US6159005A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photopolymerization apparatus
Assignee: 3M Deutschland GmbH
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Filing: 1998-05-15
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Granted: 2000-12-12
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Expires: 2018-05-15
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for photopolymerizing synthetic materials, specifically dental materials containing camphor quinone or phosphine oxide as a photo-initiator, includes a light source constituted by a semiconductor base solid-state radiation emitter 12 which emits in the blue spectral range. Since the radiation emitter emits in a small useful spectral range only, any heat radiation is avoided. The overall device is formed as a small, light-weight and handy device with a built-in battery 15. The solid-state radiation emitter 12, which is preferably operated in the light emitting diode (LED) mode, may be arranged directly on the tip 20 of the apparatus which can be directed toward the treatment site.
Inventors
- 👤 Wolf-Dietrich Herold
- 👤 Ralf Kuerschner
- 👤 Peter Koran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:26
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C19/00; A61C19/003; A61C19/004; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/06; A61N2005/065; A61N2005/0651
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus for photopolymerizing synthetic materials containing photo-initiators, said apparatus comprising a light source for emitting light in the blue spectral range, said light source being a solid-state radiation emitter on the basis of a semiconductor composed of elements of the main groups III and V of the Periodic Table, wherein said radiation emitter is a laser diode emitting a forward beam used for polymerization and a backward beam used as a reference beam for controlling the intensity of said forward beam.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus for photopolymerizing synthetic materials containing photo-initiators, said apparatus comprising a light source for emitting light in the blue spectral range, said light source being a solid-state radiation emitter on the basis of a semiconductor composed of elements of the main groups III and V of the Periodic Table, wherein said radiation emitter is a laser diode emitting a forward beam used for polymerization and a backward beam used as a reference beam for controlling the intensity of said forward beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor is made of gallium nitride.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said radiation emitter includes an LED.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said radiation emitter includes a laser.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tip portion adapted to be directed to a treatment site, wherein said radiation emitter is disposed directly on said tip portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an optical waveguide having a spill end adapted to be directed toward a treatment site, and a light entry end, wherein said radiation emitter is disposed at said light entry end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said optical waveguide and said radiation emitter are arranged in a fixed mutual orientation, and the entry end of said optical waveguide has an aperture sized and dimensioned in accordance with the cross-section of the beam emitted by said radiation emitter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said aperture of said entry end is elliptical.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a battery for supplying energy to said radiation emitter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said battery is a rechargeable battery.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein radiation emitter outputs pulses of radiation.
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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) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-06-12 | 2004-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-12 | 2008-06-12 | 2008-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-12 | 2012-06-12 | 2012-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |