US5316473A — Light curing apparatus and method

Claim 1

Independent Claim 150 words

A visible wavelength light source for polymerizing light curable dental material within the mouth, comprising: (a) an element adapted to support light curable dental material in the mouth and (b) means for generating light in said element, said element having a U-shape length and a size conforming substantially to the configuration of a dental arch, said element having a U-shaped bottom wall, integrally connected to inner and outer U-shaped side walls, said element having a light emitting surface area of at least about 5 cm 2 , and said means for generating light being integrally connected to said element said means for generating having a light source selected from the group consisting of an optical fiber and a bulb having a filament, said light source being supported by and substantially evenly distributed along said length of said element, and being adapted to transmit light substantially uniformly onto said dental material.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 150 words

A visible wavelength light source for polymerizing light curable dental material within the mouth, comprising: (a) an element adapted to support light curable dental material in the mouth and (b) means for generating light in said element, said element having a U-shape length and a size conforming substantially to the configuration of a dental arch, said element having a U-shaped bottom wall, integrally connected to inner and outer U-shaped side walls, said element having a light emitting surface area of at least about 5 cm 2 , and said means for generating light being integrally connected to said element said means for generating having a light source selected from the group consisting of an optical fiber and a bulb having a filament, said light source being supported by and substantially evenly distributed along said length of said element, and being adapted to transmit light substantially uniformly onto said dental material.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 28 words

The visible light source of claim 1 in which the light source is adapted to transmit light through an impression tray to cure a polymerizable material contained therein.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 36 words

The light source of claim 1 which comprises a planar surface adapted to be oriented toward a dental arch in the mouth and wherein light transmitted from said element is emitted substantially from said planar surface.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 16 words

The light source of claim 3 in which said means for transmitting light comprises optic fibers.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 71 words

The light source of claim 1 in which said element comprises a bottom and sidewalls attached to said bottom on both sides thereof to form a trough, said element being adapted to fit over the outside of a light-transmitting impression tray, wherein said element is adapted to transmit light through a bottom and sidewalls of said impression tray, at substantially normal angles to said bottom and sidewalls of said impression tray.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 16 words

The light source of claim 5 in which said means for transmitting light comprises optic fibers.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 19 words

The light source of claim 5 in which said means for transmitting light comprises mirrored surfaces in said trough.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 48 words

The light source of claim 1 in which said means for generating light comprises means chosen from the group consisting of a vacuum bulb, a number of light emitting devices distributed substantially evenly with regard to a light transmitting area of said light source, or a combination thereof.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 55 words

The light source of claim 1 in which said means for generating light produces a generated light having an intensity of less than about 1 w/cm 2 , said generated light being limited substantially to the wavelengths of about 360-600 nm and comprises a light transmitting area of at least about 10 cm 2 .

Claim 11

Independent Claim 138 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth and providing an outwardly exposed surface, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source means for generating light having a U-shape of a dental arch, said shape comprising a plane and light transmitted from said light source being emitted substantially from said plane, said light source comprising a vacuum bulb having the general shape of said plane, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially, uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 138 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth and providing an outwardly exposed surface, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source means for generating light having a U-shape of a dental arch, said shape comprising a plane and light transmitted from said light source being emitted substantially from said plane, said light source comprising a vacuum bulb having the general shape of said plane, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially, uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 10 wherein the dental material is dental impression material, reline material or orthodontic appliance material.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method of claim 10 in which said element has a bottom and sidewalls attached to said bottom on both sides thereof to form a trough adapted to fit over the outside of an impression tray, and said light source is adapted to transmit light through said bottom and said sidewalls, at substantially normal angles to said bottom and said sidewalls into said trough.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 12 in which said means for transmitting light comprises optic fibers.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 12 in which said means for transmitting light comprises mirrored surfaces in said trough.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 10 in which said means for transmitting light comprises optic fibers.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 10 wherein the dental material is polymerized in about 1 minute or less and said light source is operated at an intensity of less than about 1 w/cm 2 .

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 10 wherein said light source comprises a series of light emitting devices distributed substantially uniformly over its surface.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 157 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth and providing an outwardly exposed surface, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source means for generating light having a U-shape dental arch shape, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially, uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outward surface of said dental material to polymerize said material said dental material being polymerized in less than about 5 seconds and said light source being operated at an intensity of less than about 0.5 w/cm 2 , having a light transmitting area of at least about 10 cm 2 and emitting light limited substantially to the wave bands of about 360-600 nm.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 157 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth and providing an outwardly exposed surface, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source means for generating light having a U-shape dental arch shape, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially, uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outward surface of said dental material to polymerize said material said dental material being polymerized in less than about 5 seconds and said light source being operated at an intensity of less than about 0.5 w/cm 2 , having a light transmitting area of at least about 10 cm 2 and emitting light limited substantially to the wave bands of about 360-600 nm.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 124 words

A visible wavelength light source for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: (a) an element having a shape and size conforming substantially to a U-shaped configuration of a dental arch, (b) means for generating light, said means for generating light having at least one filament within a gas containing bulb, said bulb being supported by and positioned within said element, said means for generating light having means to be connected to supply electricity to said bulb, and (c) a light transmitting means having a U-shaped bottom member and two side members connected to said bottom member and adapted to be removably connected to said element, said light transmitting means being adapted to hold said dental material in proximity to said element.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 124 words

A visible wavelength light source for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: (a) an element having a shape and size conforming substantially to a U-shaped configuration of a dental arch, (b) means for generating light, said means for generating light having at least one filament within a gas containing bulb, said bulb being supported by and positioned within said element, said means for generating light having means to be connected to supply electricity to said bulb, and (c) a light transmitting means having a U-shaped bottom member and two side members connected to said bottom member and adapted to be removably connected to said element, said light transmitting means being adapted to hold said dental material in proximity to said element.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 56 words

The light source of claim 19 wherein said light transmitting means comprises an optical fiber web to which dental material may be applied on both sides thereof, and wherein said optical fibers of said web area adapted to emit light from the surfaces thereof to cure said dental material in contact with said optical fiber web.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 115 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable U-shaped dental material while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source adapted to correspond in general to a U-shape, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material, wherein said light is transmitted from said light source in said U-shape and wherein said light source comprises a vacuum bulb having a U-shape.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 115 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable U-shaped dental material while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source adapted to correspond in general to a U-shape, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material, wherein said light is transmitted from said light source in said U-shape and wherein said light source comprises a vacuum bulb having a U-shape.

Claim 27

Independent Claim 140 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source means for generating light and having a U-shape, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material, wherein said light is transmitted from said light source and wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of a series of light emitting devices and light transmitting optic fibers distributed so as to transmit light substantially uniformly from a surface of said light source.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 140 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source means for generating light and having a U-shape, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material, wherein said light is transmitted from said light source and wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of a series of light emitting devices and light transmitting optic fibers distributed so as to transmit light substantially uniformly from a surface of said light source.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 124 words

A visible wavelength light source for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: (a) an element having a shape and size conforming substantially to a U-shaped configuration of a dental arch, (b) optic fiber means adapted for emitting or transmitting light, said optic fiber means having the shape of a dental arch and being contained within said element, and (c) a removable light transmitting means having a bottom member and two side members connected to said bottom member and adapted to be removably connected to said element, said light transmitting means having a shape and size conforming substantially to a U-shaped configuration of a dental arch said light transmitting means being adapted to hold said dental material in proximity to said element.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 124 words

A visible wavelength light source for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: (a) an element having a shape and size conforming substantially to a U-shaped configuration of a dental arch, (b) optic fiber means adapted for emitting or transmitting light, said optic fiber means having the shape of a dental arch and being contained within said element, and (c) a removable light transmitting means having a bottom member and two side members connected to said bottom member and adapted to be removably connected to said element, said light transmitting means having a shape and size conforming substantially to a U-shaped configuration of a dental arch said light transmitting means being adapted to hold said dental material in proximity to said element.

Claim 31

Independent Claim 115 words

A method of polymerizing method for a light polymerizable dental material while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a light source means for generating light having a U-shape and sized to fit in a mouth in alignment with at least a portion of a dental arch, said light source being adapted to transmit light and said light source comprises a vacuum bulb having a dental arch U-shape and (b) providing means for transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material and (c) polymerizing said material.

Claim 32

Independent Claim 115 words

A method of polymerizing method for a light polymerizable dental material while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a light source means for generating light having a U-shape and sized to fit in a mouth in alignment with at least a portion of a dental arch, said light source being adapted to transmit light and said light source comprises a vacuum bulb having a dental arch U-shape and (b) providing means for transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material and (c) polymerizing said material.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 144 words

A dental light for polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: (a) a light source having a dental arch U-shape and sized to fit in a mouth in alignment with at least a portion of a dental arch, said light source transmitting light in said arch shape and said light source being selected from the group consisting of a series of light emitting devices and light transmitting optic fibers distributed so as to transmit light substantially uniformly from a surface of said light source and (b) means for transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly over an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material (c) a tray for supporting said material, said tray having a U-shaped bottom wall integrally connected to inner and outer U-shaped side walls.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 144 words

A dental light for polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: (a) a light source having a dental arch U-shape and sized to fit in a mouth in alignment with at least a portion of a dental arch, said light source transmitting light in said arch shape and said light source being selected from the group consisting of a series of light emitting devices and light transmitting optic fibers distributed so as to transmit light substantially uniformly from a surface of said light source and (b) means for transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly over an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material (c) a tray for supporting said material, said tray having a U-shaped bottom wall integrally connected to inner and outer U-shaped side walls.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 91 words

A method for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising the steps of: providing a light source transmitting visible wave-length light and having a shape and size conforming substantially to a configuration of a U-shaped dental arch and sized to fit in the mouth, said light source comprising an unclad optic fiber having a fiber wall which transmits light along its length and delivers light from said fiber wall along its length for polymerizing said light curable dental material in the mouth and polymerizing said material in the mouth.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 91 words

A method for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising the steps of: providing a light source transmitting visible wave-length light and having a shape and size conforming substantially to a configuration of a U-shaped dental arch and sized to fit in the mouth, said light source comprising an unclad optic fiber having a fiber wall which transmits light along its length and delivers light from said fiber wall along its length for polymerizing said light curable dental material in the mouth and polymerizing said material in the mouth.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 26 wherein said unclad optic fiber is exposed for direct contact with the polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 108 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the U-shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source comprising a vacuum bulb and having a general U-shape in a plane and emitting light substantially from said plane, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in the mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially, uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 108 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the U-shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source comprising a vacuum bulb and having a general U-shape in a plane and emitting light substantially from said plane, (b) placing said dental material in a desired position in the mouth, (c) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially, uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 146 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the U-shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth comprising the steps of sequentially (a) providing an element and a housing having a light source, said element comprising a U-shaped tray said housing having U-shaped bottom and inner and outer side walls connected to form a trough adapted to support light curable material, said tray being adapted to be positioned within said trough, said light source comprising a series of light emitting devices adapted to distribute light substantially uniformly over an adjacent surface of said light curable material, (b) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially, uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 146 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable dental material in the U-shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth comprising the steps of sequentially (a) providing an element and a housing having a light source, said element comprising a U-shaped tray said housing having U-shaped bottom and inner and outer side walls connected to form a trough adapted to support light curable material, said tray being adapted to be positioned within said trough, said light source comprising a series of light emitting devices adapted to distribute light substantially uniformly over an adjacent surface of said light curable material, (b) placing said light source next to said dental material, and (d) transmitting light from said light source substantially, uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental material to polymerize said material.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 124 words

A visible wavelength light source for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: an element having a bottom member and side members and a shape and size conforming substantially to a U-shaped configuration of a dental arch, (a) means for generating light in said element having optical fibers position in a U-shape and adapted to distribute light along at least the majority of said dental arch, and (b) a light transmitting means having a bottom member and two side members connected to said bottom member, adapted to be removably connected to said element, said light transmitting means being adapted to be supported by said bottom and side members of said element, and to hold said dental material in proximity to said element.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 124 words

A visible wavelength light source for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: an element having a bottom member and side members and a shape and size conforming substantially to a U-shaped configuration of a dental arch, (a) means for generating light in said element having optical fibers position in a U-shape and adapted to distribute light along at least the majority of said dental arch, and (b) a light transmitting means having a bottom member and two side members connected to said bottom member, adapted to be removably connected to said element, said light transmitting means being adapted to be supported by said bottom and side members of said element, and to hold said dental material in proximity to said element.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 174 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable elastomeric dental impression material in the U-shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing an element and a housing, said element comprising a U-shaped tray and a housing said housing having U-shaped bottom and inner and outer side walls connected to form a trough adapted to support light curable material, said tray being adapted to be positioned within said trough, said housing having a web formed from a plurality of optic fibers having unclad portions and corresponding in general configuration to at least a substantial portion of a dental arch shape, (b) placing a dental impression material directly over the unclad optic fiber portions of said web, (c) placing said web with said dental impression material thereon in a mouth and forming a dental impression, (d) transmitting light from said unclad portions of said optic fiber web and polymerizing the light polymerizable dental impression material and forming an elastomeric dental impression.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 174 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable elastomeric dental impression material in the U-shape of a dental arch while said dental material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing an element and a housing, said element comprising a U-shaped tray and a housing said housing having U-shaped bottom and inner and outer side walls connected to form a trough adapted to support light curable material, said tray being adapted to be positioned within said trough, said housing having a web formed from a plurality of optic fibers having unclad portions and corresponding in general configuration to at least a substantial portion of a dental arch shape, (b) placing a dental impression material directly over the unclad optic fiber portions of said web, (c) placing said web with said dental impression material thereon in a mouth and forming a dental impression, (d) transmitting light from said unclad portions of said optic fiber web and polymerizing the light polymerizable dental impression material and forming an elastomeric dental impression.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 130 words

A dental light for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: a light source transmitting visible wavelength light and having a shape and size conforming substantially to a dental arch and sized to fit in the mouth, said light source comprising a plurality of at least partially unclad optic fibers formed into a web, each of said unclad optic fibers having a fiber wall adapted to transmit light along at least a portion of its length and to deliver said light from a sufficient portion of the length of said wall where it is unclad into adjacent light curable dental material for substantially polymerizing said light curable dental material in a tray, said tray having a U-shaped bottom wall integrally connected to inner and outer U-shaped side walls.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 130 words

A dental light for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: a light source transmitting visible wavelength light and having a shape and size conforming substantially to a dental arch and sized to fit in the mouth, said light source comprising a plurality of at least partially unclad optic fibers formed into a web, each of said unclad optic fibers having a fiber wall adapted to transmit light along at least a portion of its length and to deliver said light from a sufficient portion of the length of said wall where it is unclad into adjacent light curable dental material for substantially polymerizing said light curable dental material in a tray, said tray having a U-shaped bottom wall integrally connected to inner and outer U-shaped side walls.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 28 words

The dental light of claim 32 wherein each of said unclad optic fibers is exposed for direct contact with the polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 138 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable elastomeric dental impression material in the shape of a U-shaped dental arch while said dental impression material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source means for generating light having a U-shape adapted to distribute light from a curved side portion of a dental arch U-shape, (b) placing a dental impression material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source in said mouth next to said dental impression material, and (d) emitting and transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly directly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental impression material along a substantial portion of a dental arch U-shape to polymerize said material and form an elastomeric dental impression.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 138 words

A method of polymerizing a light polymerizable elastomeric dental impression material in the shape of a U-shaped dental arch while said dental impression material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: the steps of sequentially (a) providing a light source means for generating light having a U-shape adapted to distribute light from a curved side portion of a dental arch U-shape, (b) placing a dental impression material in a desired position in a mouth, (c) placing said light source in said mouth next to said dental impression material, and (d) emitting and transmitting light from said light source substantially uniformly directly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of said dental impression material along a substantial portion of a dental arch U-shape to polymerize said material and form an elastomeric dental impression.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 197 words

A dental light for polymerizing a light polymerizable elastomeric dental impression material while said dental impression material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: (a) a light source being adapted to distribute light from and to be supported by a U-shaped dental arch and curved to conform with such substantial portion of said dental arch and sized to fit in a mouth in alignment with at least a portion of said dental arch, said light source transmitting light in said general configuration of said dental arch and said light source comprising light emitting and light transmitting sources selected from the group consisting of a series of light emitting devices and a plurality of light transmitting optic fibers and said light emitting and transmitting sources being positioned to emit and transmit light substantially uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of dental impression material in a tray placed in position for taking a dental impression in the mouth and sufficient to polymerize the dental impression material and form an elastomeric dental impression and a tray said tray having a U-shaped bottom wall integrally connected to inner and outer U-shaped side walls.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 197 words

A dental light for polymerizing a light polymerizable elastomeric dental impression material while said dental impression material is in contact with structure in the mouth, comprising: (a) a light source being adapted to distribute light from and to be supported by a U-shaped dental arch and curved to conform with such substantial portion of said dental arch and sized to fit in a mouth in alignment with at least a portion of said dental arch, said light source transmitting light in said general configuration of said dental arch and said light source comprising light emitting and light transmitting sources selected from the group consisting of a series of light emitting devices and a plurality of light transmitting optic fibers and said light emitting and transmitting sources being positioned to emit and transmit light substantially uniformly over at least a substantial portion of an outwardly exposed surface of dental impression material in a tray placed in position for taking a dental impression in the mouth and sufficient to polymerize the dental impression material and form an elastomeric dental impression and a tray said tray having a U-shaped bottom wall integrally connected to inner and outer U-shaped side walls.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 35 wherein said light source comprises a series of light emitting devices.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 35 wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light transmitting optic fibers.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 104 words

A visible wavelength light source apparatus for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: an element having a shape and size conforming to at least a curved substantial portion of a dental arch and adapted to support light curable dental material, and optical fibers supported within said element and positioned along at least a majority of the length of said element, said element comprising a U-shaped tray and a housing, said housing having U-shaped bottom and inner and outer side walls connected to form a trough adapted to support light curable material, said tray being adapted to be positioned within said trough.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 104 words

A visible wavelength light source apparatus for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: an element having a shape and size conforming to at least a curved substantial portion of a dental arch and adapted to support light curable dental material, and optical fibers supported within said element and positioned along at least a majority of the length of said element, said element comprising a U-shaped tray and a housing, said housing having U-shaped bottom and inner and outer side walls connected to form a trough adapted to support light curable material, said tray being adapted to be positioned within said trough.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 70 words

A visible wavelength light source apparatus for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: an element having a shape and size conforming to at least a curved substantial portion of a dental arch, and means for generating light in said element, said means for generating light being positioned along at least a majority of the length of said element said element including two sides connected in a U-shape.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 70 words

A visible wavelength light source apparatus for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: an element having a shape and size conforming to at least a curved substantial portion of a dental arch, and means for generating light in said element, said means for generating light being positioned along at least a majority of the length of said element said element including two sides connected in a U-shape.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 39 further comprising a light transmitting means adapted to be removably connected to said element, said light transmitting means being adapted to hold said dental material in proximity to said element.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said means for generating light comprises a plurality of light sources.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 103 words

A dental light for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: a light source transmitting visible wavelength light and having a U-shape and size conforming substantially to a dental arch and sized to fit in the mouth, said light source comprising a plurality of at least partially unclad optic fibers formed into a web, each of said unclad optic fibers having a U-shaped length of unclad fiber wall and being adapted for transmitting light along at least a portion of said length and delivering said light from said unclad fiber wall for polymerizing said light curable dental material in the mouth.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 103 words

A dental light for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: a light source transmitting visible wavelength light and having a U-shape and size conforming substantially to a dental arch and sized to fit in the mouth, said light source comprising a plurality of at least partially unclad optic fibers formed into a web, each of said unclad optic fibers having a U-shaped length of unclad fiber wall and being adapted for transmitting light along at least a portion of said length and delivering said light from said unclad fiber wall for polymerizing said light curable dental material in the mouth.

Claim 63

Independent Claim 82 words

A method of curing dental material, comprising: providing an element having a U-shape and size conforming to a curved substantial portion of a dental arch and adapted to support light curable dental material, and optical fibers in said element positioned in a U-shape along at least a substantial portion of the length of said element, positioning said element in a mouth adjacent to light curable dental material, and transmitting light from said optical fibers in a U-shape to said curable dental material.

Claim 64

Independent Claim 82 words

A method of curing dental material, comprising: providing an element having a U-shape and size conforming to a curved substantial portion of a dental arch and adapted to support light curable dental material, and optical fibers in said element positioned in a U-shape along at least a substantial portion of the length of said element, positioning said element in a mouth adjacent to light curable dental material, and transmitting light from said optical fibers in a U-shape to said curable dental material.

Claim 65

Independent Claim 76 words

A method of curing dental material, comprising: providing an element having a shape and size conforming to a curved substantial portion of a dental arch, and a light generator in said element positioned along at least a substantial portion of the length of said element, positioning said element in a mouth adjacent to light curable dental material, and transmitting light from said generator to said curable dental material wherein said light generator comprises a vacuum bulb.

Claim 66

Independent Claim 76 words

A method of curing dental material, comprising: providing an element having a shape and size conforming to a curved substantial portion of a dental arch, and a light generator in said element positioned along at least a substantial portion of the length of said element, positioning said element in a mouth adjacent to light curable dental material, and transmitting light from said generator to said curable dental material wherein said light generator comprises a vacuum bulb.

Claim 67

Independent Claim 35 words

A method of simultaneously uniformly curing dental impression material positioned in a patient's mouth, comprising simultaneously emitting light from a plurality of light emitting means positioned substantially uniformly along the length of said impression material.

Claim 68

Independent Claim 35 words

A method of simultaneously uniformly curing dental impression material positioned in a patient's mouth, comprising simultaneously emitting light from a plurality of light emitting means positioned substantially uniformly along the length of said impression material.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 45 wherein said light emitted from each of said light emitting means is of substantially equal intensity.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 45 wherein said impression material and said light emitting means are supported in a U-shape.

Claim 71

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: an element. said element having a U-shape and size conforming substantially to a configuration of a dental arch, means for generating light, said means for generating light comprising at least one electrical wire adapted to be connected to a power source, said means for generating light being supported by said element, light transmitting means having a bottom member and two side members connected to said bottom member, and adapted to be positioned adjacent to said element, whereby light emitted from said element is transmitted through said light transmitting means into light curable dental material supported by said light transmitting means while said light transmitting means is in the mouth.

Claim 72

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for polymerizing light curable dental material in the mouth, comprising: an element. said element having a U-shape and size conforming substantially to a configuration of a dental arch, means for generating light, said means for generating light comprising at least one electrical wire adapted to be connected to a power source, said means for generating light being supported by said element, light transmitting means having a bottom member and two side members connected to said bottom member, and adapted to be positioned adjacent to said element, whereby light emitted from said element is transmitted through said light transmitting means into light curable dental material supported by said light transmitting means while said light transmitting means is in the mouth.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1997-05-30	1997-11-29	1998-05-31	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2001-05-30	2001-11-29	2002-05-31	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2005-05-30	2005-11-29	2006-05-31	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Light curing apparatus and method

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