Abstract:
A color-correcting optical delivery system for a dental or medical operatory light in which hue is eliminated. Chromatic aberrations are corrected by canceling the diffractions in the system due to the different wavelengths of the various colors in the projected light.
Abstract:
The light transmissibility of a fiber-optic bundle such as contained in a medical/dental instrument is maintained by the application to the polished and ground end surfaces of the bundle of a thin, substantially-transparent, heat-resistant, hydrophobic compound such as a silicone oil or grease.
Abstract:
A high speed air-driven powerhead in a dental handpiece includes an automatic chuck with outside surfaces protection from overheating. An autochuck release push button on the back of the powerhead is constructed of low thermal conductivity and heat reflective materials to reduce heat due to friction from inadvertent contact with the chuck while rotating. In addition, a sudden stop mechanism is provided which arrests chuck rotation if the force of contact exceeds a level which would raise the temperature of the push button beyond a predetermined threshold. A vortex air barrier is also provided to seal the front end bearing of the powerhead. The barrier also permits spacing which prevents static axial overload of the bearing and eliminates possible damage to the bearing.
Abstract:
A radiofrequency electrosurgical device which includes an active electrode and a passive electrode coupled to a chassis ground of a radiofrequency generator of the device. If the passive electrode is disconnected from the chassis ground, a potential develops between the chassis ground and a system ground. This potential is used to actuate a relay to disable the radiofrequency generator if the passive electrode becomes disconnected. The relay is reset when a main power off-on switch is turned to off position.
Abstract:
An electrosurgical device in which high frequency electrical energy powers a cutting electrode. Radio frequency energy is set up in a driver coil and a driven coil mounted in a handpiece. The driver coil energizes the driven coil to energize a surgical electrode connected to one end of the driven coil. Connection between the source of radio frequency energy and the driver coil includes a circuit in which condensers and impedances are so connected that, if there is a failure of the condensers, energy is dissipated.
Abstract:
Apparatus is provided for generating a condensed beam of light having a limited degree of scatter, or deviation, comprising light collimating means for providing a source of collimating light and light condensing means operatively connected to the collimating means, such as a truncated cone with a reflective inner surface, the condensing means providing a light beam output having a light divergence limited to about 30.degree. or less. The low divergence beam generating apparatus might be incorporated into larger dental apparatus which can be operator manipulated to provide different modes of light output, which modes include the condensed beam with and without a bandpass of visible wavelengths. In practicing the method of this invention, particularly with respect to dental applications such as curing restorative materials placed in one or more teeth of a patient's oral cavity, the low divergence beam is directed at the teeth from a distance of about 1 cm, enabling reduced operator dependence in the process of curing the restorative materials.
Abstract:
A multi-function dental operating light source comprises a series of optical filters and flat reflectors mounted upon a turntable at spaced locations around the periphery, the turntable being rotatable about a fixed axis relative to a stationary tungsten halogen lamp having a parabolic reflector and including stationary spherical mirrors mounted to reflect light forward. The optical filters are adapted respectively to produce pure white light beams free of any color hue for oral illumination purposes, shade-matching light beams, no-cure light beams to prevent polymerization of light-curable resins when exposed to said light for observation purposes, a photocuring light beam extending through a light-condensing cone and suitable to effect polymerization of light curable resins, and means to adjust the voltage supply to the lamp filament to produce by the respective optical filters, mirrors, and light-condensing cone the desired type of illumination and photocuring functions the optical filters respectively are capable of producing.
Abstract:
A control circuit for an electrical device which includes a switch that is electrically isolated from other components. The switch is connected in series with a photovoltaic cell and relay means. The photovoltaic cell is illuminated so that closing of contacts of the switch causes actuation of the relay means. The relay means is connected to actuate the electrical device. Voltage at the switch is limited by the voltage produced by the photovoltaic cell.
Abstract:
A shield for a radiation piping rod is formed by shrinking a length of plastic resin tubing on a rod or on a mandrel having a portion conforming to a portion of the rod to be shielded. The shrunken tubing is provided with a lengthened slit to permit stripping from the rod or mandrel to form the shield. The shield is mounted on the rod after stripping, and an air interface is formed between the rod and the shield to minimize loss of radiation caused by the shield.