passages.

Abstract: A radiating device consisting of a blower (140) and a radiation source (38) which emits ultra violet radiation (UV-radiation) being connected with a voltage-dropping impedance and with an AC-power source, whereby the radiation source cooperates with an air flow which is generated by the blower, in particular a hair dryer (141). The voltage dropping impedance is mainly capacitive and the radiation source (33) is arranged in the air flow of the blower, whereby the air flow cools the radiation source in such a manner that that the instantaneous value of its restriking voltage.ltoreq.to the instantaneous value of the line voltage.

Abstract: A method is described by means of which a UV radiation beam is modified by passing a stream of a gas around the radiation source. The device for carrying out this method includes a gas duct connectable at its inlet to a source of gas such as a hot-air blower. A UV-radiation source with a reflector is located at the outlet of the duct so as to permit passage of a stream of gas in the direction of the emitted radiation beam and a part of the gas stream is deflected around the source. A baffle plate permeable to radiation is located in front of the radiation source to create an increased dynamic gas pressure.

Abstract: An improved safety housing for a radiation source used in polymerization of materials. The housing includes an interlock feature which prevents activation of the source unless the shield is placed upon the work piece. A spring loaded switch on the surface which abuts the work piece and a second magnetic switch are used to prevent accidental activation. The unit uses a mechanically interlocking locator plate which is aligned in advance of the insertion of the housing into it, and shields the operator from any stray radiation when in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for photochemically curing organic composites used to repair teeth includes a quartz halogen lamp (12) which is activated for a particular length of time by a cycle control circuit (42) which produces a control signal for a preselected time interval. A switching circuit (38) is coupled with the cycle control circuit (42) to interconnect an alternating current source with the quartz halogen lamp (12) at a point in the alternating current cycle when the alternating current crosses a zero voltage level. The control circuit (42) is operably coupled to a time delay circuit (40) which activates the control circuit (42) after a preselected time period after activation of the control circuit (40).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing controlled flashes of radiation, including a handpiece within which is mounted a gaseous discharge tube and a light pipe for conducting the radiation, enabling it to be directed into an oral cavity to effect in situ curing of radiation polymerizable resins used as dental restoratives. The apparatus further includes electrical circuitry for producing a train of a fixed number of relatively constant intensity flashes each time a switch is closed, and for disabling the apparatus after the flash tube has been discharged a predetermined number of times, thereby preventing unsatisfactory performance resulting from a fall-off in intensity due to aging of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating substances curable by radiation comprises a lamp the emitted radiation of which includes both the UVA or near-UVA spectral range required for the curing and spectral ranges outside these useful ranges. A glass substrate surrounding the lamp has an ellipsoidal concave surface carrying a thin-film filter which reflects only the useful radiation but transmits the undesired spectral ranges, particularly the major portion of the visible light and the thermal radiation. When the power consumption of the lamp decreases as a result of clustering of the filament, the power supply is periodically interrupted thereby producing a flashing signal to warn the user.

Abstract: A handheld lamp is disclosed wherein the light source is a rapid pulse unconfined xenon arc tube containing more than three atmospheres of xenon gas pressure, and providing a selectable spectral output of ultraviolet, visible, or ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. The lamp contains a radiation guide for directing the generating light, the tip of which is maintained cool for effective use such as in curing tooth restorative materials. The lamp may be located in the power supply and light delivered through a flexible light pipe.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight source of radiation at wavelengths ranging from long wave ultraviolet through the visible powered from a low power DC source wherein a high frequency oscillator provides regulated driving current for the excitation of a fluorescent tube which emits energy at wavelengths outside the erythemal zone and wherein a first level of energizing current is provided for a warmup of the tube, a second level of energizing current is provided for standby excitation and a third level of energizing current is available for more intense operating excitation during which time there is also provided an audible timing signal.