초록 ▼

A self contained light source for curing light initiated resins used to coat teeth as veneers and fill cavities and chips in teeth in aesthetic or restorative procedures. The source includes an elongated container holding a battery and electronic compartment at one end and a light emitting window at

A self contained light source for curing light initiated resins used to coat teeth as veneers and fill cavities and chips in teeth in aesthetic or restorative procedures. The source includes an elongated container holding a battery and electronic compartment at one end and a light emitting window at the other. A plurality of closely space light emitters, typically light emitting diodes or laser diodes, are arrayed to direct light to a common focal point. The light is directed out of the container toward a tooth bearing the resin to be cured to a hard, stable state. The light emitters produce light in a region of the spectrum to which the resin curing initiators is sensitive, typically blue light. The light emitters are preferably mounted on concave edged printed circuit so that they are all oriented inwardly toward the focal point. Microlenses may be used with each light emitter to further concentrate light toward the focal point. Preferably, a light transparent barrier sleeve is placed over the light emitting end of the container and replaced between patients.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A self contained light source for curing a synthetic resin coating on teeth, which comprises:an elongated container having a central longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal portions lying along said longitudinal axis;an array of closely spaced light emitting means within sa

[ I claim:] [1.] A self contained light source for curing a synthetic resin coating on teeth, which comprises:an elongated container having a central longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal portions lying along said longitudinal axis;an array of closely spaced light emitting means within said container;mounting means for orienting said light emitting means to emit light toward a common focal point;said light emitting means comprising an array of light emitting diodes, each light emitting diode for emitting light in the blue region of the light spectrum, each light emitting diode having a microlens for directing emitted light toward said common focal point;means for directing said light out of said elongated container from said distal portion thereof in a predetermined pattern;self contained electrical power means within said proximal portion of said elongated container for powering said emitter means.