LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS

• US 20090187078A1
• Filed: 04/27/2007
• Published: 07/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Colin Dunlop
• Original Assignee: Colin Dunlop
• Inventors: Dunlop, Colin
• Application Number:
  US12/298,748
• Publication Number:
  US 20090187078A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/179
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0684 using light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/07 using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/267 for the respiratory tract, e.g. laryngoscopes, bronchoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/30 Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light source apparatus for a laryngoscope. The light source apparatus is remotely operated. In an embodiment, it comprises a magnetically operated reed switch. A co-operating magnet in the laryngoscope blade actuates the reed switch when the blade is brought into proximity with the light source apparatus mounted in the laryngoscope handle.

Claims

1. A light source apparatus for a laryngoscope, including a light source, an electrical circuit for providing power to the light source, and a remotely operable switch for switching power to the light source.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, the light apparatus being arranged to fit into a laryngoscope handle.

3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the remotely operable switch is a magnetically activated switch.

4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein the magnetically activated switch is a reed switch.

5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein the magnetically activated switch is arranged to be operated by a magnet mounted in a proximal part of a laryngoscope blade.

6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, the light apparatus being arranged to co-operate with an optical fibre mounted in a laryngoscope blade, so that light is transmitted from the light source to the optical fibre.

8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light source, switch and electrical circuit are mounted together in a sealed mounting, forming a sealed assembly being arranged to fit into the handle of a laryngoscope.

9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light source is current or voltage driven to provide constant spectral output and intensity.

10. A laryngoscope handle mounting a light apparatus in accordance with claim 1.

11. A laryngoscope blade including a means for actuating a remotely operable switch of a light apparatus in accordance with claim 1.

12. A laryngoscope blade in accordance with claim 11, the means for actuating the remotely operable switch being a magnet mounted in a proximal part of the laryngoscope blade.

15. A method of retrofitting an existing laryngoscope, by mounting a light apparatus in accordance with claim 1 within the handle of the existing laryngoscope.

13-14. -14. (canceled)

16-18. -18. (canceled)