Tapered light probe with non-circular output for a dental light curing unit
US6435872B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C19/004
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A light probe and a method of using a light probe for curing dental resin in relatively small areas such as at the adhesive interface between a tooth and an orthodontic bracket are disclosed. The light probe is attachable to the curing gun and includes an optically transparent medium extending from a connection end to a discharge end. The medium is disposed at the discharge end such that only a thin ribbon of light is emitted. The cross-sectional area of the discharge end is substantially smaller than at the connection end, and the overall area of discharge is smaller than the input area. An edge of the discharge end of the light probe is placed against the surface of the tooth and light is emitted parallel to the surface of the tooth onto a plane of adhesive.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.