US6208788B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and methods for concentrating light through fiber optic funnels coupled to dental light guides
Assignee: Ultradent Products Inc
•
Filing: 1998-07-29
•
Granted: 2001-03-27
•
Expires: 2018-07-29
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and methods for light activation of hardenable materials, such as filling materials located on dental surfaces, through fiber optic funnels coupled to light guides. Light generated by a light unit is directed through a light guide and then concentrated by a fiber optic funnel to direct concentrated light to hardenable materials. The fiber optic funnels comprises bundles of fiber optic strands. The fiber optic funnels are able to concentrate light according to their respective tapers. The fiber optic funnels are coupled to light guides by couplers which can be either rigid or elastomeric such that the couplers can be coupled with a specific light guide or conform to light guides having different diameters. A coupler can also enable a fiber optic funnel to pivot.
Inventors
- 👤 Vassiliy Nosov
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C19/00; A61C19/003; A61C19/004; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/241; G02B6/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 61
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
A dental instrument for concentrating radiant energy that is delivered by a radiant energy guide means running from a means for generating the radiant energy, the instrument concentrating the radiant, energy at a desired region of one or more teeth of a patient, and comprising: fiber optic funnel means for concentrating the radiant energy received from the guide means, the fiber optic funnel means comprising a plurality of fiber optic strands, the fiber optic funnel means having a reception end with a reception surface for receiving radiant energy from the guide means, the fiber optic funnel means having a transmission end opposite the reception end, the transmission end tapering to an apex such that the apex has a smaller diameter than the reception surface and being configured to enable light to be directed to a specific portion of a tooth, the fiber optic strands being oriented and configured such that radiant energy entering the reception surface is concentrated as it exits the apex of the transmission end, and separately removable coupling means for coupling the reception end of the fiber optic funnel means to the guide means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
A dental instrument for concentrating radiant energy that is delivered by a radiant energy guide means running from a means for generating the radiant energy, the instrument concentrating the radiant, energy at a desired region of one or more teeth of a patient, and comprising: fiber optic funnel means for concentrating the radiant energy received from the guide means, the fiber optic funnel means comprising a plurality of fiber optic strands, the fiber optic funnel means having a reception end with a reception surface for receiving radiant energy from the guide means, the fiber optic funnel means having a transmission end opposite the reception end, the transmission end tapering to an apex such that the apex has a smaller diameter than the reception surface and being configured to enable light to be directed to a specific portion of a tooth, the fiber optic strands being oriented and configured such that radiant energy entering the reception surface is concentrated as it exits the apex of the transmission end, and separately removable coupling means for coupling the reception end of the fiber optic funnel means to the guide means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the fiber optic funnel means is a fiber optic funnel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the apex of the fiber optic funnel is no greater than about ¾ of the diameter of the reception surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the transmission end of the fiber optic funnel means is generally conically shaped.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the apex is generally flat.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the apex is generally bulbous.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein essentially all fiber strands terminate at the apex such that essentially all radiant energy entering the reception surface and transmitted via the strands exits the apex.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein a portion of the fiber strands terminate at the apex while another portion of the fiber strands terminate along the transmission end such that some radiant energy entering the reception surface exits the apex and some radiant energy entering the reception surface exits along the transmission end.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein portions of the fiber optic funnel means which neither receive or transmit radiant energy are covered with a protective sheath.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein portions of the fiber optic funnel means which neither receive or transmit radiant energy are covered with a protective coating.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the reception surface of the fiber optic funnel means is coated with a material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
60 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the fiber optic funnel means is located within a chamber of a sheath tip, wherein the sheath tip is coupled to the radiant energy guide means by the coupling means, and wherein a monofiber extends into the chamber to receive radiant energy from the apex of the fiber optic funnel means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
89 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the fiber optic funnel means is located within a chamber of a sheath tip, wherein the sheath tip is coupled to the radiant energy guide means by the coupling means, wherein a receiving end of a monofiber extends into the chamber to receive radiant energy from the apex of the fiber optic funnel means and a terminal end of the monofiber extends out of sheath tip, and wherein a portion of the terminal end is ensheathed by a protective tip.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the coupling means is a coupler.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the coupling means is elastomeric.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the coupling means is relatively rigid.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the coupling means is capable of being coupled with radiant energy guide means having different diameters.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , wherein the coupling means enables the fiber optic funnel means to pivot.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
58 words
An instrument as defined in claim 1 , further comprising transfer means for transmitting radiant energy to the fiber optic funnel means from a radiant energy guide means even when the fiber optic funnel means is positioned at an angle with respect to the radiant energy guide means, wherein the transfer means is disposed within the coupling means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
140 words
A light concentration instrument for use with a means for generating light coupled to a dental light guide means for transmitting light from the light generating means, the instrument comprising: a fiber optic funnel comprising a plurality of fiber optic strands, the fiber optic funnel having a reception end with a reception surface for receiving light from the dental light guide means, the fiber optic funnel having a transmission end opposite the reception end, the transmission end tapering to an apex such that the apex has a smaller diameter than the reception surface, the fiber optic strands being oriented and configured such that light entering the reception surface is concentrated as it exits the apex of the transmission end, and a separately removable coupler for coupling the reception end of the fiber optic funnel to the dental light guide means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
140 words
A light concentration instrument for use with a means for generating light coupled to a dental light guide means for transmitting light from the light generating means, the instrument comprising: a fiber optic funnel comprising a plurality of fiber optic strands, the fiber optic funnel having a reception end with a reception surface for receiving light from the dental light guide means, the fiber optic funnel having a transmission end opposite the reception end, the transmission end tapering to an apex such that the apex has a smaller diameter than the reception surface, the fiber optic strands being oriented and configured such that light entering the reception surface is concentrated as it exits the apex of the transmission end, and a separately removable coupler for coupling the reception end of the fiber optic funnel to the dental light guide means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the diameter of the apex of the fiber optic funnel is no greater than about ¾ of the diameter of the reception surface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the transmission end of the fiber optic funnel is generally conically shaped.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the transmission end and apex of the fiber optic funnel are configured to enable light to be directed to a specific portion of a tooth.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the apex is generally flat.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the apex is generally bulbous.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein essentially all fiber strands terminate at the apex such that essentially all light entering the reception surface and transmitted via the strands exits the apex.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
54 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein a portion of the fiber strands terminate at the apex while another portion of the fiber strands terminate along the transmission end such that some light entering the reception surface exits the apex and some light entering the reception surface exits along the transmission end.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein portions of the fiber optic funnel which neither receive or transmit light are covered with a protective sheath.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein portions of the fiber optic funnel which neither receive or transmit light are covered with a protective coating.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the reception surface of the fiber optic funnel is coated with a material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
55 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the fiber optic funnel is located within a chamber of a sheath tip, wherein the sheath tip is coupled to the light guide means by the coupler, and wherein a monofiber extends into the chamber to receive light from the apex of the fiber optic funnel.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
84 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the fiber optic funnel is located within a chamber of a sheath tip, wherein the sheath tip is coupled to the light guide means by the coupler, wherein a receiving end of a monofiber extends into the chamber to receive light from the apex of the fiber optic funnel and a terminal end of the monofiber extends out of sheath tip, and wherein a portion of the terminal end is ensheathed by a protective tip.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the coupler is elastomeric.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the coupler is relatively rigid.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the coupler is capable of being coupled with light guide means having different diameters.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , wherein the coupler enables the fiber optic funnel to pivot.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
52 words
An instrument as defined in claim 20 , further comprising transfer means for transmitting light to the fiber optic funnel from a light guide means even when the fiber optic funnel is positioned at an angle with respect to the light guide means, wherein the transfer means is disposed within the coupler.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
167 words
A dental instrument for concentrating radiant energy that is delivered by a radiant energy guide means running from a means for generating the radiant energy, the instrument concentrating the radiant energy at a desired region of one or more teeth of a patient, and comprising: p 1 a fiber optic funnel means for concentrating radiant energy comprising a plurality of fiber optic strands, the fiber optic funnel having a reception end with a reception surface coated with a material for receiving light transmitted from the light guide means, the fiber optic funnel means having a transmission end opposite the reception end, the transmission end tapering to an apex such that the apex has a smaller diameter than the reception surface, the fiber optic strands being oriented and configured such that light entering the reception end is concentrated as it exits the apex of the transmission end, and a separately removable coupler for attaching the reception end of the fiber optic funnel means to the light guide means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
167 words
A dental instrument for concentrating radiant energy that is delivered by a radiant energy guide means running from a means for generating the radiant energy, the instrument concentrating the radiant energy at a desired region of one or more teeth of a patient, and comprising: p 1 a fiber optic funnel means for concentrating radiant energy comprising a plurality of fiber optic strands, the fiber optic funnel having a reception end with a reception surface coated with a material for receiving light transmitted from the light guide means, the fiber optic funnel means having a transmission end opposite the reception end, the transmission end tapering to an apex such that the apex has a smaller diameter than the reception surface, the fiber optic strands being oriented and configured such that light entering the reception end is concentrated as it exits the apex of the transmission end, and a separately removable coupler for attaching the reception end of the fiber optic funnel means to the light guide means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the fiber optic funnel means 16 is a fiber optic funnel.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
32 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the diameter of the apex of the fiber optic funnel is no greater than about ¾ of the diameter of the reception surface.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the transmission end of the fiber optic funnel means is generally conically shaped.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
34 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 wherein the transmission end and apex of the fiber optic funnel means are configured to enable light to be directed to a specific portion of a tooth.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the apex is generally flat.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the apex is generally bulbous.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
34 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein essentially all fiber strands terminate at the apex such that essentially all light entering the reception surface and transmitted via the strands exits the apex.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
54 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein a portion of the fiber strands terminate at the apex while another portion of the fiber strands terminate along the transmission end such that some light entering the reception surface exits the apex and some light entering the reception surface exits along the transmission end.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
28 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein portions of the fiber optic funnel means which neither receive or transmit light are covered with a protective sheath.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
28 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein portions of the fiber optic funnel means which neither receive or transmit light are covered with a protective coating.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
58 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the fiber optic funnel means is located within a chamber of a sheath tip, wherein the sheath tip is coupled to the light guide means by the coupling means, and wherein a monofiber extends into the chamber to receive light from the apex of the fiber optic funnel means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
87 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the fiber optic funnel means is located within a chamber of a sheath tip, wherein the sheath tip is coupled to the light guide means by the coupling means, wherein a receiving end of a monofiber extends into the chamber to receive light from the apex of the fiber optic funnel means and a terminal end of the monofiber extends out of sheath tip, and wherein a portion of the terminal end is ensheathed by a protective tip.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the coupling means is a coupler.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the coupling means is elastomeric.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the coupling means is relatively rigid.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the coupling means is capable of being coupled with another light guide means having a different diameter.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , wherein the coupling means enables the fiber optic funnel means to pivot.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
55 words
An instrument as defined in claim 38 , further comprising transfer means for transmitting light to the fiber optic funnel means from the light guide means even when the fiber optic funnel means is positioned at an angle with respect to the light guide means, wherein the transfer means is disposed within the coupling means.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
254 words
A method for directing concentrated radiant energy to a material on a dental substrate, comprising: coupling a radiant energy generating means for generating radiant energy to a reception end of a radiant energy guide means for transmitting the radiant energy from the radiant energy generating means, the radiant energy guide means also having a transmission end; obtaining a fiber optic funnel means for concentrating radiant energy, the fiber optic funnel means comprising a plurality of fiber optic strands, the fiber optic funnel means having a reception end with a reception surface, the fiber optic funnel means having a transmission end opposite the reception end, the transmission end tapering to an apex such that the apex has a smaller diameter than the reception surface, the fiber optic strands being oriented and configured such that radiant energy entering the reception end is concentrated as it exits the apex of the transmission end, coupling the reception end of the fiber optic funnel means to the transmission end of the radiant energy guide means via a coupling means for coupling the fiber optic funnel means to a radiant energy guide means such that the reception surface of the fiber optic funnel means may receive radiant energy from the transmission end of the radiant energy guide means; and directing the radiant energy, which was concentrated by the fiber optic funnel means after being received via the radiant energy guide means from the radiant energy generating means, to a material located on a dental substrate to initiate a chemical reaction.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
254 words
A method for directing concentrated radiant energy to a material on a dental substrate, comprising: coupling a radiant energy generating means for generating radiant energy to a reception end of a radiant energy guide means for transmitting the radiant energy from the radiant energy generating means, the radiant energy guide means also having a transmission end; obtaining a fiber optic funnel means for concentrating radiant energy, the fiber optic funnel means comprising a plurality of fiber optic strands, the fiber optic funnel means having a reception end with a reception surface, the fiber optic funnel means having a transmission end opposite the reception end, the transmission end tapering to an apex such that the apex has a smaller diameter than the reception surface, the fiber optic strands being oriented and configured such that radiant energy entering the reception end is concentrated as it exits the apex of the transmission end, coupling the reception end of the fiber optic funnel means to the transmission end of the radiant energy guide means via a coupling means for coupling the fiber optic funnel means to a radiant energy guide means such that the reception surface of the fiber optic funnel means may receive radiant energy from the transmission end of the radiant energy guide means; and directing the radiant energy, which was concentrated by the fiber optic funnel means after being received via the radiant energy guide means from the radiant energy generating means, to a material located on a dental substrate to initiate a chemical reaction.
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