Electronic video dental camera
First Claim
1. A dental camera for use in displaying an image from inside the mouth onto a monitor comprising an electronic video endoscope comprising:
- a handle;
a camera head at the distal end of said handle including a means for receiving an image, said camera head being formed such that said means for receiving an image is placed at an angle from the axis of said handle, so as to enable viewing of substantially all areas of a patient'"'"'s teeth inside the mouth, including the distal, labial, buccal, and lingual aspects of the teeth; and
electronic circuitry contained within said handle.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic video dental camera is provided which overcomes the disadvantages of both prior art dental mirrors, endoscopes, and video endoscopes. The electronic video dental camera is readily manipulated by dentists who are familiar with the manipulation of dental mirrors. Such an electronic video dental camera includes a handle to be held the user, and a camera head located at the distal end of the handle, with the camera head being formed at an angle to the handle, as in prior art dental mirrors. One embodiment includes provision for the flow of a selected fluid in order to defog and/or clean the camera lens. In one embodiment, the camera head includes light sources for illuminating the area to be viewed. In one embodiment, the handle of the dental camera includes means for transporting all appropriate signals and fluids to and from the camera head, and, if desired, valves and switching means located on the handle for controlling such communication to the camera head. One embodiment includes a dental camera head which allows a number of attachments to be used, such as a telephoto lens, wide angle lens, relay lens, and transillumination devices. In an alternative embodiment, the dental camera is attached to another dental instrument, such as a dentist'"'"'s drill, thereby allowing video monitoring of the task being performed. In another embodiment, the dental camera is formed as an integral part of the dental instrument.
86 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A dental camera for use in displaying an image from inside the mouth onto a monitor comprising an electronic video endoscope comprising:
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a handle; a camera head at the distal end of said handle including a means for receiving an image, said camera head being formed such that said means for receiving an image is placed at an angle from the axis of said handle, so as to enable viewing of substantially all areas of a patient'"'"'s teeth inside the mouth, including the distal, labial, buccal, and lingual aspects of the teeth; and electronic circuitry contained within said handle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification