Optical lens used to focus led light
First Claim
1. An optical device for focusing light emitted from a light-generating source of a dental instrument, the optical device comprising:
- a lens having a first end that is substantially flat and a second end that is curved, wherein the substantially flat first end is configured for receiving light from the light-generating source, and wherein the curved second end is configured for focusing the light received by the first end;
means for holding the first end of the lens adjacent to the light-generating source and for protecting the lens from contact; and
wherein the means for holding and for protecting the lens comprise a transparent shield having means for removable attachment to the dental instrument so that it can be removed together with the lens and discarded after use.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An aspheric lens focuses light emitting from a light-emitting diode (LED) of a light-generating dental device for curing light-curable compounds during dental procedures. The LED is preferably affixed to the end of an extension arm extending away from a light-generating dental device. A transparent shield, which is removably attachable to the extension arm, protects the aspheric lens from physical contact during use. The aspheric lens, which has a flat end and an aspheric end, is held in place by the extension arm and/or the transparent shield with the flat end of the aspheric lens being held in close proximity to the LED. Light emitted from the LED enters the flat end of the lens and exists the aspheric end of the lens, which focuses the light for curing light-curable compounds during dental procedures.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. An optical device for focusing light emitted from a light-generating source of a dental instrument, the optical device comprising:
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a lens having a first end that is substantially flat and a second end that is curved, wherein the substantially flat first end is configured for receiving light from the light-generating source, and wherein the curved second end is configured for focusing the light received by the first end;
means for holding the first end of the lens adjacent to the light-generating source and for protecting the lens from contact; and
wherein the means for holding and for protecting the lens comprise a transparent shield having means for removable attachment to the dental instrument so that it can be removed together with the lens and discarded after use. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. In a dental curing apparatus comprised of a dental instrument having a main body for supplying electrical power, an extension arm attached at one end to said dental instrument, and through which electrical power is connectable to an LED light source, an improved optical device assembly connected to an opposite end of the extension arm, the optical device assembly comprising:
a disposable assembly that may be removed and discarded after use on a patient, comprising;
a lens positioned so as to receive light from the LED light source, said lens having a curved end that focuses the received light into a desired focus of illumination suitable for curing dental compounds within a patient'"'"'s mouth, and a transparent shield which fits over and protects the lens, and into which the lens tits and is held, with the transparent shield in turn comprising means for removable attachment to the extension arm. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A dental curing apparatus comprising:
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a dental instrument comprised of a main body for supplying electrical power;
an extension arm attached at one end to said dental instrument, and through which the electrical power is connectable to an LED light source; and
an optical device assembly connected to an opposite end of the extension arm, the optical device assembly comprising;
an LED light source connectable to the electrical power supplied from said main body of the dental instrument, a lens positioned so as to receive light from the LED light source, said lens having a curved end that focuses the received light into a desired focus of illumination suitable for curing dental compounds within a patient'"'"'s mouth, and a rigid, conically shaped disposable transparent shield which fits over and protects the lens, and comprising means for removable attachment to the extension arm so that the transparent shield may be removed and discarded after use on a patient. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A dental curing apparatus comprising:
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a dental instrument comprised of a main body for supplying electrical power;
an extension arm attached at one end to said dental instrument, and through which the electrical power is connectable to an LED light source; and
an optical device assembly connected to an opposite end of the extension arm, the optical device assembly comprising;
an LED light source connectable to the electrical power supplied from said main body of the dental instrument, and a disposable assembly that may be removed and discarded after use on a patient, comprising;
a lens positioned so as to receive light from the LED light source, said lens having a curved end that focuses the received light into a desired focus of illumination suitable for curing dental compounds within a patient'"'"'s mouth, and a transparent shield which fits over and protects the lens, and into which the lens fits and is held, with the transparent shield in turn comprising a means for removable attachment to the extension arm. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification