Illuminated surgical retractor
First Claim
1. A lighting device for illuminating a work area, the device comprising:
- light transmitting means for propagating light from an associated light source;
cover means for allowing light to propagate through the light transmitting means with minimal disturbance to internal reflection of the light traveling therethrough; and
an air interface between the cover means and the light transmitting means.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A protective cover for protecting a lighting device from direct contact with contaminants or components which may interfere with proper operation thereof. The contaminant (e.g., blood, body tissue, dirt, oil, grease, paint, etc.) or other component (e.g., adhesive pad) can interfere with the desired internal reflection of the light propagating through a light transmitting member, by changeing the angle of reflection of the propagating light. The result is that optical energy is absorbed by the contaminant or component and converted to heat, thus causing the contaminant or component to quickly rise to an undesirable temperature. The present invention protects a lighting device from such interference, while maintaining its versatility.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A lighting device for illuminating a work area, the device comprising:
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light transmitting means for propagating light from an associated light source;
cover means for allowing light to propagate through the light transmitting means with minimal disturbance to internal reflection of the light traveling therethrough; and
an air interface between the cover means and the light transmitting means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A boundary layer for covering a light transmitting means of a lighting device, said boundary layer allowing light to propagate through the light transmitting means without disturbance to internal reflection of light traveling therethrough, said boundary layer comprising:
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a central body portion;
a closed end at one end of said central body portion; and
an open end at the other end of said central body portion. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A lighting device for illuminating a work area, the device comprising:
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light transmitting means for propagating light from an associated light source; and
a coating for allowing light to propagate through the light transmitting means with minimal disturbance to internal reflection of the light traveling therethrough. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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30. A surgical instrument comprising:
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an illumination section for illumination of a work area; and
secondary cover or skin which protects at least a portion of the illumination section from contact with contaminants.
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31. A light pipe comprising:
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an illumination section for illumination of a work area; and
secondary cover or skin which protects at least a portion of the illumination section from contact with contaminants. - View Dependent Claims (32)
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33. A lighting device for illuminating a work area, the device comprising:
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light transmitting means for propagating light from an associated light source; and
cover means for minimizing a temperature rise of a contaminant in contact with the lighting device. - View Dependent Claims (34)
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Specification