Variable intensity dental light

Claim 2

A constant color temperature variable intensity lamp, comprising light source means for generating a generally tapered uniform beam of light; gate means for passing at least a portion of such light and capable of precluding passage of a different portion of such light; and focusing means for projecting light passed by said gate means; said gate means being positioned at least proximate one focal plane of said focusing means for substantially focusing an image of the latter at the other focal plane thereof; means for providing relative generally axial movement between said light source means and said gate means, whereby movement of one with respect to the other determines the quantity of light passed by said gate means and hence the intensity of the projected light without varying the uniformity and color temperature thereof.

Claim 3

A lamp as set forth in claim 1, said light source means comprising a bulb and a reflector, the latter having two foci, said bulb being positioned at least proximate one of said foci and said light source means being movable to a position whereby the other of said foci becomes located at said gate means.

Claim 4

A lamp as set forth in claim 2, said light source means further comprising a heat absorbing filter.

Claim 5

A lamp as set forth in claim 3, said filter altering the color and effective color temperature of the light.

Claim 6

A lamp as set forth in claim 2, wherein said reflector includes a stippled reflector surface that effects a uniform dispersion of light at said gate means.

Claim 7

A lamp as set forth in claim 2, said reflector comprising an ellipsoidal reflector having inner and exterior foci, said bulb being positioned at least proximate said inner focus, whereby light emitted by said bulb is concentrated in an envelope tapering toward said exterior focus.

Claim 8

A lamp as set forth in claim 6, said gate means comprising an opaque plate and an aperture generally centrally located therein, said reflector and aperture being so related that wheN said exterior focus lies in the plane of said aperture a maximum amount of light is passed therethrough, and movement of said light source means to a further distance from said gate means effects a reduction in the quantity of light passing through said aperture.

Claim 9

A lamp as set forth in claim 7, said focusing means comprising an aspheric lens, said lens having a longitudinal axis, and said light source and gate means being aligned relative to said axis.

Claim 10

A lamp as set forth in claim 1, said gate means comprising an opaque plate having a substantially centrally located aperture.

Claim 11

A lamp as set forth in claim 1, said focusing means comprising a lens.

Claim 12

A lamp as set forth in claim 10, said lens comprising an aspheric lens.

Claim 13

A constant color temperature variable intensity lamp, comprising a housing; light source means for generating a generally tapered beam of light, said light source means being movably positioned in said housing; means for moving said light source means within said housing; gate means for passing at least a portion of such light and capable of precluding passage of a different portion of such light; and focusing means for projecting light passed by said gate means; said gate means and focusing means being fixedly positioned relative to said housing, and said gate means being positioned at least proximate one focal plane of said focusing means for substantially focusing an image of the latter at the other focal plane thereof; said means for moving effecting relative movement between said light source means and said gate means, whereby movement of one with respect to the other determines the quantity of light passed by said gate means and hence the intensity of the projected light without varying the color temperature thereof.

Claim 14

A constant color temperature variable intensity lamp, comprising a housing; light source means for generating a generally tapered beam of light, said light source means being movably positioned in said housing; means for moving said light source means within said housing; gate means for passing at least a portion of such light and capable of precluding passage of a different portion of such light; and focusing means for projecting light passed by said gate means; said gate means and focusing means being fixedly positioned relative to said housing, and said gate means being positioned at least proximate one focal plane of said focusing means for substantially focusing an image of the latter at the other focal plane thereof; said means for moving effecting relative movement between said light source means and said gate means, whereby movement of one with respect to the other determines the quantity of light passed by said gate means and hence the intensity of the projected light without varying the color temperature thereof.

Claim 15

A lamp as set forth in claim 12, said means for moving comprising a rack and pinion mechanism, said light source means, gate means and focusing means being optically aligned within said housing.

Claim 16

A lamp as set forth in claim 12, further comprising means for coupling said light source means to a source of electric energy.