KR20060080110A - Illumination system for dentistry applications - Google Patents

Abstract

The dental lighting system includes an adjustable magnetic support frame and a lamp head connected to the frame. The lamp head includes a spacer and a housing having a configuration suitable for mechanically movably connecting the lamp head to an auxiliary device and a configuration for facilitating illumination of teeth by a light source contained within the lamp head. The spacer and the lamp head may be integrally formed. When formed separately, the lamp head and the spacer comprise the same configuration.

Dental Lighting Systems, Pull Units, Lamp Heads

Description

Dental Lighting System {ILLUMINATION SYSTEM FOR DENTISTRY APPLICATIONS}

1 is a perspective view of a tooth whitening or treatment lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

1A is a perspective view of a tooth whitening or treatment lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a cross-sectional view of various structures of a whitening or treatment lamp head according to one embodiment of the present invention;

3 is an assembly view of several structures of a tooth whitening or treatment lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a perspective view of a structure of a lamp head according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4A illustrates a reflector and integrator assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a perspective view of a lamp head and a boom according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the possibility of movement of the lamp head from the boom according to one example of the illustrated embodiment;

6 is a perspective view of a lamp head according to one embodiment of the present invention;

7 illustrates a mechanical and electrical connection between a lamp head and a boom according to one embodiment of the present invention;

7A illustrates an embodiment of a ball and socket joint;

8 is an assembly view of the lamp head joint according to one embodiment of the present invention;

8A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the structure of the ball joint;

9 is a perspective view of a grill and an electrical connector of a lamp head according to an embodiment of the present invention;

10 is a perspective view of a lighting frame according to an embodiment of the present invention;

10A is a perspective view of an illumination frame having pointed ends according to one embodiment of the present invention;

10B is a perspective view of an illumination frame according to one example of the illustrated embodiment;

10C is a perspective view of an illumination frame having a non-reflective surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;

10D is a perspective view of a lighting frame having an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention;

10E is a perspective view of a rectangular illumination frame in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

10F is a perspective view of the illumination frame of FIG. 12 with a slot mating with a lip pulling device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

10G is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an illumination frame including a heat absorbing device;

11 is a perspective view of a tooth whitening or treatment lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

11A is a perspective view of a lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

11B is a perspective view of another lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

12 is an exploded view of a light guide having an illumination frame;

13 is a perspective view of a lighting frame having a slot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an illumination frame;

15 is a perspective view of an illumination frame installed in the support structure;

15A is a view showing the lighting frame and the supporting structure of the portion in more detail;

16 is a perspective view of a light guide according to one embodiment of the present invention;

17 is a perspective view of a light guide including a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

17A is an exploded perspective view of a light guide having a recording device and an elastic safety device;

18 is a rear perspective view of the light guide according to one embodiment of the present invention;

19 is a front view of a light guide according to one embodiment of the present invention;

20 is a perspective view of a dental lamp head adapted to be connected to a light guide according to one embodiment of the present invention;

20A is a top view of a dental lamp head adapted to be connected to a light guide according to one embodiment of the present invention;

20B is a rear view of a dental lamp head adapted to be connected to a light guide according to one embodiment of the present invention;

21 and 21B are some schematic perspective views of the lip pull device provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21A is a somewhat schematic perspective view of another lip pulling device provided by another embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 22 is a schematic bottom view to some extent of the lip pulling device of FIG. 21A that conforms to a device such as an output port, a light guide of a light source, or a medical examination cone;

FIG. 22A is a top view of an illumination frame mating with a lip pulling device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

22B is a view showing another embodiment of an illumination frame matching with the lip pulling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 23 is a somewhat schematic perspective view of another lip pulling device provided by another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a somewhat schematic front view of the lip pull device of FIG. 21 used for a user / patient; FIG.

24A is a somewhat schematic front view of an exemplary lip pull device connected to a patient / user in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

25 is a somewhat schematic top view of the lip pulling device of 21a;

25A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lip pulling device;

FIG. 25B is a somewhat schematic bottom view of the lip pull device of FIG. 25A conforming to the light guide; FIG.

FIG. 26 is a schematic side view to some extent of the lip pull device of FIG. 25; FIG.

FIG. 27 is a somewhat schematic side view of the lip pulling device of FIG. 25 with a pad; FIG.

28 is a schematic top view of a portion of a pad having a clam shell structure;

29 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lip pull device having a U-shaped channel;

29A is a perspective view of a lip pulling device having an extension wing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

29B is a perspective view of a lip pulling device including a target according to one embodiment of the present invention;

29C is a perspective view of a lip pull device having an extension wing and a target according to one embodiment of the present invention;

29D is a perspective view of a lip pull device including a film holding means according to an embodiment of the present invention;

29E is a perspective view of another structure of the lip pulling device;

30 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lip pulling device having a U-shaped channel with tabs;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a lip pull device to conform both a pair of lower teeth and a pair of upper teeth according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

32 is an exploded view of the assembly of a lip pull device having a light guide and a lamp;

32A is a perspective view of a fixed image examination table according to one embodiment of the present invention;

32B illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that includes a tooth support structure and a dental imaging facility system;

32C illustrates another embodiment of the present invention that includes a tooth support structure and a dental imaging facility system;

33 is a perspective view of a structure of a lamp head according to one embodiment of the present invention;

34 is a cross sectional view of an engaged joint of a lamp head according to one embodiment of the present invention;

35 is a view of a power pack according to one embodiment of the present invention;

36 is a block diagram of a control system for a dental lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a flow chart of a startup procedure of the control system of FIG. 35;

38 is a flowchart of a lamp system monitoring process of the control system of FIG. 35.

The present invention relates to a lighting system for use in dentistry. In particular, the present invention relates to lighting systems for use in dental care, teeth whitening or imaging.

The teeth consist of an outer hard enamel coated by an inner dentin layer and a protective layer called acquired envelope. The enamel layer consists of hydroxyapatite crystals that form some porous surfaces. The sheath or enamel may be dirty or discolored. It is believed that the porous nature of the enamel layer discolors teeth by infiltrating enamel and discoloring substances into the enamel.

There are many causes of tooth discoloration. For example, teeth may be soiled by coffee or tea beverages, or by the use of tobacco products, or by drinking water containing high minerals.

One solution to the contamination problem is by whitening teeth. Some toothpastes, such as cream toothpastes, gels, and powders, contain hydrogen peroxide that liberates whitening agents containing free radicals, or peroxides, or compounds containing percarbonates and perborates of alkali and alkaline earth metals, or hydrogen peroxide.

Teeth whitening can be done at either the dentist's office or at home. Whitening in dental clinics generally uses compounds that can be activated with the aid of a light source with an appropriate wavelength output to speed up the treatment. In addition, the whitening compounds used in dental clinics usually contain higher proportions of whitening agents than the compounds supplied for domestic use.

In addition to contamination, cavities that cause holes or other damage can also occur. In the field of dental repair or treatment, tooth decay is frequently filled and / or sealed with a compound that is photosensitive to either visible light and / or ultraviolet light. This compound, commonly known as a phototherapeutic compound, is placed in a cavities tissue specimen or on the tooth surface and treated when exposed to light from a dental therapeutic lighting device.

Unlike dental treatment and imaging procedures, which are generally relatively fast treatments, tooth whitening sometimes takes a very long time, more than an hour each time you visit the office. On the other hand, tooth repair is often an unwelcome experience. Therefore, a person who receives either treatment of tooth repair or whitening wants to be as comfortable as possible.

The treatment is usually done in a dental chair. Usually, a dental chair has a wide range of adjustments so that the patient can be in a wide range of positions from nearly lying down to nearly up. In order to effectively achieve the whitening or recovery treatment, a light source placed in the mouth is required. A wide range of dental chair positions can make this arrangement difficult.

Further considerations in the treatment of dental care include the cleanliness of the light source and the ability to maintain detail in any part that interacts with the patient. In addition, the treatment of whitening is optimized, for example, by leaving the light source as needed to whiten the teeth to the desired degree. In addition, the light source is preferably as good as possible. Good lamps tend to be safer because they are cooler than bad lamps. In addition, good lamps require less energy to operate than bad lamps.

This remains a need for good and comfortable devices and methods for teeth whitening, treatment and imaging.

The present invention has led to systems, devices, and methods that further comprise performance, patient comfort, and improved safety, maintenance, and operation features for tooth whitening, treatment, and imaging.

In addition, the present invention has led to a placement system that promotes faster patient posture placement and optimal results.

The placement system is for positioning the dental lighting device appropriately on a subject, comprising a lamp system, an auxiliary device, and a spacer that constrains both the auxiliary device and the lamp system to position the lamp system at a distance from the auxiliary device. It includes.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary device and the spacer include an interengaging structure that is movable as if the auxiliary device and the spacer are in parallel.

In another embodiment, the spacer and lamp system includes a mutual interlocking structure that is movable as the spacer and lamp system are in parallel.

In yet another embodiment, the spacer and one or more structures are integrally formed with the lamp system.

An interengagement structure is provided to stabilize the spacer in axial direction and against twisting.

In addition, the present invention includes a support structure that is not conspicuous, easily adjustable, and that can be freely positioned at multiple angles to meet the requirements of patients of various physiques.

The lamp system and the support system comprise an interlocking structure that is movable as if the lamp system and the support system are in parallel.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the light source for whitening or treating teeth comprises, for example, one or more light sources such as an ultraviolet light source for activating the tooth whitening or therapeutic compound. The light source may include a lamp, an arc lamp such as a halogen light source, a semiconductor light emitting device, a light emitting chip such as an LED, a solid state LED, an LED array, a fluorescent bulb, and the like. In the case of dental imaging, the light source may comprise a laser, X-ray or infrared light source in addition to the above. According to the second embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of light sources arranged in a geometric arrangement can be used. In one example, the lighting frame can be disposed within the lamp head housing. In another example, the lighting frame can be used in place of the lamp head housing as a nested structure. In another example, the lighting frame can be in addition to the lamp housing. The light sources can be driven collectively or individually. If driven individually, each individual light source can be turned on or off independently as desired.

In one embodiment, the illumination frame can be adapted to be connected to the spacer, and the spacer is adapted to be connected to the auxiliary device. In another example, the spacer may be an integral part of the lamp system. In another example, the illumination frame includes one or more light sources installed in the illumination frame to illuminate one or more teeth in the mouth of the dental patient.

In one embodiment, the illumination frame can, for example, adapt the patient's jaw and has a first end and a second end. The first and second ends each include a first structure and a second structure, such as a slot and an annular member of an auxiliary device such as a lip pull device, formed to coincide with each other. An arcuate lighting system can be formed along the curve of a human head so that the light source is substantially equidistant from the various teeth of the dental patient. The light source can allow for whitening, treatment or imaging.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the lighting frame is rectangular by a first slot structure on one side of the rectangle formed to match the wing member of the lip pull device worn by the dental patient and a second slot on the opposite side of the rectangle. It is. In one embodiment of the present invention, a path is provided from a light source to a target such as a whitening compound located on the tooth surface, a filling compound present on the surface of the tooth or in a hole, or a tooth for imaging. In one embodiment, the light path includes a light source that enables imaging, whitening or treatment. In another example, the light path includes a light source and one or more reflectors necessary around the light source. According to another example, the present invention includes a second reflector having a first axial hole while having a first hole at an end near the light source and a second hole at the center of the light source. The second reflector includes a reflective inner surface that is adapted to reflect linear light from the light source towards the second hole by reflection. In one embodiment, the optical lens is disposed in the second reflector. According to another embodiment, the optical lens comprises one or more curved surfaces and is adapted to linear light from the light source towards the second hole by refraction. According to another embodiment, the optical filter is disposed coincident with the second hole. Optical filters are provided to prohibit the path of light of various wavelengths and to allow the path of the remaining wavelengths. In another embodiment, an optical filter is provided to prevent most of the light having a characteristic wavelength in the infrared range, for example, through the second hole to the target, if desired. On the other hand, ultraviolet and / or visible light passes through if desired.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an optical path device including a reflector, a lens, a filter, and a diffusion component is described. Diffusion components can be used to spatially homogenize the spectral output of the light source. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diffusion component can be used to generate scattering of light at its input surface to generate any spatially equalized output light pattern. According to another example of the invention, the diffusing component comprises a tissue surface that is adapted to provide scattering of light. In another example, the diffusing component includes a cloudy surface, such as a glazing or portion of a glazing produced by etching, for example. In another example, a cloudy plastic surface component is used. As in the case of the glazing component, the plastic component will be clouded by etching or by a process of mechanically making residuals. In another example, the diffusing component can include a tissue surface having a plurality of stripes, a plurality of ridges, corrugations, a plurality of extremely small cone projections, or other surface features that are adapted to produce scattering of the desired light. In another example of the invention, the diffusion component comprises a transparent or translucent material having a plurality of appropriately sized particles suspended in a layer or passing through the body of the diffusion component. These suspended particles may be spherical or otherwise have a suitable physical appearance.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the diffusion component is disposed between the light source and the lens. The lens is provided for refracting light received from the light source directly or indirectly by reflection from various surfaces and for refracting light towards the target area. In one embodiment, the lens comprises a substantially rectangular perimeter. In other embodiments, the circumference of the lens is substantially circular, elliptical, or otherwise configured according to the particular needs of a given embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment, the lens includes a curved output surface area and a substantially flat input area. In yet another embodiment, the lens comprises an output area that is substantially flat with the curved input area. In another embodiment of the invention, the lens comprises an input surface comprising a curved output region and both a curved region and a flat region, wherein the curved region is produced by a light source or a light source and a diffusion component Minimize the refraction characteristics of the lens within a particular area while providing the desired refraction to other portions of the illumination pattern.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an optical path device including a reflector, a lens, a filter, an integrator and a diffusion component is described. In one example, according to various embodiments of the present invention, an optical path device includes a housing having a reflector face and an integrator face. The reflector surface changes the direction of the diverging light towards the input of the lens or lens system. The integrator plane changes the direction of diverging light received from the lens or output surface of the lens system toward the output aperture of the optical path device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical path device housing is formed of a metal, such as a thin cast metal, for example. In another embodiment of the invention, the light path device housing is formed of a polymeric material comprising, for example, a reinforced polymeric composite material.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the optical path device comprises an optical filter. The optical filter is provided for absorbing and / or reflecting light of a specific wavelength and various wavelengths in a desired range in the application of a dental lighting system. For example, if the output of the dental lamp is required to be primarily in the ultraviolet spectrum, the optical filter will absorb unless it rejects minimal light of visible and / or infrared wavelengths.

In one embodiment of the invention, the optical filter is disposed in the center of the light source, and the diffuser component and the lens are disposed between the light source device and the optical filter. In one embodiment of the invention, the optical filter is disposed within or very close to the aperture of the light path device and the aperture of the output. Subsequently, if there is light suitable for activating the tooth whitening compound, or for other dental treatments, it can be obtained outside of the second hole. On the other hand, for example, if the infrared rays excessively raise the temperature of the target area or are not useful for dental treatment, the infrared light is excluded from the target area or reduced to an acceptable level.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an elastic device is provided for mechanically coupling a filter to a location in an optical path. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention includes another elastic device arranged to mechanically connect the optical lens to the position of the optical path. An elastic device is provided in various examples of the present invention to respectively protect the lens and filter against mechanical impact and to correct for the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion present between the various materials used in the device of the present invention.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the light source and reflector assembly are disposed in the lamp housing. The lamp housing includes certain features adapted to retain the light source and the reflector assembly in the axial aperture of the lamp housing. The lamp housing includes a back hole adjacent the light source and a front hole adjacent the second hole of the reflector.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, one or more wavelength converters may be used. The wavelength converter can operate to convert shorter wavelengths out of the useful range for whitening, imaging or treatment into longer wavelengths of the useful range, thereby minimizing energy waste. In one example, the wavelength converter may be disposed within the lamp housing. In another example, the wavelength converter may be part of the light source. In a third example, the wavelength converter may be comprised of a modular device adapted to be installed or removed from the lamp housing of the whitening, imaging or therapeutic light source at any time desired.

In another embodiment of the invention, the grilles are arranged coincident with the rear holes. In one example, the grill includes holes for heat loss or as a passage of a cooling medium, such as air.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lamp housing also includes a cooling system for maintaining the light source and other configurations of the lamp head at the desired temperature, despite the high operating temperature of the light source. In one embodiment, the cooling system includes a fan. In another embodiment, the cooling system includes a heat sink. In yet another embodiment, the cooling system comprises a heat pipe. In another embodiment, the cooling system comprises a phase change material.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a structure such as a mechanical connection feature near the front hole. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical connection feature provides a safe and movable connection between the housing and the spacer.

The housing used herein includes a structure comprising a light source.

In one embodiment of the invention, the spacer may be a light guide having, for example, first and second structures. The first structure is adapted to movably connect the light guide to the light source or the lamp, and the second structure is for positioning the light head and then the lamp head and / or light source in a substantially position and direction relative to the target. It is adapted to movably connect the light guide to the auxiliary device. In one example, the light guide may have a substantially tubular or ellipsoidal shape. In another example, the light guide can have any type of aperture having a ratio range from about 1: 5 to about 1: 2. Holes at adjacent ends of the light guides are adapted to position the light guides adjacent to the front holes of the lamp housing. Another hole is present at the central end of the light guide. The light guide includes a structure adapted to match the structure of the housing. The light guide has a second structure adapted to movably connect the light guide to a light guide as described above, and then to a reference device for positioning the lamp head and / or the light source in a substantially position and direction relative to the target. It may include.

In one embodiment, the light guide has a spectral absorption, for example visible light can easily pass through the wall of the light guide and ultraviolet light can be absorbed by the wall or reflected for example from the inner surface of the light guide. It may be formed of a polymeric material having properties. By transmitting visible light, the light guide can clearly see the patient's teeth through the wall of the light guide, thereby facilitating the installation of the light guide. By absorbing or reflecting light of ultraviolet wavelengths, a light guide is provided to suppress penetrating induced ultraviolet radiation and to protect soft tissues from the effects of such ultraviolet radiation.

The material of the light guide may be selected to absorb and / or reflect light of one or more ranges of wavelengths impinging on the inner surface of the tube. Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the light guide can reduce the degree of leakage from the system except that light of the main wavelength passes through the center hole of the light guide.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the light guide may be one that can be adapted and discarded after use to be limited to that used for the treatment of one dental patient. In another embodiment, a control structure may be provided that prohibits the use of the light guide to additional patients after it has been used once. One example of the control structure may be prohibited during the process of attaching the light guide to the lamp system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the signal generating and recording reading apparatus is located in the lamp housing. In another embodiment of the invention, the one or more signal generation and write reading devices are located outside of the lamp head housing.

One embodiment of the present invention implements control of the use of the light guide by including a recording medium in the light guide and a signal generating device elsewhere in the lamp system. In one example, the present invention includes the recording of a recording medium corresponding to the received signal and received by the recording medium of the signal from the signal generating apparatus to produce a substantially permanent signal recording. In another example of the present invention, the substantially permanent signal recording is read by the medium recording apparatus so that the conditions of use of the specific light guide including the recording medium are known. As read, based on the conditions of use known by the recording, a control device external to the light guide is provided to allow or prohibit the operation of the light source.

In one embodiment of the invention, the signal from the signal source is received at the recording medium, for example by wired or wireless electromechanical connection. In another embodiment of the present invention, the signal from the signal source is received at the recording medium by the optical communication channel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the signal from the signal source is received at the recording medium by a machine communication channel, an acoustic communication channel, a radio frequency communication channel, or other communication medium corresponding to the specific invention embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the disposable light guide includes a write / read (WORM) memory device. In a particular example of the invention, the WORM memory device receives a signal in relation to the period of use of the light guide of the relevant example and is adapted to substantially record the information content of the signal for later use by the control subsystem of the light guide. do.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of light guides each have an output end having an individual size, where the size of the particular output end corresponds to the mouth size of a particular patient or a class of patients. For example, in various embodiments the light guide may be provided for use mostly with large adults, small adults, or children.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the assist device is a lip pull device having a geometry adapted to receive one or more patient lips in tooth repair, imaging or whitening treatment.

In one example, the light guide and lip pull device provide an interlocking system for the optical arrangement of a light source with a target, enable test manipulation settings, and enhance patient safety during dental treatment.

In another example, taking into account the convention of forming each patient's profile for more comfort, a soft foam or elastic cushion is placed along the edge of the light guide interconnected with the lip pull device.

In one embodiment, the light guide includes air holes to allow the patient to breathe comfortably during the whitening or therapeutic treatment or during imaging.

According to the present invention, the auxiliary device may include a lip pulling device having a structure adapted to repeatedly position the user's lips with respect to the light output port, the light guide, the conical structure or the imaging device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lip pull device comprises at least two channel retainers or flanges, at least one elastic member, and at least two winged members or flanges, wherein each channel retainer comprises a groove, an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall. Each wing member is separated from the attachment portion of the elastic member. Each vane member may be adapted to conform to the structure of an output port, a light guide, a cone or the like, or a slot in an imaging device. In one example, each elastic member is attached to the inner sidewall of two adjacent channel retainers by gluing or heat sealing, and includes two arches; Each vane flange or member is attached to the channel retainer by gluing or heat sealing. In another example, each elastic member is integrally formed on the inner sidewalls of two adjacent channel retainers and includes two arches; Each vane flange or member is integrally formed with the channel retainer.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lip pulling device comprises a pad attached or formed to the elastic member at least around the arch area.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the lip pulling device comprises at least two channel retainers, at least two winged flanges and a tongue retainer, the channel retainers are spaced apart by at least one elastic member, and the winged flanges are It is integrally attached or formed to the channel retainer, and the tongue retainer is attached to the two channel retainers.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lip pull device comprises four channel retainers or flanges, four elastic members, and two winged members or flanges, each channel retainer comprising a groove, an inner side wall, an outer side wall. and; Each elastic member is integrally formed or attached to two outer sidewalls of two adjacent channel retainers and includes an arch; Each vane member or flange is integrally formed or attached to the channel retainer or flange at a position away from the attachment region of the elastic member. Attachment can be accomplished by adhesive or heat sealing. Each vane member is adapted to conform to the structure of an imaging port such as an output port, a light guide, a cone, or a slot of an imaging device.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lip pulling device comprises four channel retainers, a plurality of elastic members, and a tongue retainer, the channel retainers being spaced apart by one or more elastic members having an arch, The retainer is attached to the two channel retainers by two secondary elastic members.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the lip pulling device includes two or more pads attached or formed to the elastic member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lip pulling device for adapting a dental treatment compound, for example a whitening compound. In one example, the pulling device may further comprise a U-shaped channel configured to selectively conform the upper or lower teeth of a set of teeth of the user. The U-shaped channels support the channel retainers in a substantially fixed space with respect to each other. In another example, the arch of the pulling device can be configured to conform the U-shaped channel.

In one example, any of the lip pull devices described above may have tabs that aid in insertion and removal and facilitate grip.

In addition, in one embodiment, the lip pull device is discarded after labor to adapt for single use by the patient. One example of the control structure may be inhibited during the attachment process of the lip pulling device to the light guide.

Further, in another embodiment, the use of the lip pull device includes a recording medium around the wing-like member, for example for the controlled use of the light guide as described above, and includes a signal generating device elsewhere in the lamp system. Can be controlled. In another example, the signal generating device may be present in the lamp housing if both the spacer and the structure, for example a slot that matches the wing-like member of the lip pull device, are integral parts or attached to a lamp housing, for example a lighting frame. .

In another embodiment, the assistive device may be held in place by natural compression of the patient's lips. The device includes a wing that provides placement and positioning for the mating structure of the imaging device. The configuration allows the patient to remain in position with relatively little effort during imaging.

In another example, the assistive device includes a passively retained portion that secures to the patient of the dental imaging. The assisting device further includes a first placement structure that provides and is coupled to the passively retained portion for placement of one or more tooth shapes. The assist device further includes a second placement structure that is configured and coupled to the imaging device to conform with the first placement structure in a substantially fixed position with respect to the one or more tooth shapes. The auxiliary device may comprise a film holder connected to the passively retained portion. The film holder locates an imaging film, or imaging sensor, for imaging one or more tooth shapes.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary device may be a disposable device and the imaging film or imaging sensor may be integrally formed with the holder.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing of the lamp housing or the lighting frame comprises a structure, for example a ball member having a convex spherical surface. The ball member is adapted to be accommodated in a structure such as a ball hole having a corresponding concave spherical surface.

In one embodiment of the invention, the ball hole is connected to one end of the support boom. The support boom can be supported by a mast which in turn is supported by a face supported base. In one of the various embodiments, the base is a wheel movement base. The wheel may further include a locking wheel for improved maneuverability and stability when operating or inoperative.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the ball joint is formed by the combination of the ball member and the ball hole. The ball joint facilitates positioning of the lamp head in various positions and directions relative to the balance of the lamp system, followed by positioning of the front hole of the lamp head and positioning of the light guide connected to the lamp head housing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a boom joint is provided for connecting the mast to the boom of a tooth whitening, imaging, or treatment ramp forming a separate support system. In various embodiments, the boom joint is adapted to maintain the boom in a fixed position and orientation with respect to the mast in compliance with the following stops. In another example of embodiments of the various inventions, the boom joints enable pitch and yaw motion of the boom relative to the mast.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more booms and masts are arcuate in shape, and effective use of the space is possible in the dental examination room.

In one example, the lamp head with the light source and the optical configuration may be in the form of modules. In another example, the controls for the light source can be stacked in a power pack. The power pack may be in the form of a module for easy installation and removal.

In one embodiment, the power pack may have a display panel indicating the status of the dental procedure. In another embodiment, the pack may include a voice alarm system that alerts the dental practitioner of the condition of the dental treatment.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the whitening compound may be in the tray. The tray may be positioned in the patient's mouth using an assistive device such as a lip pull device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the lighting frame may be installed in the lamp head. In one arrangement, the lamp head provides a support for the lighting frame. In another arrangement, the lamp head powers the lighting frame. In another arrangement, the lamp head may be installed in an adjustable upright that further provides adjustability for the dental lighting system. In another arrangement, the lighting frame can be used in place of the lamp head and can be installed directly with an adjustable upright. In one example, the illumination frame has a non-reflective surface on which the light source is disposed. In one embodiment, the non-reflective surface is coated on the illumination frame. In a second embodiment, the antireflective surface is a layer of material bonded to the illumination frame. In a third embodiment, the illumination frame is made of antireflective material. In another embodiment of the invention, the illumination frame has a reflective surface.

In another embodiment of the invention, the dental illumination frame comprises a light source that emits a plurality of lights of substantially the same wavelength. In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental illumination frame comprises a plurality of light sources emitting light of different wavelengths.

In another embodiment of the invention, the dental lighting system has an arcuate lighting frame having a tapered end. The tapered end results in a smaller size in the illumination frame close to the patient's mouth. In another arrangement, each tapered end includes a slot configured to mate with a wing of a lip pull device worn by a dental patient.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental lighting system emits a light source from the light source that can brighten the dental lighting system. In another embodiment of the invention, the dental lighting system has a light source positioned at the same height as the lighting frame.

The present invention having the above and other advantages can be well understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The detailed description set forth below is intended to explain the method and apparatus for treating tooth whitening and dental material illustrated below, provided by one example of the present invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be equipped or utilized. The description describes features and procedures for providing and using the tooth whitening and tooth material treatment methods and apparatus of the present invention. However, it will be understood that the same or equivalent functions and structures incorporated into the tooth whitening and tooth treatment methods and devices may be achieved by various embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although any methods, devices and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or examination of the present invention, the illustrated methods, devices and materials are described below.

 The present invention has led to an illumination system for teeth whitening, imaging or treatment. The lamp system activates a whitening substance or filling compound applied to the patient's teeth by light from the light source.

In tooth whitening, cleaning and / or whitening agents are for example applied to the teeth of a patient. In dental treatment or repair, compound fillers are applied to the surfaces and / or holes of the teeth. Whitening agents and / or compound materials are activated by the application of energy, for example electromagnetic energy. In imaging, the light source generates an image of a patient's teeth, for example by direct imaging using X-rays or by indirect imaging or illumination processing.

For effective activation or imaging while reducing the pseudo heating of the tooth and enveloping the tissue, electromagnetic energy of a particular wavelength may be provided, for example optimized for the activity of the particular chemical used. For example, in order to activate a whitening compound or a filling compound, it is known to irradiate the dental patient's teeth with light from a light source in the visible and ultraviolet regions.

Another way to enable effective chemical activity of the tooth whitening compound is to position the light source to sufficiently light the tooth surface being treated.

Since the light intensity changes away from the light source and becomes inverse cube, the light source used is preferably close to the tooth surface being treated. In addition, some light effects on the chemical activity of teeth whitening or therapeutic compounds, or on imaging, can be harmful to soft tissues, thus minimizing exposure of the patient's gums, tongue, facial skin and other soft tissues to light sources. It is desirable to.

In view of this, it is desirable for the illumination system to be able to assure fast positioning of the light source near the patient's teeth or mouth.

To achieve this, in one example, spacers, such as light guides, and auxiliary devices, such as lip pulling devices, include structures that can engage each other as opposed to one another. In another example, the spacer and the lamp system include structures that are movably interlocked as opposed to each other. An interengagement structure can be provided to stabilize the spacer in axial direction and against twisting.

The lamp system and the support system may comprise interlocking structures as opposed to each other.

The word structure used herein in connection with the auxiliary device, the spacer, the lamp system and the support system refers to the part of the auxiliary device, the spacer and the lamp system which is formed to coincide with the corresponding part of the adjacent structure. It includes a portion of the above listed article formed by casting, or a separately formed and assembled portion.

Suitable interengagement structures include tongues and grooves, masts and sockets, swingable hooks and sockets, resilient clips and sockets, tongue or winged members and slots, balls and sockets, and more specific examples as detailed below.

Dental care typically involves the protection of a patient's soft tissue, which typically includes applying a smooth plating such as a sheet of rubber or foam onto the patient's gums and other soft tissue. In therapeutic treatments, the plating may be applied to pristine teeth. The soft tissues of the patient can be selectively protected, for example, by opaque gauze pads or by non-ultraviolet light treatment, ultraviolet blocking chemicals. After the soft tissue of the patient is protected, a whitening compound or a filling compound is applied to the teeth. The compound is then activated by light from the lamp system. The lighting system of the present invention can be easily disposed with respect to the subject and is ergonomically compatible for both right and left handed users. In addition, since parts of the lighting system can be separated and modular, the lighting system is easily assembled, disassembled, packed, transported or transported. Each part or module can also be sent for repair or renewal.

Rubber materials useful for smooth plating may include natural or synthetic rubbers. Synthetic rubbers may be, for example, elastic materials, but are not limited to various interpolymers or block interpolymers (Kratons ^® ), EPDM (ethylene propylene propylene), available from Kraton polymers such as styrene-butadiene rubber or styrene isoprene rubber Monomer) rubber, nitrile (acrylonitrile butadiene) rubber, latex rubber, and the like. Foam materials may be closed cell foams or open cell foams, including but not limited to polyolefin foams such as polyethylene foams, polypropylene foams and polybutylene foams; Polystyrene foam; Polyurethane foams; An elastic foam formed of said elastic or rubber material; Or polybiodegradable or biosynthetic polyesters such as composite lactic acid resin (including L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid) and polyglycolic acid (PGA); Polyhydroxyvalerate / hydroxybutyrate resin (PHBV) [Hybrid polymer of 3-hydroxy butyric acid and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid (3-hydroxy valeric acid) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) hybrid polymer] ; And polyester / polyurethane resins.

1 is a perspective view of a tooth whitening, imaging or treatment lamp system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The lamp 100 includes a lamp head 102 having a lamp head housing 104 and a light guide 106. The lamp head 102 provides light to activate a whitening substance or therapeutic compound applied to the patient's teeth, for example by guiding light through the light guide 106. This lamp system can be used in dental offices or dental laboratories.

The lamp housing 104 and the head 102 are, for example, a polymer that can be cast or molded; It may be composed of a polymer material of metal or metal alloy. Suitable polymer is a polyetherimide, such as polyethylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, polyester, acrylic polymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, or ULTEM ^®; Polycarbonate and polybutylene can ^® is Xenoy compound of terephthalate over polycarbonate and isophthalate terephthalate resorcinol (with all available from GE Plastics), copolymers of Lexan ^® plastic of play resin or the like of the polymer alloy, an aromatic polyester Liquid crystal polymers, such as aromatic polyester amides containing one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids [hydroxylbenzoate (hard monomer), hydroxynaphthoate (flexible monomer), etc.] as an ester or component , Aromatic hydroxyamines and aromatic diamines (exemplified in the contents of which U.S. Pat. Patent No. 6,730,377 To search for an example in which the contents incorporated by reference), or to combinations thereof.

Further, a polymer compound such as an engineering resin permeation processing material or a compound may be used as the polymer filled with pigment, carbon fine particles, silica, glass fiber, conductive fine particles such as metal fine particles or conductive polymer, or a mixture thereof. For example, a mixture of polycarbonate and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) can be used in the lamp housing and head.

In general, polymer materials or compounds having high heat resistance are suitable.

Suitable metals or metal alloys are stainless steel; aluminum; Alloys such as Ni / Ti alloys; Amorphous metals, including those available from, or similar to, Liquid Metal, Inc., such as those described in the entirety of US Pat. No. 6,682,611 and US Pat. No. 2004/0121283, incorporated herein by reference. have.

To minimize light energy leakage, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,293,435, 5,332,522, 6,043,861, 6,046,791, 6,573,963 and 6,836,314, incorporated herein by reference Among the cholesteric liquid crystal polymers, which can reflect light energy rather than transmit it, may be used as a coating or main material of the housing 104 and / or the lamp head 102.

The lamp head 102 is attached to the first end of the boom 108. The lamp head 102 can be positioned relative to the boom 108 and has a wide range of motion with respect to the end of the boom 108. The boom 108 is supported by the mast 110. In the described embodiment, the boom 108 is pivoted relative to the mast 110 at the tapered end of the boom 108 closer to the second end of the boom 108 than the lamp head housing 104.

The boom 108 may be adjustablely positioned relative to the mast 110. The boom 108 has a range of motion that is rotated and biased relative to the mast 110. The counterweight 122 at the second end of the boom 108 provides an equilibrium amount for the lamp head 102.

The mast 110 is attached to the base 112. In the described embodiment, the mast 110 is fixed relative to the base 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 112 is a rolling base having a plurality of arms 118 extending radially from the center 116 of the base 112 to which the mast 110 is attached.

The boom 108, mast 110 and base 112 are of the polymer or metal type as described above for use in the lamp housing 104. Here, since the boom 108, mast 110 and base 112 are unlikely to be in a high temperature environment, suitable materials do not need to have high heat resistance. On the other hand, structural integrity is a more desirable feature.

In the described embodiment, the casting wheel 120 is connected to each central end of the plurality of arms with respect to the center 116 of the base 112. The casting wheel 120 is adapted to contact and is therefore supported by a surface, for example a support bottom. In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more casting wheels 120 include a stop mechanism such that the cast wheel is prevented from rolling when the stop mechanism is in the locked position. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of casting wheels 120 includes a stop mechanism. In another embodiment, the plurality of casting wheels 120 includes individual stop mechanisms.

The rolling base 112 allows the entire lamp system 100 to be positioned relative to the patient of the dental chair. The rolling base 112 shown here is merely a representative example. Other types of rolling bases are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the mast 110 of another embodiment of the present invention may rotate in an axial direction with respect to the base 112. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mast 110 is curved so that the bending is defined by the concave side 124 and the convex side 126 of the mast 110.

In the described embodiment, the power pack 114 is attached to the mast 110 of the convex surface side 126. The power pack 114 includes a control for the lamp system 100.

The housing, rolling base 112 and roller 120 of the power pack 114 may be made of a polymer or metal, such as the materials described above for use in the lamp housing 104, providing structural integrity. Here, since the rolling base 112 and the roller 120 are unlikely to be in a high temperature environment (unlike the power pack housing 114, the lamp housing 104, and the head 102), suitable materials provide high heat resistance. You don't have to.

In operation, lamp system 100 is positioned relative to a patient in a dental chair (not shown). The position of the power pack 114 of the mast 110 allows the lamp system 100 to operate depending on whether the lamp system 100 is located to the right or left side of the patient. The bending of the mast 110 allows the lamp system 100 to be positioned relative to the patient to position the power pack 114 away from the patient while easily operating the lamp system 100.

In one embodiment, the mast 110 may have a uniform external dimension along its length as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the mast 110 may have non-uniform external dimensions along its length as shown in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1A, the middle cross section of the mast 110 has a larger dimension than the other portions of the mast. In one example, this intermediate cross section can be matched with the installation location of the power pack 114. In another example, a wide portion of mast 110 may be flattened to conform power pack 114. In a third example, the wide portion may be recessed or recessed to conform the power pack 114 so that the power pack 114 does not protrude much from the entire side of the mast 110.

In one embodiment of the invention, the boom 108 and the mast 110 may be positioned such that the marks are not larger than the marks of the base 112. In particular, when the boom 108 is rotated to a minimum vertical angle, when the lamp head is at the lowest height near the base, the projection of the lamp system to the floor falls only within the circumference of the base 112.

In another embodiment, the boom 108 and the mast 110 may be positioned such that the marks are not larger than the marks of the base 112 by the center of the dental lamp system falling within the base 112.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the outermost surface of the counterweight 122 does not extend beyond the circumference of the base 112 at the corner position of the boom 108.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the position of the power pack 114 of the mast 110 is associated with positioning of the lamp system 100 on each side of the patient so that both right- and left-handed lamp operators are equal. It is possible to operate the lamp system 100 comfortably and effectively.

After the lamp system 100 is positioned relative to the patient, the operator places the spacer shown in FIG. 1 as the light guide 106 together with the lamp system. The lamp head 102 can be set to a wide range of positions through a wide range of motion of the boom 108 relative to the mast 110 and the lamp head 102 relative to the boom 108. The light guide 106 may be configured to mate with the lamp head 104 and the assist device, which is a patient-written lip pull device (not shown in FIG. 1 or 1A), thereby providing a substantially accurate placement for the patient's mouth. Can provide. Representative examples and materials are described in US Application No. 60 / 604,577, "Lip Pulling Device," filed August 25, 2004 and described in more detail below.

The light guide 106 may be made of a material similar to that described above for the lamp housing 104 and the lamp head 102. In addition, for example, in order to minimize the leakage of light energy, as described above, the cholesteric liquid crystal polymer, which can reflect rather than transmit light energy, such as the lamp housing 104 and the lamp head 102 is a light guide. It can be used as a coating or main material of.

2 is a cross-sectional view of various structures of the lamp head housing 104 and the lamp subassembly 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The light source 300 located within the lamp head housing 104 includes a first reflector 302 which is essential for the light source 300. The first reflector 302 is generally a path 304 through the aperture 310 of the lamp head housing for a target (not shown), such as a whitening compound located on the tooth surface or a filling compound present on the hole or surface of the tooth. Induces light from the light source 300 along the.

Light path 304 includes a second reflector 306 generally coaxial with respect to first reflector 302. The body of the second reflector 306 includes an upper tab 309 and a lower tab 310 that are pressed after being assembled toward the light source base 322. The upper tab 309 and the lower tab 310 provide additional protection to hold the light source 300 in place if the lamp head 102 is shaken or dropped. The second reflector 306 includes a reflective inner surface adapted to further guide the light toward the hole 310 with respect to the target. Embodiments of the lamp head housing 104 further include an optical lens 308 disposed within the second reflector 306. According to this embodiment the optical lens 308 comprises one or more curved surfaces and is adapted to guide light from the light source 300 toward the aperture 310.

The light path 304 further includes an integrator 312 located near the second reflector 306 and generally coaxial with the first reflector 302. Integrator 312 combines the light to provide a uniform intensity of light passing through hole 310. The light path 304 further includes a diffuser 330 disposed within the integrator 312. In addition, the optical filter 314 disposed to coincide with the second hole 310 interferes with the path of various wavelengths of light, but permits the path of the remaining wavelengths. For example, in one embodiment, the optical filter 314 may prevent the path of most of the light that is characterized in the infrared range from passing through the second hole 310 of the target. In contrast, light in the ultraviolet and / or visible range allows to pass. Thus, light suitable for activating the tooth whitening compound can be obtained outside of the aperture 310, but the infrared rays that excessively raise the temperature of the target area are reduced to an acceptable or acceptable level from the target area.

Further, the light sources of the embodiments described above may include gas filled arc lighting, such as halogen light sources, semiconductor light emitting devices, light emitting chips such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), solid state LEDs, LED arrays or fluorescent bulbs, all of the representative examples only. have. Other types of illumination generating devices, including lasers and X-ray light sources, may be within the scope of the present invention.

3 is an exploded view of a lamp head according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the described embodiment, the light source 300 includes a first reflector 302. The lamp subassembly 130 has heat absorbing devices 320-1 and 320-2 connected to the light source ballast / base 322. The fan 324 of the lamp head housing 104 near the heat absorbing device 320 and the ballast / base 322 keeps the light source 300 and the lamp subassembly 130 cool. The heat absorbing device may be made of a material having good thermal conductivity, including a metal block of copper, aluminum or the like. In another embodiment, the cooling system comprises a heat pipe. In another embodiment, the cooling system comprises a phase change material, and some embodiments and materials include US dental application No. 0 / XXX, XXX “Dental Lighting Device with Enhanced Heat Absorption Device”; And US Provisional Application No. 60 / 582,224, filed July 2, 2004, "Dental Lighting Device with Heat Absorption Device Filled with Phase Change Material", is incorporated herein by reference.

A heat absorbing device having a phase change material can more effectively remove or convert heat from a light source at a given weight of the heat absorbing device material, as compared to a heat absorbing device consisting of a solid block of heat conductive material such as metal. Such heat absorbing devices can more effectively remove or divert heat from the therapeutic lighting device when used with reduced weight of the material. The use of a phase change material contained within a hollow thermally conductive material, such as a metal heat absorber, in place of a conventional solid metal heat absorber can reduce the weight of the therapeutic light, and the heat absorber is used in the dental lighting industry. It can increase the time it takes to reach the "stop" temperature. The period before reaching the stop temperature is referred to as "run time". Increasing the "run time", i.e., the time that light can stay, increases the time that the dentist can perform treatment or whitening treatment.

In one embodiment, rechargeable dental therapeutic lighting is described that includes one or more phase change materials. In another embodiment, tooth whitening illumination is described that includes one or more phase change materials. The heat absorbing device includes a block of thermally conductive material such as a metal having holes or voids in which the phase change material is at least partially filled.

The heat absorbing device digs into a thermally conductive material, such as a metal, and the one or more phase changes such that the one or more phase change materials are substantially included or surrounded by the metal thermally conductive material commonly used in the construction of conventional heat absorbing devices. It can be constructed by at least partially filling the voids with material.

In addition, the heat absorbing device may be cast or machined from a thermally conductive material such as metal to create a wall that surrounds the holes or voids. The holes or voids are partially filled with one or more phase change materials before covering to protect the material therein.

In one embodiment, the heat absorber of the present invention can be used by itself. In other embodiments, it may be used in combination with or in combination with conventional metal block heat absorbers in addition to fans.

The heat absorbing device of the present invention may be attached to a heat generating source, that is, a light source which may include one or a combination of the above, or to another heat absorbing device, such as a method in which a conventional metal block heat absorbing device is installed. It can be installed in dental lighting, imaging or whitening lighting.

Suitable phase change materials can include organic materials, inorganic materials, and combinations thereof. This material can be substantially reversibly phase changed and can typically be done in infinite or large number of cycles without losing performance. Organic phase change materials are paraffin wax, 2,2-dimethyl-n-docosane (C ₂₄ H ₅₀ ), trimiristin, (C ₁₃ H ₂₇ COO) ₃ C ₃ H ₃ , and 1,3-methylpentaco Stein (C ₂₆ H ₅₄ ) and the like. Sodium monohydrogen phosphate hydrate (Na ₂ HPO ₄ 12H ₂ O), ferric chloride hydrate (FeCl ₃ 6H ₂ O), and TH29 (hydrate salt with a melting temperature of 29 ° C., from TEAP Energy of Wangara, Australia Inorganic materials such as hydrated salts, or metal alloys such as Ostallo 117 and UM47 (available from Umicore Electo-Optic Materials) are contemplated. Illustrative materials are solids having a melting point between about 30 ° C. and 50 ° C., for example between 35 ° C. and 45 ° C. at room temperature. In addition, the materials exemplified have a high specific heat of, for example, at least about 1.7, more for example at least about 1.9, when at room temperature. In addition, the phase change material may have a ratio of, for example, at least about 1.5, more for example at least 1.6, when in an overtemperature state.

In addition, the phase change material has a high latent heat of fusion to store an important amount of thermal energy. This latent heat of fusion can be for example at least about 30 kJ / kg, more for example at least about 200 kJ / kg.

The thermal conductivity of a material is a coefficient that determines the rate of heat transferred from the thermally conductive casing to the phase change material and vice versa. The thermal conductivity of the phase change material may be, for example, at least about 0.5 W / m ° C. at room temperature and at least about 0.45 W / m ° C. at over temperature.

In general, the phase change material may be contained in a thermally conductive material such as a metal casing. The casing is defined as a hole, which may be of any shape, but is generally cylindrical or rectangular, for example. The metal casing or wall of the aperture includes a phase change material and helps to conduct heat there away from the phase change material. Thinner walls may have more phase change material at a given size of the heat absorbing device and may, for example, weigh less of the therapeutic light. However, thinner walls will allow the heat absorber to conduct heat from the phase change material with less efficiency and will take longer to return the phase change material to room temperature and to its original state, so that the heat absorption Can function again as a device. For example, the wall thickness is in the range of about 1 mm to 2.5 mm, more for example about 1 mm to 1.5 mm.

In addition, the casing may be configured to have a large surface area. Since structures having fins or other features for increasing surface area for thermal conductivity or transferability are desirable, spherical structures are useful but not the optimal choice. These fins or other surface area increasing features can be matched to the holes to increase the contact area between the thermally conductive casing and the phase change material, thus performing heat transfer between the thermally conductive casing and the phase change material faster. .

In addition, the thermally conductive casing can provide excellent thermal contact for heat transfer from the light source. This can achieve a high range of interactions by the soft thermally conductive surface. Thermal bonding can also be accomplished by thermally conductive media materials such as thermal epoxy. In addition, the electrically insulating media material is useful for separating the light source from the heat absorber of the electrical sense without losing thermal conductivity.

The lamp subassembly 130 further includes second reflectors 306-1, 306-2 positioned coaxially with the first reflector 302. The body of the second reflector 306 includes two tabs 309 and 311. The tab 309 of the second reflector top 306-1 downwards towards the bulb base 322 to provide additional protection to keep the light source 300 in place when the lamp head 102 is shaken or dropped. Bends In another embodiment, the tab 311 of the second reflector bottom 306-1 is bent upwards towards the bulb base 22 to provide further protection. Normally, only one tab is bent for easy release of the lamp head 102. The second reflector 306 includes a reflective inner surface 326 that is adapted to further guide the light toward the hole 310 relative to the target. Reflective inner surface 326 is, for example, a high gloss metal. Another embodiment of the second reflector 306 can be obtained from Alanod, Ltd., UK, by deposition of an antistatic layer on anodized aluminum, and a metal layer of the anodized surface, for example, as a base reflective layer. A reflector formed by deposition of a low reflectance, such as present, and then a high reflectivity antistatic layer; Liquid crystal polymer plastics that can reflect rather than transmit light energy can be used as described above, as a surface coating, or as the main material of the reflector, or as another material having similar properties.

Usually, liquid crystal plastic compounds have, for example, reflectance, processability, low absorption of related wavelengths, ease of manufacture, ease of solvent removal, physical and chemical properties (eg flowability, tensile strength, solvent resistance, scratch resistance, and Phase transition temperature), and one or more coefficients including ease of cleaning.

Suitable liquid crystal polymers include those suitable for the lamp head housing. Suitable polymers include polyesterimide polyaxes comprising chiral polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides, polymethacrylates, polyacrylates, polysiloxanes, or mesogenic groups that are selectively separated by rigid or flexible comonomers. . Other suitable liquid crystal polymers have a polymer polyaxial (eg, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polysiloxane, polyolefin, or polymalonate polyaxial) with chiral mesogenic side chain groups. The side chain groups are selectively separated from the axial axis by spacers such as alkylene or alkylene oxide spacers to provide flexibility.

Usually, in order to form a liquid crystal layer, a liquid crystal compound is coated on the surface. Liquid crystal compounds include one or more chiral compounds (eg liquid crystal plastic compounds) or chiral monomers (liquid crystal monomers) that can be used (eg polymerized or crosslinked) to form liquid crystal polymer plastics. Liquid crystal compounds also include one or more nematic liquid crystal compounds or nematic liquid crystal monomers that can be used to form the nematic liquid crystal polymer. The nematic liquid crystal compound or nematic liquid crystal monomer can be used to change the pitch of the liquid crystal compound. The liquid crystal compound may also include one or more treatment additives, such as, for example, therapeutic agents, crosslinkers, or ultraviolet, infrared, ozone, antioxidants, or visible light absorbing dyes.

The liquid crystal compound may also be formed using two or more different kinds of: liquid crystal plastics, liquid crystal monomers, nematic liquid crystals, nematic liquid crystal monomers, or combinations thereof. Usually in a liquid crystal compound a specific proportion by weight of the material will be determined, at least in part, by the pitch of the liquid crystal layer.

In addition, the liquid crystal compound usually contains a solvent. The term "solvent" as used herein refers to a dispersant and a binder of two or more solvents and dispersants. In some instances, one or more liquid crystal compounds, liquid crystal monomers, or processing additives also act as solvents. The solvent may be substantially removed from the coating compound, for example by drying the compound to evaporate the solvent or by reacting some solvent (eg, by reacting the solvent liquid crystal monomer to form a liquid crystal polymer).

After coating, the liquid crystal compound is converted to a liquid crystal layer. This conversion involves evaporation of the solvent; Crosslinking of a liquid crystal compound or a liquid crystal monomer; Various processes, including, for example, the processing of liquid crystal monomers (e.g. polymerization) by the use of heat, radiation (e.g. chemical radiation), light (e.g. ultraviolet, visible or infrared light), electron beams Technology, or a combination of these techniques.

In one embodiment, the optical lens 308 is disposed within the second reflector 306. According to this embodiment, the optical lens 308 comprises one or more curved surfaces and is adapted to direct light towards the target. The lamp subassembly 130 further includes integrators 312-1 and 312-2 and diffusion components 330 that work together to direct uniform light to the target (not shown).

The optical path, or the interior of the lamp housing 104 of the lamp or lighting system, has one or more absorbers / emitters having at least a portion from which incident light is projected, and at least a portion capable of absorbing incident light and emitting longer wavelengths of light. It may further include. In one embodiment, at least the wavelength converter may be configured to capture substantially all of the emitted light and convert only a portion of the captured light to longer wavelengths. In other embodiments, one or more wavelength converters may be configured to capture at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source and convert all captured light to longer wavelengths. In addition, the wavelength converter may be present as a component of the light source 300, at least a portion or components of the reflectors 302, 306, or the interior of the lamp housing 104, as shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, the wavelength converter can be adapted to capture low wavelengths outside the usable range of the intended purpose and convert them to usable wavelengths, thus making use of the available output power and minimizing heat generation from the outside.

4 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom half of the lamp housing 104 and lamp subassembly 130 of FIGS. 2 and 3. The lamp subassembly 130 is assembled in this figure and includes a cooling component (heat absorbing device 320 and fan 324), and a second reflector 306 and integrator 312. The upper tab 309 of the second reflector 306 is shown in a pressed mode to protect the light source as described above. In addition, the optical filter 314 is shown along the elastic mounting portion 332. When assembled to the lamp subassembly 130, the optical filter 314 is coupled to the integrator 312 by an elastic mount 332. Also shown in this figure is an electromechanical connector 334 that couples the lamp system to the electronics of the light guide. This part of the lamp system 100 will be described below in more detail.

4A shows the assembly of the second reflector 306 and the integrator 312 in more detail. According to the described embodiment, the second reflector 306 and the integrator 312 form a substantially rectangular tube or box. As shown, the reflector includes a first 5020 and a second 5040 reflective inner surface.

In the described embodiment, the bottom 305 and top 307 of the second reflector 306 are adapted to conform to each other at corresponding edges 5060, 5080, 5100, 5120. According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom 305 and top 307 include tabs 5140, 5160, 5180 (not shown), 5200, respectively, to aid in this connection. Each tab 5140, 5160, 5180, 5200 includes each surface (eg, 5220) adapted to be supported with each other for each tab of the opposite member.

Like the second reflector 306, in the described embodiment, the integrator 312 is formed of two portions 313, 315. Each portion includes edges 5240, 5260, 5280, 5300 and surfaces 5320, 5340, 5260, 5380, respectively, that support each other.

Reflector portions 5100 and 5120 have substantially trapezoidal inner surface regions 5400 and 5520. In addition, the joining of the edges supporting each other further forms substantially trapezoidal surface regions 5430 and 5440.

In a similar manner, integrator portions 313 and 315 are joined during assembly. According to one embodiment of the present invention, this results in substantially rectangular planar regions 5520 and 5540 and substantially trapezoidal planar regions 560 and 5580. In another embodiment of the present invention, the surface regions 5520 and 5540 are substantially trapezoidal.

According to another example of the invention, reflector portions 5100 and 5120 and integrator portions 313 and 315 are coupled at each edge 5600 and 5620 to form a substantially rectangular tube or box as described above. According to one embodiment of the invention, one or both of reflector 306 and integrator 312 include protruding tabs 5640 at edges that support each other. This tab 5640 may be integrally molded to each assembly portion or assembled therein. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tabs 5640 function to fit into each other or to other members, thus connecting the reflector 306 to the integrator 312 more effectively.

The more effective optical wavelengths for the chemical activity and imaging of tooth whitening compounds or other dental compounds can be toxic to soft tissues, thus minimizing exposure of the patient's gums, tongue, facial skin and other soft tissues to the target illumination. It is preferable. Therefore, it is important to properly control the focus of the light path and the illumination used.

In addition, it is important to substantially space homogenize the intensity of illumination that the target compound receives in order to produce predictable and therefore optimal results. In addition, the preferred example described above to limit light exposure to the target compound further stimulates the example of the invention described above in connection with the fixation of the light source and the target region.

5 is an exploded perspective view of a lamp system according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the lamp head 102 is movably attached to the boom 108. The boom 108 is movably attached to the mast 110. The mast 110 is movably attached to the base 112. The power pack 114 is movably attached to the mast 110. The attachment mechanism for each part will be described in more detail below. The ability to separate each lamp system main component, that is, lamp head 102, boom 108, mast 110, base 112 and power pack 114 from lamp system 100 may be moved, transported and Provides an advantage to maintenance.

The separate and / or modular lamp portion is easier to pack in a moving crate than the assembled lamp system 100. In addition, the portions necessary to more securely protect the lamp head 102 and the like can be packaged in a container having better protection than other portions, thereby protecting the finer portions of the lamp system 100 while minimizing the cost of movement.

In addition, the separate lamp system portion is easier to transport than a fully assembled lamp, for example when a salesman visits a customer. In addition, the ability to separate lamp system parts may move individual parts to a repair center for repair or upgrade. For example, the lamp head 102 can be moved to a repair center for light source replacement.

6 is a perspective view of a lamp head 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lamp head 102 includes a lamp head housing 104 and a light guide 106. The lamp head housing 104 generates light and guides it through the light guide 106. In this embodiment, the lamp head housing 104 generates light by a light source such as a light bulb or the light source described above. The light guide 106 functions as a medium between the lamp system 100 and the patient undergoing dental treatment, such as whitening, and can be described in more detail below with respect to FIG.

The lamp head housing 104 further includes two types of illuminated partial indicators 150, 152. The first form 150 indicates the portion of the completed tooth whitening treatment. In this embodiment, there are four such illuminated portion indicators 150-1, 150-2, 150-3, 150-4. Each indicator 150-1, 150-2, 150-3, 150-4 represents a portion where the whitening treatment is completed. For example, during one hour of whitening treatment, the first indicator 150-1 lights up after 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, the second indicator 150-2 lights up, and all the indicators 150-1, 150-2, 150-3, 150-4 light up until time passes. In another embodiment of the present invention, the lamp head housing 104 includes an indicator system that blinks at a selected time interval to indicate a percentage of the whitening treatment where the illuminated partial indicator is complete. In another embodiment of the present invention, a display such as a liquid crystal display, installed in the lamp head housing 104, indicates the state of the whitening treatment.

The second type of illuminated partial indicator is a single indicator 152 that indicates the need for a new light source of the lamp head housing 104, hereinafter referred to as light source replacement indicator 152. The structure in which the light source replacement indicator 152 is activated will be described below with reference to FIG. 35.

In the described embodiment of the lamp head housing 104, the illuminated partial indicators 150, 152 are lit by LEDs. In another first embodiment, the LED protrudes through the surface of the lamp head housing 104. In another second embodiment, the top surface of the lamp head housing 104 may be sealed and / or smoothed, and the LED is located in the recess of the bottom surface of the lamp head housing 104. The material of the lamp head housing 104 near the LED may be transparent or translucent. This embodiment has the advantage that the surface of the lamp head housing 104 is easily cleaned and free of debris that may occur due to protruding onto the lamp head housing surface. In another third embodiment, the lamp head housing surface has an indicator located above the illuminated partial indicator of the second embodiment.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a control system may be included having a built-in voice alert system to warn the dentist or the time, or stage, of the dental procedure. The control system may also include headphones or other personal listening devices, for example, so that only the dentist may receive a voice alert. In one example, the personal listening device may be a wireless listening device such as a wireless radio communication device or an infrared communication device.

In one embodiment, the dental lighting system includes a built-in electronic voice alarm system to alert the dentist to the completion of the dental procedure.

In one example, the electronic voice alarm system is similar to the technology used in electronic devices such as toys, mobile phones, automobiles, and other consumable electronics, but may utilize electronic voice generation circuit technology with new message content manipulated for dental purposes. .

In yet another embodiment, the dental lighting system includes an audible electronic voice alarm system having a new approach to time course during the dental treatment and other similar dental treatments described above. This audible electronic voice alarm system uses an electronic device having a pre-recorded time interval command stored in the device.

According to one embodiment, the alarm system is adapted to have the illuminated partial indicator, as well as to reproduce the recorded voice generated when the electronic timer circuit is programmed to play a specific electronic voice count alarm through the voice speaker of the device. In one example, the played message may include a time interval and may be programmed, and in some embodiments may be programmed again.

In another embodiment, the dental lighting system with an electronic timer device is controlled by a microprocessor with an internal clock. The microprocessor is signaled to know when the lamp is first turned on. At a predetermined time interval, e. send. In one embodiment of the invention, the speaker is arranged in a light source. This process can be programmed to continuously inform the 10 second interval when the voice chip issues another recorded voice signal of "10 seconds". Various time increments and corresponding voice signals can be programmed or selected according to the needs of a particular dental procedure.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental lighting system includes a pre-recorded voice flow that can be configured to play a special alert message at the end of the procedure. The pre-recorded voice signal may include messages such as "treatment complete", "end of first cycle", etc. when used for teeth whitening treatment or similar reaction time. The system may also be configured to instruct the dentist at a specific time during the procedure. Representative messages may include pre-recorded voice flows indicating that "the treatment is nearing completion", "plan the next step in the whitening treatment", and "the whitening ramp warming cycle is complete." Many and many such voice alerts may be within the scope of the present invention.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a dental instrument having the voice alarm system of any of the above embodiments, connected to an electrical control device. The electrical control device may include a microprocessor and a switch such as an electromechanical switch or a solid state switch. In various embodiments, the electrical control device is adapted to warn the dental practitioner of the end of the procedure and turn off the light output when the predetermined time has ended. This further improves the efficiency and precision of dental procedures and frees the dentist to take care of other problems where the voice alarm system sounds, rather than hesitating around the patient or keeping the hand close to turn off the lamp. In one example, the alarm system equips the patient with a dentist and / or dental practitioner calling device.

This embodiment of the lamp head 102 further includes a structure such as a pivot mounting portion 154. Also, if a lighting frame 105 such as that shown in FIG. 10 described below is used in place of the lamp head 102, this pivot mounting portion is used. Pivot mount 154 is used to movably attach boom 108 to lamp head 102. Pivot install 154 includes shaft 156 and ball swivel 158. The shaft 156 of this pivot mounting portion 154 is attached at the rear end of the lamp head housing 104. The ball swivel 158 is attached to the other end of the shaft 156. The ball swivel 158 is inserted into the spring loaded ball cup of the boom 108, which will be described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 5. The pivot installation 154 improves the position of the lamp head 102 relative to the patient by causing the lamp head 102 to pivot around the end of the boom 108 to increase the degree of freedom of movement.

7 is a perspective view showing a portion of the lamp head 102 and the boom 108, further illustrating the possibility of movement of the lamp head 102 from the boom 108. The lamp head 102 is shown separated from the end of the boom 108 and includes a lamp head housing 104 and a pivot mount 154. Behind the lamp head housing 104 is a grill 160 with an electrical connector 162.

The boom 108 has a lamp connector assembly 164. The lamp connector assembly 164 movably attaches the lamp head 102 to the boom 108 by receiving the ball swivel 158 of the pivot mount. As described above, the connection between the lamp head 102 and the boom 108 increases the degree of freedom of movement of the lamp head 102 relative to the boom 108. In addition, the boom 108 is substantially a hollow tube and may include an I / O cable 166. I / O cable 166 includes an electrical plug 168 received in lamp head housing 104 by electrical connector 162 to electronically attach lamp head 102 to the boom. I / O cable 166 powers lamp head 102 and controls data by carrying data to and from power pack 114.

7A is a perspective view illustrating components of a ball and socket joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Ball and socket joint (or referred to as ball joint) 902 includes a head tube 908, which head tube 908 and first opening 910 and second opening 911 at opposite ends of the head tube 908. Has The third opening 912 is in the face of the head tube 908. The ball joint 902 further includes a first ball cup 914 and a second ball cup 915 that are received into the first and second openings 910, 911, respectively. A pivot mount 906 holding a tooth whitening lamp head (not shown) is connected to the ball joint 902 by a ball swivel 904. The first and second ball cups 914, 915 are configured to receive the ball swivel 904 through the third opening 912 in the head tube 908. The ball joint 902 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the lamp connector assembly 900 capable of detaching the attachment between the lamp head 102 and the boom 103 (not shown). Head tube 908 is attached to the end of the boom 103. The lamp connector assembly 900 is a socket joint that includes a ball joint 902 that receives the ball swivel 904 of the pivot mount 906 on the lamp head as shown below.

The front assembly 900 of this embodiment includes first and second ball cups 914 and 915, first and second spacers 916 and 917, first and second springs 918 and 919, first and second. Second nut plates 920, 921 and first and second ball joint knobs 922, 923. Since each ball cup 914, 915 has a curved surface, a round shaped space is formed to accommodate the ball swivel 904 when the ball cups 914, 915 are matched at the curved surface.

To form the ball joint, ball cups 914 and 915 are inserted into the head tube 908 so that the rounded space aligns with the third opening 912 of the head tube 908. Spacers 916 and 917 are inserted into opening 910 and opening 911, respectively, and are positioned on either side of the matched ball cups 914 and 915. The first and second springs 918, 919 are placed opposite the first and second spacers 916, 917, respectively.

Nut plates 920 and 921 are attached to opposite ends of first and second openings 910 and 911 top head tube 908. Each nut plate 920, 921 may have a central opening 918, 919 that may be threaded.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the knobs 922, 923 may include an ultrasonically welded stud having an externally threaded tip. The screws of the knobs 922, 923 are fixed through the central openings of the nut plates 920, 921 and press the springs 918, 919, the spacers 916, 917, and the ball cups 914, 915 to form a ball cup ( 914, 915 cause the ball swivel 904 to depress. When the knobs 922, 923 are clamped down, the received ball swivel 904 cannot move inside the matched ball cups 914, 915. When the knobs 922, 923 are loosened, the received ball swivel 904 can move inside the matched ball cups 914, 915.

The first optional embodiment of the ball socket relies on spring strength above the pressure from the screw to apply pressure to the ball cups 914, 915. Also, the springs 918 and 919 shown here are coil springs. Alternatives to coil springs include spring washers and other mechanisms for applying linear forces, for example, as known to those skilled in the art.

8A is a cross-sectional perspective view of components of ball joint 902 shown as a cutaway view of head tube 908 according to one embodiment of the invention. The first ball cup 914 is in an appropriate place inside the head tube 908. The ball swivel 904 of the pivot mount 906 is inserted through the third opening 912 of the head tube 908.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a ball joint, such as, for example, described in FIGS. 8 and 8A, is only one example of a coupling shape that can be used to couple various modifications or dental devices or elements to the ends of the boom 903. In an alternative embodiment, a flexible member, such as, for example, a gooseneck member, is disposed between the payload device and the front end of the boom. The support structure of the present invention may include any flexible coupling device suitable for a particular application and payload device.

9 is a perspective view illustrating a grill 160 for a lamp head housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the grill includes a plurality of perforations 131 between the inner and outer surfaces. The perforations 131 are suitable for allowing the passage of the atmosphere between the inner and outer regions of the lamp head housing, thus cooling and ventilating the housing. In one embodiment, the perforation comprises a plurality of holes which are nearly circular. In other embodiments, the grill may include square holes, rectangular holes or slots, louvers, or other suitable perforated barriers, such as woven wire screens or suitable textile materials, for example.

The grill of the described embodiment includes two flanges suitable to hold the grill in a nearly fixed position in the opening of the lamp head housing. In the embodiment shown, the flange includes an upper flange 132 and a lower flange 133. Each flange has a first elevated portion 134 and a second elevated portion disposed in an inclined relationship with each other.

The inclined relationship between the side 134 and the elevated 135 flange includes, in various embodiments, a 90 ° angle or other angle suitable for the particular application. In addition, the flanges of certain embodiments include barb or latching contours or shapes.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the elevated portion 135 includes a separate surface 136 suitable for contacting an individual area facing the interior of the lamp head housing to prevent displacement of the grill 160 in use. Although the described embodiment includes a flange in contact with an almost wide portion of the grille, an alternative embodiment includes a plurality of narrower flanges spaced apart from the periphery 137 of the grille.

It will be appreciated that in various embodiments, the flange may be supplemented or replaced by alternative engagement features such as snaps or fasteners. According to a particular embodiment, such snaps or fasteners may include a plurality of pop-rivets, machine screws, self tapping screws, ball and socket pins, roll pins, and cotter pins. Contains rivets. In another embodiment, the grill is secured in place by the attachment of a chemical adhesive such as, for example, epoxy, silicone adhesive, contact cement, or cyanoacrylate based adhesive. In another embodiment of the present invention, the grill is held in position by an elastomeric gasket and / or magnetic coupler.

According to the described embodiment, the grill also includes an electrical connector 162. The electrical connector has a reinforcement region 138. In the described embodiment, the reinforcement region 138 is a movable member suitable for assembling the balance of the grille. In another embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement region is integrally formed as part of the grille.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement region 138 supports a plurality of individual electrical connector pins 139. In various embodiments, the individual electrical connector pins include crimp-on connector pins, such as, for example, the connector pins of the trademark Molex. In another embodiment of the present invention, individual connector pins are adapted to be soldered to each conductor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of individual connector pins is a female receptacle. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of individual connector pins are male plugs. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various choices of integral and individual connectors are possible, including connectors not available in the context, and that various connectors are within the scope of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the individual connector pins are adapted to be inserted into preformed bores in the reinforcement region 138. In another embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement region is adapted to be formed as a separate connector in its original position, for example molded by injection molding.

In the described embodiment, each connector is coupled to a separate conductor 161 to form a mechanical and electrical connection to the conductor 161, respectively. As described, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the individual conductors are mutually coupled to a second electrical connector 163 suitable for placement in the lamp housing. The second electrical connector comprises, for example, a plurality of electrical contact devices for connection to the internal circuit board of the lamp head.

As shown in FIG. 10, multiple light sources can be used in place of lamp head housings as self-contained structures, for example as illumination frame 105 in one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11A, the lamp head provides support for the lighting system in one arrangement. In another arrangement, the lamp head provides power to the lighting frame 105. In another arrangement, the lamp head is mounted to an adjustable floor stand that provides better control over the dental lighting system, as shown in FIG. 11A. In another aspect, the illumination frame can be added to the lamp head housing as shown in FIG. In another embodiment of the invention, the illumination frame can be mounted to the lamp head as also shown in FIG. Dental lighting system 100 ′ includes an illumination frame 105 connected to lamp head 110 ′ by tube 115. The illumination frame 105 provides light to activate the whitening material or therapeutic compound applied to the patient's tooth 120. The patient is generally wearing a reference device, such as a lip contraction device 350. The illumination frame 105 and lamp head 110 ′ guide and generate light towards the patient's teeth during the whitening or treatment process. In another alternative embodiment, the tube 115 is flexible and can be adjusted in various positions. In another embodiment, the illumination frame 110 ′ is flexible.

In lighting systems with multiple light sources, the light sources can be powered intensively or individually. If powered individually, each individual light source is preferably turned on or off separately. This is particularly useful for therapeutic or imaging treatments, where only one or two teeth can be processed or examined.

Multiple light sources can be arranged in a geometric arrangement. In one embodiment, they may be arranged in a bow shape and may match the jaw of the patient as shown, for example, in FIG. 10. Lighting frame 105 has a front 465 and a back 460. Front 465 is concave and rear 460 is convex. The tube 115 is attached to the back of the lighting frame 105. The tube 115 provides support for the lighting frame 115 and serves as a wiring conduit for the lighting frame 105. The plurality of light sources 235 are arranged along the front surface 465 of the illumination frame 105. The light source is just one example and is not limited to this list. The light source 235 generates and directs light towards the patient's teeth during the whitening, imaging or treatment process (as shown in FIG. 11). In the first embodiment, the light source 235 emits light having almost the same light spectrum. In the second embodiment, the light source 235 emits light having a different spectrum. In one aspect, the light source is nearly equidistant from the various teeth that the light source is facing. In another aspect, the light source 235 may protrude from the front of the illumination frame 105. In another aspect, the light source 235 may be disposed at approximately the same height as the front of the illumination frame 105.

11A is a perspective view of an illumination system 150 ′ according to one embodiment. The frame 105 is attached by a tube 115 to a lamp head 110 ′ attached to the adjustable floor stand 155. In one aspect, the tube 115 is attached to the lamp head 110 'by, for example, a pivot joint 152' such as a ball joint. In a first arrangement, the lamp head 110 may power the illumination frame 105 to generate light such that the illumination frame 105 activates a whitening substance or therapeutic compound applied to the patient's teeth. In a second arrangement, the illumination frame 105 and lamp head 110 'generate light at the lamp head 110' and guide it through the illumination frame 105 to provide light upon whitening, treatment or imaging. In this embodiment, light is provided to the illumination frame 105 via fiber optics operating through the tube 115.

Lighting frame 105 may be attached to a mast, as described above. An exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 11B, which is a perspective view of a lighting system 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illumination frame 105 is attached by the tube 115 to the floor stand 155 which is more directly adjustable via the lamp head 110 ′ as shown in FIG. 11A. In this embodiment, the control pack 190 'is also a power pack. This embodiment has the adjusting capability of the system shown in FIG. 11A but is less weight due to the absence of the lamp head 110 '.

Since the illumination frame 105 has a first end 450 and a second end 455 that can be tapered, as shown in FIG. 10A, it reduces the lateral volume of the illumination frame 105 at the patient's mouth. .

In one embodiment, the illumination frame 105 has a plurality of light sources 235 spaced substantially flat across the front of the illumination frame 465, as illustrated in FIG. 10B. Another embodiment of the invention has a different arrangement of light sources 235 along the front surface 465. For example, instead of being evenly spaced apart, the light sources can be staggered. The invention is not limited to the number and arrangement of light sources 235 shown herein.

In FIG. 10C, the illumination frame 105 has a front side 465 and a back side 460. The tube 115 is connected to the back side 460 and a plurality of light sources 235 are arranged along the front side 225 of the illumination frame 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 240 of the front surface 225 of the illumination frame 105 is non-shrinkable. In one embodiment, surface 240 is a non-shrink coating. In a second embodiment, surface 240 is a layer of material such as non-shrink plastic or rubber.

Figure 10d is a rear perspective view of the lighting frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illumination frame 105 also has a front side 225 and a rear side 460 as tubes 115 attached to the rear side 460. Tube 115 provides support for illumination frame 105 and carries electrical wiring for a light source (not shown). Wiring (not shown) is connected to the electrical connector 255 located inside the tube 115.

As shown in FIG. 10E, in another embodiment, the illumination frame 105 generally has a substantially flat front face 500 having a rectangular shape and a plurality of light sources 505 arranged along the front face 500. 10F is a perspective view of another arrangement of the illumination frame of FIG. 10E. The lighting frame 105 has a first slot structure 520 on one end and a second slot structure 525 on the other end. Each slot structure 520, 525 is disposed forward from the front face 500 of the illumination frame 105. In each slot structure 520, 525, the slots 530, 535 start at each front end 540, 545 of the slot structure 520, 525 and are disposed inside the front 500 of the lighting frame 105, It is also constructed and arranged to match the formation of a reference device, such as a wing shaped member, such as the lip shrinkage device 350 shown in FIG. 15 to facilitate alignment of the illumination frame 105 with the patient's teeth.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the illumination frame 105 may be shaped and configured to match a reference device, such as a lip contraction device being used by the patient, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, thereby providing a patient's mouth. Can be adjusted almost precisely.

10G is a top view of an illumination frame 105 including a heat sink in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The lighting frame 105 has a plurality of light sources 235 having a heat sink 650 coupled to their ballast (or base). Heat sink 650 may be made from any of the materials described above, including phase change materials. The heat sink can also be of any shape.

In some exemplary embodiments, for example in FIG. 12, the illumination frame 105 has a configuration such as a slot or the like that interlocks with a reference device, such as a lip shrinkage device 1138, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. It may be attached to or disposed in a spacer such as a light guide 106 having a configuration such as a wing-shaped member 111 for positioning the illumination frame 105. The elastic member 1128 is disposed between the patient and the light guide 106. The elastic member 1128 absorbs painful or uncomfortable shock and serves to protect the interface between the patient and the light guide 106.

In another aspect, the lighting frame 105 may be a self-contained structure, as shown in FIGS. 10, 12, 13, and 14. In FIG. 13, the illumination frame 105 is generally

It is arcuate in shape having a first end 501 and a second end 502. The rear face 230 of the illumination frame 105 is convex and the front face 225 of the illumination frame 105 is concave. The lighting frame 105 may function as a spacer with structures. That is, as shown in FIG. 22B, the spacer and structures, eg, slots, may be present together in a lamp housing such as lighting frame 105. Each of the ends 500, 505 has slots 510, 515 that open from the front surface 225 of the lighting frame 105 toward the rear surface of the lighting frame 105. Each slot 510, 515 extends inward from each end 501, 502 of the illumination frame 105. As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the slots 510, 515 are positioned and configured to engage structures of a reference device, such as the wing 111 of the lip retracting device 1138, and the like.

The light source of the illumination frame 105 may be a single wavelength or a differential wavelength as described above.

 As also described above, as shown in FIG. 14, the illumination frame 105 may also include a pivot mount 154 and a ball swivel 158 at the end of the shaft 156. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the illumination frame 105 may be attached to the support system of FIG. 1. As noted above, as shown in FIG. 15, the boom 108 may be adjustablely positioned relative to the mast 110. The boom 108 has both a range of rotation and tilt of movement relative to the mast 110. The counterweight 122 on the second end of the boom 108 provides a balancing force for the illumination frame 105.

Attachment is similar to that of FIG. 7 described above, and is described next in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15A in which the ball joint 902 is coupled with the illumination frame housing 1150. Housing 1150 includes a socket joint 902 and a first extension 1152 having a ball end of the ball at its rear. The signal line 1170 is coupled at one end of the housing 1150. The signal line includes a power line adapted to power one or more illumination sources 1156 installed on the front face 1154. The single line may include a light guide, such as an optical fiber, adapted to transmit light from a remote light source to one or more illumination sources. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, signal line 1170 includes stress relief characteristics 1172.

The embodiment of FIG. 15A shows first and second structures, such as wing coupling members 1158, 1160, and the like. Each wing engaging member 1158, 1160 includes a respective slot 1162, 1164. Slots 1162 and 1164 are adapted to receive correspondingly to wing-shaped members 1134 and 1136 of a reference device, such as the lip shrinkage device described above.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 16, the spacer includes an oval tube member 1020 having an axial cavity 1040 provided between the front opening 1060 and the rear opening 1080. Can be.

As in the embodiment shown, the first edge of the tubular member is defined as a curvature of a nearly elliptical saddle having a convex shape generally associated with the horizontal portion 1100 and a concave shape generally associated with the vertical portion 1120. Edge 1010 also includes first and second nearly horizontal slots 1140, 1160. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the slots 1140 and 1160 are installed to be substantially coplanar with respect to each other and to be substantially coincident with the major axis of the elliptical saddle-shaped bend defining the edge 1010.

Rim 1180 extends radially inwardly from edge 1010 to a second saddle-shaped curved edge 1200 (also referred to as a “second edge”) that is nearly elliptical. The second edge is installed in a substantially constant spatial relationship with the edge 1010 such that the rim 1180 has a constant radial dimension that exceeds the length of the edge 1010. Edge 1200 defines the outer periphery of front opening 1060.

At the rear end of the embodiment of FIG. 16, the third edge 1300 defines another bend in the form of a nearly elliptical saddle. Edge 1300 is generally concave generally in the form with respect to its horizontal portion 1320 and generally convex in the form with respect to its vertical portion 1340.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bend 1300 defines the back opening 1080 of the light guide.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the light guide does not include a rim near the rear opening 1080.

In one form of the embodiment shown, the outer surface 1390 of the light guide is provided between the edge 1010 and the edge 300. The inner surface 1360 of the light guide is installed in a substantially constant spatial relationship with the outer surface 1390 to define the inner and outer boundaries of the elliptical tubular member 1020.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface 1390 includes a plurality of gripping characteristics 1380 adopted to improve grip of the operator during manipulation of the light guide 1000.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping body 1380 has the shape of an elliptical surface that is raised and extended. In another embodiment of the present invention, the gripping body comprises a plurality of substantially hemispherical bumps. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the gripping body comprises a plurality of zigzag grooves. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various shapes may be disposed on the surface 1340 to enhance the overall gripability of the light guide 1000.

17 is a view showing a light guide 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The light guide 200 is provided with an rim 201 and an opening 202 below. The opening 202 is open from the tip of the light guide 200 to the inside of the elongated cavity 204 formed by the inner wall 1360 of the light guide. According to one embodiment of the invention, the cavity 204 is adapted to accommodate the recording device 206 therein.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the recording device 206 includes an assembly having an electromechanical contact 210 together with a printed circuit board 208 and a memory integrated circuit 212 disposed on the surface. According to one aspect, the recording device 206 has a first side 231 and a second side 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the memory integrated circuit 212 has a backside 234. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the memory integrated circuit 212 may be soldered, bonded or potted using an adhesive to mount the circuit integrally, for example, as is known to those skilled in the art. It is substantially permanently fixed to the circuit board via potting or other means.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cavity 204 is formed of a plurality of surfaces and is adapted to support the recording device 206 which is substantially fixed with respect to the light guide 200.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the recording device 206 is in a position such that the electromechanical contact 210 is placed in a raised and exposed position in the axial cavity 1040 of the light guide 200. Supported.

Their spatial relationship is shown more clearly, for example, in FIG. 18, which has a first support member 3020 and a second support member 3040 disposed on the inner surface 1360. It is a rear perspective view of the light guide 3000. The support member 3020 has a first bearing wall 3060, and the support member 3040 has a second bearing wall 3080. The third support member 3100 has a bearing upper surface 3120.

Returning to the recording device 206 (shown in FIG. 17), it can be seen that the recording device 206 is accommodated in the area 3200 as shown in FIG. When the recording device 206 is disposed in the area 3200, the bearing surface 3060 is disposed adjacent to the edge 231 to support the edge 231. The bearing face 3080 is disposed adjacent to the edge 232 to support the edge 232, and the bearing face 3120 is disposed adjacent to the lower side (not shown) of the recording apparatus 206. The lower side will be supported.

As another feature of the light guide 3000, the surface 3300 is disposed in an approximately vertical direction. The other surfaces are disposed in front of and in a substantially parallel spatial relationship to the surface 3300.

More detailed information about the recording apparatus 206 and its role of the present invention can be seen with reference to FIG. 19, which is a rear front view showing the light guide 3500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 19 illustrates another bearing face 3320 arranged in a spatial relationship that is substantially parallel to surface 3300 (as shown in FIG. 18), as just described. 19 shows the opening 202 (as described above with respect to FIG. 17), and the first bearing face 3080 and the second bearing face 2060 (as described above with respect to FIG. 18).

FIG. 17A shows a substantially elliptical shaped light guide 106 having a first opening 220 'at one end attached to the lamp head housing 104 and a second opening 222' at the other end in contact with the patient. Is shown. The first opening 220 ′ has extending edges 224 ′, 226 ′ extending substantially parallel to an elliptical long diameter formed by the light guide 106.

The extending edges 224 ′, 226 ′ form a curved interface formed to engage the lamp head housing 104. The first protrusion 228 'on the extending edge 224' and the second protrusion 230 'on the extending edge 226' are formed to engage with the depression on the lamp head 102, and the light guide ( 106 is operated to hold the lamp head housing 104. The first slot 236 ′ and the second slot 238 ′ on the opposite side of the second opening 222 ′ of the light guide 106 are, for example, FIGS. 21A and 21B described below. It may be configured to engage with a reference device, such as a lip pull device 1148 to allow the patient to wear to accurately align the lamp head 102 with the patient as shown.

In one embodiment, an elastic protective device 270 is mounted around the second opening 222 ′ of the light guide 106 to comfortably connect the light guide 106 with the patient. The elastic protective device 270 may be formed of a foam, rubber or elastic body of an open cell structure or a closed cell structure as described above with respect to a soft overlay, and heat sealing. Or attached to the light guide 106 using an adhesive. In some embodiments, the resilient protective device 270 may be present in pieces 272, 274, and may be attached to the light guide 106 again using heat seals or adhesives. Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, construction adhesives, hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, chemically reactive adhesives, and the like. Other suitable adhesives may be acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy, polyamide, styrene copolymer, polyolefin, or the like. In addition, pieces 272 and 274 of the elastic protective device may also be integrally molded on the light guide 106.

In this embodiment, the resilient protective device 270 is formed by separating the two pieces of the upper portion 272 and the lower portion 274, the slots 236 ′, 238 of the light guide 106. ') To accommodate the wing shaped member of the exemplary lip pull device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the light guide 106 as illustrated in FIG. 17A may be used and disposed only once in disposable articles used in one patient, or in dental whitening, tooth filling, or tooth bonding, etc. It is designed for use. With this in mind, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17A, the light guide 106 further comprises a memory integrated circuit 246 ′ disposed in a space 250 ′ formed inside the lower side of the light guide 106. Equipped. The memory integrated circuit 246 'stores a record of a sustain signal indicating how long a particular light guide has been used. The integrated circuit 246 ′ of the light guide memory is part of a system that ensures that the light guide 106 is not used improperly.

Biologically degradable polymers, including those described above, are well suited for disposable light guides.

In operation, the light guide 106 is attached to the lamp head housing 104. The light guide 106 has a mechanical attachment mechanism (slots 228 ', 230') as described above and between the memory integrated circuit 246 'of the light guide and the electronic circuitry in the lamp head housing 104. All electrical contacts 248 are provided. The electrical contact 248 'couples with a conductive protrusion in the lamp head to enable signal transmission between the memory integrated circuit 246' of the light guide and the electronic circuitry within the lamp head housing 104. To form a connection.

The positional ability of the lamp system 100 is used to align the patient's mouth with the light guide 106 and perform a whitening procedure. The signal transmission device in the lamp head 102 or in the power pack packs the use duration of the light guide in the memory integrated circuit 246 '. When the usage limit of the light guide is reached, the lamp system 100 stops the operation of the light source 300 in the lamp head housing 104 and replaces the light guide 106 so that the lamp system 100 To operate.

In another embodiment of the light guide 106, no elastic protective device 270 is used for the connection between the light guide 106 and the patient. In another embodiment of the light guide 106, the contact between the memory integrated circuit 246 'of the light guide and the electronic circuit portion in the lamp head 102 is a magnetic contact. Alternatively, the memory integrated circuit 246 ′ may communicate with the lamp head 102 via infrared radiation or via a wireless radio signal or via light from the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The light guide device 106 is adapted to the patient's mouth using the positioning of the lamp system 100, so that teeth whitening is performed. The signal display device in the lamp head 012 or the power pack records the period of use of the light guide device on the memory integrated circuit 246 '. When the light guide device usage reaches the limit, the lamp system 100 excludes the activity of the light source 300 in the lamp head housing 104 and the light guide device 106 is returned to operate the lamp system 100. .

In an alternative embodiment of the light guiding device 106, the resilient safety device 270 is used in the intermediate plane between the light guiding device 106 and the patient. In another embodiment of the light guide device 106, the connection between the light guide device memory integrated circuit 246 'and the light emitting device in the lamp head 104 is a magnetic connection. Optionally, memory integrated circuit 246 ′ may communicate with lamp head 102 via an infrared or wireless microwave signal or light in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

When the recording device 206 (FIG. 17) is disposed inside the hole 202, the surface 234 of the integrated circuit memory device 212 is disposed adjacent to the bearing surface 3320 and supported by the bearing surface 3320. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, referring again to FIG. 18, when the recording device 206 is so disposed, the electromechanical connection 210 will be placed in the adjacent rear region of the bearing surface 3320, with shaft holes 1040 from above, below and behind. Will be exposed).

The structure of the light directing device may include a sunscreen to protect the skin of the patient from ultraviolet exposure. The light guide device may be made of a material similar to the lamp housing 104 and the lamp head 102 as described above. Additionally, liquid crystal polymers, such as lamp housing 104 and lamp head 102, that reflect rather than transmit light energy can be used as the main component or coating of the light inducing device to minimize the escape of light energy.

For illustration purposes, FIG. 20 shows a lamp head 400 that includes a housing 402 having an outer surface 404. The front end of the lamp head housing 402 includes a hole 406 defined by the end 408. In operation, light is emitted from the light source in the lamp head housing 402 through the hole 406.

The housing 402 including the intermediate end 410 is arranged bent in the hole 406 in the front region of the housing 402. In front of the intermediate end 410, the surface area 412 is concave with respect to the balance of the housing surface 404.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lamp head 400 is adapted to the intermediate surface to be movable to the light guiding apparatus, for example, as indicated by reference numeral 3000 of FIG. 18. Thus, the surface area 412 is disposed adjacent to the inner surface 1360 of the light guiding apparatus 3000 and is adapted to be supported by the inner surface 1360 of the light guiding apparatus 3000. Likewise, the rear end 1300 of the light guiding device 3000 is adapted to be adjacent to and supported by the end 410.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the invention, the housing 402 includes an upper recess 414 corresponding to a lower recess (not shown). The upper recess 414 is adapted to receive the first detent protrusion 420 disposed adjacent the end 1300 of the light guiding apparatus 3000. In the same way, the lower recess is adapted to receive the second detent protrusion 422 as shown in FIG.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the material of the light guiding apparatus is sufficiently flexible so that the light guiding apparatus is arranged adjacent to the hole outside the lamp head by forcing the detent protrusions 420 and 422 into the respective recesses. It is kept movable in the position of.

According to one embodiment of the invention, when the light guide device (eg, 3000) is arranged in this way, the electromechanical connection 210 (FIG. 17) is arranged in an electrical plug on the lamp head. This is shown more clearly in FIG. 20A which includes an additional recessed area 421 near the front end 423 of the lamp head 400.

As shown in FIG. 20B, this additional recessed area 421 is disposed behind the hole 424 in the housing 402 of the lamp head 400 and adjacent the electrical plug referenced in the above. The hole 424 is then adapted to the size and shape that accepts the electromechanical connector 210, as shown in FIG. 17.

As discussed above, the interaction of the detent protrusions 420 and 422 and the corresponding recesses (eg 414) of the lamp housing 400 guide light at the location of the lamp housing until it is installed there and actively moved. Function to hold the device.

A plurality of light guide devices having outer ends of various sizes corresponding to various mouths can be provided.

As mentioned above, it is preferable that the lamp head is positioned and orientated so as to be sufficiently fixed relative to the target of the lamp illumination, such as a tooth. For example, during the tooth whitening process, the distance and direction between the illumination source fixedly contained in the lamp head and the target tooth containing the whitening compound are maintained so that the same illumination intensity is sufficiently spatially maintained on both target teeth while the whitening treatment is continued. It is desirable to.

One method of achieving this object is such as the lip pull device 10 shown in FIG. 21 suitable for constricting the upper or lower lip to facilitate examination and / or treatment of the mouth and / or teeth provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Use of auxiliary devices. The lip pull device 10, also known as a tongur cup, is a channel retainer that is separated into four parts known as flanges for retaining the four parts of the lips corresponding to the examination and / or treatment of the mouth or teeth. 12, 14, 16, 18). In use, the lip insertion device 10 pulls the cheeks and pulls the lips back to expose the mouth so that the health care professional can see the teeth more easily and work on the teeth and / or the mouth.

The four channel retainers include two lateral channel retainers (12, 14) for pulling the ends of the lips that substantially cross the upper and lower lip, and two lip channel retainers (16, 18) for pulling the middle portions of the upper and lower lip. do. In particular, the four channel retainers or flanges 12, 14, 16, 18 accept the lips and bias the open lips to expose the teeth for treatment and / or examination.

The plurality of elastic members 20 are incorporated in the lip pull device 10 to connect the four channel retainers 12, 14, 16, 18 together and function as biasing means. In the prepared position (before inserting the lip pull device 10 into the mouth), the elastic member 20 is bent outward with respect to the central position of the lip pull device 10. As will be discussed further below, when the lip pull device 10 is inserted into the mouth and the four channel retainers 12, 14, 16, 18 support each part of the lip, the elastic member 20 provides an elastic force. To radially pull the lips out for examination and / or treatment.

Any tongue retainer 22 is located approximately centered relative to the four channel retainers 12, 14, 16, 18. The tongue retainer may be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the two channel retainers 16, 18. Tongue retainer 22 includes groove 23 and is attached to two channel retainers 12, 14 by two second elastic members 24. When incorporated, the tongue retainer 22 and the second elastic member 24 cooperate to close the tongue and limit the tongue to the back of the mouth, thereby providing access to the back of the tongue or teeth for examination and / or treatment. It is possible. In short, the tongue retainer is configured to minimize obstruction by the tongue during treatment and / or examination by a health care professional.

The side channel retainers 12, 14 are similar to curved c-channels in that they include an arcuate groove 26 and two channel sidewalls 28a, 28b. Channel sidewalls 28a and 28b are similar in shape to a bell and include a maximum wall dimension at approximately midpoint 34 and two smaller, thinner tips 36 at the ends thereof. In one embodiment, the inner sidewall 28a on the mouth side may be slightly larger than the outer sidewall 28b, as discussed further below. However, the relative dimensions may be opposite or the same without departing from the functionality of the lip pull device 10.

The side channel retainers 12, 14 further comprise an inner surface 30 and an outer surface 32. The arched groove 26 includes a radius of curvature 31 suitably mimicking the curvature of the side of the lips when the lips are open. Since this flexure can be varied by the size and age of the user or patient, the lip pull device 10 changes the radius of the flexure 31 to suit the changed shape of a particular user / patient. The arcuate groove 26 may also include irregular bends or radiuses of two or more other bends. For example, the lower region 38 of the radius of the bend 31 may have a larger radius than the upper region 40 or vice versa. If implemented, irregular flexion can change the amount of pull between those portions of the lips by varying the amount of pull in the portions where the lips are located in the arcuate grooves. The two lip channel retainers 16, 18, like the side channel retainers 12, 14, may have different bend radii.

Lip channel retainers 16, 18 are similar to curved c-channels in that they include arcuate grooves 42 and two channel sidewalls 44a, 44b, similar to side channel retainers 12, 14. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature 46 of the lip channel retainer is greater than the radius of curvature of the side channel retainers 12, 14. The radius of the larger bend 46 may cause the lip channel retainers 16, 18 to follow the contours of the upper and lower lip, closer to the frenum, which is more planar with respect to the sides of the lips.

Depending on the size and age of the intended user / patient, the radius of the bend 46 of the lip channel retainer 16 may vary.

As shown, the prenumer release 48 is incorporated into the inner sidewalls 44a of the lip channel retainers 16 and 18 to provide stability to the prenumerum of the upper and lower lip. In one embodiment, the prenum release 48 includes a partially oval cutout with a size sufficient to remove the prenum. In other words, the freeum release 48 should be such that the least portion of the freeum release 50 is only slightly in contact with the freeum during use, for example without contacting the freeum. While elliptical cutouts are shown as prenumer release 48, partial circumference, rectangular cutouts, square cutouts, or other geometrical cutouts may be incorporated without departing from the functionality of the prenumerty release.

The lip pulling device 10 may be manufactured by injection molding or casting a thermoplastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate, or the like. The lip pulling device 10 may be made of a bio compound or the biodegradable polymer described above. For example, the lip pull device 10 may be made of injection molded polypropylene and may have a soft and transparent finish.

As shown in FIG. 21B, the two winged flanges 111 may be incorporated into the lip pull device 10. This vane flange 111 may be integrally attached to the side channel flanges or retainers 12, 14 by adhesive, heat seal, molding or casting and may be the same or different from the channel flanges or retainers, including the materials described above. It can be composed of materials. An exemplary illumination system is shown in FIG. 32, which is an exploded view showing a combination of lip pull device 1138, light guide device 1104, and lamp system 1102. The winged flange 111 is designed to fit the two slots 1130, 1132 or slots of any inspection device formed in the light guide device 1104 of the lamp system used for the outer part or the whitening treatment.

In another embodiment, instead of the light guide device 1104, an inspection device such as the cone-shaped structure described above may be configured to fit on the exit of the lamp system 1102, and a winged flange (on the lip pull device 1138). 111 may be configured to interact with slots on the cone so that the gap between the lamp system and the teeth of the patient being treated or examined may be provided to match and control. The wing flange 111 may be configured in the same manner as the wing flange shown in FIGS. 21A and 22.

Referring to FIG. 21A, another embodiment of a lip pulling device 10 ′ that pulls the lips to facilitate the inspection, whitening or therapeutic treatment of the mouth and / or teeth is shown. The device comprises channel retainers 12 ', 14' separated into two parts known as flanges for retaining the corresponding two parts of the lips for examination and / or treatment of the mouth and / or teeth. In use, the lip pull device 10 ′ pulls the lips and cheeks back to expose the mouth, and as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, a health care professional can see the teeth more easily and easily work on the teeth and / or mouth. can do.

Two channel retainers (12 ', 14') retain the tip of the lips, where the upper and lower lip almost intersect. In particular, the two channel retainers or flanges 12 ', 14' are suitable for supporting the lips and biasing them in an open position to expose the teeth to be treated and / or examined.

The elastic member 20 'is incorporated into the lip pulling device 10' to connect the two channel retainers 12 ', 14' together and function as a biasing means. The elastic member 20 'has two arches, one on each side of the central portion 22'. The elastic member 20 'may be formed as one piece that is integrally molded or attached to the inner sidewall 28a' of the channel retainers 12 ', 14', or two halves at the central portion 22 '. This may be separated and connected, and may be integrally molded or attached to the inner sidewalls 28a 'of the channel retainers 12' and 14 '. In the prepared position (before standing the lip pulling device 10 'into the mouth), the elastic member 20' is bent outward with respect to the central portion of the lip pulling device 10 '. As discussed further below, when the lip pull device 10 'is inserted into the mouth and the two channel retainers 12', 14 'support each part of the lip, the elastic member 20' provides elasticity The teeth are pulled radially outward for examination and / or treatment. This lip pull device is particularly useful for whitening treatments.

An optional tongue retainer 22 'may be positioned almost centered relative to the two channel retainers 12', 14 '. Like the tongue retainer 22 in FIG. 21, the tongue retainer 22 'of the present embodiment may include a groove 23'. It can also be integrally formed in the central portion of the elastic member 20 ', and thus can be attached to the channel retainers 12', 14 'via the elastic member 20'. When incorporated, the tongue retainer blocks the tongue and restricts it to the back of the mouth, thereby making it accessible behind the tongue portion or the tooth being examined and / or treated. In short, the tongue retainer is configured by the health care professional to minimize interference by the tongue during the treatment and / or examination period. In this embodiment, the elastic member 20 'connects the channel retainer and biases it as well as connects the tongue retainer to the channel retainer. If tongue retainer 22 'is not coalesced, elastic member 20' simply extends from one channel retainer 12 'to another channel retainer 14' at substantially the same width.

The channel retainers 12 ', 14' are similar to curved c-channels in that they include an arcuate groove 26 'and two channel sidewalls 28a', 28b '. The channel sidewalls 28a 'and 28b' are similar in shape to the bell and include a maximum wall dimension at approximately midpoint 34 'and two smaller thin tips 36' at the end. In one embodiment, the inner sidewall 28a 'at the mouth side may be slightly larger for the outer sidewall 28b', as discussed further below. However, the relative dimensions can be opposite or the same without departing from the functionality of the lip pull device 10 '.

The side channel retainers 12 ', 14' further comprise an inner surface 30 'and an outer surface 32' and the description of Figure 21 applies here. The arcuate groove 26 'includes a radius of curvature 31' that suitably mimics the curvature of the side of the lips when the lips are open. Similarly, because this curvature can be varied by the size and age of the user or patient, the lip pull device 10 'changes the radius of the flexion 31' to suit the changed shape of the particular user / patient. In addition, the arcuate groove 26 'may comprise an irregular bend or a radius of two or more other bends. For example, the lower region 38 'of the radius of the bend 31' may have a radius greater than the upper region 40 'or vice versa. If implemented, irregular flexion can change the amount of pull between those portions of the lips by varying the amount of pull in the portions where the lips are located in the arcuate grooves. The two lip channel retainers 16 ', 18', like the side channel retainers 12 ', 14', may have different bend radii.

The lip pulling device 10 'can be produced by injection molding or casting of a thermoplastic as already mentioned. For example, the lip pull device 10 'can be produced by injection molding with polypropylene painted and is opaque white or colored with a soft finish.

Additionally, FIG. 21A also shows two configurations in the form of a winged flange 111 extending from the outer sidewall 28b 'of the channel retainers 12', 14 '. The vane flange 111 may be molded or cast integrally with the channel flange or retainers 12 ', 14'. As will be discussed further below, the winged flange is designed to fit a slot in the inspection device or a slot formed on the cone portion of the outer portion of the light guide device of the light source in which the lip pull device 10 'is used for the tooth whitening treatment. . By way of example, FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a lip pulling device 10 ′ comprising, for example, a winged flange 111 that engages a slot on a light guiding device 106 attached to a lamp head 104 shown in dashed line ( bottom view).

22A shows a top view of an auxiliary device, such as a lip pull device 350 coupled with an illumination frame 105 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The lip pull device 350 acts as a holding device that holds the lighting frame 105 sufficiently fixed relative to the target tooth. As shown in the described embodiment, the lip pull device 350 has a first 355 and a second 360 U-shaped channel suitable for receiving adjacent dental patient lips with respect to the interior surfaces 365, 370. Include.

22B shows another embodiment of a lip pull device 350 that is recoupled with the illumination frame 105. The lip pulling device is directly coupled with the light source without adjusting the light guiding device as shown in FIG.

Figure 23 is a somewhat schematic perspective view of an alternative lip pull device 10k provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, this alternate lip pull device 10 'is identical to the lip pull device 10 shown in FIGS. 21 and 21B except that this embodiment does not include a tongue retainer. Thus, this description describes an alternative lip pull device 10 'with the lip pull device 10 excluding the tongue retainer.

Likewise, although not shown in detail, the lip pulling device of FIG. 21B includes the same configuration as the winged member 111 shown in FIG. 21B. It is adapted to the configuration with the illumination frame.

24 is an exemplary, somewhat schematic top view of the lip pull device 10 of FIG. 21 for use with a patient or user 84. As shown, the lip pulling device 10 engages with the user's mouth 86 and pulls the user's lips 88 and cheeks 90. In its original position, the user's mouth 86 and in particular the teeth 92 are exposed for examination and / or treatment by a health care professional. More specifically, the lip channel retainers 16 and 18 engage the upper and lower lip 88 and the elastic member 20 biases the four channel retainers to open and bias the lips 88 and balls 90. Expose the interior of the mouth 86. In the position where the lip pulling device is used, the outer sidewalls 28b and 44b and the elastic member 20 are exposed out of the mouth.

Tongue retainer 22 is also shown to engage tongue 94, placing the tongue into the back of mouth 86. When incorporated, the tongue retainer 22 is configured to further expose the tongue surface 96 of the tooth for examination and / or treatment.

The lip pulling device 10 may be installed on the lip 88 by first placing the upper lip over the inner sidewall 44a and into the groove 42 of the upper lip channel retainer 16. The two side channel retainers 12, 14 are then compressed into each other or one by one until the sides of the lips are fitted over the inner sidewalls 28a of the side channel retainers 12, 14 and into the grooves 26. , Located in the mouth. Eventually, the lower lip channel retainer 18 is compressed and positioned above the lower lip 88 with the lower lip engaging the groove 42 of the lip channel retainer 18. Once installed, the tongue retainer 22 automatically aligns with the tongue 94 to isolate it from operability. The lip pulling device 10 may be installed by reversing the steps discussed above or by pressing all four channel retainers simultaneously and fitting the lips over the channel retainers.

The wing-like member or the configuration such as the flange shown in FIG. 21B, although not shown here, may be made of a material such as a lip pull device or a more robust polymeric material or mixture. In addition, it may be opaque or colored even if the rest of the lip pulling device is not colored or cleaned.

24A shows the front of a lip retracting device 350 worn by a person. The interface wing 111 can be located on either side of the lip pull device 350 and engage with an imaging head such as the light source 102 shown in FIG. 1.

The lip pulling device 10 ′ is configured to be fixed to the mouth in the direction shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. That is, in Fig. 25, the inner sidewall 28 'and the tongue retractor 22' are configured in the oral cavity and the outer sidewall 28b ', the elastic member 20' and the wing shaped member 111 are configured outside the oral cavity.

FIG. 25A includes first and second semicircular U-shaped channels 355, 360 adapted to receive dental patient lips adjacent to each interior surface 365, 370. This is the same configuration as in FIG. 21A but ready for use. In a ready-to-use configuration, part of the structure is slightly different from the configuration that is not in ready-to-use mode. The support members 375 are coupled to the U-shaped channels 355 and 360 to support the U-shaped channels 355 and 360 in a substantially fixed relationship to each other. According to one embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 21A, the support member 375 also supports and blocks the tongue-cap, which is intended to hold the tongue of the patient.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a pair of interface rings 111 are each coupled to a U-shaped channel 355. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the interface rings 111 comprises a respective top surface 390, 395 and a respective bottom surface 401, 403. According to one embodiment of the invention, the top surface 390 is disposed almost parallel to the bottom surface 401 and the top surface 395 is disposed substantially parallel to the bottom surface 403. According to one embodiment of the invention, the interface wing 111 has a first plurality of ticks or holes 413 and a second plurality of ticks or holes 415, respectively. The tick or hole is adapted to easily maintain a particular alignment of the illumination frame (shown in FIG. 13) relative to the lip pull device 350, for example.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the interface wings 111 are adapted to be received in the slots 236 ', 238' of the light guide 106, respectively, for example, as shown in Figure 17A. By pressing the lip pull device 350 towards the front end of the light guide 106, the interface wing 111 is pushed into the slots 236 ′, 238 ′, thereby pulling the lip against the light guide 106. The orientation and position of the device 350 is almost fixed. As a result, as long as the patient's lips effectively engage the patient's head and teeth in a fixed relationship with respect to the lip pull device 350, the target tooth is substantially fixed relative to the light source disposed within the lamp head, for example as shown in FIG. Maintained in position.

25B illustrates a lip pull device, such as the lip pull device 350 of FIG. 25A that engages the light guide 106 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25B is a top view of the interlocked light guide 106 and lip pull device 350 as in FIG. 22 except that a light source is not shown or the light source and light guide may be integrally formed. The holes 413 and 415 may engage the lip pulling device 350, which is adjusted according to the patient, with the light guide 106 or the integrated light guide and the light source.

In FIG. 26, the lip pull device 10 ′ is shown to represent all components located within the patient's mouth except for the wing shaped flange 111 and the outer sidewall 28 ′ outside the patient's mouth. . Outwardly, the resilient member 20 'is integrally molded to the inner sidewall 28' so as not to interfere with the insertion of the lip pull device 10 '.

The pad may be provided with an elastic member 20 'so as to provide comfort to the patient when the patient fixes the lip pulling device 10'. The pad 107 may be located on the elastic member 20 'as shown in FIG. The pad (FIG. 28) is detailed for soft overlay, which can be molded in two halves connected along one end, such as a clam-shell as shown in FIG. 28. It can be molded from any foam material, such as one material. Each half may engage a slot, channel or ridge 109 that receives at least a portion of the elastic member 20 '. The two halves are fixed around the elastic member and then heat sealed together. Other assembly methods are also contemplated that can achieve the same or similar results. For example, the ridge 109 is such that when the pad 107 is fixed to the elastic member 20 ', the pad can be slid relative to the elastic member to allow adjustment of the pad's position on the elastic member. Has the size of.

For example, the pads consist of polyethylene sealed cells such that they are sterilized. Open cell foams can also be used if they are compliant with autoclaving. In addition, the pad has, for example, a soft outer surface and a soft end so that, for example, the pad is comfortably fixed when contacted inside the patient's mouth without unwanted stimulation. In one embodiment, the pad may be designed to be placed in the second to last molar when the lip pull device 10 'is in the patient's mouth. They may also be made of a relatively high elastic material such that they can return to their original shape after use, for example.

In another embodiment, the pad 107 may be removed after each use. Here, the pad may be attached using a removable adhesive, or two halves may simply be mated to the elastic member using a detent or the like. Foam materials that can be comfortably fixed inside the patient's mouth can optionally be used. The two halves of the pad may consist of, for example, a heat set to have a shape memory, which may be closed instantaneously when an opening force is applied to the elastic member during installation and the opening force is removed. The two halves may be integrally molded or attached along at least one side.

In another embodiment, when using a lip pull device for a patient, the pad may be permanently fixed and not sterilized.

29 shows another embodiment of a lip pull device 2000 of the present invention. Lip pulling device 2000 includes a first U-shaped channel 2010 configured to receive a lower or alternatively upper set of teeth of a patient. Lip pulling device 2000 also includes a second U-shaped channel 2030 and a third U-shaped channel 2050 mounted almost perpendicularly to first U-shaped channel 2010. The second and third U-shaped channels 2030 and 2050 are adapted to receive dental patient lips. The first U-shaped channels 2010 support the second and third U-shaped channels 2030 and 2050 in a substantially fixed relationship to each other.

According to the present embodiment of the present invention, the pair of interface wings 2020 and 2040 are coupled to the second and third U-shaped channels 2030 and 2050 respectively. The interface wings 2020, 2040 are inserted into slots 1130, 1132 in the light guide 1104 fixed to the lamp head or light source 1102 as shown in FIG. 32 to align the patient's teeth with the light source 1102. It is formed and configured to be received. As long as the patient's lips serve to effectively engage the lamp head and the patient's teeth in a fixed relationship to the lip pulling device 1138, the lip pulling device 1138 is disposed within the lamp head as shown, for example, in FIG. 32. It remains almost fixed with respect to the light source. This is described in detail below.

Since the interface wings or wing forming members 2020 and 2040, such as the wing-shaped members of the lip pulling device described above, typically have some elasticity, the interface wings 2020 and 2040 may have a light guide (as shown in FIG. 32). When mated with the slots 1130, 1132 of 1104, a valid interface may be formed. Similar to the embodiment described above, the interface wings 2020, 2040 may be formed of the same material as the channels 2010, 2030, 2050 in the first configuration. In a second configuration, the interface wings 2020, 2040 are made of a different material than the channels 2010, 2030, 2050.

29A shows a lip pull device 550 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Lip pulling device 550 has a first U-shaped channel 552 and a second U-shaped channel 554 that hold the patient's lips so that the teeth are imaged. The support members 556 are adapted to mutually couple to the U-shaped channels 552, 554 and to support the U-shaped channels 552, 554 in a substantially fixed relationship to each other. The first end 558 of the first interface wing is coupled to the first U-shaped channel 552. The first end 560 of the second interface wing 564 is coupled to the second U-shaped channel 554.

Each interface wing 562, 564 includes a first portion 566, 568 located in front of the lip pull device 550 away from the patient. Second portions 570, 572 of each interface wing 562, 564 extend upward and backward of the lip pull device 550. In operation, the first portions 566, 568 are located in front of the patient face while each second portion 570, 572 is located on one side of the patient face. The interface wings 562, 564 are adapted to be received in the slots 236, 238 of the beam guide 106. The first portions 566, 568 can cause the beam guide 106 to be positioned against the front of the patient. The second portions 570, 572 of the interface wings 562, 564 can cause the beam guide 106 and the imaging head 102 to be placed on either side of the patient's head.

29B illustrates a lip pulling device 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Lip pulling device 600 has a first U-shaped channel 602 and a second U-shaped channel 604 that hold the patient's lips so that the teeth are imaged. The support members 606 are adapted to mutually couple to the U-shaped channels 602 and 604 and to support the U-shaped channels 602 and 604 in a substantially fixed relationship to each other. The first end 608 of the first interface wing 612 is coupled to the first U-shaped channel 602. The first end 610 of the second interface wing 614 is coupled to the second U-shaped channel 604. The interface wings 612, 614 are adapted to be received in the slots 236, 238 of the beam guide 106, respectively. The targets 616, 618 are coupled to the second ends 620, 622 of the first interface wing 612 and the second interface wing 614. Each target 616, 618 has a alignment mark 624. In operation, the targets 616 and 618 serve as a positioning mechanism visible to the imaging head 102 for side imaging of the Chinese character's teeth.

29C shows a lip pulling device 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The lip pull device 6500 has a first U-shaped panel 6520 and a second U-shaped channel 6540 that hold the patient's lips so that the teeth are imaged. The support members 6560 are mutually coupled to the U-shaped channels 6520 and 6540 and support the U-shaped channels 6520 and 6540 in a substantially fixed relationship to each other.

The first end 658 of the first interface wing 6620 is coupled to the first U-shaped channel 6520. The first end 6600 of the second interface wing 664 is coupled to the second U-shaped channel 6540. Each interface wing 6620, 6640 includes first portions 6660, 6680 located in front of the lip pull device 6500 away from the patient. Second portions 5700, 5720 of each interface wing 6620, 6640 extend above and behind the lip pull device 6500. In operation, first portions 6660 and 6680 are located in front of the patient's face, while each second portion 6700 and 6720 is located on the side of the patient's face. Interface wings 6620 and 6640 are adapted to be received in slots 236 and 238 of beam guide 106. First portions 6660 and 6680 may allow the beam guide to be placed in front of the patient. Second portions 6700, 6720 of interface wing 6620 may cause beam guide 106 and imaging head 102 to be placed on either side of the patient's head.

Targets 6740 and 6760 are coupled to second portions 6700 and 6720 of first interface wing 6620 and second interface wing 6640, respectively. Each target 6740, 6760 has a visible alignment mark 6780. In operation, the targets 6740 and 6760 serve as a positioning mechanism that is visible relative to the imaging head 102 for side imaging of the patient.

29D illustrates a lip pull device 7000 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the lip pulling device 7000 is a fixing device that holds the imaging head 102 (shown in FIG. 1) to be almost fixed to the target tooth. The lip pull device 7000 also holds the film inside the patient's teeth in a manner that the patient does not actively hold. In bite-wing imaging, for example, the patient must bite a portion of the film holder to keep the imaging in place. Because people are poor at controlling muscles, even a short time can be difficult. As described below, the film holder 7020 attached to the lip pull device 7000 does not require active participation of the patient to properly maintain the film.

As shown in the above embodiment, the lip pulling device 7000 includes first and second semicircular U-shaped channels 7040 and 7060 adapted to receive dental patient lips as described above with respect to FIG. 25A. do. The support member 7080 supports the U-shaped channels 7040 and 7060 such that they are coupled to the U-shaped channels 7040 and 7060 and are almost fixed to each other. According to one embodiment of the invention, a pair of interface wings 7100 and 7120 are coupled to U-shaped channels 7040 and 7060, respectively. According to one embodiment of the present invention, interface wings 7100 and 7120 are adapted to be received in slots 236 and 238, respectively (shown in FIG. 17A).

The support member 7080 is formed and configured to support the film holder 7020. In one embodiment, the film holder 7020 is an integral part of the lip pull device 7000. In another embodiment, the film holder 7020 is separately coupled to the lip pull device 7000. The lip pull device 7000 is held in the proper position in the U-shaped channels 7040 and 7060 by the patient lips, and the film in the film holder 7020 is also held in the proper position. The lip pull device 7000 is symmetrical and thus the film holder may be located on either side of the central portion 7140 of the support member 7080. In another embodiment of the invention, the support member 7080 is configured to support two film holders 7020 on either side of the central portion 7140 of the support member 7080. In this embodiment, the front 7160 of the film holder 7020 can pass through the x-ray while the rear 7180 of the film holder 7020 is blocked by the x-ray. In a first arrangement, the front 7160 of the film holder 7020 is made of an x-ray passable material, while the back 7180 of the film holder 7020 is made of an x-ray blocking material. In a second configuration, an x-ray blocking lining is inserted behind the film in the film holder 7020.

29E illustrates a lip pull device 7500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lip pull device 7500 is also a fixing device that holds the imaging head 102 so that it is almost fixed relative to the target tooth. The lip pull device 7500 also enhances access to the patient's mouth so that the film can be easily inserted and removed to enable a series of imaging.

As shown in the above embodiment, the lip pull device 7500 includes first and second semicircular U-shaped channels 7520 and 7540 adapted to receive a dental patient's lips. The first support member 7560 is mutually coupled to the first ends 7580, 7600 of the U-shaped channels 7520, 7540. The second support member 7620 is mutually coupled to the second ends 7740, 7660 of the U-shaped channels 7520, 7540. The support members 7560 and 7620 are adapted to support the U-shaped channels 7520 and 7540 so that they are almost fixed to each other. The support members 7560 and 7620 are in the space between them where the U-shaped channels 7520 and 7540 can allow the film to be inserted into the patient's mouth for imaging purposes while keeping the patient's lips clean.

In the present embodiment of the present invention, a pair of interface wings 7680 and 7700 are coupled to U-shaped channels 7520 and 7540. The interface wings 7680 and 7700 are adapted to accommodate the imaging heads 102 in the slots 1140 and 1160 of the beam guide 1000 (shown in FIG. 16), respectively, located in front of the patient. In other embodiments, interface wings 7680 and 7700 extend as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 29A. The extended interface wing may allow the imaging head 102 to be located on either side of the patient's head.

30 has a second U-shaped channel 2030 substantially perpendicular to the first U-shaped channel 2010 and a first U-shaped channel 2010 mutually coupled to the third U-shaped channel 2050. A lip pull device 2100 is shown. A tab 2060 is coupled to the first U-shaped channel 2010 between the second and third U-shaped channels 2030 and 2050. Tab 2060 is useful for positioning the lip pull device 2100 in the mouth of a dental patient. After completion of the whitening treatment, tab 2060 is useful for removing lip pull device 2100 from the mouth of the dental patient.

Figure 31 illustrates another embodiment of a lip pull device in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Lip pulling device 2500 includes a lower jaw U-shaped channel 2510 and an upper jaw U-shaped channel 2520. Lower jaw U-shaped channel 2510 is formed and configured to receive a lower set of the patient's teeth (not shown), and upper jaw U-shaped channel 2520 is adapted to receive an upper set of patient teeth (not shown) Formed and constructed. Lower jaw U-shaped channel 2510 and upper jaw U-shaped channel 2520 are adapted to receive a therapeutic treatment composition, such as a whitening composition. Lip pull device 2500 also includes a first U-shaped lip pull channel 2530 and a second U-shaped lip pull channel 2540. The first and second U-shaped lip pull channels 2530, 2540 are mounted almost perpendicular to the lower jaw U-shaped channel 2510 and the upper jaw U-shaped channel 2520. Lower jaw U-shaped channel 2510 and upper jaw U-shaped channel 2520 are first U-shaped lip pull channel 2530 and second U-shaped lip pull channel 2540 such that they are substantially fixed relative to one another. ). First and second U-shaped lip pull channels 2530, 2540 are configured and configured to receive a dental patient's lips.

In operation, the lower jaw U-shaped channel 2510 and the upper jaw U-shaped channel 2520 receive a whitening construct. The lower jaw U-shaped channel 2510 and the upper jaw U-shaped channel 2520 are then fixed relative to the patient's teeth such that a treatment treatment component, such as a whitening component, is in contact with the patient's teeth. Patient lips are received into first and second U-shaped lip pull channels 2530, 2540. Using the dental lip pulling apparatus of this embodiment, the overall treatment period can be effectively shortened and at the same time dental treatments such as whitening treatments can be performed on the lower and upper teeth.

32 illustrates an assembly relationship between the ball joint 902, the lamp head 1102, the light guide 1104, and the lip pull device 1138 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 20, a pivot mount 906 is coupled between the lamp head 1102 and the ball joint 902. The ball joint causes the lamp head to rotate in space so that the optical axis of the solidification lamp is aligned with the target teeth of the dental whitening subject.

The light guide 1104 is adapted to be coupled to the front end of the lamp head 1102. In one embodiment, the light guide 1104 includes an inner surface area 1122 which is intended to remain proximate to the outer surface area 1124 of the lamp head 1102. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a protruding member or bump on the inner surface 1122 is pushed into the concave region 1126 of the outer surface region 1124.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide 1104 includes a cushion 1128 that is elastically compressible at its front end. An elastically compressible cushion 1128 serves to soften the interface between the dental whitening process (not shown) and the light guide.

In another example of the present invention, as shown in the above embodiment, the light guide 1104 includes first and second slots 1130 and 1132. These slots are adapted to receive the projecting wings 1134 and 1136 of the lip pull device 1138 to stabilize the relationship between the dental whitening subject and the lamp head 1102.

Lip pulling device 1138 includes a channel 1140 and an elastic member 1144 adapted to support the lips of the dental whitening subject during the whitening process. The elastic or elastic member 1144 is coupled to the channels 1140 and 1142 to push the channel toward the outside of the lips so as to couple the subject undergoing the dental treatment to the lip pulling device.

When the subject is coupled to the lip pull device 1138, the lip pull device is coupled to the light guide 1104 by insertion of the wing shaped member 1134 in each slot 1130, 1132 in the light guide 1104. The subject is particularly stabilized with respect to the lamp head 1102. In this way, the support structure serves to support the lamp head in a fairly stable relationship to the whitening subject.

32A shows an imaging support stand 800 suitable for use with any type of imaging apparatus, such as a panoramic x-ray device. The patient to be imaged maintains a position relative to the support stand 800 and the imaging device (not shown) pivots around the patient's head. The support stand 800 includes a coupling device 802 that allows the patient to maintain this position.

The engagement device 802 is attached to the imaging support stand 800 by a support member 808. The support member 808 is coupled to the coupling device 802 and the imaging support stand 800. The support member 808 is adjustablely coupled to the support stand 800 by ball and socket joints that, in one embodiment, enable desirable positioning of the coupling device.

The coupling device 802 is identical to the slot beam guide 106, as shown in the example in FIG. 16. The engagement device 802 is formed and configured to mate with an interface wing and a lip pull device, such as the interface wing 111 and lip pull device 350 shown in FIG. 25A. Coupling device 802 has a first slot 804 and a second slot 806 adapted to couple to interface wing 111. By pressing the lip pull device 350 towards the front end of the engagement device 802, the interface wing 111 is pushed into the slots 804, 806, whereby the direction and position of the lip pull device 350 is Almost fixed. Thus, the orientation and position of the patient's head is also fixed.

32B includes a dental support structure 100 adapted to support a patient imaging fixation system 1230. In this embodiment, the ball joint 902 is coupled to the support member 1232. The support member 1232 includes a first extension 1234 and a socket joint 902 having a ball at the rear end. The front end of the support member 1232, in this embodiment, includes first and second wing coupling members 1236, 1238. Each wing coupling member 1236 includes a respective slot 1240, 1242. Slots 1240 and 1242 are adapted to receive corresponding wings 1244 of lip pull device 1248.

When the lip pull device 1248 is worn by the subject undergoing a dental treatment, the insertion of the wings 1244, 1246 into the slots 1240, 1242 serves to stabilize a specific relationship between the subject and one or more x-ray sources. Do it.

According to one embodiment of the invention, as described, the lip pull device 1248 includes first and second bite members 1250, 1252. Each bite member 1250, 1252 has each one or more film support clips 1253 adapted to support each x-ray film package.

In operation, at least one x-ray film package is coupled to one or more film support clips 1253. The x-ray film package, as is known in the art, comprises a single piece of chemical x-ray film sealed in a dense and light-tight package. The lip pull device 1248 is coupled to the dental x-ray subject by placing the patient's lips in the lip receiving channel of the lip pull device 1248. Thereafter, the subject is left with a bite member to make the lip pull device more firm so as to be in a safe relationship with respect to the subject's teeth. By inserting wings 1244 and 1246 into slots 1240 and 1242, lip pull device 1248 is stabilized with respect to dental support structure 100. This serves to stabilize the teeth of the subject and the x-ray film package 1256 with respect to the floor, and thus also to stabilize the x-ray source. As a result, the resulting non-uniformity of film exposure diminishes the well-known tendency of the x-ray subject to move easily during exposure of the x-ray film.

32C illustrates another embodiment of the present invention that includes a dental support structure 100 adapted to support a dental imaging fixturing system 1230.

Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 32B, FIG. 32C includes an electronic x-ray sensor 1280 coupled to bite members 1250 and 1252, respectively. Rather than using chemical films, it is desirable to detect and image x-rays with an electronic imaging sensor, because electronic imaging sensors tend to be more sensitive than chemical films, This is because it is not required, and dental imaging made by most electronic imaging sensors is ready for immediate digital manipulation.

In one embodiment of the invention, each electronic imaging sensor comprises a signal cable with a respective removable plug.

As discussed above, the spatially stabilized relationship between such subjects and the support structures of the present invention is known in other embodiments of the present invention and in relation to various apparatus and processes.

The use of the light guide of the present invention also allows less air to pass between the patient's mouth and the atmosphere surrounding it. Less airflow inside the mouth can result in less evaporation of any treatment or whitening composition that results in less dehydration of the mouth. Although not rationale, lowering mouth dehydration reduces tooth dehydration and thus tooth sensitivity may be reduced during and after treatment treatment. Thus, the use of the light guide during the whitening process may be advantageous.

FIG. 33 shows the lamp head 102 to show a top lamp head case, a bottom lamp head case and a light head assembly located on the short lamp head case. Partially separated perspective view. The upper head housing 104-1 is separated from the lower head housing 104-2. It can be seen that the lamp assembly 130 is located in the lower head housing 104-2. The upper head housing 104-1 has a first lapped rim 117 and the lower head housing 104-2 has a second lapped rim 119. The first wrap rim 117 and the second wrap rim 119 are configured to engage with each other when the upper head housing 104-1 engages with the lower head housing 104-2. The combined wrap rims 117, 119 block light leaking through the joint between the upper head housing 104-1 and the lower head housing 104-2, for example UV light. The wrap joint is illustrated in FIG. 12.

34 is a side cross-sectional view of a wrap joint of a top lamp head case and a bar lamp head case in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 34 is a side cross-sectional view of the wrap joint formed when the upper head housing 104-1 engages with the lower head housing 104-2. The upper head housing 104-1 has a first wrap rim 117, and the lower head housing 104-2 has a second wrap rim 119. The first wrap rim 119 and the second wrap rim 119 are configured to engage as shown to form a wrap joint 354. The wrap joint 354 has a lamp safety characteristic that is capable of almost blocking light exiting the lamp head 102 through the joint 354. Light leakage, such as UV light leakage, can be detrimental to both lamp operators and patients undergoing whitening treatment.

FIG. 35 illustrates a power pack of the lamp of FIG. 1. The power pack 114 may be mounted to the mast 110 as shown in FIG. 1. Various conventional mounting techniques (not shown) may be applied to mount the power pack 114 to the mast 110. The power pack 114 is interfaced with power and I / O cables (not shown). The power pack 114 includes a control region 660. In the present embodiment, the control area 660 includes a display window 662 and a plurality of control buttons 664-1, 664-2, 664-3, and 664-4. Display window 662 displays elapsed treatment time or other treatment treatment information, for example. Control buttons are, for example, "on", "off", "start" and "pause". The lamp operator operates the lamp system 100 using the controls and indications in the control pack. The indicator at the lamp head 102 allows the operator to monitor the lamp system 100 during treatment.

36 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the control system 3900 of the lamp system 100 of the present invention. In one embodiment, the extreme speed electronic components of the control system 3900 are located within the lamp head 102. In other embodiments, microelectronic components of the control system 3900 are located in the power pack 114. The location for the control system electronics can be elsewhere within the scope of the present invention.

Control system 3900 includes CPU 700, program memory logic 702, I / O logic device 704, data bus 706 and system indicator 708. CPU 700, program memory logic 702 and I / O logic device 704 are connected to data bus 706. I / O logic device 704 is also connected to system indicator 708. In one embodiment of the present invention, I / O logic device 704 further includes a device driver. I / O logic device 704 is also connected to memory integrated circuit 246 'located in the light guide (shown in FIG. 17A). The lamp control unit 710 is connected to the I / O device 704. The power source 712 supplies the CPU 700, the program memory logic 702, the I / O logic device 704, and the memory integrated circuit 246 ′.

The CPU 700, program memory logic 702 and I / O logic device 704 are, for example, microelectronic devices located in the lamp head 102. The program memory logic stores lamp usage restrictions, including light source limitations, light guide usage limitations, and elapsed time limitations. In another embodiment of the present invention, lamp control unit 710 and power 712 are also located within lamp head 102. In another embodiment of the present illness, the CPU 700, the program memory logic 702, the I / O logic device 704, the ramp control 710 and the power 712 are located within the power pack 114, for example. do. The lamp control unit 710 is for example a transistor device or an electronic or electromechanical relay device that controls the on / off function of the lamp system 100, for example. System indicator 708 is, for example, light indicator 150 shown in lamp head 102 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 37 is a pro chart showing an embodiment of the start process of the lamp system executed by the control system shown in FIG.

At step 730, the control system 3900 receives a "start" signal from the lamp control unit 710. The "start" signal activates an initialization process that includes determining whether the light source 300 and the light guide have reached their usage limits. The control system 3900 stores light source usage restrictions, light guide usage restrictions and whitening / treatment progress elapsed time limits that are divided into predetermined time periods.

In step 732, the control system 3900 checks whether the light source 300 has used longer than the light source usage limit stored in the control system 3900. The use limit of the light source is 100 hours, for example. As described in relation to FIG. 16, the control system 3900 monitors the time at which the light source 300 is on and adds this value to the amount of time accumulated from the progress of the previous treatment process, if any. When a "start" signal is received from the lamp control unit 710, the control system 3900 periodically compares the accumulated light source usage time with the light source usage restriction. If the light source usage limit is exceeded, control system 3900 proceeds to step 734. If the light source usage limit has not been exceeded, control system 3900 proceeds to step 736.

In step 734, the control system 3900 activates the light source replacement indicator 152 in the lamp head 102. In the first embodiment of the control system 3900, the control system continues the process of initiating the lamp system 100. In this embodiment, the control system 3900 proceeds to step 736. In a second embodiment of the control system 3900, the control system 3900 prevents the lamp from turning on. In this embodiment, control system 3900 proceeds to step 738. In some embodiments, control system 3900 is reset when light source 300 is exchanged.

In step 736, the control system 3900 determines whether the light guide usage has exceeded the light guide usage limit stored in the control system 3900. Light guide usage limitations are typically the amount of time that has elapsed from a single whitening or treatment treatment. The light guide usage limit is 60 minutes, for example. As described in step 732, the control system 3900 monitors the time that the light source 300 is on. The control system 3900 writes to the recording device in the light guide 106 the amount of time that the light source 300 has been on since the start of the course of treatment treatment. The write device is, for example, a memory integrated circuit 246 '. When a " start " signal is received from the lamp control unit 710, the control system 3900 sets the light guide " on " time stored in the recording device in the light guide 106 with the light guide usage limit stored by the control system 3900. Compare. If the light guide usage limit is exceeded, control system 3900 proceeds to step 738. If the light guide usage limit has not been exceeded, control system 3900 proceeds to step 740.

At step 738, control system 3900 ignores the "start" signal in connection with turning on light source 300. That is, the control system 3900 prevents the lamp system 100 from operating when the light guide life time has been exceeded. This part of the control system 3900 serves to prevent the light guides from being reused. The light guide 106 is intended to be a disposable device to be discarded after each whitening or treatment treatment.

At step 740, control system 3900 initiates the lamp (ie, turns on light source 300).

At step 742, control system 3900 monitors the whitening or treatment process elapsed time. In this step, the control system 3900 monitors the time that the light source 300 is on. The monitoring process progress of the control system 3900 will be described later with reference to FIG. 16.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a monitoring process of a lamp system executed by the control system shown in FIG. 14.

At step 742, control system 3900 monitors during the whitening or treatment process, that is, control system 3900 monitors the light source "on" time.

At step 744, control system 3900 determines whether the elapsed processing time has exceeded a predetermined time period. Here, the predetermined time period is part of the total treatment elapsed time, such as one quarter of the total treatment elapsed time. If the elapsed processing time exceeds a predetermined time period, the control system 3900 continues the monitoring elapsed period and continues monitoring. If the elapsed processing time does not exceed a predetermined time period, control system 3900 proceeds to step 746.

At step 746, control system 3900 activates the process progress indicator light, for example one of the light indicators in FIG. 6 described above. In one embodiment, the control system 3900 activates the other light indicator 150 as the elapsed time of each treatment treatment such that all four light indicators emit light at the end of the course of the treatment treatment, for example. . In another embodiment, there is a single light indicator to indicate the elapsed time of the treatment treatment. In this embodiment, the light indicator is varied in flash rate to indicate how much time has passed since initiating a treatment treatment. Control system 3900 then proceeds to step 748. In another embodiment, a voice alarm system is used to inform the dentist of the progress of the treatment process as described above.

At step 748, control system 3900 adds the time the light source was on to the accumulated time the control system 3900 had saved from the past treatment process. The control system 3900 also writes the time the light source was on to the light guide recording device, such as the memory integrated circuit 246 '. Control system 3900 then proceeds to step 750.

At step 750, control system 3900 determines whether the entire processing time has elapsed. Total treatment time is the elapsed time of the whitening or treatment treatment. If the total processing time has not elapsed, control system 3900 returns to step 742 to monitor the progress of the whitening / treatment process. If the entire processing time has elapsed, control system 3900 proceeds to step 752.

In step 752, when the whitening / treatment treatment period has elapsed, the control system 3900 turns off the light source 300.

While the exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described and described above, it should be understood that they are examples of the invention and are not limited thereto. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

As described above, the present invention can lead to systems, devices, and methods that further comprise a well-performing, comfortable, and improved safety, maintenance, and operation feature for tooth whitening, treatment, and imaging.

In addition, the present invention can lead to placement systems that promote faster patient posture placement and optimal results.

Claims (49)

A pulling device for pulling at least a portion of the patient's lips; And And a lamp head having one or more structures for engaging the pulling device to position the lighting system at a distance from the pulling device. The method of claim 1, And wherein the structure of the lamp head comprises a spacer. The method of claim 2, And said pull device comprises at least one structure for engaging said spacers such that said pull device and said spacer are in parallel. The method of claim 2 or 3, And said spacer comprises a structure for movably engaging said lamp such that said spacer and said lamp head are in parallel. The method according to claim 3 or 4, 2. A device for positioning a dental lighting system, characterized in that there are two pairs of interlocking structures, each pair spaced apart. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, And the spacer comprises a light guide. Adjustable self supporting frame; A lamp head operatively coupled to the frame, the lamp head comprising a housing having one or more structures; And One or more light sources located within the housing: Wherein said at least one structure movably mechanically connects said lamp head to a lip pull device to illuminate a tooth by said light source. The method of claim 7, wherein The magnetic support frame A base for supporting a dental lamp; A mast movably attached to said base in a direction substantially perpendicular to said base; A boom having two ends, one end of which is movably attached to the mast in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mast; And And a power pack movably attached to the mast. The method according to claim 7 or 8, At least one structure of the lamp head housing comprises a ball member having a convex spheroid face. The method of claim 9, The boom comprises at least one structure connected to one end of the boom, the structure comprising a ball hole, the hole having a corresponding concave spheroid face to receive the ball member to form a ball joint. Dental lighting systems. The method of claim 10, And said ball joint facilitates positioning of the lamp head. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, The boom comprises at least one structure spaced apart from one end of the boom, the at least one structure comprising a boom joint to couple the mast to the boom to form a jointed support system Lighting system. The method of claim 12, Wherein the boom joint holds the boom in a fixed position relative to the mast and towards the mast. The method according to claim 12 or 13, And the boom joint allows for pitch and yaw movement of the boom relative to the mast. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 14, And the base is a wheel movement base. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 15, At least one structure of the housing comprises a light guide. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 16, Wherein said power pack comprises a control for an illumination system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, Wherein said lamp head comprises an illumination frame having at least one light source in a geometric arrangement. The method of claim 18, And the lighting frame is arched. The method of claim 16, And a control mechanism for prohibiting the use of the light guide for one or more patients. The method of claim 20, And the control mechanism for use of the light guide comprises a recording medium of the light guide, and a signal generating device elsewhere in the illumination system. The method of claim 20 or 21, The control mechanism comprises a dental illumination device or system comprising receipt by a recording medium of a signal from a signal generating device and a recording of a recording medium corresponding to the received signal to produce a substantially permanent signal record. . The method of claim 22, And the signal recording is substantially permanent. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, Dental lighting device or system further comprising a signal reading device. The method of claim 24, And the signal generating and recording reading device is located in a lamp housing. A housing having a hole and an inner surface therein, the inner surface having a first edge defined as a first hole; An optical module disposed within the aperture and including a first reflector having an axis of illumination passing through the first aperture; And And one or more structures of the housing for coupling the housing to a lip pull device for illuminating a target along an axis of the illumination. The method of claim 26, And said illumination system housing comprises an optical lens disposed within said optical module. The method of claim 26 or 27, And the reflector comprises a reflecting surface. The method of claim 28, And the reflective surface comprises a glossy mirror surface, an anodized aluminum surface, a cholesteric liquid crystal surface, or a combination thereof. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, And the lamp head comprises an illumination frame. The method of claim 26, wherein: And said optical module comprises a light source selected from the group consisting of a halogen bulb, a semiconductor light emitting element, a light emitting chip, an LED array, a fluorescent bulb, and a combination thereof. The method of claim 31, wherein And the housing includes one or more types of illuminated portion indicators to indicate portions where tooth whitening treatment has been completed. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 32, And the housing comprises at least one type of illuminated partial indicator comprising a light source replacement indicator. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 3 2, At least one structure of the housing comprises a light guide. The method of claim 3, wherein The light guide comprises a coupling feature for movably coupling the light guide, the lamp head and the light source to a pull device to substantially position a target and toward the target to position the light guide. head. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 35, And a second reflector having a first hole at an adjacent end of the light source and a shaft hole having a second hole at the center end of the light source. The method of claim 36, And the housing further comprises an optical lens disposed in the second reflector. 38. The method of claim 36, wherein And the second reflector includes a reflective inner surface that directs light from the light source toward the second hole. The method of claim 38, And the reflective surface comprises a glossy mirror surface, an anodized aluminum surface, a cholesteric liquid crystal surface, or a combination thereof. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 39, The lamp housing comprising a heat absorbing device comprising a phase change material. A light guide comprising a substantially elliptical tube, One or more first structures coupling the light guide to a lamp head; And And at least one second structure for coupling the light guide to the auxiliary device for positioning the light guide and the light source at substantially a constant position relative to and toward the target. 42. The method of claim 41 wherein Wherein said at least one first structure comprises at least one interengaging structure for interlocking at least one corresponding structure of a lighting system. 43. The method of claim 41 or 42, And a memory circuit or recording medium disposed on the bottom surface of the tube or coupled to the tube for storing a record of the signal while using the signal. The method of claim 43, And the memory circuit is a write / read memory device. The method of claim 43 or 44, And the memory circuitry interacts with a control disposed outside the light guide to indicate how long the light guide is used. And a structure for repeatedly positioning the illumination system on at least a portion of the patient's lips. The method of claim 46, Wherein the device comprises at least two channel retainers or flanges, each having grooves in the inner sidewalls and the outer sidewalls, and at least one elastic member attached to the inner sidewalls of two adjacent channel retainers. 48. The method of claim 46 or 47, The device comprises a lip pulling device, wherein the one or more structures include vane members that interlock one or more structures of the light guide when the auxiliary device and the light guide device are in parallel. 49. The method of any of claims 46, 47 or 48, The at least one structure is characterized in that it receives an imaging film or a sensor during imaging.

Images