US4112335A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rapid pulse ultraviolet light apparatus
Assignee: Dentsply Research and Development Corp
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Filing: 1977-06-13
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Granted: 1978-09-05
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Expires: 1997-06-13
Abstract
Abstract An ultraviolet lamp is disclosed wherein the light source is a rapid pulse unconfined xenon arc tube containing more than three atmospheres of xenon gas pressure, and providing an output limited to wavelengths greater than 320 nanometers. Associated circuitry for operating the tube and associated light transmitting means for utilizing the output of the tube are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald I. Gonser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:54
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/30; H05B41/34; A; A61; A61C; A61C19/00; A61C19/003; A61C19/004; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0005; G02B6/0006; H01; H01J; H01J61/00; H01J61/02; H01J61/30; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/06; A61N5/0601; A61N5/0603; A61N2005/0606
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
Light source apparatus for delivering a substantial continuum of ultraviolet radiation in the range of 320 to 400 nanometers to a restricted surface area, comprising: a. ultraviolet light source means containing xenon at greater than 3 atmospheres and less than 10 atmospheres pressure, and including means to cut off wavelengths below 320 nanometers; b. a housing, adapted to contain said ultraviolet light source means and suitable for hand-held operation; c. means for pulsing of said ultraviolet light source means; and d. light delivery means in operative association with said light source means for delivering ultraviolet radiation from said light source means to the restricted surface area.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
Light source apparatus for delivering a substantial continuum of ultraviolet radiation in the range of 320 to 400 nanometers to a restricted surface area, comprising: a. ultraviolet light source means containing xenon at greater than 3 atmospheres and less than 10 atmospheres pressure, and including means to cut off wavelengths below 320 nanometers; b. a housing, adapted to contain said ultraviolet light source means and suitable for hand-held operation; c. means for pulsing of said ultraviolet light source means; and d. light delivery means in operative association with said light source means for delivering ultraviolet radiation from said light source means to the restricted surface area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said light source means comprises an unconfined arc tube which contains xenon gas maintained at said pressure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein said pressure is in the range of greater than 3 and less than 10 atmospheres.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein said xenon pressure is about 4 atmospheres.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein said cutoff means comprises an envelope portion of said tube which blocks transmission from said tube of wavelengths less than 320 nanometers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as described in claim 5, wherein said envelope portion comprises a glass window having glass which cuts off light wavelengths shorter than 320 nanometers and passes wavelengths greater than 320 nanometers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus as described in claim 2, containing a power supply for delivering electrical power for said light source tube and trigger pulse circuitry for delivering trigger pulses to said light source tube, said power supply and trigger pulse circuitry being contained in a second housing outside of said housing, and coaxial connecting means between said outside housing and said light source tube for delivery of said electrical power and trigger pulses.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said pulsing means comprises means for high rate rapid pulsing of said light source means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein said means for high rate rapid pulsing of said light source delivers trigger pulses with a rise time of less than about 2 microseconds, and at a pulse repetition rate of at least about 100 per second.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
107 words
Light source apparatus for providing efficient emission of ultraviolet radiation, comprising: a. an unconfined xenon arc tube, said tube having an anode and a cathode and a plurality of trigger electrodes, said tube further having a glass window with a cut-off characteristic which prevents radiation from said tube at wavelengths below 320 nanometers, and being maintained at a pressure of at least 3 and less than 10 atmospheres; and b. triggering and power means for delivering at a high rate rapid rise trigger pulses to said trigger electrodes, and for delivering power to said tube, said tube producing ultraviolet radiation upon being triggered by said trigger pulses.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
107 words
Light source apparatus for providing efficient emission of ultraviolet radiation, comprising: a. an unconfined xenon arc tube, said tube having an anode and a cathode and a plurality of trigger electrodes, said tube further having a glass window with a cut-off characteristic which prevents radiation from said tube at wavelengths below 320 nanometers, and being maintained at a pressure of at least 3 and less than 10 atmospheres; and b. triggering and power means for delivering at a high rate rapid rise trigger pulses to said trigger electrodes, and for delivering power to said tube, said tube producing ultraviolet radiation upon being triggered by said trigger pulses.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The light source apparatus as described in claim 10, wherein said light source means is housed within a housing suitable for hand-held operation, and having means for directing the ultraviolet light at a restricted surface area.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus as described in claim 10, comprising: a. external housing for containing said light source apparatus; b. hand-held means for directing ultraviolet light at a restricted surface area; and c. light guide means for transmitting said produced ultraviolet radiation from said external housing to said hand-held means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as described in claim 10, wherein said tube is enclosed by a housing which is opaque to the radiation produced by said tube, said housing having an opening within which is sealed said window.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as described in claim 13, comprising a light delivery means for delivering said ultraviolet radiation, and a visible light filter positioned between said window and said light delivery means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-09-04 | 1982-03-06 | 1982-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-09-04 | 1986-03-06 | 1986-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-09-04 | 1990-03-06 | 1990-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |