Surgical light with touchless switch
US5637863A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An operatory light fixture having a touchless switch operatively connected to a lamp disclosed. The touchless switch is constructed to detect a user's hand when positioned in a command location relative to the touchless switch and to respond thereto by operating the lamp. In a preferred embodiment, the touchless switch is an active infrared-type switch, comprising means for emitting infrared light toward a command location, means for detecting infrared light reflected from an object such as a hand which is positioned at or near the command location, and relay means responsively connected to the detection means and operatively connected to the lamp. In another preferred embodiment, the touchless switch includes means for discriminating a true signal produced by placement of an object such as a user's hand at the command location, from randomly occurring fluctuations in light intensity in the operatory environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.