Method of making a fiberoptic light guide
US6658896B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2552
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of making a fiberoptic dental light probe having a bent distal end with a tapered tip. The method includes the step of heating just the mid-section of a vertically-disposed, solid, cylindrical fused fiberoptic rod and permitting the midsection to stretch and thin under its own weight by the force of gravity. Local heating of the mid-section is accomplished with a high-temperature small flame, such as the flame emitted by a gas-fired blow torch. The heat is removed when the rod stretches to a predetermined length, and then after the mid-section cools, the mid-section is cut to produce a pair of identical tapered tip probes. Thereafter, the distal ends of the probes can be bent to a desired angle and the ends of the probes can be cut to size, ground, and polished. A unique probe configuration is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.