Method and apparatus for curling light-curable dental materials
US6419483B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C2204/002
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for curing photocurable dental materials involve a solid state light emitter and a source of electrical current connected to the light emitter. The source of electrical current provides a current to the light emitter that is sufficient to reduce the lifetime of the light emitter to less than 10 hours. The intensity of light from the light emitter is substantially increased and the apparatus can be conveniently disposed of after use on a single patient. A light guide that includes two conical optical surfaces collects light from the solid state light emitter and optionally directs the light to a third optical surface which has the shape of an elongated, curved tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.