HK1107244A - Light guide for dentistry applications - Google Patents

Description

Light guide in dental applications

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a lamp system for use in dentistry. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lamp system for use in dental curing or dental whitening operations.

Background

Teeth are composed of an inner dentin layer and a hard outer enamel covered with a protective layer called the acquired pellicle. The enamel layer is composed of hydroxyapatite crystals that form a somewhat porous surface. The pellicle or enamel may be stained or discolored. It is believed that: the porosity of the enamel layer is responsible for allowing staining and discoloring substances to permeate the enamel and discolor the tooth.

Discoloration of teeth has several causes, for example, teeth may be stained by drinking coffee or tea, smoking tobacco products, or drinking water with high mineral content.

One solution to the staining problem is to perform tooth bleaching. Certain dentifrices, such as toothpastes, gels (gels) and tooth powders, contain active oxygen or hydrogen peroxide which can release bleaching agents including alkali or alkaline earth metal peroxides, percarbonates, and perborates, or complexes containing hydrogen peroxide.

The bleaching work of teeth can be performed either in a dental office or at home. Bleaching in a dental office typically employs a composition that is activatable by means of a light source having a suitable output wavelength in order to accelerate the bleaching process. In addition, bleaching compositions used in dental offices typically contain bleaching agents at a higher percentage concentration than in household bleaching compositions.

In addition to the problem of tooth staining, teeth may also exhibit decay, which can lead to cavities or other damage to the teeth. In the dental restoration and restoration industry, dental cavities are often filled and/or sealed with compounds having photosensitivity, either to visible light and/or to ultraviolet light. These compounds are generally referred to as light-curable compounds (commonly referred to as light-curable compounds) that are disposed in a pre-prepared cavity or onto the surface of the tooth and are cured when exposed to light from a dental curing light device.

Unlike dental procedures and imaging procedures, which are performed more rapidly, the dental whitening procedure takes a much longer time, sometimes up to more than one hour for each practitioner. On the other hand, the dental restoration process is also unpleasant to the human experience. It would therefore be advantageous if the practitioner experienced the most comfortable possible treatment process (whether tooth restoration or tooth whitening).

The procedure is usually performed in a dental chair. Dental chairs generally have a large range of adjustment so that the patient can be placed in a wide range of postural positions-from an almost completely reclined position to an almost upright position. To effectively accomplish the whitening or healing process, it is necessary to align the light source with the oral cavity. The large range of position adjustment of the dental chair makes this alignment difficult.

Other issues that need to be considered in dental treatment include: the ability to keep the light source clean-especially for those parts that come into contact with the patient. Further, for example, the whitening process is optimized, that is, the light source is illuminated as long as it is necessary to whiten the teeth to the desired degree. Further, it is desirable that the efficiency of the light source is as high as possible. An efficient lamp will generate less heat and thus be safer than a less efficient lamp. In addition, efficient lamps require less energy to operate than inefficient lamps.

There is a continuing desire for an efficient and comfortable apparatus and method for performing dental whitening, curing, and imaging procedures.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a light guide for use in a lighting system for dental procedures. The light guide includes at least one molded body for positioning the light guide relative to the lighting system, and the light guide also forms an optical channel between the light source and the dental substrate.

The present invention also relates to an alignment system that facilitates faster patient setup and optimal results during dental procedures.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a light guide includes: a first end adapted to be coupled to a light source; and a second end adapted to be coupled to a reference device.

According to one aspect of the invention, the lighting system comprises at least one shaped body adapted to engage with at least one shaped body on the light guide when the lighting system is positioned opposite the light guide. According to one embodiment of the invention, these shaped bodies form a firm and detachable connection between the housing and the light guide.

In another aspect, the reference means comprises at least one shaped body adapted to engage with at least one shaped body of the light guide when the light guide is opposed to the reference means. The reference means may be lip retracting means adapted to retract the lips of the subject patient so as to form an unobstructed optical path between the second end of the light guide and the surfaces of the teeth of the subject patient.

In one embodiment, the light guide comprises a shaped body adapted to detachably couple the light guide to a reference means for positioning the light guide such that the lamp head and the light source maintain a substantially constant position and orientation relative to the target.

The present invention also includes a method and apparatus for directing coupled light from a light source to a dental target having various desirable features and improvements.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, a tubular light guide is coupled to a dental whitening, curing light or imaging source, wherein the curing light or imaging source comprises: at least one light source, for example an ultraviolet light source, for activating the dental whitening compound, the cleaning and/or bleaching agent, or the composite filling material; or a light source for imaging, either directly, e.g. using X-rays, or indirectly or by transmission illumination, one or more teeth of a patient.

In one aspect of the invention, in accordance with various embodiments discussed below, a passageway is formed in a tubular light guide from a light source to a target, such as a whitening compound disposed on the surface of a tooth or a filling compound located on either surface of the tooth or in a cavity. According to one embodiment, the light path comprises a light source and a coupling medium, such as a light guide, between the light source and the target.

In one embodiment, the light guide includes a hollow interior. The hollow interior may be filled with ambient air. Thus, light applied by the light source to the first end of the light guide will propagate through the air in the hollow interior. In various other embodiments of the present invention, the light guide may comprise a wide variety of dielectrics including, but not limited to, silica glass dielectrics, quartz glass dielectrics, polymer dielectrics, oil dielectrics, hydro dielectrics, and other dielectrics, and may comprise combinations of the above. Furthermore, the light guide may comprise a vacuum dielectric region. Any suitable light guiding medium is considered to be within the scope of the present invention, depending on the requirements of the particular dental procedure and patient for accomplishing the light coupling.

In one embodiment, the light guide reduces evaporation and sensitivity of any therapeutic composition applied to the teeth.

In another embodiment of the light guide, the light guide is made of a polymeric material having a property of absorbing a certain spectrum of light, so that visible light easily passes through the wall panels of the light guide, while ultraviolet light is either absorbed by the wall panels or reflected back from the inner surface of the light guide, for example. By allowing visible light to pass through, the mounting of the light guide can be facilitated, because: the patient's teeth are clearly visible through the wall panel of the light guide. By absorbing or reflecting light in the ultraviolet band, the light guide may function as follows: containing the ultraviolet radiation directed thereby and shielding the local soft tissue from the ultraviolet radiation.

In another embodiment of the invention, the light guide is adapted to be limited to use in the treatment of a single dental patient. According to one embodiment, the single-user light guide comprises a Write Once Read Many (WORM) storage device. In a particular aspect of the invention, the WORM storage device is adapted to receive a signal relating to the duration of use of the light guide in the application in question, and the storage device is adapted to record the information content of the signal substantially indelibly for subsequent use by the control subsystem of the light source.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of light guides have outputs of various sizes, wherein the size of a particular output corresponds to the size of the mouth of a particular patient or patient population. For example, the light guides in various embodiments may be configured to be most suitable for use by large adults, small adults, or children.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the light guide includes a vent to allow the patient to breathe comfortably during bleaching or curing treatments.

The material of the light guide may be selected to absorb and/or reflect light of one or more wavelength ranges impinging on the inner tubular surface. Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, the light guide reduces the extent to which light in these wavelength bands escapes from the system, except through the distal aperture of the light guide.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the light guide is adapted to be used by a single patient and may be disposable after use. In an exemplary embodiment, control structures may be provided to prevent the light guide from being reused on another patient after being used once. Another aspect of the control mechanism is: the above-described stopping action is performed during the connection of the light guide to the lamp system.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control effect of the light guide is applied by providing the recording medium in the light guide and providing the signal generating means at other parts of the lamp system. In one aspect, the invention includes the operations of: receiving, by the recording medium, the signal generated by the signal generating device; and making a recording in the recording medium that corresponds to the received signal, thereby forming a substantially permanent record of the signal. In another aspect of the invention, a substantially permanent signal recording is read by a media reading device to determine the use status of a particular light guide containing the recording media. Based on the use status indicated by the read record, control means external to the light guide act to prevent or allow activation of the light source.

In one embodiment of the invention, the signal generating means and the record reading means may be provided in the lamp housing. In a further embodiment of the invention, one or more signal generating means and record reading means may be provided outside the burner housing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium receives a signal emitted from a signal generating source by means of an electromechanical coupling. In another embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium receives a signal from a signal generating source by means of an optical communication channel. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium receives a signal from a signal generating source by means of a mechanical communication channel, an acoustic communication channel, a radio frequency communication channel, or any other communication means suitable for the particular embodiment of the present invention.

Drawings

The invention, together with the advantages mentioned and other advantages, may best be understood from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

fig. 1 is an isometric view of a light guide according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 is an isometric view showing a light guide comprising a recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view of a light guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a front view of a light guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a dental burner adapted to be coupled to a light guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a dental light head adapted to be coupled to a light guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of a dental burner adapted to be coupled to a light guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7a is an exploded view of a light guide with an illumination frame;

FIGS. 7b and 7c illustrate different embodiments of the illumination framework;

FIG. 7d illustrates one embodiment of a lighting frame with a heat sink;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a dental lighthead system having a light guide according to an embodiment of the invention;

figure 9 is an isometric view illustrating a lip retraction device adapted to be coupled to a light guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

figure 10 is a top view of a light guide and lip retractor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of a light guide with a flexible gasket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 12 is a top view of a light guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention including a light guide, a lamp system, and a lip retraction device; and

FIG. 13a is a block diagram illustrating a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

figures 14 and 15 are flow charts illustrating a method for monitoring the operation of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The detailed description that follows is to be taken as a current exemplary description of a light guide for a dental system and related systems according to various aspects of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be made or utilized. The following description lists features and steps for making and using the light guides for dental systems and related systems of the present invention. It should be noted that the same or equivalent functions and components included in the light guides and the related systems can be implemented by a plurality of different embodiments, which should also be included within the design concept and the scope of protection of the present invention.

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

For ease of description and introduction, all publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in these publications may be used in combination with the presently described invention. Those publications listed and discussed above, below, and throughout are cited merely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that: the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

The present invention relates to dental equipment, including equipment and methods for dental whitening, curing, imaging and/or inspection, which is efficient and comfortable for the patient, and which also includes improved safety, maintenance, and operational features. For example, one way in which a dental whitening or dental filling compound can be effectively activated is to position a light source to fully illuminate the surface of the tooth being treated.

Furthermore, since the light intensity is inversely proportional to the cube from the light source size, it is important that: the light source used to activate the whitening compound or restorative composite should be reasonably close to the tooth surface being treated. In addition, because the wavelengths most effective for activating dental whitening or curing compounds may cause damage to soft tissue, it is desirable to reduce exposure of the patient's gums, tongue, facial skin, and other soft tissue to the curing light source.

In view of the above, it would be desirable to support the light source in a manner that allows it to be quickly and reliably positioned adjacent to the patient's teeth. In addition, the support structure used to perform the support may be unobtrusive, easily adjustable, and provide multiple degrees of positioning freedom to suit the needs of patients of various sizes.

The light guide of the present invention comprises a tubular inner surface which surrounds an axial cavity filled with ambient atmosphere. The aperture at the proximal end of the light guide is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the front aperture of the lighthead housing. A further aperture is provided at the distal end of the light guide. The light guide further comprises at least one shaped body adapted to mutually engage the lighting system with the light guide. The shaped body is shaped and configured to mate with the lighting system and cover at least a portion of the lighting system.

In one embodiment of the invention, the reference means, for example a lip retracting device, has at least one shaped body adapted to inter-engage with the at least one shaped body on the light guide.

For dental systems, the term "molded body" is used herein to refer to a portion of a dental system, such as a light system, light guide, imaging system, dental treatment composition, imaging system, retraction device, spacer, or support system, that is adapted to mate with a corresponding portion of an adjoining dental system, instrument, or subject's oral cavity. Thus, the shaped body comprises at least a part of any of the articles listed above and may be manufactured or shaped by a moulding process, or the shaped body may be manufactured separately and then assembled with the respective article.

Suitable interengaging shaped bodies include tongue and groove, post and socket, swingable hook and socket, resilient clip and socket, clip and projection or depression, tongue or wing and slot, ball and cavity, ball and socket, some of which are specifically described by way of example in the detailed description that follows. Non-interengaging molded bodies include dental brackets, imaging film holders, and other structures suitable for positioning any dental treatment or imaging material in a patient's mouth.

Fig. 1 shows a light guide 100 in a dental application according to a first embodiment of the invention. As shown, the light guide 100 comprises an ellipsoidal tubular member 102 having an axial cavity 104 disposed between a front aperture 106 and a rear aperture 108.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first edge 101 of the tubular member forms a substantially ellipsoidal saddle-shaped curve that is convex with respect to the substantially horizontal portion 110 and concave with respect to the substantially vertical portion 112. In addition, the rim 101 includes first and second shaped bodies, such as first and second substantially horizontal slots 114, 116. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the slots 114, 116 are arranged substantially coplanar with one another and are arranged to substantially coincide with the major axis of the ellipsoidal saddle surface defining the rim 101.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rim 118 extends radially inward from the edge 101 to a second substantially ellipsoidal saddle-shaped curved edge 120 (also referred to as a "second edge"). Second edge 120 is disposed in a substantially constant spatial relationship with edge 101, thereby causing rim 118 to have a substantially uniform radial dimension along the length of edge 101. The rim 120 defines an outer circumferential periphery of the front aperture 106.

At the rear end of the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the third edge 130 defines another curve, which is substantially in the shape of an ellipsoid saddle. The edge 130 is generally concave in configuration relative to the substantially horizontal portion 132 and generally convex in configuration relative to the substantially vertical portion 134.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the curve 130 forms the rear aperture 108 of the light guide.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the light guide does not have a rim close to the rear aperture 108.

In another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 139 of the light guide is located between the edge 101 and the edge 130. The inner surface 136 of the light guide is in a substantially uniform spatial relationship with respect to the outer surface 139, thereby defining the inward and outward boundaries of the ellipsoidal tubular member 102.

In one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface 139 includes a plurality of gripping features 138, and these gripping features 138 are adapted to improve an operator's grip on the surface 139 during operation of the light guide 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping features 138 have a convex, oblong oval configuration. In another embodiment of the invention, the gripping features comprise a plurality of substantially hemispherical protuberances. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the gripping features comprise a plurality of saw-tooth shaped grooves. Those skilled in the art will recognize that: a wide variety of structural features may be disposed on surface 134 to enhance the overall grip of light guide 100.

Fig. 2 shows a light guide 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The light guide 200 comprises a rim 118, and the lower part of the rim has an aperture 202. An aperture 202 opens inwardly into a longitudinal cavity 204 from the front end of the light guide and which is formed in part by the inner wall 136 of the light guide. According to one embodiment of the present invention, cavity 204 is adapted to receive recording device 206 therein.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, recording unit 206 includes an assembly having a printed circuit board 208 on which are disposed electromechanical contacts 210 and a memory integrated circuit 212. In one aspect, recording device 206 includes a first side 230 and a second side 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the memory integrated circuit 212 has a back side 234. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the memory integrated circuit 212 is substantially permanently affixed to the circuit board, such as by soldering, adhesive bonding, packaging, or other integrated circuit mounting methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cavity 204 is defined by a plurality of surfaces, the cavity being adapted to support the recording means 206 substantially stationary with respect to the light guide 200.

In one embodiment of the present invention, recording device 206 is supported in a position that: such that the electromechanical contacts 210 are disposed in a raised, exposed position within the axial cavity 104 of the light guide 200.

Such a spatial relationship is more clearly illustrated, for example, in fig. 3, which is a rear isometric view of a light guide 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The light guide 300 comprises a first support member 302 and a second support member 304 on the inner surface 136. Support member 302 includes a first bearing wall 306 and support member 304 includes a second bearing wall 308. The third support member 310 includes a top bearing surface 312.

Referring again to recording device 206 (shown in fig. 2), it can be seen that recording device 206 is adapted to be received in area 320 shown in fig. 3. Bearing surface 306 is proximate to and supports edge 230 when recording device 206 is disposed in region 320. Bearing surface 308 is adjacent to and supports edge 232, while bearing surface 312 is adjacent to and supports a bottom surface (not shown) of recording unit 206.

It can be noted that: as a further feature of the light guide 300, a substantially vertically oriented surface 330 is provided. As shown in fig. 4, another surface 332 is provided that is spaced substantially parallel from the surface 330 and also faces forward.

The recording device 206 and its role in the present invention may be further appreciated with reference to fig. 4, a front view of which in fig. 4 shows a light guide 350 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, fig. 4 shows another bearing surface 332, which, as discussed above, is arranged to be spaced substantially parallel from the surface 330 (see fig. 3). Also shown are aperture 202 (discussed above with respect to FIG. 2), first support wall 308, and second support wall 306 (discussed above with respect to FIG. 3).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that: when the recording apparatus 206 (shown in FIG. 2) is disposed within the interior of the aperture 202, the surface 234 of the integrated circuit memory device 212 is disposed proximate to the bearing surface 332 and is supported by the bearing surface 332. Additionally, referring again to fig. 3, one skilled in the art can recognize that: when the recording device 206 is in such an arrangement position, the electromechanical contact 210 is arranged in the region near the bearing surface 312 and behind the bearing surface 312, and in the axial cavity 104, the electromechanical contact 210 is accessible from above and below from behind.

Referring to fig. 5, a lamp head 400 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. As shown, the lamp head 400 includes a housing 402 having an outer surface 404. The front end of the lamp head housing 402 comprises an aperture 406 surrounded by a rim 408. In operation, light is emitted from a light source located in the lamp head housing 402 through the aperture 406.

The housing 402 includes a middle edge 410 that is disposed in a curve around the aperture 406 in the front region of the housing 402. In front of the intermediate edge 410, a surface area 412 is provided which is concave with respect to the smooth surface of the housing surface 404.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base 400 is adapted to removably interface with a light guide 300 (such as the one shown in fig. 3). Thus, the surface area 412 is adapted to be arranged adjacent to the inner surface 136 of the light guide 300 and supported by the inner surface 136. Likewise, the rear edge 130 of the light guide 300 is adapted to be arranged close to the edge 410 and supported by the edge 410. Thus, the shape or configuration of the molded body on the light guide, such as the inner surface 136 or the edge 410, is designed to mate with and cover at least a portion of the lighting system.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 402 includes at least one molded body, such as a top recess 414 and a corresponding bottom recess (not shown). Top recess 414 is adapted to receive a first molding, latch protrusion 420 (see fig. 3) disposed near edge 130 of light guide 300. In a similar manner, the bottom recess is adapted to receive a second molded body, such as latch projection 422 shown in FIG. 3.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the material of the light guide is sufficiently elastic to urge the snap projections 420, 422 into the corresponding recesses, thereby detachably holding the light guide in place, and the axial cavity 104 is arranged close to the aperture 406 of the lamp cap.

If a light guide (e.g., light guide 300) is so arranged, the electromechanical contacts 210 (shown in figure 2) will be located in the electrical plugs on the lamp head, according to one embodiment of the invention. This is more clearly shown in fig. 6, and fig. 6 is a bottom view of the lamp cap 400.

As shown in fig. 6, the base 400 comprises a further shaped body, which is for example a further recessed area 421 near the front end 423 of the base 400.

As shown in fig. 7, the further recessed area 421 is arranged close to the electrical plug just mentioned above, wherein the plug is arranged behind the aperture 424 on the housing 402 of the lamp cap 400. The aperture 424 is sized and shaped to receive an electro-mechanical connector therethrough (as shown in figure 2).

As mentioned above, the interaction of the latch projections 420, 422 with corresponding recesses, such as recess 414 on the lamp housing 400, has the effect of: once the light guide is mounted to the housing, the position of the light guide on the housing of the lamp is maintained until it is actively removed.

The lamp housing may further comprise at least one heat sink located adjacent the light source for maintaining the cooled state of the light source and the lamp housing. The heat sink may be made of any material with good thermal conductivity, including a block of copper, aluminum or similar metal. In another embodiment, the cooling system comprises a heat pipe. In yet another embodiment, the cooling system includes a phase change material, such as certain embodiments and materials described in U.S. patent application No. 60/585224 entitled "dental irradiation lamp apparatus with heat sink filled with phase change material", filed 7/2/2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The heat sink may be formed by making a void from a thermally conductive material, such as a metal commonly used to make conventional heat sinks, and at least partially filling the void with at least one phase change material, and then encapsulating the thermally conductive material to secure the phase change material therein such that the at least one phase change material is substantially contained or surrounded by the thermally conductive material.

Alternatively, the heat sink may be formed by casting or machining a thermally conductive material such as metal to form a wall surrounding the cavity or void. The cavities or hollows are partially filled with at least one phase change material and then encapsulated with a thermally conductive material to encapsulate the phase change material therein.

In one embodiment, the heat sink of the present invention may be used alone. In another embodiment, in addition to the fan, it may be used in conjunction with or combined with a common metal block heat sink.

Suitable phase change materials may include organic materials, inorganic materials, andand combinations thereof. These materials can undergo significant reversible phase changes, and in general, they can undergo many, if not infinite, cycles without losing efficacy. The organic phase change material includes: paraffin wax, 2-dimethyl-n-dioxane (C)₂₄H₅₀) And three-meat skimmia japonica glycerol ester ((C)₁₃H₂₇COO)₃C₃H₃) And 1, 3-methyl pentacosane (C)₂₆H₅₄). Inorganic materials such as hydrated salts and the like are also contemplated, including: disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate (Na)₂HPO₄-12H₂O), sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na)₂SO₄-10H₂O), iron chloride hexahydrate (FeCl)₃-6H₂O), and TH29 (a hydrated salt having a melting point of 29 ℃, available from TEAP Energy, Wangara, australia) or a metal alloy such as Ostalloy 117 or UM 47 (available from micro Electro-optical materials). These exemplary materials are solid at ambient temperature and have a melting point between about 30 ℃ and 50 ℃, such as, more specifically, between about 35 ℃ and 45 ℃. In addition, exemplary materials have a large specific heat, e.g., at least about 1.7, such as, further, at least about 1.9, when at room temperature. Further, the specific heat of the phase change material, when subjected to elevated temperature conditions, is, for example, at least about 1.5, and further, for example, at least about 1.6.

Phase change materials also have a high latent heat of fusion to facilitate storage of large amounts of thermal energy. For example, the latent heat of fusion is at least about 30kJ/kg, and further, for example, at least about 200 kJ/kg.

The thermal conductivity of the material is a factor in determining the rate of heat transfer from the thermally conductive housing to the phase change material or vice versa. The thermal conductivity of the phase change material is, for example, at least about 0.5W/m ℃ at room temperature and at least 0.45W/m ℃ at elevated temperature.

In general, the phase change material may be contained in a thermally conductive material, such as a metal can. The housing defines a bore-which may be of any shape but is typically cylindrical or rectangular, for example. The metal shell or the wall of the cavity serves to contain the phase change material and to help conduct heat away from or into the phase change material. For a given size of heat sink, the thinner the walls, the more phase change material is contained and the less weight gain is applied to, for example, a curing lamp. However, the thinner the wall, the less efficient the heat sink conducts heat away from the phase change material, the longer the phase change material takes to return to ambient temperature and the original state, and the heat sink function can only be resumed after the state has returned. For example, the wall thickness may range from about 1mm to about 2.5mm, and further, for example, from about 1mm to about 1.5 mm.

The housing can also be made with a large surface area. It is desirable to have structures with fins or other features that increase the surface area for thermal conduction or convection, and thus, spherical structures, while useful, are not the most preferred. Such fins or other surface features that increase the surface area may also be provided within the cavity to increase the contact area between the thermally conductive enclosure and the phase change material, thereby allowing for faster and more efficient transfer of heat between the thermally conductive enclosure and the phase change material.

The thermally conductive enclosure also provides good thermal contact for heat transfer from the light source. This effect is achieved by using a heat conducting surface that is smooth and has a large contact area. In addition, thermal coupling may be achieved using thermally conductive interface materials, such as thermal epoxy. The electrically insulating interface material also serves to electrically isolate the light source from the heat sink without affecting thermal conductivity.

FIG. 7a shows another embodiment of a headlamp system, such as a lighting frame 105 (shown in FIGS. 7b and 7 c), having at least one light source arranged in a geometric configuration. The illuminating frame 105 may be attached to the light guide 106 or arranged into the light guide 106 with a shaped body, such as a slot for engaging a reference means, such as the lip retraction device 500 shown in fig. 9, also having shaped bodies, such as wing members 520, 522, to facilitate positioning of the illuminating frame 105 relative to the subject. An elastic member 1128 is arranged between the patient and the light guide 106. The resilient member 1128 serves to cushion the interface between the patient and the light guide to absorb shocks that would otherwise cause pain or discomfort.

In one embodiment, the illumination frame 105 has a plurality of light sources 235 distributed substantially equally spaced along a front surface 465 of the illumination frame (as exemplarily shown in FIG. 7 a). Other embodiments of the present invention employ different layouts of light sources 235 along front face 465. For example, the light sources may also be staggered rather than equally spaced. The present invention is not limited to the number and arrangement of light sources 235 shown herein.

FIG. 7c illustrates another embodiment of the illumination frame 105 that is substantially rectangular and has a generally planar front surface 500 with a plurality of light sources 505 disposed along the front surface 500.

The illuminated frame may include formations that conform to formations in the light guide to facilitate coupling with wing members on the lip retraction device.

The top view in fig. 7d shows the lighting frame 105 with a heat sink according to an embodiment of the invention. The illumination frame 105 has a plurality of light sources 235 and has a heat sink 650 connected to a ballast (or base). Heat spreader 650 may be made of any of the materials described above, including phase change materials. The heat sink may also be of any shape.

In a lighting system with a plurality of light sources, the individual light sources may be powered centrally or individually. If individually powered, the individual light sources may be individually turned off or on as desired. Such a design is particularly useful for curing or imaging procedures where treatment or inspection is to be performed on one or both teeth.

An exemplary lamp system for use in dental applications is shown in fig. 8, which includes a lamp head 400 supported by a support structure 482. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support structure 482 includes a plurality of casters 484 for enabling mobility and an articulated support member 488, the member 488 including a post 490, a boom 492, and an articulation joint 494. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the lighthead 400 is coupled to the post 492 by a ball joint 496 adapted to allow the lighthead to adjust position and orientation by additional degrees of freedom.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is desirable to align and orient the lighthead relative to an illuminated target, such as a tooth, so that it is in a substantially fixed position relative to the target. For example, in a dental whitening procedure, it is desirable to maintain the distance and orientation between an illumination source mounted in a lamp head and a target tooth with a whitening compound so that the intensity of the illumination on the target tooth remains substantially uniform in space, for example, during the whitening procedure.

The illumination frame may also be supported by a similar structure as shown in fig. 8.

The lamp housing and lamp base may be made of any polymer material, such as a polymer that may be molded or cast, metal or metal alloy. Suitable polymers include: polyethylene; polypropylene; polybutylene; polystyrene; a polyester; an acrylic polymer; polyvinylidene chloride; a polyamide; or a polyetherimide such as ULTEM ®; polymer alloys such as Xenoy ® resin, Xenoy ® resin is a composite of polycarbonate and polybutylene terephthalate, or Lexan ® plastic, which is a copolymer of polycarbonate and polybutylene isophthalate resorcinol resin (both of which are commercially available from GE Plastics); liquid crystalline polymers, such as aromatic polyesters or aromatic polyesteramides comprising at least one compound component selected from the group consisting of: aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids (e.g., hydroxybenzoates [ rigid monomers ] and hydroxynaphthoates [ flexible monomers ]), aromatic hydroxyamines, and aromatic diamines (examples of such materials are described in U.S. patent nos. 6242063, 6274242, 6643552, 6797198, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference); polyesterimide anhydrides having terminal anhydride groups or pendant anhydride groups (examples of such materials are described in U.S. patent No. 6730377, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference); or a combination of these materials.

In addition, any polymeric compound, such as an engineering prepreg or engineering compound, filled with pigments, carbon particles, quartz, glass fibers, conductive particles, such as metal particles or conductive polymers, or mixtures thereof, may be used. For example, blends of polycarbonate with ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) can be used to manufacture lamp envelopes and lamp bases.

Generally, polymeric materials or composites that are capable of withstanding high temperatures would be suitable.

Suitable metals or metal alloys may include stainless steel; aluminum; alloys such as Ni/Ti alloys; any amorphous Metal, such metals including those commercially available from Liquid Metal, or other similar metals-such as those described in U.S. patent No. 6682611 and U.S. application No. 2004/0121283, the disclosures of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Liquid crystal polymers or cholesteric liquid crystal polymers that reflect light energy rather than transmit light energy may be used as coatings or bases for the enclosure 104 and/or lamp head 102 to reduce the loss of light energy, as described, for example, in U.S. patent nos. 4293435, 5332522, 6043861, 6046791, 6573963, 6836314, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

According to one embodiment, the structure of the light guide, such as light guide 300, includes a UV resistant material to facilitate protection of the patient's skin from UV radiation. The light guide may be made of a material similar to that used for the housing or the base of the above-described lamp. In addition, they can also be made of biodegradable or biodegradable polymeric materials-especially for single use applications such materials include: polylactic acid resin (having L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid) and polyglycolic acid (PGA); polyhydroxyvalerate/hydroxybutyrate resin (PHBV) (this material is a copolymer of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate) and Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymers; and polyester/urethane resins.

In addition, as with the lamp housing and base, cholesteric liquid crystal polymers that reflect light energy rather than transmit light energy can be used as a coating or primary component of the light guide to reduce the loss of light energy.

Figure 9 illustrates a fiducial device for holding the lighthead in a substantially fixed position relative to the target tooth. The fiducial device shown in fig. 9 is a lip retraction device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the lip retractor includes first and second semi-circular "U" shaped channels 502 and 504 that are adapted to receive the lips of a dental patient adjacent to the inner surfaces 506, 508.

The support member 510 is interconnected with the two U-shaped channels 502, 504 and is adapted to support the two U-shaped channels 502, 504 in a substantially fixed spatial relationship with respect to each other. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the support member 510 also supports a tongue cup adapted to hold and shield the patient's tongue from incident illuminating light.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a shaped body, such as butt wings 516, 518, may be attached to each of the two U-shaped channels 502, 504. According to one embodiment of the invention, both airfoil members have upper surfaces 520, 522 and lower surfaces 524, 528. According to one embodiment of the invention, upper surface 520 is disposed substantially parallel to lower surface 524, and upper surface 522 is disposed substantially parallel to lower surface 528.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the printed dots 530, 532 on the upper surfaces 520, 522 will facilitate visual alignment on the horizontal axis.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking wings 516, 518 are adapted to be received into the slots 114, 116 (shown in FIG. 1). The docking wings 516, 518 can be pushed into the slots 114, 116 by pushing the lip retractor 500 against the front edge 101 of the light guide 100 (as shown in fig. 1), thereby substantially fixing the orientation and position of the lip retractor 500 relative to the light guide 100. Thus, the wing members of the retraction device 500 can effectively couple the patient's head and teeth with a light source disposed in the lighthead (e.g., as shown in fig. 5) and maintain a substantially fixed relative position.

The lip retraction device may be formed by injection molding or casting a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate, and the like. The lip retraction device 10 can also be made from biodegradable or biodegradable polymeric materials, including those mentioned above with respect to the light guide. For example, the lip retraction device may be manufactured by injection molding polypropylene so that the finished device is smooth and transparent. In another embodiment, the device may be opaque and colored, wherein the color comprises white.

The top view in fig. 10 shows the light guide 100 when coupled with a lip retractor 500 according to an embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in fig. 10, the structure of the light guide 100 and lip retractor 500 is adapted to maintain the two components in a substantially constant axially relative position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that: the distance the lip retractor 500 is advanced towards the light guide 100 can be adjusted by inserting the first and second stops into the aperture of the wing of the lip retractor 500.

As shown in fig. 11, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an elastic member 600 is disposed between the patient and the light guide 300. The resilient member 600 serves to cushion the interface between the patient and the light guide to absorb shocks that would otherwise cause pain or discomfort.

In one embodiment, the elastic member 600 is made of, for example, a polymer foam material or a rubber material, and is attached to the light guide 300 by an adhesive. In this embodiment, the resilient member 600 is made in two parts-an upper part 622 and a lower part 624, which extends the slots 236, 238 of the light guide to accommodate the wing members of the illustrated lip retraction device.

The elastic member 600 may be made of open or closed cell foam, natural or synthetic rubber. Synthetic rubbers are, for example, elastomeric materials, which may include (but are not limited to): various copolymers or block copolymers (Kratons ®) available from kraton polymers such as styrene-butadiene rubber or styrene-isoprene rubber, EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber), nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber), latex rubber, and the like. The foam may be a closed cell foam or an open cell foam, including (but not limited to) polyolefin foams: such as polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, and polybutylene foam; a polystyrene foam; a polyurethane foam material; elastomeric foams made with any of the elastomeric or rubber materials described above; or any of the degradable or degradable polyesters described above for the light guide itself.

The elastic protection members 622, 624 can be attached to the light guide by means of heat sealing or adhesive. Suitable adhesives may include (but are not limited to): structural adhesives, hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, reactive adhesives, and the like. Alternatively, suitable adhesives may be acrylic-based adhesives, polyurethane-based adhesives, epoxy-based adhesives, polyamide-based adhesives, cyanoacrylate-based adhesives, styrene copolymer-based adhesives, polyolefin-based adhesives, or the like. In addition, the elastic protection members 622, 624 may be integrally molded to the light guide. Further, the resilient protector may be a single component that is attached or integrally molded to the light guide.

As shown in fig. 12, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the light guide 300 includes one or more ventilation holes 602, which function to allow the patient to breathe more easily during use of the light guide apparatus.

The vent holes 602 may be designed to allow air to pass through, but prevent light from escaping the light guide 300.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the light guide 200 (shown in fig. 2) may be designed as a disposable or single-patient use article, which is used in one dental whitening treatment and is discarded after use.

Single use or single patient use light guides may include non-sterilizable and/or non-autoclavable materials that may be used to make the body portion or the non-body portion. For example, the foam pad or its attachment means may be made of a disposable material, while the body of the light guide is made of a sterilizable or autoclavable material. For further examples, the body of the light guide may also be made of a disposable material.

Biodegradable or biodegradable polymers include those mentioned above, which are particularly suitable for single use or single patient use light guides.

In addition, as discussed above, the light guide 300 further includes the memory integrated circuit 212, which is disposed in a space 204 that is molded under the light guide 300. A record of the duration of the usage signal indicating how long the particular light guide has been used is stored in the memory integrated circuit 212. The light guide memory integrated circuit 212 may be a component of a protection system that ensures that the light guide 300 is not improperly reused.

In operation, the light guide 300 is attached to the cap housing 402. The light guide 300 has both mechanical connection means (slots 114, 116 shown in fig. 1 for receiving the wing-shaped members 516, 518 shown in fig. 9) and the electrical contacts described above between the recording means 208 and the electronics in the lamp head housing. The electrical contacts 210 mate, for example, with conductive plugs in the lamp head to form an electromechanical connection that allows signals to pass between the light guide recording device 208 and the electronics in the lamp head housing.

By virtue of the locatability of the lamp system 480 (shown in fig. 8), the light guide 300 can be aligned with the patient's mouth and, for example, a whitening treatment composition can be applied. A signalling device located in the lamp head or in the power pack records the length of time the light guide is in use on the recording device. If the lifetime of the light guide is reached, the lamp system will prevent operation of the light source in the lamp head housing 204, thereby requiring replacement of the light guide 300 for lamp system operation.

In an alternative embodiment of the light guide 300, no elastic member 600 is used on the interface between the light guide 300 and the patient. In another alternative embodiment of the light guide 300, the contact between the light guide recording means 208 and the electronics in the burner is a magnetic contact. Alternatively, recording unit 208 may communicate with the lighthead via infrared radiation, radio frequency signals, light in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, or acoustic transmission means.

Once the lamp system 480 (shown in fig. 8) is positioned relative to the patient, the operator may align the light guide 300 with the patient's cavity. The light guide 300 has a large range of positioning due to the large range of motion of the boom 492 relative to the post 490 and the light head 400 relative to the boom 492. The light guide 300 may be shaped and configured to mate with a lip retraction device, such as the lip retraction device shown in fig. 9. The lip retraction device can be worn by the patient, thereby achieving very precise alignment with the patient's mouth.

Fig. 13 illustrates the assembled relationship between the ball joint 902 of the lighthead 1102, the light guide 1104, and the lip retraction device 1138, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 13, the pivot mount 906 is coupled between the lamp head 1102 and the ball joint 902. The ball joint allows the lamp head to rotate in space so that the optical axis of the lamp can be aligned with the target tooth of the dental whitening subject.

The light guide 1104 is adapted to be coupled to the forward end of the lamp head 1102. In one embodiment, light guide 1104 has an inner surface region 1122 adapted to be held adjacent to an outer surface region 1124 of lamp head 1102. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, protruding members or bumps on the inner surface 1122 are adapted to snap into recessed regions 1126 on the outer surface region 1124.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide 1104 includes a resiliently compressible gasket 1128 on the front edge. As mentioned above, the function of the resiliently compressible liner 1128 is: softening the interface between the dental whitening treatment object (not shown in the figure) and the light guide 1120.

In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the light guide 1104 includes first and second slots 1130 and 1132. These slots are adapted to receive tabs 1134, 1136 protruding from the lip retraction device 1138, for example, to stabilize the relationship between the dental whitening object and the lighthead 1102.

The lip retracting device 1138 includes channels 1140, 1142 adapted to support the lips of a dental whitening subject during a whitening process, and the device further includes a resilient member 1144. An elastic or elastomeric member 1144 is coupled to the channels 1140, 1142 and is adapted to urge the channels outwardly against the lips to couple the subject receiving the dental treatment with the lip retraction device.

When an object is coupled to the lip retraction device 1138, the lip retraction device is coupled to the light guide 1104 by inserting the wing members 1134, 1136 into the corresponding slots 1130, 1132 on the light guide 1104 such that the object is stabilized in spatial relationship with respect to the lighthead 1102. In this way, the support structure serves the function of: the lighthead is supported in a substantially stable spatial relationship with respect to the object being whitened.

Use of the light guide of the present invention also reduces air circulation between the patient's mouth and the surrounding environment during treatment. As the air circulation inside the mouth is reduced, the evaporation of any treatment or whitening composition will be reduced, which will reduce dehydration of the mouth. As a non-strict theory, one can guess: because dehydration can lead to increased sensitivity, a reduction in oral dehydration can lead to a reduction in tooth dehydration, thereby reducing tooth sensitivity during and after the treatment procedure. Thus, the use of a light guide, for example in a bleaching process, may provide potential benefits.

Fig. 13a is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system 690 in an illumination lamp system 480 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the microelectronics of the control system 690 are disposed in the lamp head 400. In another embodiment, the microelectronic devices of the control system 690 are disposed in a power pack 475. It is also feasible to arrange the electronics of the control system in other positions within the scope of the invention.

Control system 690 includes a CPU700, program memory logic 702, I/O logic 704, data bus 706, and system indicator 708. The CPU700, program memory logic 702, and I/O logic 704 are connected to a data bus 706. The I/O logic device 704 is also coupled to a system indicator 708. In one embodiment of the present invention, the I/O logic device 704 further includes a driver device. The I/O logic device 704 is also connected to the memory integrated circuit 212 located on the light guide (see fig. 10). The lamp controller 710 is coupled to the I/O device 704. A power supply 712 supplies power to the CPU700, the program memory logic 702, the I/O logic 704, and the memory integrated circuit 212.

The CPU700, program memory logic 702, and I/O logic 704 are, for example, microelectronic devices disposed in the lamp head 400. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a lamp controller 710 and power supply 712 are also provided in lamp head 400. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, CPU700, program memory logic 702, I/O logic 704, lamp controller 710, and power supply 712 are provided, for example, in a power pack 475. The lamp control 710 is, for example, a transistor device or an electronic or electromechanical relay device for controlling the on/off of the lamp system 480. The system indicator 708 is, for example, some lighted indicator light located on the lighthead 400.

One embodiment of a process for starting the lamp system 480 is illustrated in the flowchart of fig. 14 and executed by the control system 690 shown in fig. 13.

In step 730, control system 690 receives an "enable" signal from lamp controller 710. This "start" signal will trigger an initialization process that includes determining whether the bulbs in the lighthead 400 and the light guide 300 have reached their limits of use. The control system 690 stores the usage limits of the bulbs, the usage limits of the light guides, and the time limits of the whitening/curing process. According to one embodiment of the invention, the time period between process start-up and the process time limit is divided into several preselected periods by the control system 690.

In step 732, the control system 690 checks whether the bulb usage time is greater than the bulb usage limit stored in the control system 690. According to one embodiment of the invention, the limit of use of the bulb is, for example, 100 hours. According to another embodiment of the invention, the usage limit of the light bulb may be altered after the system has been initially used by a user, such as a dental practitioner. For example, the usage limit of the light source may be changed if the lighthead is returned to the service to replace the light source. The control system 690 monitors the illumination time of the light source in the lighthead 400 and adds this value to the cumulative amount of time, if any, for the previous treatment session. When the "on" signal is received by lamp controller 710, control system 690 compares the light source accumulated ignition time to the light source usage limit. If the light source usage limit is exceeded, the control system 690 executes step 734. If the light source usage limit has not been reached, the control system 690 proceeds to step 736.

In step 734, control system 690 illuminates light source change indicator light 152 on lighthead 400. The control system 690 also ignores the "enable" signal regarding the illumination of the light source. In other words, if the control system 690 determines that the operational life of the light source has been exceeded, the control system 690 will not allow the lamp to illuminate. When the light source is replaced, the control system 690 restarts.

In step 736, the control system 690 determines whether the use of the light guide exceeds the light guide use limit stored in the control system 690. The light guide usage limit is typically the amount of time for a single whitening or curing operation. The limit of use of the light guide is for example 60 minutes. As mentioned in step 732, the control system 690 monitors the on-time of the light source. The control system 690 writes the light source on-time from the start of the treatment to the recording device on the light guide 300. The recording device is, for example, a memory integrated circuit 212. Upon receiving the "start" signal from the lamp controller 710, the control system 690 compares the light source on-time stored in the recording means of the light guide 300 with its own stored light guide usage limit. If the light guide usage limit is exceeded, the control system 690 will perform step 738. If the light guide usage limit has not been reached, the control system 690 performs step 740.

In step 738, the control system 690 ignores the "activate" signal that requires the light source to be illuminated. That is, if the service life of the light guide has been exhausted, the control system 690 does not allow the lamp system to operate. The function of this part of the control system 690 is to prevent the light guide from being reused. The light guide 300 will be a disposable device that is discarded after each whitening or curing operation.

In step 740, the control system 690 activates the lamp (i.e., illuminates the light source).

In step 742, the control system 690 monitors the time course of the whitening or curing process. In this step, the control system 690 monitors the illumination time of the light source. The monitoring process of the control system 690 will be described with reference to fig. 15.

One embodiment of a process for monitoring the lamp system 480, which is performed by the control system 690 shown in fig. 13a, is illustrated in the flow chart of fig. 15.

In step 742, the control system 690 monitors the duration of the whitening or curing treatment, that is, the control system 690 monitors the "on" time of the light source.

In step 744, the control system 690 determines whether the elapsed process time exceeds a preselected duration. Here, the preselected duration is a fraction of the total processing time, such as 1/4 of the total processing time. If the elapsed process time does not exceed the preselected duration, the control system 690 continues to monitor the processing duration (step 742). If the elapsed time does exceed the preselected duration, the control system 690 proceeds to step 746.

In step 746, the control system 690 activates a process indicator light, such as one of the indicator lights on the lighthead 400. In one embodiment, the control system 690 activates a light indicator 150 every fraction of the treatment time, so that, for example, four light indicators are provided, and all four light indicators are illuminated at the end of the treatment process. In another embodiment, a single illuminated indicator light is used to refer to the time course of the process. In this embodiment, the illuminated indicator light will change the flashing frequency to represent how much time has elapsed since the start of the treatment process. The control system 690 then proceeds to step 748.

In step 748, the control system 690 adds the time that the light source is illuminated to the cumulative time (if any) that the control system 690 stored for the previous processing procedure. The control system 690 also writes the on-time of the light source into the recording means of the light guide (e.g. the memory integrated circuit 212). The control system 690 then executes step 750.

In step 750, the control system 690 determines whether the total processing time has been exhausted. The total treatment time is the length of time of the whitening or curing treatment. If the total processing time has not been exhausted, the control system 690 returns to step 742 to continue monitoring the whitening/curing process. If the total processing time has elapsed, the control system 690 proceeds to step 752.

At step 752, the duration of the whitening/curing process has ended and the control system 690 turns off the light source.

Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, a control system is provided with a built-in voice alarm system for alerting the dentist of time, stage information during the dental treatment. The control system may also include, for example, headphones or other privacy listening device so that only the dentist can receive the voice alarm. In one aspect, the private listening device may be a wireless listening device, such as a radio communication device or an infrared communication device.

In one embodiment, the dental light system includes a built-in electronic voice warning system for reporting to the dentist the completion of the dental procedure.

In one aspect, the electronic voice alert system may employ electronic voice generating circuit technology similar to that used in electronic devices such as toys, mobile phones, automotive or other consumer electronics, but with information that is new information relevant to dental applications.

In yet another embodiment, the dental irradiation system includes a voice-activated electronic voice warning system that employs a novel approach to tracking time progress during the dental procedure referred to above or other similar dental procedures. The sound-producing electronic voice alarm system adopts an electronic device, and sentences expressing time intervals are recorded in the device in advance.

In one embodiment, in addition to having the illuminated indicator light described above, the alarm system is adapted to play a recorded voice that is generated when the electronic timing circuit is programmed to play appropriate electronic voice count alarm messages through a speaker disposed in the device. In one aspect, the information that is played includes a time interval and the information may be programmed and, in some embodiments, reprogrammed.

In another embodiment, the dental irradiation lamp system with an electronic timing device is controlled by a microprocessor according to an internal clock. The microprocessor receives a signal to know when the lamp is first turned on. After a predetermined interval, for example five seconds, has elapsed, the electronic voice chip emits a recorded audio signal to the speaker to inform the user of the elapsed time and/or the remaining time. In an embodiment of the invention, the speaker is arranged inside the light source. Such an operation can be programmed to be continuous, sounding at ten second intervals if the voice chip emits a different audio recording signal every "ten seconds". Different time steps and corresponding audio signals may be programmed or selected according to the specific requirements of a particular dental procedure.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the dental light system includes a pre-recorded audio stream that may be designed to play a unique warning message at the end of the procedure. The pre-recorded audio signal may include words or similar phrases such as "procedure complete", "end of first cycle", etc. used in chair whitening procedures. Additionally, the system may be designed to: during the execution of the procedure, instructions are given to the dentist over time. Exemplary messages may include prerecorded audio streams that are sounded as "program is about to end", "please prepare for the next step of the whitening process", "whitening lamp warm-up cycle is over". A variety of numerous such audible alarms are possible and are within the scope of the present invention.

In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a dental instrument having a voice alarm system in any of the above embodiments, coupled to an electronic control unit. The electronic control means may comprise a microprocessor and a switch, for example an electromechanical switch or a solid state switch. In various embodiments, the electronic control means are adapted to both alert the dentist to the end of the procedure when a predetermined length of time has expired and to alert the dentist to the interruption of the light output when the predetermined time has expired. This further improves the efficiency and accuracy of the dental procedure and frees the dentist to attend to other things within hearing the voice alarm system rather than having to surround the patient or be in close proximity to the hands in order to turn off the lamp. In one aspect, the alarm system may provide the patient with a dentist and/or dental technician call system.

While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it should be noted that: these embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (27)

1. A light guide, comprising:

a substantially ellipsoidal tubular body having a first end adapted to be removably coupled to a lighting system; and

a second end adapted to removably couple with a reference device;

wherein the light guide forms an optical channel between the lighting system and the dental substrate.

2. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the light guide is shaped and configured to prevent light from escaping the light guide except through the second end.

3. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the light guide comprises a transparent or translucent wall panel.

4. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the ellipsoidal tubular body comprises a dielectric material.

5. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the ellipsoidal tubular body is substantially hollow.

6. The light guide of claim 4, wherein: the dielectric material is a polymer.

7. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the light guide is made of a polymer material having the property of absorbing a certain spectrum of light, which allows visible light to pass through, but absorbs UV light.

8. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the light guide is made of a material that absorbs light of at least one wavelength band.

9. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the light guide is made of a material that reflects light of at least one wavelength band.

10. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the ellipsoidal tube further comprises at least one vent.

11. The light guide of claim 1 further comprising: an elastic member mounted to the second end, wherein the elastic member forms a gasket between the light guide and the reference device.

12. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the lighting system includes a lighting framework including at least one light source arranged in a geometric configuration.

13. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the fiducial device comprises a lip retracting device.

14. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the light guide is adapted for use by a single patient, wherein the light guide is constructed of a non-sterilizable material, a non-autoclavable material, or a combination thereof.

15. A light guide includes a substantially ellipsoidal tubular body having at least one shaped body to facilitate formation of an alignment system to facilitate reliable positioning of a lighting system in proximity to an object.

16. The light guide of claim 15, wherein: the at least one shaped body comprises at least one interengaging shaped body for interengaging with at least one corresponding shaped body on the lighting system.

17. The light guide of claim 15, wherein: the at least one shaped body comprises at least one shaped body of an interengaging type for interengaging with at least one corresponding shaped body on the reference device.

18. The light guide of claim 17, wherein: the fiducial device comprises a lip retracting device.

19. The light guide of claim 15, wherein: the lighting system includes a lighting framework including at least one light source arranged in a geometric configuration.

20. The light guide of claim 11, wherein: the resilient member is made of a material selected from the group consisting of elastomeric materials, foams, biodegradable materials, and combinations thereof.

21. A light guide for a single patient, comprising:

a substantially ellipsoidal tubular body having a first opening at one end for removably coupling with a light source;

a second opening at the second end adapted to be removably coupled to a lip retraction device; and

a memory circuit disposed on the underside of the body for storing a record of the length of time signal for use.

22. The light guide for a single patient according to claim 21, wherein: the memory circuit interfaces with a controller arranged outside the light guide in order to indicate how long the light guide has been used.

23. The light guide for a single patient as claimed in claim 21, further comprising: a resilient member mounted to the second end, wherein the resilient member forms a cushion between the light guide and the lip retraction device.

24. A light guide for a single patient, comprising:

a substantially ellipsoidal tubular body having a first opening at one end thereof adapted to be removably coupled to a light source;

a second opening at the second end adapted to be removably coupled to a lip retraction device; and

a recording medium coupled to the tube body for storing a record of the usage duration signal.

25. The single-patient light guide of claim 24, wherein: the recording medium is a memory integrated circuit.

26. The single-patient light guide of claim 25, wherein: the memory integrated circuit is a write-once read-many type memory device.

27. The light guide of claim 1, wherein: the lighting system includes at least one heat sink comprising a phase change material.