WO2016081886A1 - Multi-purpose dental instrument - Google Patents

Multi-purpose dental instrument Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016081886A1
WO2016081886A1 PCT/US2015/061961 US2015061961W WO2016081886A1 WO 2016081886 A1 WO2016081886 A1 WO 2016081886A1 US 2015061961 W US2015061961 W US 2015061961W WO 2016081886 A1 WO2016081886 A1 WO 2016081886A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mirror
light
elongated member
dental instrument
instrument
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/061961
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jeffrey A. Watson
James L. Manniso
Mark L. MANNISO
David D. Mcclanahan
James Eldon
Original Assignee
Stayclear Dental Mirror, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stayclear Dental Mirror, Llc filed Critical Stayclear Dental Mirror, Llc
Priority to EP15861503.9A priority Critical patent/EP3220848B1/en
Publication of WO2016081886A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016081886A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/24Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
    • A61B1/247Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth with means for viewing areas outside the direct line of sight, e.g. dentists' mirrors
    • A61B1/253Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth with means for viewing areas outside the direct line of sight, e.g. dentists' mirrors with means for preventing fogging
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00025Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management
    • A61B1/00027Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management characterised by power supply
    • A61B1/00029Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management characterised by power supply externally powered, e.g. wireless
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00071Insertion part of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/0008Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
    • A61B1/00091Nozzles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00071Insertion part of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/0008Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
    • A61B1/00096Optical elements
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00105Constructional details of the endoscope body characterised by modular construction
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00112Connection or coupling means
    • A61B1/00121Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle
    • A61B1/00124Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle electrical, e.g. electrical plug-and-socket connection
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00112Connection or coupling means
    • A61B1/00121Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle
    • A61B1/00126Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle optical, e.g. for light supply cables
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00112Connection or coupling means
    • A61B1/00121Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle
    • A61B1/00128Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle mechanical, e.g. for tubes or pipes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00131Accessories for endoscopes
    • A61B1/00133Drive units for endoscopic tools inserted through or with the endoscope
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00131Accessories for endoscopes
    • A61B1/00135Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00163Optical arrangements
    • A61B1/00165Optical arrangements with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/012Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
    • A61B1/015Control of fluid supply or evacuation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/04Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
    • A61B1/05Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/0615Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements for radial illumination
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/0625Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements for multiple fixed illumination angles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/0661Endoscope light sources
    • A61B1/0684Endoscope light sources using light emitting diodes [LED]
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/07Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/12Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements
    • A61B1/126Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements provided with means for cleaning in-use
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00043Operational features of endoscopes provided with output arrangements
    • A61B1/00045Display arrangement
    • A61B1/00048Constructional features of the display

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dentai mirror instrument configured to illuminate the mirror surface and provide a flow of air across the mirror surface to remove liquids and debris and prevent fogging.
  • Dental mirrors are routinely used by dentist and clinicians to view various parts of a patient's mouth and/or oropharynx. Dental mirrors are used for examination, diagnosis, procedural purposes, dentai hygiene and other medical and veterinarian disciplines, such as otolaryngology (earn nose and throat ENT).
  • the mouth is a difficult environment, as there are any number of fluids that can come into contact with the mirror surface including, saliva, mucin, rinsing water, blood, cleaning solutions and pastes as well as debris from conducting dentai procedures.
  • a mirror surface may become coated with one or more of these fluids and/or debris thereby obstructing a clear view, in addition, without proper Sighting, many parts of the mouth are difficult to see even with the aid or a mirror. Lighting projected into the mouth has limited effectiveness, as many areas within the mouth are obstructed from illumination. With the aid of an illuminated mirror, light can be easily reflected into obstructed areas,
  • the invention is directed to a dental instrument and, in an exemplary embodiment, a dentai mirror instrument that is configured to illuminate the mirror surface and provide a flow of air across the surface to remove liquids and prevent fogging.
  • the mirror surface may comprise a hydrophobic coating to facility the removal of fluids and debris.
  • An exemplary dentai mirror instrument comprises an optical component having an elongated member, a land portion and a mirror portion, A light waveguide and an airflow conduit extend along the elongated member from the engagement end to the mirror end.
  • a Fresnei lens may be configured on a front side of the land portion and be configured to emit a task light on to a subject, such as a tooth.
  • the land portion may also comprise an interna!
  • the convex mirror surface that is configured to reflect light transmitted down the light waveguide.
  • the internal convex mirror surface reflects the light to produce a spread of reflected light that is emitted through the Fresne! lens.
  • the mirror portion may comprise a mirror and a light emitting perimeter portion that extends radially around a portion of the mirror to produce a radiant light.
  • the optical component may comprise an optical sheath that extends down over the elongated member.
  • the optical sheath may produce a flow conduit out of a channel in the elongated member,
  • the optical component may receive a flow of air from a source component that is attached to the engagement end.
  • the source component may receive a flow of air from a flexible connector that is coupled with an auxiliary pack, a docking station or a fixed source, such a connector.
  • An auxiliary pack or docking station may comprise a pump for producing a flow of air, or may be coupled by a separate flexible connector to a fixed source.
  • the airflow conduit may be formed from an airflow channel in the optical component and an optical sheath configured thereover.
  • An optical component may comprise a continuous conduit through the elongated member in another embodiment. The flow of air may be heated by the optical component and light waveguide as if passes along the airflow conduit in the elongated member. This heated flow of air may be more effective at removing fog from the mirror.
  • An optica! component may receive light from a light source that is configured in a source component.
  • a Light Emitting Diode (LED) may be configured in the source component and provide Sight to the light waveguide.
  • the engagement end of the light waveguide may be concave in shape to more effectively receive and transmit the received light from the fight source and to reduce heat.
  • the engagement end of the light waveguide Is flat or convex in shape,
  • a light source may receive electric power from an electrical cable that extends through a flexible connector or from a battery configured in the dental instrument, an auxiliary pack, or docking station.
  • a Fresnei lens may be positioned on the front-side of the land portion and be configured to disperse reflected light from the back-side of the land portion to a subject.
  • a Fresnei lens may comprise a plurality of ridges that extend across the front-side of the land portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length axis of the elongated member.
  • a ridge comprises a step and a rise, wherein the rise is a planar surface that extends substantially perpendicularly to a reflected light from the back-side of the land portion, and the step is a planar surface that extends substantially parallel to a reflected light from the back-side of the land portion.
  • the ridges may be configured in a convex shape along the front-side of the land portion from the elongated member to the mirror portion to provide an airflow contour to direct and guide the flow of air from the airflow conduit across the mirror surface.
  • a land portion may comprise an internally convex shaped mirror surface configured along a portion of the back-side of the land portion to reflect internal light toward the front-side of the land portion and through the Fresnei lens.
  • the internally convex shaped mirror surface is configured to spread the reflected light radially between the elongated member and the mirror portion and also radially in a direction across the width of the opt ponent, perpendicular to the length axis of the elongated member.
  • the optical component comprises a Fresnel lens and a internally convex shaped mirror surface.
  • a land portion may comprise a pair of ribs that extend around either side of the Fresnel lens from the elongated member to the mirror perimeter potion.
  • the ribs may couple the light waveguide with the mirror perimeter portion and transmit Sight to the mirror perimeter portion.
  • Light traveling around the mirror perimeter portion will be emitted from the surface and create a radiant light that can be used to illuminate an oral cavity.
  • the task light, or Sight reflected from the backside of the land portion through the Fresnel lens in configured to be directed onto a subject, or tooth, which is reflected In the mirror.
  • a dental mirror instrument may comprise a light source and/or an airflow source.
  • a Sight source and/or airflow source may be configured in a handle or a source component.
  • a light source may be a light emitting diode (LED) that is configured proximal to the source end of the light waveguide and may contact the light waveguide.
  • An airflow source may comprise a fan that is configured in the handle or a source component.
  • a Sight source and/or airflow source may be powered by one or more batteries that are configured in a handle or a source component.
  • a handSe comprises a battery pack that powers a fan or pump, such as a mini-pump configured within the handle, !n another embodiment, a battery pack powers the light source, in still another embodiment, an auxiliary pack is tethered to the dental mirror and comprises a battery and/or an airflow device such as a fan or pump.
  • a denial instrument may be completely unteibered in one embodiment and have a battery pack that powers both a fan, or other air-moving device, and a light source.
  • An untethered portable dental instrument, as described herein, may be ideal for hospitals and nursing home use as the instalment may be required to be carried from one room to another. Patients may be examined with the aid of the portable dental mirror instrument in the comfort of their own beds, for example.
  • an airflow source is a remote airflow source and a hose is coupled with the dental instrument to deliver a fSow of air from the remote source through the hose to the dental instrument.
  • a remote airflow source may be a fixed source from a dental offi cedure room.
  • a compressor may supply compressed air to one or more procedure rooms within a dental or other medical facility. The air supplied to the procedure rooms may be cleaned and filtered to meet any regulations for oral procedures.
  • a user of the dental instrument may attach a hose to an outlet in the wall of the procedure room to provide a flow of air to the dental mirror instrument.
  • power for the airfiow source and/or Iight source may be provided by an electrical supply cable that is coupled with the dental instrument.
  • a conduit providing airflow may also be coupied with the optica! component or handle.
  • a quick disconnect may be configured for detachably attaching an airflow conduit and/or power supply to the dental mirror instrument, as described herein.
  • a dental instrument may be a one-piece unit wherein the optical component and mirror portions are constructed from a single material, such as through molding.
  • the mirror portion is detachable from the optica! component.
  • a mirror portion may comprise a detachable mirror, whereby a disposable mirror can be replaced between each patient,
  • a mirror portion may comprise a recess for receiving and retaining a detachable or disposable mirror.
  • a mirror portion is detachable from the elongated member and an auxiliary light waveguide may be attached to the elongated member, thereby providing an extension to the light waveguide for transillumination of portions of the mouth and particularly a tooth.
  • a dental instrument may be used for examination, diagnosis, procedural purposes, dental hygiene and other medical and veterinarian disciplines, such as otoiaryngoiogy (earn nose and throat ENT).
  • a dental instrument, as described herein may also be used for transillumination of the mouth and particularly a tooth.
  • An auxiliary light waveguide may be inserted into and attached to the elongated member, thereby providing an extension to the light waveguide for transillumination of portions of the mouth and particularly a tooth,
  • a camera may be implemented for capturing transilluminated images for future referral and examination.
  • a mini-camera may be configured to attached to the handle portion of a dentai instrument for capturing transilluminated images of a tooth.
  • a camera mounted on a users head is configured on a user's eyewear and is configured to take pictures of what the user is viewing, such as a transilluminated tooth.
  • a heads-up device may be controlled at least in part by verbal commands and a user may simp t the head-up camera to take photo as desired.
  • a heads-up device may comprise a small video display in the fieid of view of the viewer, such as within a portion of the eyewear and a user may provide a verba! command to the camera to zoom, change focus, or change position before instructing the camera to capture a photo of a desired image,
  • a denial instrument as described herein, is configured for use as a diagnostic too! using the flow of air to check for sensitive areas within the mouth, including sensitive areas on a tooth.
  • a user may utilize the flow of air coming from the dental instrument with the mirror portion removed and in some cases an auxiliary air guide attached to direct the airf!ow.
  • a user may direct the flow of air to an area of the mouth and request that the patient alert the user when they fee! sensitivity from the flow of air,
  • a sensitive area may indicate exposed nerves, or a cavity, for exampie,
  • An exemplary optica! component, mirror portion, mirror and elongated member may be cleaned or sterilized separately or coupled together.
  • a dental mirror instrument or the optical component of a denta! mirror instrument may configured to be autoclaved, being made out of materials that can withstand the autoc!ave environment.
  • a sleeve or protective cover may extend from a handle down over a portion of the optica! component, such as the elongated member, to prevent any bodily fluids from entering into the airflow conduit.
  • the optica! component is configured to foe disposable.
  • the mirror surface may comprise a hydrophobic coating to facility the removal of fluids and debris.
  • a hydrophobic release coated mirror includes a surface having a surface energy of less than about 20 dynes/cm and may be an oleophobic surface,
  • a hydrophobic release surface may have a topology that enhances the removal of liquids and may be configured to cause liquids to roll-off with the force of the airflow across the mirror surface.
  • the mirror comprises a hydrophobic release surface or coating.
  • a mirror body may comprise any suitable materia! including glass or plastic and a mirror coating or layer may be configured on the mirror body.
  • a hydrophobic release surface may comprise a coating that is substantially continuous over the mirror surface or discontinuous. Discrete areas of the mirror surface may be coated with a hydrophobic release materia!.
  • hydrophobic release surface may comprise a continuous film layer that is attached to the mirror.
  • a hydrophobic re rface may be formed by molding or stamping.
  • a mirror may be configured with a iow surface energy materia! that is stamped or molded to produce a topographical surface having surface features as described herein.
  • a hydrophobic release surface may foe chemically etched, deposited through plasma spraying, ion beams, plasma ablation, thermally embossing, and laser treatment, for example.
  • a hydrophobic release surface may be substantially transparent to provide a clear view of the mirror.
  • a hydrophobic release surface comprises a topology that enhances the removal of liquids and debris.
  • a hydrophobic release surface having a topology may have increased liquid roll-off properties.
  • a hydrophobic release surface may have a topology with raised portions and depressed portions.
  • the scale of the raised and depressed regions of a hydrophobic release surface may be configured specifically to enhance liquid roll-off and may be on the order of millimeters, micrometers, or nanometers.
  • topographical features on the mirror surface are on the micrometer to nanometer scale and are essentially transparent.
  • the contact angle of a liquid on a hydrophobic release surface having a topology of raised and/or depressed regions may be greatly increased and the reduced contact of the liquid with the surface improves liquid roll- off.
  • a hydrophobic release surface may comprise a patterned surface including, but not limited to, dots or discrete raised regions or portions, domes shape prominences, striations, channels and the like.
  • a hydrophobic release surface is etched, molded or otherwise formed info the surface of the mirror and therefore does not require a separate coating of material.
  • a molded or etched surface may be more durable than a coating as it will not be susceptible to washing off.
  • a hydrophobic release surface may comprise a materia! that has low surface energy such as a fluoropolymer including, but not limited to,
  • PTFE poiytetrafluoroethyiene
  • FEP f!uorinated ethylene propylene
  • a hydrophobic release coating may have a critical surface energy of about 20 dynes/cm or less, about 18 dynes/cm or less, about 15 dynes/cm or less, about 10 dynes/cm or less, and any range between and including the surface energy values provided, in an exemplary embodiment, the hydrophobic release coating is essentia hobic, whereby the release coating prevents oils from wetting and spreading on the surface of the mirror.
  • the hydrophobic release coating may be made out of materials thai are non-toxic as they will foe exposed to a person's bodily fluids when conducting procedures within the mouth.
  • a hydrophobic release surface is configured with a topology that is oriented to further improve liquid removal as a function of the direction of a fiow of air across the mirror surface.
  • a flow of air from the apertures in the mirror end of the elongated member may be directed by baffles to flow substantially parallel with the mirror surface; from the back portion to the front portion of the mirror.
  • the back portion of the mirror portion may not comprise a mirror and may direct provide a location where the light impinges, thereby eliminating any light hot-spots.
  • a Sight hot-spot is an area on a mirror that is very bright or produces a glare from a direct reflection of a light hitting the surface.
  • a patterned hydrophobic release surface may be oriented with respect to this flow of air direction to enhance liquid roil-off.
  • a hydrophobic release surface may comprise channels and these channels may be aligned with the direction of airflow, aligned perpendicular to the flow of air or aligned at some offset angle to the flow of air.
  • a flow of air that is parallel with the mirror surface may promote liquid removal across the entire surface of the mirror.
  • a fight waveguide may have any suitable index of refraction including, but not limited to, about 12 or more, about 1.3 or more, about 1 ,5 or more and any range between and including the values provided.
  • a light waveguide may be a one- piece unit with the optical component such as through molding.
  • a light waveguide may comprise or consist essentially of acrylic, polycarbonate, glass and the like.
  • a light waveguide may have any suitable shape and, in an exemplary embodiment, is rod shaped and extends along the back-side of the elongated member.
  • the optical component including the elongated member, the land portion and the mirror portion are a one-piece unit, such as through injection molding and may be molded out of a plastic that is not suitable for conventional sterlzation methods.
  • Conventional sterilization methods including , steam, chemical methods including application of alcohols or soaking in alcohol, or autoclaving may render the optical not useable.
  • High heat sterilization methods such as steam sterilization may cause the optical component to at least partially melt of soften and therefore warp out of shape.
  • Chemical sterilization may ieave the mirror hazy and not suitable for subsequent procedures.
  • the airflow conduit extends along the length of the elongated member and terminates at the mirror end in one or more apertures. These apertures may be configured to direct the flow of air in a parallel direction over the mirror surface.
  • a baffle is configured to direct the air exiting the one or more apertures across the plane of the mirror in a parallel direction.
  • the airflow conduit cross-sectional area may be reduced at the mirror end to increase the velocity of the airflow from the one or more apertures.
  • the mirror portion of the optical component is detachable from the elongated member thereby aiiowing the optical component to be used for illumination including transillumination.
  • the light emitted from the mirror end of the elongated member may be used to illuminate the mouth or to provide illumination through a tooth to identify variations in density of a tooth.
  • An auxiliary light waveguide may be attached to the elongated mirror and abut the emitting end of the fight waveguide configured within the elongated member.
  • An auxiliary light waveguide may be straight or curved and may have any suitable length.
  • substantially perpendicular means a surface is configured about 90 degrees, 75 degrees to 105 degrees, to another surface or a itght ray.
  • a substantially perpendicular surface is within about 80 to 100 degrees from another surface or Sight ray and more preferably within 85 to 95 degrees.
  • substantially parallel means a surface is configured about 0 degrees, 15 degrees to -15 degrees, to another surface or a light ray.
  • a substantially perpendicular surface is within about 10 to -10 degrees from another surface or Sight ray and more preferably within 5 to -5 degrees.
  • Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary dental instrument having an optica! component, a sheath, a source component and a flexible connector.
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in FIG. 1 with the ail of the detachable components attached
  • Figure 3 shows a back-side perspective view of the exemplary dental mirror instrument shown in FIG, 2.
  • Figure 4 shows a back view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in FIG. 2.
  • Figure 5 shows a side view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in FIG, 2.
  • Figure 6 shows a front view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in FIG. 2.
  • Figure 7 shows a top view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in
  • Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in F!G. 6.
  • Figure 9 shows an exemplary dental instrument coupled to a fixed source with a flexible connector attached to a fixed wall connector.
  • Figure 10 shows an exemplary dental instrument configured in a docking station that has controls for the airflow level and the Sight source.
  • Figure 11 shows a perspective front-side view of an exemplary optical component.
  • Figure 12 shows a perspective back-side view of an exemplary optica! component.
  • Figure 13 shows a top view of an exemplary optical component.
  • Figure 14 shows a cross-section view of the land portion of the optical component aiong line 14-14 in FIG. 13.
  • Figure 15 shows a cross-section view of the optica! component along line 15-15 in FIG. 13.
  • Figure 16 shows a cross-section view of the elongated member along line 18-16 in FIG, 15.
  • Figure 17 shows a cross-section view of an elongated member that reflects light to the back-side of the optical component.
  • Figure 18 shows a top view of an exemplary optical component.
  • Figure 19 shows a cross-section view of a portion of an exemplary elongated member along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.
  • Figure 20A shows a top-side view of an exemplary optica! component having radiant light emitted from the mirror perimeter portion
  • Figure 20B shows a cross-section of the optical component along line 20B-20B of FIG. 20A.
  • Figure 21 shows a top-down view of an exemplary mirror having a plurality of layers.
  • Figure 22 shows a side view of an exemplary mirror having a plurality of layers.
  • Figure 23 show a perspective view of a dental mirror instrument having a mirror with a hydrophobic coating on the mirror surface.
  • Figure 24 shows a perspective view of an exemplary dental mirror instrument a having handle detachably attached with the connection end of an exemplary optical component and a flexible connector connecting an auxiliary pack with the handle.
  • Figure 25 shows a mirror portion having a camera.
  • Figure 28 shows a heads-up device that is coupled with a camera configured on the dental mirror instrument.
  • Figure 2? shows a wrist display device that is coupled with the ⁇ mirror instrument for showing a display of an oral cavity.
  • Figure 28 shows a perspective front-side view of an exemplary optical component.
  • Figure 29 shows a perspective back-side view of an exemplary optica! component.
  • Figure 30 shows a top view of an exemplary optical component
  • Figure 31 shows a cross-section view of the optica! component along line 31-31 of FIG. 30
  • Figure 32 shows a cross-section view of the elongated member along line 32-32 of FIG. 31 .
  • an exemplary dental instrument comprises an optical component 18 having an elongated member 60, a iand portion 130 and a mirror portion 14,
  • the elongated member 60 has a light waveguide 70 and an airflow channel 83 that extend from the engagement end 62 to the mirror end 64.
  • the optical sheath 102 is configured to slide down over the elongated member to produce an airflow conduit.
  • the optica! sheath has a length from the engagement end 82' to the terminal end 103.
  • a Fresnel Sens 120 in configured on the front-side of the land portion 130.
  • the mirror 40 is configured withtn the mirror portion 14 and as described, may be detachable.
  • the mirror portion 16 is configured to couple with the source component 36 to receive a flow of air and light from a light source.
  • the source component is configured to coupie with a source connector 33 to receive a flow of air and/or !ight or e!ectric power for a light source configured in the source component.
  • the source component may couple with a flexible connector.
  • FIG. 2 the components of the dental instrument 11 shown in FIG. 1 are attached.
  • the optica! sheath 102 is configured down over the elongated member to form the airflow conduit.
  • the optica! component 16 is attached to the source component 36 and the source component is attached to the source connector.
  • the dental mirror instrument 12 comprises an internal convex mirror surface 152 that reflects light from the back-side 105 to the front-side 104 and onto a subject, such as a tooth.
  • the light waveguide 70 extends along the backside of the elongated member 60.
  • the optica! component is attached to the source component 38.
  • the optical component 16 comprises a Fresnel lens 120 in the land portion 130.
  • the Fresnel lens is configured with a plurality of ridges that provide perpendicular surfaces for reflected light to be emitted from the front- side of the optical component 16.
  • an airflow conduit extends down through the optical component.
  • a dental mirror instrument 12 is coupied to a fixed source 190, a wall connector 192.
  • a fix e may provide a flow of air and/or electrical power for a Sight source configured in the source component 36.
  • a piuraiity of controls 87, 87', such as buttons or levers, may be used to turn on and/or off the flow of air or Sight, and/or increase or decrease the flow of air and/or the intensity or level of the iight,
  • an exemplary dental instrument 12 is configured in a docking station 180 having controls for adjusting the airflow level and/or the iight source.
  • a display shows that the air and iight are on and airfiow controls 84, 84 are configured on the docking station to increase or decrease the fiow of air,
  • a light switch 88 enables the Sight to be activated.
  • a flexible connector 38 couples the dental mirror instrument to the docking station 180.
  • the docking station may have batteries to provide electrical power to the Sight source through the flexible connector, and/or a pump to provide a fSow of air through the flexible connector to the dental mirror instrument.
  • the docking station is coupled with a source for the supply of power, such as an electrical outlet, or an airflow source,
  • an exemplary optical component 18 comprises an elongated member 60 having a length 68 from an engagement end 62 to a mirror end 64 where it couples with the land portion 130.
  • a Fresnei iens 120 is configured in the land portion and comprises a piuraiity of ridges 124 that extend
  • a pair of ribs 142 extend from the elongated member along either side of the Fresnei lens to the mirror portion 14 and guide an airflow from the airfiow conduit to the mirror 40,
  • An airflow channel 83 enables quick and easy injection molding of the part.
  • a mirror perimeter portion 140 extends around the mirror 40 and in an exemplary embodiment emits radiant tight.
  • exemplary optica! component 16 comprises a internally convex mirror surface 152 in the land portion 130 that is configured to reflect Sight towards the front-side and through the Fresnei lens.
  • the back-side 105 of the mirror portion 14 comprises a modified surface 107, such as a frosted, reflective or opaque surface to reduce light emittance from the surface.
  • a modified surface may block and/or reflect internal light from exiting the surface and in some cases reflect any internal light back into the material.
  • the mirror perimeter portion 140 does not comprise a modified surfa may emit a radiant light.
  • an exemplary optica! component 16 comprises an engagement end 82 that is configured to receive light from a source component (not shown).
  • the engagement end 62 may be concave in shape, at least in the light waveguide 70 portion.
  • the elongated member 60 also comprises an airflow channel 83 extending aiong the length of the elongated member.
  • the Sand portion 130 of the optical component comprises an internally convex mirror surface 152 that is configured to reflect light to the front-side 104 of the optical component.
  • the reflected light rays 1 12 are spread out by the curvature of the internally convex mirror surface 152 to produce a task light 1 14 and, in use, are incident on a subject 1 G8 ; such as a tooth.
  • the internally convex mirror surface is concave in shape as seen from the outside of the optical component but is internally convex in shape.
  • the light spread shown in FIG. 14 is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length axis of the elongated member, or optical component.
  • an optica! component 16 comprises a Fresnel lens 120 configured on the front-side 104 of the land portion 130.
  • Light rays 110 are transmitted down along the elongated member 60 and through the light waveguide 70 where they reflect off the internally convex mirror surface 152 and through the Fresnel lens 120.
  • the Fresnel lens comprises a plurality of ridges 124 made up of a rise 128 and a step 128.
  • the rise is configured to provide a light emittance surface that is substantially perpendicular to the reflected light rays 112. Having a surface that is perpendicular to the light rays ensures that the Sight will be emitted from the surface and reduces reflection back into the surface.
  • the step extends from the top of a first rise to the bottom of a subsequent rise and may be substantially
  • the internally convex mirror surface 152 produces a task light 1 14 that is spread out radially between the mirror portion and the elongated member or radially from the length axis of the elongated member.
  • the angle 158 between the light waveguide and the internally convex is maintained below 45 degrees resulting in total internal reflection of the light .
  • an elongated member 80 comprises a light waveguide 70 and an airflow channel 83.
  • the airflow channel 83 becomes an airflow conduit 80 when an optica! sheath (not shown) is configured thereover.
  • the channel having an open top-side enable tical component to be injection molded easily and quickly as no rod is required to be insert molded around for the conduit.
  • an optica! component 18 that is not configured with a Fresnel lens will produce reflected light that exits the back-side of the optical component.
  • the reflected light rays 1 12 * are reflected from the smooth contoured surface on the front-side 104 of the land portion toward the back-side and are emitted out of the back-side. This reduces the intensity of the reflected light rays 112 that are emitted from the front-side of the optical component.
  • FIG. 18 shows a top view of an exemplary optical component 16.
  • FIG. 19 shows a cross-section view of a portion of an exemplary elongated member a!ong Sine 19-19 of FIG. 18.
  • the Fresne! lens 120 is configured with a plurality of ridges 124 having a rise 128 and a step 128 surface, in an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of ridge peaks 129 are configured in an airflow contour 122 that is concave along the length of the land portion 130, between the elongated member and the mirror portion, and are configured to direct the flow of air from fhe airflow conduit 80 across the mirror surface 42.
  • the mirror 40 has a mirror plane axis 43 and water, fluids and debris may be more effectively removed when the flow of air is tangential with the mirror surface 42, as depicted by the bold arrow,
  • an exemplary optical component 16 has radiant light 1 18 emitted from the mirror perimeter portion 140.
  • Light rays may be transmitted around the Fresnel lens 120 through the ribs 142 and into the mirror perimeter portion 140.
  • the radiant light may provide general light of an oral cavity whereas the task Sight provides specific directed light to a subject or task area, such as a tooth.
  • the ribs 142 extend up from either side of the Fresnel Sens and act as baffles to guide the airflow from the airflow aperture 82 down over the mirror surface 42.
  • the optical sheath 102 extends around the elongated member 80 and to form an airflow conduit 83 by covering the airflow channel 82,
  • an exemplary mirror 40 has a plurality of layers including a support base 50, a mirror coating 52 and a hydrophobic release surface 20.
  • the hydrophobic release surface may be a coating 21 on the mirror.
  • an exemplary dental mirror instrument 12 is detachably attached by a flexible conne o an auxiliary pack 88,
  • the auxiliary pack contains a battery 32 and a mini-pump 89
  • a user of the dental mirror instrument may connect the auxiliary pack with the handle by a source connector 33 and turn on the auxiliary pack to initiate the supply of power to the light configured within the handie or source component 36 and the supply of airflow from the mini- pump.
  • An auxiliary pack may be placed in a user's pocket, attached to their belt, an examination table and the like.
  • a light switch 86 or control, as well as an airflow control or switch may be configured on the dental instrument to enable a user to turn the light or airflow off and/or adjust a level.
  • an exemplary optical component 16 is configured with a camera 160 in the mirror portion 14.
  • the camera may have leads that extend up the elongated member to a transmitter, such as a short range transmitter, Bluetooth for example, for providing images to a display screen.
  • the camera may be configured under a translucent or transparent cover 186 that protects the camera from exposure to fluids and also provides a flat planar surface and mirror plane for the flow of air to remove debris and fluid the mirror portion.
  • a clinician is wearing eyewear 176 that has a heads-up device 170 having a display 174 coupled with a camera 172
  • the display may be coupled with a camera that is in a mirror portion of a dental mirror instrument, as shown in FiG. 25. for example.
  • a user may manipulate the dental instrument having a camera to display a portion of an oral cavity.
  • the heads-up display may receive verbal commands from the user to zoom, focus or adjust the position of the field of view of the camera for capturing a desired image.
  • a heads-up display may be configured to record dictation throughout the use of a dental instrument for future review, documentation and use.
  • a microphone 184 may also be configured on the heads-up device 170 for control of the magnification of the image being displayed.
  • the magnif ication of the image may also be controlled by eye movement, wherein a sensor within the heads-up display monitors the eye and changes magnification level as a function of eye position.
  • a dental mirror instrument 11 is configured within an oral cavity 196 and a camera 172, configured in the mirror portion of the dental instrument, is capturing images of the oral cavity and providing them to a wrist display device 178 having a display 174 own, a plurality of teeth are being displayed on wrist display device and the magnification of this displayed image may be manipulated by voice, or manual controls on the writ display device.
  • a microphone 184 configured on the wrist display device, enables a user to change the magnification of the displayed image. A user may verbally request that the image be enlarged or reduced in magnification as desired.
  • the microphone may be coupied with a controller that zooms the camera in or out on an object to be displayed.
  • magnification and reduction of the displayed image is a digital magnification and/or reduction of the digital image.
  • Magnification controllers 188, 168' may be configured on the wrist display device for controlling the magnification level of the image being displayed.
  • the magnification controller may be a manually manipulated control interface including, but not limited to, a single lever or button or a plurality of buttons, levers, toggles switches or levers and the like.
  • an exemplary optical component 16 comprises an elongated member 60 having an airflow conduit 80, The airflow conduit 80 and Sight waveguide 70 are shown be adjacent each other at the engagement end 62 in FIG. 29.
  • the optical component can be injection molded but would require a removable pin or post to form the airflow conduit in the part,
  • an exemplary optical component 18 comprises an engagement end 62 that is configured to receive light from a source component.
  • the engagement end 62 comprises an airflow conduit 80
  • An airflow aperture 82 is configured at the mirror end 64 of the elongated member.
  • Figure 32 shows the cross-section of the elongated member 80 and the airflow conduit 80 adjacent the Sight waveguide 70.

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Abstract

A dental mirror instrument has a light waveguide and an airflow conduit that extend along the length of an elongated member to a mirror portion. An airflow exiting from the airflow conduit may be directed over the mirror surface to remove fluids and debris. Light from a Sight source is transmitted along the light waveguide and is reflected off of a back-side of a land portion through a Fresnel lens to produce a task light. A mirror may have a hydrophobic surface and this surface may have raised portions or a patterned surface that further enhances the removal of fluids or debris. The optical component of the dental instrument may be detachable to a source component and may be disposable. A flexible connector may be coupled with the source component to provide an airflow to the airflow conduit and/or electrical power to the light source.

Description

MULTI-PURPOSE DENTAL INSTRUMENT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cross Reference To Related Applications
[0001 j This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 62/082,268, filed on November 20, 2014 and entitled, Multi-Purpose Dental Instrument; the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Field of the invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a dentai mirror instrument configured to illuminate the mirror surface and provide a flow of air across the mirror surface to remove liquids and debris and prevent fogging.
Background
[0003] Dental mirrors are routinely used by dentist and clinicians to view various parts of a patient's mouth and/or oropharynx. Dental mirrors are used for examination, diagnosis, procedural purposes, dentai hygiene and other medical and veterinarian disciplines, such as otolaryngology (earn nose and throat ENT). The mouth is a difficult environment, as there are any number of fluids that can come into contact with the mirror surface including, saliva, mucin, rinsing water, blood, cleaning solutions and pastes as well as debris from conducting dentai procedures. A mirror surface may become coated with one or more of these fluids and/or debris thereby obstructing a clear view, in addition, without proper Sighting, many parts of the mouth are difficult to see even with the aid or a mirror. Lighting projected into the mouth has limited effectiveness, as many areas within the mouth are obstructed from illumination. With the aid of an illuminated mirror, light can be easily reflected into obstructed areas,
[0004] As described in U.S. patent no. 8,172,571, to Dr. Watson, dental mirrors have traditionally not been designed for ergonomics, in addition, traditional denial mirrors are not ergonomic. Ergonomics refers to the ease and precision with which Instruments can be positioned for control, direction, duration and distance of applied force. When dental clinicians changed posture in the late 1960s from a standing position to a sifting position, the same dental mirrors remained. The angle of the traditional dental mirror surface to the mirror handle is set at approximately thirty-eight degrees. This angle supplies reflected vision for an operator who stands slightly behind, completely behind, or beside a seated patient. However, the standard thirty-eight degree angle is not designed for clinicians sitting in relation to a patient. The entirety of U,S, patent no, 8,172,571 is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0005] There exists a need for an illuminated dental mirror instrument that can effectively remove liquids and debris from the mirror surface and prevent fogging to allow an operator to view reflections within the mirror effectively,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is directed to a dental instrument and, in an exemplary embodiment, a dentai mirror instrument that is configured to illuminate the mirror surface and provide a flow of air across the surface to remove liquids and prevent fogging. The mirror surface may comprise a hydrophobic coating to facility the removal of fluids and debris. An exemplary dentai mirror instrument comprises an optical component having an elongated member, a land portion and a mirror portion, A light waveguide and an airflow conduit extend along the elongated member from the engagement end to the mirror end. A Fresnei lens may be configured on a front side of the land portion and be configured to emit a task light on to a subject, such as a tooth. The land portion may also comprise an interna! convex mirror surface that is configured to reflect light transmitted down the light waveguide. The internal convex mirror surface reflects the light to produce a spread of reflected light that is emitted through the Fresne! lens. The mirror portion may comprise a mirror and a light emitting perimeter portion that extends radially around a portion of the mirror to produce a radiant light.
[0007] The optical component may comprise an optical sheath that extends down over the elongated member. The optical sheath may produce a flow conduit out of a channel in the elongated member,
[0008] The optical component may receive a flow of air from a source component that is attached to the engagement end. The source component may receive a flow of air from a flexible connector that is coupled with an auxiliary pack, a docking station or a fixed source, such a connector. An auxiliary pack or docking station may comprise a pump for producing a flow of air, or may be coupled by a separate flexible connector to a fixed source. The airflow conduit may be formed from an airflow channel in the optical component and an optical sheath configured thereover. An optical component may comprise a continuous conduit through the elongated member in another embodiment. The flow of air may be heated by the optical component and light waveguide as if passes along the airflow conduit in the elongated member. This heated flow of air may be more effective at removing fog from the mirror.
[0009] An optica! component may receive light from a light source that is configured in a source component. A Light Emitting Diode (LED), may be configured in the source component and provide Sight to the light waveguide. The engagement end of the light waveguide may be concave in shape to more effectively receive and transmit the received light from the fight source and to reduce heat. In an alternative embodiment, the engagement end of the light waveguide Is flat or convex in shape, A light source may receive electric power from an electrical cable that extends through a flexible connector or from a battery configured in the dental instrument, an auxiliary pack, or docking station.
[0010] A Fresnei lens may be positioned on the front-side of the land portion and be configured to disperse reflected light from the back-side of the land portion to a subject. A Fresnei lens may comprise a plurality of ridges that extend across the front-side of the land portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length axis of the elongated member. A ridge comprises a step and a rise, wherein the rise is a planar surface that extends substantially perpendicularly to a reflected light from the back-side of the land portion, and the step is a planar surface that extends substantially parallel to a reflected light from the back-side of the land portion. The ridges may be configured in a convex shape along the front-side of the land portion from the elongated member to the mirror portion to provide an airflow contour to direct and guide the flow of air from the airflow conduit across the mirror surface.
[001 13 A land portion may comprise an internally convex shaped mirror surface configured along a portion of the back-side of the land portion to reflect internal light toward the front-side of the land portion and through the Fresnei lens. The internally convex shaped mirror surface is configured to spread the reflected light radially between the elongated member and the mirror portion and also radially in a direction across the width of the opt ponent, perpendicular to the length axis of the elongated member. In a preferred embodiment, the optical component comprises a Fresnel lens and a internally convex shaped mirror surface.
[0012] A land portion may comprise a pair of ribs that extend around either side of the Fresnel lens from the elongated member to the mirror perimeter potion. The ribs may couple the light waveguide with the mirror perimeter portion and transmit Sight to the mirror perimeter portion. Light traveling around the mirror perimeter portion will be emitted from the surface and create a radiant light that can be used to illuminate an oral cavity. The task light, or Sight reflected from the backside of the land portion through the Fresnel lens in configured to be directed onto a subject, or tooth, which is reflected In the mirror. These two distinct sources of light being emitted by the optical component provide very effective illumination of the oral cavity for a wide variety of procedures.
[0013] A dental mirror instrument, as described herein, may comprise a light source and/or an airflow source. A Sight source and/or airflow source may be configured in a handle or a source component. A light source may be a light emitting diode (LED) that is configured proximal to the source end of the light waveguide and may contact the light waveguide. An airflow source may comprise a fan that is configured in the handle or a source component. A Sight source and/or airflow source may be powered by one or more batteries that are configured in a handle or a source component. Sn an exemplary embodiment, a handSe comprises a battery pack that powers a fan or pump, such as a mini-pump configured within the handle, !n another embodiment, a battery pack powers the light source, in still another embodiment, an auxiliary pack is tethered to the dental mirror and comprises a battery and/or an airflow device such as a fan or pump. A denial instrument may be completely unteibered in one embodiment and have a battery pack that powers both a fan, or other air-moving device, and a light source. An untethered portable dental instrument, as described herein, may be ideal for hospitals and nursing home use as the instalment may be required to be carried from one room to another. Patients may be examined with the aid of the portable dental mirror instrument in the comfort of their own beds, for example.
[0014] in another embodiment, an airflow source is a remote airflow source and a hose is coupled with the dental instrument to deliver a fSow of air from the remote source through the hose to the dental instrument. A remote airflow source may be a fixed source from a dental offi cedure room. A compressor may supply compressed air to one or more procedure rooms within a dental or other medical facility. The air supplied to the procedure rooms may be cleaned and filtered to meet any regulations for oral procedures. A user of the dental instrument may attach a hose to an outlet in the wall of the procedure room to provide a flow of air to the dental mirror instrument. Likewise, power for the airfiow source and/or Iight source may be provided by an electrical supply cable that is coupled with the dental instrument. A conduit providing airflow may also be coupied with the optica! component or handle. A quick disconnect may be configured for detachably attaching an airflow conduit and/or power supply to the dental mirror instrument, as described herein.
[0015] A dental instrument, as described herein, may be a one-piece unit wherein the optical component and mirror portions are constructed from a single material, such as through molding. In another embodiment, the mirror portion is detachable from the optica! component. A mirror portion may comprise a detachable mirror, whereby a disposable mirror can be replaced between each patient, A mirror portion may comprise a recess for receiving and retaining a detachable or disposable mirror. In another embodiment, a mirror portion is detachable from the elongated member and an auxiliary light waveguide may be attached to the elongated member, thereby providing an extension to the light waveguide for transillumination of portions of the mouth and particularly a tooth. A dental instrument, as described herein, may be used for examination, diagnosis, procedural purposes, dental hygiene and other medical and veterinarian disciplines, such as otoiaryngoiogy (earn nose and throat ENT). A dental instrument, as described herein may also be used for transillumination of the mouth and particularly a tooth. An auxiliary light waveguide may be inserted into and attached to the elongated member, thereby providing an extension to the light waveguide for transillumination of portions of the mouth and particularly a tooth, A camera may be implemented for capturing transilluminated images for future referral and examination. For example, a mini-camera may be configured to attached to the handle portion of a dentai instrument for capturing transilluminated images of a tooth. In another embodiment, a camera mounted on a users head, such as on a heads-up device, is configured on a user's eyewear and is configured to take pictures of what the user is viewing, such as a transilluminated tooth. A heads-up device may be controlled at least in part by verbal commands and a user may simp t the head-up camera to take photo as desired. A heads-up device may comprise a small video display in the fieid of view of the viewer, such as within a portion of the eyewear and a user may provide a verba! command to the camera to zoom, change focus, or change position before instructing the camera to capture a photo of a desired image,
[0016] 61 In still another embodiment, a denial instrument, as described herein, is configured for use as a diagnostic too! using the flow of air to check for sensitive areas within the mouth, including sensitive areas on a tooth. A user may utilize the flow of air coming from the dental instrument with the mirror portion removed and in some cases an auxiliary air guide attached to direct the airf!ow. A user may direct the flow of air to an area of the mouth and request that the patient alert the user when they fee! sensitivity from the flow of air, A sensitive area may indicate exposed nerves, or a cavity, for exampie,
[0017] An exemplary optica! component, mirror portion, mirror and elongated member may be cleaned or sterilized separately or coupled together. A dental mirror instrument or the optical component of a denta! mirror instrument may configured to be autoclaved, being made out of materials that can withstand the autoc!ave environment. In addition, a sleeve or protective cover may extend from a handle down over a portion of the optica! component, such as the elongated member, to prevent any bodily fluids from entering into the airflow conduit. In still another embodiment, the optica! component is configured to foe disposable.
i 0018'j The mirror surface may comprise a hydrophobic coating to facility the removal of fluids and debris. In an exemplary embodiment, a hydrophobic release coated mirror includes a surface having a surface energy of less than about 20 dynes/cm and may be an oleophobic surface, A hydrophobic release surface may have a topology that enhances the removal of liquids and may be configured to cause liquids to roll-off with the force of the airflow across the mirror surface.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the mirror comprises a hydrophobic release surface or coating. A mirror body may comprise any suitable materia! including glass or plastic and a mirror coating or layer may be configured on the mirror body. A hydrophobic release surface may comprise a coating that is substantially continuous over the mirror surface or discontinuous. Discrete areas of the mirror surface may be coated with a hydrophobic release materia!. A
hydrophobic release surface may comprise a continuous film layer that is attached to the mirror. In addition, a hydrophobic re rface may be formed by molding or stamping. For example, a mirror may be configured with a iow surface energy materia! that is stamped or molded to produce a topographical surface having surface features as described herein. A hydrophobic release surface may foe chemically etched, deposited through plasma spraying, ion beams, plasma ablation, thermally embossing, and laser treatment, for example. A hydrophobic release surface may be substantially transparent to provide a clear view of the mirror. In an exemplary embodiment, a hydrophobic release surface comprises a topology that enhances the removal of liquids and debris. A hydrophobic release surface having a topology may have increased liquid roll-off properties. For example, a hydrophobic release surface may have a topology with raised portions and depressed portions. The scale of the raised and depressed regions of a hydrophobic release surface may be configured specifically to enhance liquid roll-off and may be on the order of millimeters, micrometers, or nanometers. In an exemplary embodiment,
topographical features on the mirror surface are on the micrometer to nanometer scale and are essentially transparent. The contact angle of a liquid on a hydrophobic release surface having a topology of raised and/or depressed regions may be greatly increased and the reduced contact of the liquid with the surface improves liquid roll- off. A hydrophobic release surface may comprise a patterned surface including, but not limited to, dots or discrete raised regions or portions, domes shape prominences, striations, channels and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a hydrophobic release surface is etched, molded or otherwise formed info the surface of the mirror and therefore does not require a separate coating of material. A molded or etched surface may be more durable than a coating as it will not be susceptible to washing off.
[0020] A hydrophobic release surface may comprise a materia! that has low surface energy such as a fluoropolymer including, but not limited to,
poiytetrafluoroethyiene (PTFE), f!uorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),
hexafluoropropylene (HFP), amorphous fluoroplastic such as Teflon AF that in an exemplary embodiment comprises Dioxole/TFE copolymer, available from E J, du Pont de Nemours Inc., and the like. A hydrophobic release coating may have a critical surface energy of about 20 dynes/cm or less, about 18 dynes/cm or less, about 15 dynes/cm or less, about 10 dynes/cm or less, and any range between and including the surface energy values provided, in an exemplary embodiment, the hydrophobic release coating is essentia hobic, whereby the release coating prevents oils from wetting and spreading on the surface of the mirror. The hydrophobic release coating may be made out of materials thai are non-toxic as they will foe exposed to a person's bodily fluids when conducting procedures within the mouth.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, a hydrophobic release surface is configured with a topology that is oriented to further improve liquid removal as a function of the direction of a fiow of air across the mirror surface. A flow of air from the apertures in the mirror end of the elongated member may be directed by baffles to flow substantially parallel with the mirror surface; from the back portion to the front portion of the mirror. The back portion of the mirror portion may not comprise a mirror and may direct provide a location where the light impinges, thereby eliminating any light hot-spots. A Sight hot-spot is an area on a mirror that is very bright or produces a glare from a direct reflection of a light hitting the surface. A patterned hydrophobic release surface may be oriented with respect to this flow of air direction to enhance liquid roil-off. For example, a hydrophobic release surface may comprise channels and these channels may be aligned with the direction of airflow, aligned perpendicular to the flow of air or aligned at some offset angle to the flow of air. in addition, a flow of air that is parallel with the mirror surface may promote liquid removal across the entire surface of the mirror.
[0022] A fight waveguide may have any suitable index of refraction including, but not limited to, about 12 or more, about 1.3 or more, about 1 ,5 or more and any range between and including the values provided. A light waveguide may be a one- piece unit with the optical component such as through molding. A light waveguide may comprise or consist essentially of acrylic, polycarbonate, glass and the like. A light waveguide may have any suitable shape and, in an exemplary embodiment, is rod shaped and extends along the back-side of the elongated member. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical component including the elongated member, the land portion and the mirror portion are a one-piece unit, such as through injection molding and may be molded out of a plastic that is not suitable for conventional sterlzation methods. Conventional sterilization methods including , steam, chemical methods including application of alcohols or soaking in alcohol, or autoclaving may render the optical not useable. High heat sterilization methods such as steam sterilization may cause the optical component to at least partially melt of soften and therefore warp out of shape. Chemical sterilization may ieave the mirror hazy and not suitable for subsequent procedures.
[0023] The airflow conduit extends along the length of the elongated member and terminates at the mirror end in one or more apertures. These apertures may be configured to direct the flow of air in a parallel direction over the mirror surface. In another embodiment, a baffle is configured to direct the air exiting the one or more apertures across the plane of the mirror in a parallel direction. The airflow conduit cross-sectional area may be reduced at the mirror end to increase the velocity of the airflow from the one or more apertures.
[0024] In one embodiment, the mirror portion of the optical component is detachable from the elongated member thereby aiiowing the optical component to be used for illumination including transillumination. The light emitted from the mirror end of the elongated member may be used to illuminate the mouth or to provide illumination through a tooth to identify variations in density of a tooth. An auxiliary light waveguide may be attached to the elongated mirror and abut the emitting end of the fight waveguide configured within the elongated member. An auxiliary light waveguide may be straight or curved and may have any suitable length.
[0025] Where there are discrepancies between this application and the provisional patent application no. 82/082,288, incorporated herein by reference, this application shall dominate.
[0026] As used herein, the term substantially perpendicular means a surface is configured about 90 degrees, 75 degrees to 105 degrees, to another surface or a itght ray. Preferably, a substantially perpendicular surface is within about 80 to 100 degrees from another surface or Sight ray and more preferably within 85 to 95 degrees.
[0027] As used herein, the term substantially parallel means a surface is configured about 0 degrees, 15 degrees to -15 degrees, to another surface or a light ray. Preferably, a substantially perpendicular surface is within about 10 to -10 degrees from another surface or Sight ray and more preferably within 5 to -5 degrees.
[0028] The summary of the invention is provided as a general introduction to some of the embodiments of the invention, and Is not intended to be limiting.
Additional exampie embodiments including variations and alternative configurations of the invention are provided herein, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to exp!ain the principles of the invention,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary dental instrument having an optica! component, a sheath, a source component and a flexible connector.
[0031] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in FIG. 1 with the ail of the detachable components attached,
[0032] Figure 3 shows a back-side perspective view of the exemplary dental mirror instrument shown in FIG, 2.
[0033] Figure 4 shows a back view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in FIG. 2.
[0034] Figure 5 shows a side view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in FIG, 2.
[0035] Figure 6 shows a front view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in FIG. 2.
[0036] Figure 7 shows a top view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in
FIG. 6.
[0037] Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the exemplary dental instrument shown in F!G. 6.
[0038] Figure 9 shows an exemplary dental instrument coupled to a fixed source with a flexible connector attached to a fixed wall connector.
[0039] Figure 10 shows an exemplary dental instrument configured in a docking station that has controls for the airflow level and the Sight source.
[0040] Figure 11 shows a perspective front-side view of an exemplary optical component. [0041] Figure 12 shows a perspective back-side view of an exemplary optica! component.
[0042] Figure 13 shows a top view of an exemplary optical component.
[0043] Figure 14 shows a cross-section view of the land portion of the optical component aiong line 14-14 in FIG. 13.
[0044] Figure 15 shows a cross-section view of the optica! component along line 15-15 in FIG. 13.
[0045] Figure 16 shows a cross-section view of the elongated member along line 18-16 in FIG, 15.
[0046] Figure 17 shows a cross-section view of an elongated member that reflects light to the back-side of the optical component.
[0047] Figure 18 shows a top view of an exemplary optical component.
[004S] Figure 19 shows a cross-section view of a portion of an exemplary elongated member along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.
[0049] Figure 20A shows a top-side view of an exemplary optica! component having radiant light emitted from the mirror perimeter portion,
[0050] Figure 20B shows a cross-section of the optical component along line 20B-20B of FIG. 20A.
[0051] Figure 21 shows a top-down view of an exemplary mirror having a plurality of layers.
[0052] Figure 22 shows a side view of an exemplary mirror having a plurality of layers.
[0053] Figure 23 show a perspective view of a dental mirror instrument having a mirror with a hydrophobic coating on the mirror surface.
[0054] Figure 24 shows a perspective view of an exemplary dental mirror instrument a having handle detachably attached with the connection end of an exemplary optical component and a flexible connector connecting an auxiliary pack with the handle.
[0055] Figure 25 shows a mirror portion having a camera.
[0056] Figure 28 shows a heads-up device that is coupled with a camera configured on the dental mirror instrument.
[0057] Figure 2? shows a wrist display device that is coupled with the άβηϊΒί mirror instrument for showing a display of an oral cavity. i'005$'i Figure 28 shows a perspective front-side view of an exemplary optical component.
[0059] Figure 29 shows a perspective back-side view of an exemplary optica! component.
[0060] Figure 30 shows a top view of an exemplary optical component,
[0061] Figure 31 shows a cross-section view of the optica! component along line 31-31 of FIG. 30
[0062] Figure 32 shows a cross-section view of the elongated member along line 32-32 of FIG. 31 .
[0063] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the figures. The figures represent an illustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated and/or magnified to show details of particuiar components. Therefore, specific siructurai and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting,, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention .
[0064] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, use of "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise,
[0065] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodiments described are only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications, combinations and improvements of the described
embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art and all such alternate embodiments, combinations, modifications, improvements are within the scope of the present invention.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 1 , an exemplary dental instrument comprises an optical component 18 having an elongated member 60, a iand portion 130 and a mirror portion 14, The elongated member 60 has a light waveguide 70 and an airflow channel 83 that extend from the engagement end 62 to the mirror end 64. The optical sheath 102 is configured to slide down over the elongated member to produce an airflow conduit. The optica! sheath has a length from the engagement end 82' to the terminal end 103. A Fresnel Sens 120 in configured on the front-side of the land portion 130. The mirror 40 is configured withtn the mirror portion 14 and as described, may be detachable. The mirror portion 16 is configured to couple with the source component 36 to receive a flow of air and light from a light source. The source component is configured to coupie with a source connector 33 to receive a flow of air and/or !ight or e!ectric power for a light source configured in the source component. The source component may couple with a flexible connector.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 2 the components of the dental instrument 11 shown in FIG. 1 are attached. The optica! sheath 102 is configured down over the elongated member to form the airflow conduit. The optica! component 16 is attached to the source component 36 and the source component is attached to the source connector.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 3 to 5, the dental mirror instrument 12 comprises an internal convex mirror surface 152 that reflects light from the back-side 105 to the front-side 104 and onto a subject, such as a tooth. The light waveguide 70 extends along the backside of the elongated member 60. Again, the optica! component is attached to the source component 38.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, the optical component 16 comprises a Fresnel lens 120 in the land portion 130. The Fresnel lens is configured with a plurality of ridges that provide perpendicular surfaces for reflected light to be emitted from the front- side of the optical component 16.
[0070] As shown in FIG, 7 an airflow conduit extends down through the optical component.
[00? t j Figure 8 shows the back-side 105 of the mirror portion,
[0072] As shown in FIG. 9, a dental mirror instrument 12 is coupied to a fixed source 190, a wall connector 192. A fix e may provide a flow of air and/or electrical power for a Sight source configured in the source component 36. A piuraiity of controls 87, 87', such as buttons or levers, may be used to turn on and/or off the flow of air or Sight, and/or increase or decrease the flow of air and/or the intensity or level of the iight,
[0073 } As shown in FIG. 10, an exemplary dental instrument 12 is configured in a docking station 180 having controls for adjusting the airflow level and/or the iight source. A display shows that the air and iight are on and airfiow controls 84, 84 are configured on the docking station to increase or decrease the fiow of air,
respectively. A light switch 88 enables the Sight to be activated. A flexible connector 38 couples the dental mirror instrument to the docking station 180. The docking station may have batteries to provide electrical power to the Sight source through the flexible connector, and/or a pump to provide a fSow of air through the flexible connector to the dental mirror instrument. In another embodiment, the docking station is coupled with a source for the supply of power, such as an electrical outlet, or an airflow source,
[00743 As shown in FIG.11 , an exemplary optical component 18 comprises an elongated member 60 having a length 68 from an engagement end 62 to a mirror end 64 where it couples with the land portion 130. A Fresnei iens 120 is configured in the land portion and comprises a piuraiity of ridges 124 that extend
perpendicularly to the length axis 67 of the elongated member 60. A pair of ribs 142 extend from the elongated member along either side of the Fresnei lens to the mirror portion 14 and guide an airflow from the airfiow conduit to the mirror 40, The optica! component 18 shown in a one-piece unit that may be injection molded out of singie materia! and from a single cavity. An airflow channel 83 enables quick and easy injection molding of the part. A mirror perimeter portion 140 extends around the mirror 40 and in an exemplary embodiment emits radiant tight.
[0075] As shown in FIG.12, exemplary optica! component 16 comprises a internally convex mirror surface 152 in the land portion 130 that is configured to reflect Sight towards the front-side and through the Fresnei lens. The back-side 105 of the mirror portion 14 comprises a modified surface 107, such as a frosted, reflective or opaque surface to reduce light emittance from the surface. A modified surface may block and/or reflect internal light from exiting the surface and in some cases reflect any internal light back into the material. The mirror perimeter portion 140 does not comprise a modified surfa may emit a radiant light. [0076] As shown in FIG.13, an exemplary optica! component 16 comprises an engagement end 82 that is configured to receive light from a source component (not shown). The engagement end 62 may be concave in shape, at least in the light waveguide 70 portion. The elongated member 60 also comprises an airflow channel 83 extending aiong the length of the elongated member.
[0077] As shown in FIG.14, the Sand portion 130 of the optical component comprises an internally convex mirror surface 152 that is configured to reflect light to the front-side 104 of the optical component. The reflected light rays 1 12 are spread out by the curvature of the internally convex mirror surface 152 to produce a task light 1 14 and, in use, are incident on a subject 1 G8; such as a tooth. The internally convex mirror surface is concave in shape as seen from the outside of the optical component but is internally convex in shape. The light spread shown in FIG. 14 is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length axis of the elongated member, or optical component.
[0078] As shown in 15, an optica! component 16 comprises a Fresnel lens 120 configured on the front-side 104 of the land portion 130. Light rays 110 are transmitted down along the elongated member 60 and through the light waveguide 70 where they reflect off the internally convex mirror surface 152 and through the Fresnel lens 120. The Fresnel lens comprises a plurality of ridges 124 made up of a rise 128 and a step 128. The rise is configured to provide a light emittance surface that is substantially perpendicular to the reflected light rays 112. Having a surface that is perpendicular to the light rays ensures that the Sight will be emitted from the surface and reduces reflection back into the surface. The step extends from the top of a first rise to the bottom of a subsequent rise and may be substantially
perpendicuiar to the rise surface and substantially parallel with the reflected light. As shown, the internally convex mirror surface 152 produces a task light 1 14 that is spread out radially between the mirror portion and the elongated member or radially from the length axis of the elongated member. In an exemplary embodiment the angle 158 between the light waveguide and the internally convex is maintained below 45 degrees resulting in total internal reflection of the light .
[0079] As shown in FIG, 16, an elongated member 80 comprises a light waveguide 70 and an airflow channel 83. The airflow channel 83 becomes an airflow conduit 80 when an optica! sheath (not shown) is configured thereover. The channel having an open top-side enable tical component to be injection molded easily and quickly as no rod is required to be insert molded around for the conduit.
[0080] As shown in FIG.17, an optica! component 18 that is not configured with a Fresnel lens will produce reflected light that exits the back-side of the optical component. The reflected light rays 1 12* are reflected from the smooth contoured surface on the front-side 104 of the land portion toward the back-side and are emitted out of the back-side. This reduces the intensity of the reflected light rays 112 that are emitted from the front-side of the optical component.
[0081] FIG. 18 shows a top view of an exemplary optical component 16.
[0082] Figure 19 shows a cross-section view of a portion of an exemplary elongated member a!ong Sine 19-19 of FIG. 18. The Fresne! lens 120 is configured with a plurality of ridges 124 having a rise 128 and a step 128 surface, in an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of ridge peaks 129 are configured in an airflow contour 122 that is concave along the length of the land portion 130, between the elongated member and the mirror portion, and are configured to direct the flow of air from fhe airflow conduit 80 across the mirror surface 42. The mirror 40 has a mirror plane axis 43 and water, fluids and debris may be more effectively removed when the flow of air is tangential with the mirror surface 42, as depicted by the bold arrow,
[0083 ] As shown in FIG. 20A, an exemplary optical component 16 has radiant light 1 18 emitted from the mirror perimeter portion 140. Light rays may be transmitted around the Fresnel lens 120 through the ribs 142 and into the mirror perimeter portion 140. The radiant light may provide general light of an oral cavity whereas the task Sight provides specific directed light to a subject or task area, such as a tooth. The ribs 142 extend up from either side of the Fresnel Sens and act as baffles to guide the airflow from the airflow aperture 82 down over the mirror surface 42.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 2QB, the optical sheath 102 extends around the elongated member 80 and to form an airflow conduit 83 by covering the airflow channel 82,
[0085] Referring now to F!GS. 21 to 23, an exemplary mirror 40 has a plurality of layers including a support base 50, a mirror coating 52 and a hydrophobic release surface 20. The hydrophobic release surface may be a coating 21 on the mirror.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 24, an exemplary dental mirror instrument 12 is detachably attached by a flexible conne o an auxiliary pack 88, The auxiliary pack contains a battery 32 and a mini-pump 89, A user of the dental mirror instrument may connect the auxiliary pack with the handle by a source connector 33 and turn on the auxiliary pack to initiate the supply of power to the light configured within the handie or source component 36 and the supply of airflow from the mini- pump. The airflow produced by the mini-pump fiows through the flexible connector, through a conduit in the handle, through the airflow conduit in the optica! component and onto the mirror surface. An auxiliary pack may be placed in a user's pocket, attached to their belt, an examination table and the like. A light switch 86 or control, as well as an airflow control or switch may be configured on the dental instrument to enable a user to turn the light or airflow off and/or adjust a level.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 25, an exemplary optical component 16 is configured with a camera 160 in the mirror portion 14. The camera may have leads that extend up the elongated member to a transmitter, such as a short range transmitter, Bluetooth for example, for providing images to a display screen. The camera may be configured under a translucent or transparent cover 186 that protects the camera from exposure to fluids and also provides a flat planar surface and mirror plane for the flow of air to remove debris and fluid the mirror portion.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 26, a clinician is wearing eyewear 176 that has a heads-up device 170 having a display 174 coupled with a camera 172, Note that the display may be coupled with a camera that is in a mirror portion of a dental mirror instrument, as shown in FiG. 25. for example. As described herein, a user may manipulate the dental instrument having a camera to display a portion of an oral cavity. The heads-up display may receive verbal commands from the user to zoom, focus or adjust the position of the field of view of the camera for capturing a desired image. In addition, a heads-up display may be configured to record dictation throughout the use of a dental instrument for future review, documentation and use. A microphone 184 may also be configured on the heads-up device 170 for control of the magnification of the image being displayed. The magnif ication of the image may also be controlled by eye movement, wherein a sensor within the heads-up display monitors the eye and changes magnification level as a function of eye position.
[0089] As shown in FIG, 27, a dental mirror instrument 11 is configured within an oral cavity 196 and a camera 172, configured in the mirror portion of the dental instrument, is capturing images of the oral cavity and providing them to a wrist display device 178 having a display 174 own, a plurality of teeth are being displayed on wrist display device and the magnification of this displayed image may be manipulated by voice, or manual controls on the writ display device. For example, a microphone 184, configured on the wrist display device, enables a user to change the magnification of the displayed image. A user may verbally request that the image be enlarged or reduced in magnification as desired. The microphone may be coupied with a controller that zooms the camera in or out on an object to be displayed. In another embodiment, the magnification and reduction of the displayed image is a digital magnification and/or reduction of the digital image. Magnification controllers 188, 168' may be configured on the wrist display device for controlling the magnification level of the image being displayed. The magnification controller may be a manually manipulated control interface including, but not limited to, a single lever or button or a plurality of buttons, levers, toggles switches or levers and the like.
[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, an exemplary optical component 16 comprises an elongated member 60 having an airflow conduit 80, The airflow conduit 80 and Sight waveguide 70 are shown be adjacent each other at the engagement end 62 in FIG. 29. The optical component can be injection molded but would require a removable pin or post to form the airflow conduit in the part,
[00913 As shown in FIGS. 30 to 31, an exemplary optical component 18 comprises an engagement end 62 that is configured to receive light from a source component. The engagement end 62 comprises an airflow conduit 80, An airflow aperture 82 is configured at the mirror end 64 of the elongated member. Figure 32 shows the cross-section of the elongated member 80 and the airflow conduit 80 adjacent the Sight waveguide 70.
[00923 It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Specific embodiments, features and elements described herein may be modified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications, combinations and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is;
1. A dental instrument comprising:
a) an optical component comprising;
i) a mirror portion comprising;
1 ) a mirror;
2) a mirror surface;
3) a mirror plane axis;
ii) an elongated member having a length and a length axis from an engagement end to a mirror end;
iis) a light waveguide extending along the length of the elongated member having an engagement end for receiving Sight from a light source and configured to transmit said Iight along the Iight waveguide to the land portion;
iv) an airflow conduit extending along trie length of the elongated member having an airflow aperture configured at the mirror end for dispensing a flow of air over the mirror surface;
v) a land portion configured between the elongated member and the mirror portion having a front-side and a back-side, and comprising:
1 ) a Fresnel lens positioned on the front-side of said land portion comprising a plurality of ridges extending across the land portion in a substantially perpendicular direction to the length axis of the elongated member; wherein the Fresnel Sens is configured to emit a refiected Sight from the back-side of the land portion from the optica! component to produce a task light;
wherein the ridges comprise a step and a rise, wherein the rise is a planar surface that extends substantially perpendicularly to a refiected Sight from the back-side of the iand portion; and
wherein the step is a planar surface that extends substantially parallel to a refiected light from the back-side of the land portion, 2, The denial insirumeni of claim 1 , wherein the ridges are configured in a convex shape along the front-side of the (and portion from the elongated member to the mirror portion.
3. The denta! instrument of claim 1 , wherein the iand portion further comprises an internally convex shaped mirror surface configured along a portion of the backside of the Sand portion to reflect light toward the front-side of the iand portion and through the Fresnei lens;
wherein the ridges comprise a step and a rise, wherein the rise is a planar surface that extends substantially perpendicularly to a reflected Sight from the internaliy convex shaped mirror surface; and
wherein the step is a planar surface that extends substantially parallel to a reflected light from the internally convex shaped mirror surface.
4, The dental instrument of claim 1. further comprising a light emitting perimeter portion that extends radially around a portion of the mirror; wherein said light waveguide is integrally coupled with the light emitting perimeter portion;
wherein a portion of said light that is transferred along the light waveguide is transmitted to the light emitting perimeter portion where the light is emitted from the Sight emitting perimeter to provide a radiant light.
5. The dental instrument of claim 4, wherein the Sand portion further comprises a pair of ribs that extend around the Fresnei Sens and coupie the light waveguide with the Sight emitting perimeter to produce a radiant Sight that is projected from the light emitting perimeter.
8. The dental instrument of claim 1 , further comprising an optica! sheath configured over the elongated member portion of the optica! component from the
engagement end to a termina! end.
7. The dental instrument of claim 6, wherein the airflow conduit is an open channel and the optical sheath configured over the elongated member forms an enclosed airflow conduit,
8. The dental instrument of claim 8, wherein the optical sheath is detachably
attachable to the optical component and is configured to siide over at least a portion of the elongated member.
9. The dental instrument of claim 1 , wherein the mirror is detachably attachable to the optical component.
10. The denial instrument of claim 1 , wherein the light waveguide consists of a piastic material having an index of refraction of 1.3 or more.
1 1. The dental instrument of claim 1, wherein the light waveguide is configured on a back-side of the elongated member and the airflow conduit is configured on a front-side of the elongated member.
12. The dental instrument of claim 1 , wherein the light waveguide has an outer
surface that forms an outer surface of the elongated member,
13. The dental instrument of claim 1 , wherein the mirror portion, the elongated
member and the land portion are a one-piece unit.
14. The dental instrument of claim 13, wherein the one-piece unit is made out of a of a plastic materia! having an index of refraction of 1.3 or more.
15. The dental instrument of claim 1 , further comprising a frosting over a portion of the optical component.
16. The denial instrument of claim 1 , wherein the light waveguide has a concave engagement end.
17. The dental instrumeni of claim 1 , further comprising a hydrophobic release
surface on the mirror surface.
18. The dental instrument of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobic release surface is an etched surface of the mirror surface.
19. The dental instrument of any of claim 1 , further comprising:
a) a Sight source located adjacent the engagement end of the light waveguide;
b) an airflow source coupied with the engagement end of the optical component that provides the flow of air through the airflow conduit; wherein the mirror portion of the dental instrument is illuminated
and self-cleaning;
whereby said flow of air is directed across the mirror surface to keep the mirror surface clear of liquid, fog and debris.
20. The dental insirumeni of claim 19, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.
21. The dental instrument of claim 19, wherein the light source is configured in a source component configured to detachably attach to the optical component.
22. The denial instrument of claim 19, further comprising a flexible connector thai is coupled with the source component wherein the flexible connector is configured to couple with an electrical power supply for powering the light source.
23. The dental instrument of claim 19, further comprising a flexible connector that is coupled with the source component, wherein the flexible connector is configured to couple with an airflow supply to the airflow conduit of the optical component.
24. The dental instrument of claim 19, further comprising auxiliary pack having a battery that provides power to the light source and a pump for providing the flow of air to the airflow conduit of the opticas component,
wherein the dental instrument is portable and does not require a hard connection for the light source or the flow of air.
25. A dental instrument comprising:
a) an optica! component comprising;
i) a mirror portion comprising;
1 ) a mirror;
2) a mirror surface;
3) a mirror plane axis;
4) a light emitting perimeter portion that extends radially around a portion of the mirror;
ii) an elongated member having a length and a length axis from an engagement end to a mirror end;
lis) a light waveguide extending along the length of the elongated member having a source end for receiving light from a light source;
wherein said light waveguide is integrally coupled with the light emitting perimeter portion; wherein said light is transferred along the light waveguide from the source end to the Sight emitting perimeter portion where a portion of said light is emitted from the light emitting perimeter to provide a peripheral light around the mirror portion;
iv) an airflow conduit extending along the length of the elongated member having an airflow aperture configured at the mirror end for dispensing a flow of air over the mirror surface; v} a Sand portion configured between the eiongated member and the mirror portion having a front-side and a back-side, and comprising:
1 ) a Fresnei tens positioned on the front-side of said Sand portion and configured to disperse the light and comprising three of more ridges extending across the Sand portion on the front-side in a substantiaily perpendicular direction to the iength axis of the elongated member; and
wherein the ridges are configured in a convex shape along the front- side of the land portion from the elongated member to the mirror portion;
2) an internally convex shaped mirror surface configured along a portion of the back-side of the land portion to reflect light toward the front-side of the land portion and through the Fresnei lens.
wherein the ridges comprise a step and a rise, wherein the rise is a planar surface that extends substantiaily perpendicularly to a refiecied fight from the internally convex mirror surface; and
wherein the step is a planar surface that extends substantiaily parallel with said reflected light from the internally convex mirror surface
26. A dental instrument comprising:
a. an optica! component comprising;
i. a mirror portion comprising;
1 , a camera;
if. an eiongated member having a iength and a length axis from an engagement end to a mirror end;
iit, a light waveguide extending along the length of the elongated member having an engagement end for receiving light from a fight source and configured to transmit said light along the light waveguide to the iand portion; and
iv. an airflow conduit extending a!ong the length of the eiongated member having an airflow aperture configured at the mirror end for dispensing a flow of air over the mirror surface.
27. The denial instrument of claim 26, wherein the camera is coupled with a display for displaying images captured by said camera.
28. The dental instrument of claim 28, wherein the camera is coupled with a heads- up device having a display for displaying an image captured by said camera
29. The dental instrument of claim 26, wherein the heads-up device further
comprises a microphone and wherein the image displayed in the display can be magnified by verbal commands captured by the microphone
30. The dental instrument of claim 26, wherein the camera is coupled with a wrist display device having a display for displaying an image captured by said camera.
31. The dental instrument of claim 30, wherein the wrist display device further
comprises a microphone and wherein the image displayed in the display is magnified by verbal commands captured by the microphone
32. The dental instrument of claim 30, wherein the wrist display device further
comprises a magnification controller wherein the image displayed in the display is magnified by said magnification controller.
33. The dental instrument of claim 26, further comprising:
i. a land portion configured between the elongated member and the mirror portion having a front-side and a back-side, and comprising;
1. a FresneS Jens positioned on the front-side of said land portion comprising a plurality of ridges extending across the land portion in a substantially perpendicular direction to the length axis of the elongated member;
wherein the FresneS lens is configured to emit a reflected light from the back-side of the land portion from the optical component to produce a task light;
wherein the ridges comprise a step and a rise, wherein the rise is a planar surface that extends substantially perpendicularly to a reflected light from the back-side of the Sand portion; and
wherein the step is a planar surface that extends substantially parallel to a reflected light from the back-side of the land portion.
34. The denial instrument of claim 33, wherein the ridges are configured in a convex shape along the front-side of the (and portion from the elongated member to the mirror portion.
35. The dental instrument of claim 33, wherein the Sand portion further comprises an internally convex shaped mirror surface configured along a portion of the backside of the Sand portion to reflect light toward the front-side of the land portion and through the Fresnei lens;
wherein the ridges comprise a step and a rise, wherein the rise is a planar surface that extends substantially perpendicularly to a reflected iighf from the internally convex shaped mirror surface; and
wherein the step is a planar surface that extends substantially parallel to a reflected light from the internally convex shaped mirror surface
36. The dental instrument of claim 33, further comprising a light emitting perimeter portion that extends radially around a portion of the mirror; wherein said light waveguide is integrally coupled with the light emitting perimeter portion;
wherein a portion of said light that is transferred along the light waveguide is transmitted to the light emitting perimeter portion where the Sight is emitted from the Sight emitting perimeter to provide a radiant light
PCT/US2015/061961 2014-11-20 2015-11-20 Multi-purpose dental instrument WO2016081886A1 (en)

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US14/947,735 US9629533B2 (en) 2014-11-20 2015-11-20 Multi-purpose dental instrument

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US20170202446A1 (en) 2017-07-20
EP3220848A1 (en) 2017-09-27
EP3220848A4 (en) 2018-07-25
US20160143521A1 (en) 2016-05-26
US9629533B2 (en) 2017-04-25
US9974433B2 (en) 2018-05-22

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