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

Abstract: The invention concerns an illumination apparatus for an optical observation device (10), in particular a stereomicroscope or a stereo surgical microscope. A multi-armed light guide with coupler (2) mixes colored light emitted by light-emitting diodes (1a–c) to yield white mixed light (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the combined shadow-free illumination of a pre-definable area and for referencing three-dimensional spatial co-ordinates, and to an active or passive referencing system, each in particular for referencing surgical or medical instruments. The system is characterized in that at least two cameras and the light source (operation lamp) are held together such that the optical signals detected by the cameras, for referencing three-dimensional spatial co-ordinates in the area illuminated by the light source, can be evaluated. Since the field of view of the light source, in its conventional use, is not obscured or only negligibly obscured, this field of view can simultaneously be used for optical navigation by the cameras held together with the light source. In accordance with the invention, the cameras are automatically aligned optimally for optical navigation. The cameras can be rigidly or flexibly connected to the light source.

Abstract: A dental curing light including an elongate wand having a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of LEDs disposed at or near a distal end of the elongate wand and a printed circuit board for mounting the plurality of LEDs. The LEDs include a main through mount LED and a plurality of surface mount LEDs positioned around the main through mount LED. The main LED is through mounted relative to the printed circuit board such that the power connections of the main through mount LED are made through a hole or holes in the printed circuit board. The power connections of the main through mount LED are made on an opposite surface of the printed circuit board relative to the “top” surface to which the surface mount LEDs are mounted.

Abstract: A surgical headlight assembly having a headset structure constructed of lightweight components. The headset structure has adjustable head strap members comprising a generally circular lateral band and a top band. A removable liner is attached to the inside surface of the adjustable headset structure. A lighting assembly which is adjustable with respect to the headset and which uses an adjustable LED is also provided connected to the lateral band. A battery pack is utilized to power the LED.

Abstract: A light emitting diode light system has a plurality of light emitting diodes, a focusing member secured at a fixed distance from the light emitting diodes, and a substrate with a central section in a generally rectangular configuration securing the diodes in a common plane whereby light from the light emitting diodes is focused by the focusing member and projected to a patient for operating and examination purposes.

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

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

Abstract: A 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: A phototherapy device includes a transparent member and one or more light sources mounted in relation to the transparent member for directing light through the transparent member for distribution of the light to a body part of a patient receiving phototherapy. The light source may comprise an array of LEDs supported by a base having supports for positioning the transparent member in relation to the LEDs. Also a gap may be provided between the light source and transparent member to facilitate in dissipating heat produced by the light source. Further the transparent member may be curved to fit a body part of a patient receiving phototherapy.

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

Abstract: A 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: An LED inspection lamp has plurality of LED sources for emitting electromagnetic radiation at different peak wavelengths for causing visible fluorescence in different leak detection dyes. A lens is associated with each LED. Radiation passing through lenses is superimposed in target area at target distance. Another LED inspection lamp has plurality of LEDs emitting electromagnetic radiation at a peak wavelength. A lens adaptor has lens housing for attachment to LED inspection lamp with a single LED for causing visible fluorescence, and a lens. Substantially all of the radiation from the LED passes through the lens and is focused in a target area at a target distance from the lenses. LED spot lights have a similar configuration.

Abstract: A curing light system useful for curing light activated composite materials is disclosed. Various configurations of light emitting semiconductor chips and heat sinks are disclosed, as well as various structures and methods for driving, controlling and using them.

Abstract: A surgical light has a device for the variation of the light field and a device for the setting of the luminous flux, with additionally a device being provided for the detection of a variation in the light field.

Abstract: The radiation device has an array (11) of light-emitting diodes (12) providing light beams which are directed onto a focus region (20) at the input end of a light conductor (18), used for directing a focused light beam onto the radiation point. The light-emitting diodes are supported in a planar holder (19) at different inclination angles, for providing a light cone illuminating the light conductor input end from their output beams.

Abstract: A curing light system useful for curing light activated composite materials is disclosed. Various configurations of light emitting semiconductor chips and heat sinks are disclosed, as well as various structures and methods for driving, controlling and using them.

Abstract: The invention relates to light-generating instruments, which are small, compact and convenient to use. More particularly, the light-generating instruments are generally powered by air, electricity, or light provided by the operating unit, such as the dental chair. Air, electricity, and light provided by the dentist's chair allow for convenience to the dentist while eliminating potential risks and hazards associated with use of an electrical cord to power the instrument.

Abstract: A light that can be worn on the head of a user. Although designed originally to be a surgical headlight for use in equine dentistry, it may be used for any purpose in which a light mounted on the user's head is desirable, e.g., lighting a tunnel in a mine. In the preferred embodiment, a headband retains a halogen lamp on the user's head. The lamp is cooled by a combination of a fan similar to that used to cool personal computers, and fins that act as a heat sink to conduct heat away from the light to the surrounding air, where it is carried away by convection. The lamp and the fan can be turned on and off by a switch on the headband. They can be powered by a battery pack. The switch has a cylindrical button that slides back and forth between the on and off position.

Abstract: An illuminated hand cover assembly (100) is provided. The assembly includes a hand cover (102) including an index finger portion (112a), the index finger portion adapted to cover at least a portion of a user's index finger (132). A first light source (114) having a first light emission area (118) coupled to a lateral side of the index finger portion such that the first light emission area is disposed adjacent a lateral side of a middle phalanx bone (138) of the index finger. The hand cover may include a thumb portion (112b) adapted to cover at least a portion of the user's thumb (142). A second light source (116) having a second light emission area (120) may be coupled to the thumb portion such that the second light emission area is disposed adjacent a lateral side of a proximal phalanx bone (148) of the thumb.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: This invention provides an optically controlled dimmer (optically controlled light adjustment device), more particularly, an optically controlled dimmer having a mechanism capable of detecting light reflected from an object in a short distance and to cause a driving circuit to perform ON-OFF action and to adjust the intensity of light in several stages. The mechanism includes an ultra red ray transmitter to perform the control. A transmitter and a receiver are disposed in parallel in a recess of a casing having a panel. The panel has one hole for transmitting control signal light, and another hole for receiving reflected signal light. The dimmer can be activated by blocking the signal light transmitted from the dimmer by hand, to produce a reflected signal light to be received by the receiver. The received reflected signal light is reformed by a stage control circuit and a switching circuit to perform ON-OFF actions. As a result, the intensity of light is controlled in stages.

Abstract: A lift adjusting module is located in a surgical operation lamp and includes a plurality of latch elements to movably latch on petal sections of a brake piece. The brake piece runs through a rotary member and a rotary shaft. When a handle receives force, the rotary member drives the rotary shaft and moves a lamp seat axially to control the projection focus scope of the operation lamp. In the mean time, the latch elements are compressed and selectively embedded in the rotary member to effectively prevent the operation lamp from wearing and being damaged due to improper force. Thus surgical operation safety may be enhanced and the service life of the operation lamp can be increased.

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

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

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

Abstract: A curing light system useful for curing light activated composite materials is disclosed. Various configurations of light emitting semiconductor chips and heat sinks are disclosed, as well as various structures and methods for driving, controlling and using them.

Abstract: A curing light system useful for curing light activated composite materials is disclosed. Various configurations of light emitting semiconductor chips and heat sinks are disclosed, as well as various structures and methods for driving, controlling and using them.

Abstract: A light handle of an illuminating light is provided which produces a directed beam of light in order to precisely orient and align the illuminating light on a work area. Preferably, a laser producing light source is incorporated within the handle housing, and the directed beam of laser light projects from the distal end of the light handle. The laser light source may be battery powered, or may be powered by a solar panel mounted to the light handle; the illuminating light providing sufficient light to power the solar panel. To maintain sterility in a surgical environment, a light handle cover may be mounted to the light handle. For non-sterile applications, the light handle may simply be attached to the illuminating light without the light handle cover.

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

Abstract: A medical stirrup device includes a base adapted for fixed securement to an associated support member. The device further includes a gooseneck shaft member having a proximal end connected to the base and a distal end spaced from the base. The gooseneck shaft member is selectively manually bendable by an end-user into a curvilinear operative shape between an unbent linear position and a bendable limit of the gooseneck shaft member. A fastener is located at the distal end of the gooseneck shaft member. The fastener is adapted to engage a mating fastener of an associated limb support member to connect the associated limb support member to the shaft. In one version of the development, the shaft member includes first and second co-axial spiral-wound tubular members. In another version, the shaft has adjustable rigidity and is defined from a series of articulated links. A method of positioning a human limb for a medical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interface apparatus provides a sterile barrier between a sterile field and non-sterile portions of an associated surgical lighthead. The interface apparatus is a sterile disposable cover including a lower grippable portion, an intermediate cone-shaped portion, and an upper window area. The lower grippable portion is adapted to connect onto the handle portion of an associated surgical lighthead. An intermediate cone-shaped portion connects the lower grippable portion with an upper window area. The upper window area overlays control input means of the associated surgical lighthead such as, for example, light intensity controls. At least a portion of the upper window area is transparent to enable visualization of the control inputs beneath the sterile disposable cover. The interface apparatus is of a unitary or composite construction.

Abstract: A light curing unit comprising a light detecting panel positioned on the housing of the curing unit to allow the operator of the unit to visibly detect when the light is on. The panel is preferably part of the housing and is positioned proximate the light guide on the curing unit. It covers a section of the unit that exposes the light energy radiating from the lamp located in the housing of the unit. The panel is transparent or translucent, allowing the operator to see the light radiating from the lamp when the unit is in operation. If the unit is in operation and the light suddenly goes out, the operator can immediately detect that the light is out. The operator is then able to continue the curing operation with a new unit or lamp, without having to expend time using an ineffective curing unit.

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

Abstract: An electronic lighting apparatus with at least one multiple position adjustable lighting pod. Each lighting pod includes at least one variable intensity light source and a proximity sensor for detecting objects interposed between the lighting pod and a work field. Each variable intensity light source is powered by a controllable pulse width modulated power supply or other suitable power supply which can be utilized to vary the intensity of the light source. In response to detection of an object interposed between a particular lighting pod and the work surface, the power to that lighting pod is increased, increasing the illumination of the work field. Alternatively, power to that lighting pod may be decreased and power to alternate lighting pods is increased, thereby minimizing shadows within the work field.

Abstract: A surgical light has a device for the variation of the light field and a device for the setting of the luminous flux, with additionally a device being provided for the detection of a variation in the light field.

Abstract: A luminaire body for a surgical operation light with an annular reflector has at least two electric light bulbs (3, 4), a first bulb (3) of which with its socket is associated in normal operation with a given centered position (with respect to the reflector) in the stationary part of the luminaire body, while a second bulb (4) with its socket is situated in a reserve position away from the centered position; in case of a failure of the first bulb (3) the positions of the sockets (1, 5) of both bulbs (3, 4) are changed by an electromagnetically operated turning device (16) such that the second bulb (4) can be turned to the original centered position of the first bulb for reserve-bulb operation after the first bulb (3) has been withdrawn from the centered position.

Abstract: An interface apparatus provides a sterile barrier between a sterile field and non-sterile portions of an associated surgical lighthead. The interface apparatus is a sterile disposable cover including a lower grippable portion, an intermediate cone-shaped portion, and an upper window area. The lower grippable portion is adapted to connect onto the handle portion of an associated surgical lighthead. An intermediate cone-shaped portion connects the lower grippable portion with an upper window area. The upper window area overlays control input means of the associated surgical lighthead such as, for example, light intensity controls. At least a portion of the upper window area is transparent to enable visualization of the control inputs beneath the sterile disposable cover. The interface apparatus is of a unitary or composite construction.

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

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

Abstract: A lamp, in particular a lamp for medical applications (operating lamps), having at least one light source, and at least two reflectors, is provided where in order to form a low-shadow illuminated area, light emerging from the lamp impinges upon the illuminated area by at least two different angles of incidence, such that the angles of incidence of the light can be adjusted by changing the distance between the at least two reflectors or between one reflector and the source of the light. The at least two reflectors may be arranged so that they can shift in the radial direction on carrier rails that extend radially from the center of the lamp. In this arrangement, the reflectors always lie on a common circular circumference, and the reflectors can be shifted through manually activated gears or through electric drive motors.

Abstract: To achieve great security against failure in lamps for medical applications, especially lamps for surgery, two electric bulbs are placed each in a concave mirror of ellipsoidal shape as part of a reflector, the two concave mirrors having focal points which are aligned with one another along an optical axis. The concave mirror provided to serve as the main lamp is configured as a ring reflector, while the concave mirror designed to operate as a reserve lamp closes off the reflector on the side facing away from the direction of emergence of the light. Thus, in the event of a change from main lamp operation to reserve lamp operation, the illuminated field is maintained at least approximately in its size and the location does not change (X and Y directions).

Abstract: A track mounting system for supporting equipment, such as a dental light, includes a pan-shaped carriage which is suspended from the track mounting system and to which the light or other equipment is attached. The track mounting system includes a pair of spaced, parallel tracks which are engaged by rollers rotatably mounted on inner walls of the carriage. At least one of the rollers is formed from a relatively hard material and is concave to mate with the complementary surface on one of the tracks to provide resistance against side loads. Other rollers are formed from a relatively soft material and are convex to provide a light frictional resistance to movement of the carriage along the tracks that inhibits drift, over-travel and other inadvertent movement of the carriage, while reducing noise.

Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating an area within a room includes one or more light sources, preferably disposed outside the room, one or more lighting heads disposed within the room, one or more light pipes and/or fiber bundles to transmit light from the source(s) to the lighting head(s). The system includes means for controlling both the intensity and the color rendering index of the light emitted from the lighting head. In a preferred embodiment, the sources include an incandescent source extending across the visible spectrum and a light emitting diode source which emits essentially red light, and control of the color rendering index is effected by controlling the relative amounts of light from the two sources reaching the lighting head. Preferred forms of the invention also include special joints which permit all necessary translations and rotations of the lighting head while still permitting a continuous light path via fiber bundles and/or light pipes from the source to the lighting head.

Abstract: An operating-room lighting device with an inner lighting unit that includes at least one discharge lamp and an inner reflector in a housing. The lighting unit is at least partially enclosed by an outer annular housing with an annularly or polygonally designed reflector for convergent deviation of light emitted by the lighting unit into an illumination field. The outer reflector includes, on its side facing the inner lighting unit, a closed transparent surface whose back adjoins a reflective layer. The reflective layer is applied to the back of the transparent surface. The inner lighting unit and the outer reflector are held together by a connecting member, which is articulated to a curved intermediate piece for attachment to a stationary support.

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.