Abstract: In one embodiment, an oral irrigator includes a reservoir, a base configured to support the reservoir, and a button assembly coupled to the base. The button assembly may include a button, a spring coupled to the button, and a seal coupled to the spring. The button may be movable between an original position and an actuation position. The spring may be configured to deform in response to a user input force moving the button from the original position to the actuation position, and to resiliently return the button to the original position in response to cessation of the user input force on the button. The seal may inhibit fluid from entering through the spring into the base.

Abstract: A dark field endoscopic microscope includes an illumination system, an objective lens unit arranged in an optical path of the illumination system, an optical fiber bundle optically coupled to the objective lens unit, and an observation system arranged in an optical return path from the optical fiber bundle. The illumination system provides oblique off-axial illumination while axial rays are at least attenuated.

Abstract: A self-contained, sterilizable, compact light which does not include external wiring or power accessories is described herein. The lighting device is particularly useful in specialized lighting applications such as surgical applications. The lighting device preferably includes an LED and power source within a casing and can be attached in positions or on instruments within the surgical field. Alternately, the LED may be located on a suction tip while the power source and other electronics are located proximally on a handle of a suction device.

Abstract: A light-emitting device (1) for curing dental materials. The device comprises an activator (10) and a light output (4) and is adapted to operate the light output at a first or a second operating mode dependent on the presence of a second user input within a monitoring time period after a first user input. The device allows for convenient operation by a user and helps in reliably curing dental materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for high-precision or surgical applications of a minimally invasive nature, comprising a distally positioned directable head, a shaft upon which the head is positioned, and a proximally positioned handgrip for operating the head, wherein a ring of cables comprising longitudinally extending cables connects to the head, wherein each cable of the ring of cables is disposed such that at least a part of both sides is in direct contact with another cable of the ring of cables, and wherein the cables are fixedly secured in the radial direction.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for transmitting radiation emitted by LEDs operated in pulsed operation via at least one optical waveguide, wherein a first optical waveguide having first and second coupling surfaces is assigned to each LED, the first optical waveguides are in each case aligned, by their first coupling surfaces, with an assigned stationary LED, the second coupling surfaces are arranged on a closed path and a coupling surface of a second optical waveguide is assigned to the second coupling surfaces. In order that a high light power can be coupled into the second optical waveguide by means of the LEDs, it is provided that the second optical waveguide, in accordance with the clocking of the switched-on LEDs, can be aligned with the second coupling surface of a first optical waveguide from at least one switched-on LED.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved dental operatory lamp having an LED light source that directs light to a reflector that in turn reflects the light to illuminate a treatment area. In one embodiment, the lamp is adapted for efficient transfer of heat from the light source and into the environment. In another embodiment, the lamp is adapted to generate a predetermined pattern of light optimal for the treatment area. In other embodiments, the lamp includes structural features that enable the lamp to maintain optimum light intensity and/or temperature. Also, disclosed herein are unique reflector embodiments that intentionally provide a generally smooth surface, without facets, that reflect light at all visible and infrared wavelengths.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved dental operatory lamp having an LED light source that directs light to a reflector that in turn reflects the light to illuminate a treatment area. In one embodiment, the lamp is adapted for efficient transfer of heat from the light source and into the environment. In another embodiment, the lamp is adapted to generate a predetermined pattern of light optimal for the treatment area. In other embodiments, the lamp includes structural features that enable the lamp to maintain optimum light intensity and/or temperature. Also, disclosed herein are unique reflector embodiments that intentionally provide a generally smooth surface, without facets, that reflect light at all visible and infrared wavelengths.

Abstract: A method for providing uniform flood exposure of LED light onto large area substrates is disclosed herein. The substrates can be up to several square meters in surface area. A method for providing uniform cooling of the LEDs within the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cavity illumination system according to the present disclosure may include one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semi-transparent, biocompatible sterilizable polymer and one or more illumination sources. The sterilizable polymer operates as a waveguide. An illumination element may incorporate micro structured optical components such as for example gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The micro structured optical components may also be used to polarize and/or filter the light energy entering or exiting the illumination element.

Abstract: The light-emitting device 1 has a translucent cover 10 having a cylindrical shape and a flat light-projecting surface 11 facing to the light-emitting part of an LED 20. The LED 20 is arranged in close proximity with the flat light-projecting surface 11 in the translucent cover 10 to achieve efficient introduction of light from the LED 20 into a light-receiving surface of optical fibers.

Abstract: A cavity illumination system according to the present disclosure may include one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semi-transparent, biocompatible sterilizable polymer and one or more illumination sources. The sterilizable polymer operates as a waveguide. An illumination element may incorporate micro structured optical components such as for example gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The micro structured optical components may also be used to polarize and/or filter the light energy entering or exiting the illumination element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light curing device for dental purposes having a plurality of semiconductor light sources, each light source includes a light-emitting chip, wherein said chips are mounted on a common and chip-cooling substrate. Each chip is surrounded by an individual reflector body connected to the substrate and/or the chip associated therewith, and the reflector bodies of at least two chips are arranged next to one another but are not connected with one another.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes an irradiation source and a liquid light guide coupled thereto. The liquid light guide has the form of a goose neck. A liquid filled light guide tube of the liquid light guide is supported in a position retaining tube and at least one end of the light guiding tube, preferably the light input end, is supported rotatably in the position retaining tube.

Abstract: A hand-held device, particularly for dental purposes, comprising a dispenser for dispensing a pasty filling material as well a device for emitting a radiation that causes the filling material to cure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved dental operatory lamp having an LED light source that directs light to a reflector that in turn reflects the light to illuminate a treatment area. In one embodiment, the lamp is adapted for efficient transfer of heat from the light source and into the environment. In another embodiment, the lamp is adapted to generate a predetermined pattern of light optimal for the treatment area. In other embodiments, the lamp includes structural features that enable the lamp to maintain optimum light intensity and/or temperature. Also, disclosed herein are unique reflector embodiments that intentionally provide a generally smooth surface, without facets, that reflect light at all visible and infrared wavelengths.

Abstract: An electrically powered light source including a light emitting diode (LED) having variable chromaticity, which is adapted for use in a dental operatory. A dental operatory lamp includes a thermally conductive housing having a front directed toward the operating area and a rear away from the operating area; a generally elliptical reflector located on the rear of the thermally conductive housing; at least one heat pipe; a plurality of color LEDs projecting light toward the elliptical reflector, the plurality of LEDs being in thermal contact with the at least one heat pipe; and an optical light guide for combining light from said LEDs. Another embodiment of the lamp includes at least two user selectable light spectra, one of said spectra providing white light with color temperature in the range 4000° K-6000° K and one spectra having reduced output in the wavelength range 400-500 nm.

Abstract: An ophthalmic illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: an illumination source and an optical fiber for transmitting a combined light beam from the illumination source to a site, such as a surgical site within an eye, wherein the illumination source comprises a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) chips optically coupled to a corresponding plurality of light pipes, the LED chips and light pipes arranged in a configuration such that the light pipes converge together at their distal ends to form a cubic box having five sides formed by the distal ends of the light guides and an open side from which the combined light beam, composed of light from a plurality of light beams generated by the LED chips and transmitted to the cubic box by the light guides, is emitted. The luminance of the combined light beam has a luminance greater than the luminance of any one of the plurality of LED chips.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth, and dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits that can be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

Abstract: A high-intensity light source is formed by a micro array of a semiconductor light source such as a LEDs, laser diodes, or VCSEL placed densely on a liquid or gas cooled thermally conductive substrate. The semiconductor devices are typically attached by a joining process to electrically conductive patterns on the substrate, and driven by a microprocessor controlled power supply. An optic element is placed over the micro array to achieve improved directionality, intensity, and/or spectral purity of the output beam. The light module may be used for such processes as, for example, fluorescence, inspection and measurement, photopolymerzation, ionization, sterilization, debris removal, and other photochemical processes.

Abstract: An optical irradiation device incorporating a cluster of LEDs arranged so that shaped facets of adjacent LEDs come together to increase the packing density of LEDs in the cluster. A light guide collects light emitted by the LEDs. Two or more light guides and LED clusters may be arranged in series to produce a single light beam. A heat pipe is provided to conduct heat away from the LEDs. The heat pipe may be annular and contain an inner storage space for batteries or the like.

Abstract: An optical fiber teeth illumination apparatus comprises a handle and a treatment device. The handle has a hollow lighting section at a front end to hold a lighting element and at least one optical fiber. The lighting element is connected to a power source. The lighting section has at least one aperture. The lighting element and the optical fiber are interposed by a condensing light element which focuses light generated by the lighting element on an input end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber has at least one output end facing the aperture to project the light outside. The treatment device is fastened to the front side of the lighting section. Thus dentists can correctly inspect ailing portion and perform treatment without holding a lighting device, and overcome the problem of holding multiple tools such as an oral mirror, lighting device and treatment apparatus at the same time.

Abstract: An electrically powered light source including a light emitting diode (LED) having variable chromaticity, which is adapted for use in a dental operatory. A dental operatory lamp includes a thermally conductive housing having a front directed toward the operating area and a rear away from the operating area; a generally elliptical reflector located on the rear of the thermally conductive housing; at least one heat pipe; a plurality of color LEDs projecting light toward the elliptical reflector, the plurality of LEDs being in thermal contact with the at least one heat pipe; and an optical light guide for combining light from said LEDs. Another embodiment of the lamp includes at least two user selectable light spectra, one of said spectra providing white light with color temperature in the range 4000° K-6000° K and one spectra having reduced output in the wavelength range 400-500 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illuminating device that includes a light source and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is configured to adapt the light source thereon and is capable of being accommodated within a user's mouth. The mouthpiece includes a switch and a power source. The switch is electrically connected to the light source. The power source is electrically connected to the switch and the light source and is capable of providing electrical power to the light source for illumination. Upon receipt of the mouthpiece within the user's mouth and application of pressure on the switch by the user's teeth, the light source is illuminated.

Abstract: A medical illumination unit (1) has an LED chip (15) and a rod-shaped body (5) with a proximal end (11) and a distal end (7). A distal hollow section (9) begins before the distal end (7) and reaches the distal end (7), and a supply lead section (12) begins at the proximal end (11) and reaches the distal hollow section (9). The LED chip (15) is in the distal hollow section of the rod-shaped body (5) and is supplied with energy through the supply lead (12). A luminescent converter is between the LED chip (15) and the distal end (7) of the rod-shaped or tubular body or at the distal end of the rod-shaped body (5), the converter properties of which are selected to convert light emitted by the LED chip (15) into light with a desired wavelength distribution.

Abstract: A multi-light apparatus (10) for primary use in dental or medicinal operatory workspaces and for interconnection with a modular operating chair (12), so as to form the headrest thereof, preferably includes first and second radiation sources (36,72) and a selection mechanism (70) for selecting a desired radiation source, a rigidly flexible light pipe (16) that may be alternatively coupled to each light source (36,72) and is configured to transmit selected radiation to a patient (14), a reflective surface (78) configured to direct the selected radiation to the pipe (16), a power supply (50), a cooling fan (56), and at least one potentiometer (66,68) for varying the voltage delivered to the sources (36,72) and fan (56).

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

Abstract: The invention provides a light guide exposure device comprising light emitting diodes arranged in a single array defining an array width and a flexible light guide having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end defining a proximal end diameter. The array is positioned in substantial alignment with the light guide proximal end to direct substantially all of the light from the array to the proximal end. There is no optical element between the light emitting diodes and the proximal end which optical element would decrease the intensity of light directed from the light emitting diodes to the proximal end. The array width is substantially equal to the proximal end diameter.

Abstract: An intraoral illumination apparatus is disclosed. The intraoral illumination apparatus of the present invention includes a pair of holders (1), a plurality of illuminants (7), which are provided in each holder (1), and a link unit (2), which connects the holders (1) to each other. Each N holder (1) has a U-shaped cross-section and is made of harmless synthetic resin. Furthermore, the outer surface of the holder may be coated with latex, rubber, silicone or the like, which is soft and harmless to humans. Several illuminants (7) are provided in each holder (1) at positions adjacent to the oral cavity. LEDs (light emitting diodes) or other various well-known illuminants may be used as the illuminants (7). The present invention can illuminate the oral cavity or larynx of a patient without casting shadows and prevent a dark unlit spot from being created in the oral cavity or larynx, thus facilitating medial examination and treatment.

Abstract: An illuminator and surgical illumination system are disclosed, one embodiment of the surgical illumination system comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical fiber assembly operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber assembly is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam and wherein the optical fiber assembly comprises a plurality of fiber guides, wherein each fiber guide comprises a cladding having one or more fiber cores for transmitting and scattering the light beam to illuminate the surgical field, and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece for housing and directing the optical fiber assembly. The surgical illumination system can further comprise a separator operable to maintain a spacing between the fiber guides.

Abstract: A system and method for tooth bleaching are disclosed wherein a patient's mouth is prepped for tooth bleaching treatment, a light activated tooth bleaching composition is applied on a tooth surface to be bleached, a lamp assembly is placed in position to activate the oxidizing compound in the bleaching composition, and one or more spacer is coupled to the patient and to the lamp assembly to set a distance between the two.

Abstract: An illuminating device is used for oral photography and is connectable to a lens barrel provided on a camera. The illuminating device includes a light-emitting surface that has an arc shape, so that a periphery of a mouth being under a nose of a person being photographed can be exclusively illuminated.

Abstract: An oral illuminator includes a solid state light-emitting element emitting light, an optical fiber, and a light diffuser. The optical fiber is arranged between the solid state light-generating element and the diffuser for transmitting the light of the solid state light-generating element to the diffuser. The optical fiber has an incident surface optically coupled to the solid state light-generating element, and an emitting surface optically coupled to the diffuser.

Abstract: A medical inspection device. A housing includes a transparent plate. A circuit board is disposed in the housing. At least one light-emitting element is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The light-emitting element is opposite to the transparent plate. Light from the light-emitting element is output to the exterior of the housing through the transparent plate. An image sensor is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The image sensor is opposite to the transparent plate. An image in the exterior of the housing is received by the image sensor through the transparent plate and converted into an image signal thereby. A grip is detachably connected to the housing. A signal transmission line is detachably connected to the circuit board and fit in the grip and extends to the exterior of the grip, outputting the image signal.

Abstract: An illuminator for medical instruments includes a first body part having, at one end, an instrument coupling head and a lighting element and, at its other end, a first electrical connector releasably attachable to a second, compatible electrical connector of a power source.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that attaches to a light source to transmit and distribute light energy to the surface or internal chamber of a tooth for the purpose of photo-initiation of light curing resins and dental tooth whitening. More particularly, the invention may be used with a single or multiple Light Emitting Diode(s) to more efficiently collect and transmit the light energy emitted by the LED(s) resulting in increased total energy, uniform illumination, and collimation of the light energy delivered to the tooth.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a light source having multiple solid state sources, such as LEDs, and emits light of a color temperature of about 5500° K. The system further includes a flexible optical cable formed by a centrally located optical fiber and five corresponding peripheral optical fibers distributed around the center fiber and a sheath for maintaining the optical fibers in a predetermined spatial relationship, with each of the solid state sources is butt-coupled to one end of a single optical fiber. The solid state sources are thermally coupled to a cooling system, which may include fans or other active cooling elements.

Abstract: An illuminator for irradiating targets to change their properties comprises at least one LED having spectral properties that are capable of interacting with a target to effect changes in its properties, a non-imaging concentrator for collecting radiation from the LED and emitting it as a spatially and spectrally uniform beam over a predetermined solid angle, and a light guide coupled to the exit aperture of the non-imaging concentrator to direct radiation to the target.

Abstract: A dental curing light includes a body, one or more LEDs configured to emit a first spectrum of light having a relatively short first peak wavelength (e.g., UV) disposed on the body, and a fluorescing lens that converts at least a portion of the first spectrum of light into a second spectrum of light having a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength. The second spectrum of light is selected so as to match the curing spectrum of a desired light-curable dental composition. In a preferred embodiment, the body comprises an elongate wand having a proximal end and distal end. The LEDs may be disposed at or near the distal end of the elongate wand.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that attaches to a light source to transmit and distribute light energy to the surface or internal chamber of a tooth for the purpose of photo-initiation of light curing resins and dental tooth whitening. More particularly, the invention may be used with a single or multiple Light Emitting Diode(s) to more efficiently collect and transmit the light energy emitted by the LED(s) resulting in increased total energy, uniform illumination, and collimation of the light energy delivered to the tooth.

Abstract: A semiconductor radiation source, having at least two light sources which are fixed on a common base body and so light can be emitted gently over a total emission spectrum, the first light source having a short-wave, in particular from 400 to 430 nm emission spectrum, and the second light source having a longer-wave, in particular from approximately 450 to 480 nm emission spectrum. The first light source (16) is arranged in an optical axis (22) and the second light source (18) has at least two chips (24, 26, 28, 30) which are arranged in particular symmetrically with respect to one another and with respect to the optical axis (22) and in a manner surrounding the optical axis (22).

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

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

Abstract: An optical curing apparatus includes a front shell body which consists of a first shell and a second shell that are coupled in a detachable and turnable manner. A light channeling member is fastened to the first shell and may be adjusted angularly to suit user's requirements. The light channeling member and the first shell are detachable. They are adaptable to the light channeling member of various diameters, and may be removed for sterilizing, or become a disposable and replaceable item. A radiation member and an electric power supply unit are provided and detachably coupled through a connector. The radiation member is reusable even if the case is damage or other elements are breakdown.

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

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

Abstract: A tissue illumination apparatus is useful in identifying caries, calculus, fractures, diseases or other defects in tissues within the oral cavity. The tissue illumination apparatus includes a light emitting device and at least one focusing lens. The lens may be configured to be integrally or releasably attached to the light emitting device. The tissue illumination apparatus may optionally include one or more intermediate focusing lenses. The fluorescing lens and/or any intermediate focusing lenses are made from any desired material that may be impregnated or coated with one or more fluorescing compounds and/or one or more light-absorbing dyes or pigments. The fluorescing lens converts light emitted by the light emitting device into light having a longer wavelength in order to transilluminate oral tissues and render certain dental tissues and/or defects therein visible to a dental practitioner.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system with headlamps, each of which contains a lamp unit for emitting beams forward with a predetermined luminous intensity distribution. The system carries out beam emission with a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the travel conditions of a vehicle. In an implementation, when the speed of one's own vehicle exceeds 25 km/h, a low-beam luminous intensity distribution P(L) is varied according to a vehicle-to-vehicle distance in relation to a preceding vehicle. Remote visibility is increased by positioning a cut-off line slightly upward when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance L is long, whereas when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance L is short the cut-off line is lowered slightly in order not to give a glare to the driver of the preceding vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that attaches to a light source to transmit and distribute light energy to the surface or internal chamber of a tooth for the purpose of photo-initiation of light curing resins and dental tooth whitening. More particularly, the invention may be used with a single or multiple Light Emitting Diode(s) to more efficiently collect and transmit the light energy emitted by the LED(s) resulting in increased total energy, uniform illumination, and collimation of the light energy delivered to the tooth.

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