Electronic video dental camera
US4727416A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 1987 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/555
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electronic video dental camera is provided having a general shape of prior art dental mirrors, thereby being readily manipulated by dentists who are universally familiar with the manipulation of prior art 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. One embodiment also includes a mirror so that the dental camera can be used simultaneously as both a video dental camera and a dental mirror. Another embodiment includes means to cause, as desired, the flow of a selected fluid over the camera lens in order to defog and/or clean the camera lens, thereby allowing proper viewing. In one embodiment, the camera head also includes light sources for properly illuminating the area to be viewed. As a feature of one embodiment, the handle 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. In one embodiment, the handle is uniquely designed to have a one piece connec…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.