Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
LIGHTING APPARATUS HAVING A LIGHTING COMPONENT HOLDER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus having a component
holder
that is configured to hold different components apart from each other.
Additionally, the
present invention relates to the component holder having a fiber optic chamber
and a
light source chamber, and being configured such that the fiber optic chamber
and light
source chamber are spaced apart at a pre-determined distance and arranged such
that
light from the light source is directed into the fiber optic cable.
H. The Related Technology
Lighting devices are commonly used in various applications so that an object
can be illuminated so as to become visible or to enhance the visibility of the
object.
However, many lighting devices are configured for specific uses such that
there is
limited cross-compatibility between different types of lighting devices. One
such
lighting device and use that restricts cross-compatibility with other lighting
devices is a
loupe light for use in dental or surgical settings. A loupe light is typically
used with
high magnification loupes (e.g., magnification glasses, magnification viewers,
etc.) so
that a dental or surgical professional can view a subject with enhanced
visibility and/or
clarity during a dental or surgical procedure. Loupes and loupe lights are
often used by
jewelers, watch craftsmen, or other tradesmen that view objects under
magnification.
A loupe light generally directs light toward the object that is to be
magnified and
viewed through the loupe. As such, the loupe light is often positioned
relative to the
loupe magnification lens so that the light does not pass directly through the
loupe
magnification lens. This can include orienting the loupe light laterally or
radially from
the loupe magnification lens or at a position on the object-side of the
magnification
lens. Usually, the loupe light is not disposed so as to shine the light
directly through the
loupe magnification lens because of spectral reflection, diffraction, or the
like which
can interfere with the visual quality of the object being illuminated.
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For example, dental loupe lights are used to provide a directed source of
light in
a patient's mouth to aid the dental professional while performing a dental
procedure.
Dental loupe lights typically include a lighting device having a housing with
a light
source contained therein and powered by a power supply. Often, a fiber optic
cable
runs from the light source of the dental loupe light to one or a pair of high
magnification
loupes worn by the dental professional. As such, the outlet end or light
emission end o('
the fiber optic cable is positioned on the glasses worn by the dental
professional so as to
direct a focused beam of light into the patient's mouth.
However, one problem associated with known dental loupe lights is that the
housing of the light source is typically secured to a bench adjacent the
dental
professional so as to be fixed, which is typically due to the size and design
of the light
source. By being fixed or having poor design, the movement of the dental
professional
is restricted during the dental procedure. Additionally, the fiber optic cable
often
impedes the ability of the dental professional to move or manipulate various
instruments
during the dental procedure, which can result in the fiber optic cable being
damaged or
otherwise compromised. Furthermore, lighting devices usually generate a
substantial
amount of heat, which has resulted in the placement being fixed and/or remote
from the
loupe magnification lens. In part, this is because the heat generated from the
light
source causes the housing to become hot, which can injure a dental
professional who
becomes too close or accidentally touches the housing.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a lighting apparatus that includes
a
light source that is thermally decoupled from the light source housing, Also,
it would
be beneficial for the lighting apparatus to include a cooling apparatus so
that the
temperature of the light source housing would be held below a potentially
dangerous or
liarmful temperature. Additionally, it would be beneficial to have a lighting
apparatus
configured such that various optical components, such as a light source and
fiber optic
cable, are separated by a pre-determined distance and arranged such that light
from the
light source is directed into the fiber optic cable. Furthermore, it would be
beneficial
for the apparatus to be portable and/or usable with a loupe that was portable.
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention include a lighting apparatus, lighting
apparatus component holder, and methods of use thereof. The lighting apparatus
can
include a housing that is thermally decoupled from a light source disposed
therein.
Also, embodiments of the present invention can be configured to be self-
cooling so that
the temperature of the lighting apparatus housing is held below a potentially
dangerous
or harmful temperature. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can
be
configured such that various optical components, such as a light source and
fiber optic
cable, are separated by a pre-determined distance and arranged such that light
from the
light source is directed into the fiber optic cable. Furthermore, embodiments
oi' the
present invention include methods of using the lighting apparatus for
illuminating
objects for enhanced visual clarity.
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a lighting component holder
for use in a lighting apparatus. The component holder is comprised of a
component
holder body defining a fiber optic receptacle and a light source receptacle.
The
component holder is disposed in a lighting apparatus housing and is at least
partially
thermally decoupled from the lighting apparatus housing. The fiber optic
receptacle is
disposed in a first location within the lighting apparatus housing, and has an
internal
surface configured to retain at least a portion of a fiber optic cable that is
disposed
within the fiber optic receptacle. Such a fiber optic cable includes a light
receiving end
disposed in the fiber optic receptacle opposite of a light emitting end. The
light source
receptacle is disposed in a second location within the lighting apparatus
housing, and
the second location is spaced apart from the first location by a predetermined
distance
so that the fiber optic cable is at least partially thermally decoupled from
the light
source. Such a light source receptacle has an internal surface configured to
retain at
least a portion of a light source that is disposed within the light source
receptacle. The
fiber optic receptacle and light source receptacle are arranged so that light
emitted from
said light source is directed into the light receiving end of the fiber optic
cable.
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a lighting apparatus
comprised of the lighting apparatus housing and the component holder as
described
- Page 3 - nockel No 16516 2h
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
herein. The component holder can be configured such that a light emitting end
of the
fiber optic cable is oriented so as to emit light out of the lighting
apparatus housing.
In one embodiment, a majority of the external surface of the component holder
is spaced a distance apart from an interior surface of the lighting apparatus
housing.
Such a space can be filed with air, insulation, or other material that can
thermally
decouple the lighting apparatus housing from. the light source.
In one embodiment, the fiber optic receptacle is associated with a front
surface
of the component holder body and the light source receptacle is associated
with a rear
surface of the component holder body. Also, the fiber optic receptacle can be
disposed
opposite of the light source receptacle within the component holder body.
In one embodiment, the component holder body is further comprised of at least
one of the following: a filter receptacle containing at least a portion of a
movable or
rotatable filter device disposed between the fiber optic receptacle and the
light 5ourcc
receptacle; a fan receptacle containing at least a portion of a fan disposed
laterally irom
the fiber optic receptacle and/or the light source receptacle or disposed in a
front surface
or back surface of the component holder body; an electronic component
receptacle
containing at least a portion of an electronic component disposed in a top
surface of the
component holder body; a thermocouple receptacle containing at least a portion
of a
thermocouple disposed on or in an external surface of the component holder
body; or a
printed circuit board receptacle containing at least a portion of a printed
circuit board
disposed in a top surface of the component holder body.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus and/or component holder includes a
cooling means for cooling the component holder and/or housing. For example,
such a
cooling means can include at least one of the following: at least one channel
extending
from an opening in the external surface of the component holder to an opening
of the
internal surface of the fiber optic receptacle; at least one channel extending
from an
opening in the external surface of the component holder to an opening of the
internal
surface of the light source receptacle; at least one channel extending from an
opening in
the external surface of the component holder to an opening in the filter
receptacle; at
least one channel extending from an opening in a surface of the component
holder to an
opening in the fan receptacle; at least one channel extending from an opening
in a
Page 4 - Docket No. 16516.2b
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
surface of the component holder to an opening in the electronic component
receptacle;
at least one channel extending from an opening in a surface of the component
holder to
an opening in the printed circuit board receptacle; a temperature measuring
means for
measuring the temperature of air disposed between the lighting apparatus
housing and
the component holder body; a fan; or a thermocouple in communication with a
processing means that is in communication with and controls a fan, wherein the
thermocouple measures the temperature of air disposed between the lighting
apparatus
housing and the component holder body and provides temperature data to the
processing means that controls the fan in response to the temperature data.
In one embodiment, the present invention is characterized by at least one of
the
following: the filter device is comprised of at least one filter selected from
the group
consisting of an ultraviolet filter, an infrared filter, an orange filter, a
polarizer filter,
wavelength filter, long-pass filter, short-pass filter, tunable filter, and
combinations
thereof; the light source is a halogen or high-intensity discharge light; or
the fiber optic
cable is comprised of a single fiber, a fiber bunch, or a plurality of fiber
bunches.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus housing is removably couplable with
an object configured to be worn on a body of a person. This can include the
housing
being removably couplable with a belt, necklace, headband, armband, fanny-
pack,
backpack, article of clothing, or the like.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes a fastener disposed at the
light emitting end of the fiber optic cable. Such a fastener can be any member
selected
from the group consisting of a friction fit, at least one clamp, an adhesive,
a welding, an
elastic band, at least one clip, at least one tie, inter-engaging members, a
screw, a bolt, a
cotter pin, and combinations thereof.
In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable has a length sufficient to extend
from
the lighting apparatus housing to a frame of spectacles. Also, the fastener
can be
configured to couple the light emitting end of the fiber optic cable to the
frame of the
spectacles.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus is comprised of at least one battery
contained in a battery receptacle that is disposed within the lighting
apparatus housing.
The battery can be electronically coupled with the light source. Also, a
battery charger
Page 5 - Dookzt No, 165 16 2h
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
can be associated with the lighting apparatus housing and electronically
coupled with at
least one battery.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes a lens housing defining at
least one lens receptacle. As such, each lens receptacle can include a lens.
The lens
housing can be disposed at the light emitting end of the fiber optic cable so
that light
emitted from the light emitting end passes through at least one lens.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes at least one aperture
defined
by the lighting apparatus housing such that air passes into and circulates
within the
lighting apparatus housing. The apertures can be included in any portion of
the lighting
apparatus housing. Optionally, the apertures can be associated with fans that
can
facilitate the induction of air into the housing and circulation within the
housing.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus housing has a shape and size that is
portable. By being portable, the lighting apparatus can be manually maneuvered
or
manipulated by hand. As such, the lighting apparatus can be hand-held.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus can have a shape and size of a
dental
loupe. Dental loupes have various shapes and sizes to which the lighting
apparatus can
be configured.
These and other embodiments and features of the present invention will become
more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may
be
learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present
invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by
reference to
specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the
invention and
are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will
be described
and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 A is an illustration that depicts a side view of an embodiment of a
lighting apparatus having a component holder.
- Page 6 - Docket No 16; 16 2h
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
Figure 1B is an illustration that depicts a front view of the lighting
apparatus of
Figure IA.
Figures 2A is an illustration that depicts a side view of an embodiment of a
component holder that can be disposed within the lighting apparatus as in
Figures IA-
5 1B.
Figure 2B is an illustration that depicts a front view of the component holder
of
Figure 2A.
Figure 2C is an illustration that depicts a cross-sectional side view of the
component holder of Figure 2A.
III
Figure 2D is an illustration that depicts a rear view of the component holder
of
Figure 2A.
Figure 3 is an illustration that depicts an embodiment of a filter wheel for
use
with the present invention.
Figure 4 is an illustration that depicts an embodiment of a lens assembly for
use
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Generally, embodiments of the present invention include a lighting apparatus
containing a component holder that is thermally decoupled from the lighting
apparatus
housing. Also, embodiments of the present invention include a cooling system
so that
the temperature of the lighting device housing is held below a potentially
dangerous or
harmful temperature. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention
include a
lighting apparatus configured such that a various optical components, such as
a light
source and fiber optic cable, are separated by a pre-determined distance and
arranged
such that light from the light source is directed into the fiber optic cable.
Furthermore,
embodiments of the present invention can be portable and/or usable with a
loupe.
1. Lighting Apparatus
I!~ In one embodiment, the present invention includes a lighting apparatus
having a
component holder disposed therein. The component holder is disposed in a
lighting
apparatus housing and is at least partially thermally decoupled from the
lighting
apparatus housing. Such a lighting apparatus and/or component holder can be
configured to have receptacles for retaining various components within a
housing of a
Page 7 - Docket No. 16516.2b
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
lighting apparatus. Also, the lighting apparatus can be configured to have an
increased
cooling potential. Further, the lighting apparatus can be configured to be
portable or
hand-held so that it can be used in a variety of settings compared to a
lighting apparatus
that is big, bulky, or fixed in a location. Also, the lighting apparatus and
component
holder can be configured such that the light emitting end of the fiber optic
cable is
oriented so as to emit light out of the lighting apparatus housing.
The lighting apparatus housing can be comprised of any material that can be
fashioned as described herein. Additionally, the lighting apparatus housing
can be
configured to have insulating features so that heat generated by lighting
components is
inhibited from being transferred through the lighting apparatus housing.
Examples of
suitable materials that can be configured to be insulating include wood,
plastics,
ceramics, composites, and the like. Also, various metals and alloys can be
employed in
some embodiments, such as those that include a cooling system.
In one embodiment, the external surface of the component holder is spaced a
distance apart from an interior surface of the lighting apparatus housing.
Such a space
can be filed with air, insulation, or other insulating material that can
thermally decouple
the lighting apparatus housing from the light source. Also, the component
holder can be
directly or indirectly coupled to an internal surface of the lighting
apparatus housing.
II! Various fasteners and fastening means can be used to orient the component
holder
within the lighting apparatus housing.
In one embodiment, a majority of the external surface of the component holder
is spaced a distance apart from an interior surface of the lighting apparatus
housing. As
such, most of the external surface of the component holder does not contact
the lighting
apparatus housing so as to at least partially thermally decouple the component
holder
from the lighting apparatus housing. As such, a portion of the component
holder
external surface can be in contact with the internal surface of the lighting
apparatus
body so as to orient the two structures with respect to each other, but the
amount of
contact does not transfer substantial heat to the lighting apparatus housing.
This
arrangement can be beneficial in regulating the temperature of the lighting
apparatus
housing.
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus is comprised of at least one battery
contained in a battery receptacle that is disposed within the lighting
apparatus housing.
Such a battery can be disposable or rechargeable, and can be electronically
coupled with
the light source. Rechargeable batteries can be electronically coupled with a
recharging
unit associated with the lighting apparatus, and/or couplable with a power
source. The
battery charger can be associated with the lighting apparatus housing and
electronically
coupled with at least one battery. Battery and recharging unit configurations
for use in
devices that use electricity are well known in the art.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes a lens housing defining at
least one lens receptacle. Each lens receptacle can include any type of lens.
'I'he lens
housing can be disposed at the light emitting end of the fiber optic cable so
that light
emitted from the light emitting end passes through at least one lens. For
example, the
lens can be a passive, biplanar, biconvex, plano-convex, convex-concave,
meniscus,
plano-concave, biconcave, and the like. As such, the light can passively pass
through
the lens or converge, concentrate, focus, diverge, spread, collimate, or the
like. The
lens housing can include a fiber optic fastener for engaging the fiber optic
cable thereto.
The fiber optic fastener can also ensure the fiber optic cable is located at a
pre-
determined distance from the one or more lenses used in the lens housing.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes at least one aperture
defined
by the lighting apparatus housing. The aperture can allow air to pass into and
out from
the lighting apparatus housing and can allow air to circulate within the
lighting
apparatus housing. The aperture can be included in any portion of the lighting
apparatus housing. Also, the aperture can be associated with a cooling channel
defined
by the component holder body, which can allow heated air to pass into and out
of the
component holder body. Optionally, the aperture can be associated or aligned
with a
fan that can facilitate the induction of air into the housing and circulation
within the
housing.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus housing has a shape and size so as
to
be portable. By being portable, the lighting apparatus can be manually
maneuvered or
rnanipulated by hand. As such, the lighting apparatus can be small enough to
be hand-
held. Various shapes and sizes of hand-held devices are well known and can be
- Page 9 - Dock~~ No 16i162n
CA 02583813 2007-04-03
modulated to accommodate the lighting apparatus of the present invention. For
example, the lighting apparatus can be of a shape and size suitable for being
coupled to
an object that can be worn, or small enough to be placed within a pocket of an
article of
clothing.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus housing is removably couplable with
an object configured to be worn on a body of a person. This can include the
housing
being removably couplable with a belt, necklace, headband, armband, vision
spectacles,
fanny-pack, backpack, article of clothing, or the like. As such, the lighting
apparatus
can be coupled to such an object and worn during use. Alternatively, the
lighting
apparatus can be permanently coupled to or integrated with such an object.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes a fastener disposed at the
light emitting end of the fiber optic cable. Such a fastener can be any member
selected
from the group consisting of a friction fit, at least one clamp, an adhesive,
a welding, an
elastic band, at least one clip, at least one tie, inter-engaging members, a
screw, a bolt, a
cotter pin, combinations thereof, and the like. Also, the fastener can be
included with a
fastener housing that is coupled to the fiber optic cable or enclosed around
the fiber
optic cable. Optionally, the fastener can be coupled to a lens housing. In any
event, the
light emitting end of the fiber optic cable can be configured so as to be
couplable with
various objects, such as those that can be worn as described above. For
example, the
fastener can be configured to couple the light emitting end of the fiber optic
cable to the
frame of vision spectacles.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus housing includes a fiber optic
aperture and a fiber optic cable of a length sufficient to extend out from the
lighting
apparatus through the fiber optic aperture. Also, the length of fiber optic
cable
extending from the fiber optic aperture can be of sufficient length so that
the light
III emitting end can be maneuvered and pointed at an object in need of being
illuminated.
This can allow a person using the lighting apparatus to point or direct the
light emitting
end of the fiber optic cable in any direction. Also, this can allow for the
light emitting
end to extend to a remote location, such as to a frame of vision spectacles.
In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus can have a shape and size of a
loupe,
such as a surgical loupe, dental loupe, jeweler loupe, or other loupe. Such
loupes have
- hage 10 - Docket No. 16516.2b
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
various shapes and sizes to which the lighting apparatus can be configured.
Loupes can
be configured to be portable or fixed. Additionally, the lighting apparatus
can be used
to provide a light source for an illumination apparatus as described in United
Kingdom
Patent Application GB0619658.8, which was filed on October 4, 2006, or co-
pending
U.S. Patent Application having attorney docket number 16516.3a, entitled
"ILLUMINATION APPARATUS", which patent applications are each incorporated
herein in their entirety by specific reference.
II. Component Holder
The component holder can be comprised of a component holder body. The
component holder body can be comprised of any material that can be fashioned
as
described herein. Additionally, the component holder body can be configured to
have
insulating features so that heat generated by lighting components is inhibited
from being
transferred through the component holder body. Examples of suitable materials
that can
be configured to be insulating include wood, plastics, ceramics, composites,
and the
like. Also, various metals and alloys can be employed in some embodiments,
such as
those that include a cooling system.
The component holder body can be configured to include the features described
herein as a single integrated body. Alternatively, the component body can be
comprised
of modular bodies that can be associated so as to provide the features as
described
herein. Also, the different modular bodies can be separate and disposed within
the
lighting apparatus housing in an arrangement to provide the features as
described
herein.
The component holder body defines a fiber optic receptacle. The fiber optic
receptacle is disposed in a first location within the lighting apparatus
housing, and has
an internal surface configured to retain at least a portion of a fiber optic
cable that is
disposed within the fiber optic receptacle. This can include the internal
surface having
a shape and size commensurate with the fiber optic cable. Also, the internal
surface can
be outfitted with fasteners that can couple the fiber optic cable to the
component holder
body, which can include fasteners that are commonly used to associate fiber
optic
cables with different optical components.
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
The fiber optic cable includes a light receiving end disposed in the fiber
optic
receptacle opposite of a light emitting end. The fiber optic cable can be
configured to
have various lengths such that the light emitting end is disposed within or at
the lighting
apparatus housing and pointing out thereof through an aperture, or the light
emitting end
can be extended out from the lighting apparatus housing. A fiber optic cable
can be
comprised of a single fiber, a fiber bunch, split bundle, a plurality of fiber
bunches, or
the like. Also, randomized fiber optic bundles can be used since they provide
substantially uniform light, and slip bundles can eliminate reflection back
towards a
user's eye.
The component holder body also defines a light source receptacle. 'I'he light
source receptacle is disposed in a second location within the lighting
apparatus housing,
where the second location is spaced apart from the first location by a
predetermined
distance. Spacing the light source receptacle apart from the fiber optic cable
can at least
partially thermally decouple from the light source so that the fiber optic
cable is not
subjected to heat that can damage or degrade the integrity of the optical
fibers. Also,
the light source receptacle has an internal surface configured to retain at
least a portion
of a light source that is disposed within the light source receptacle. This
can include the
internal surface having a shape and size commensurate with the light source.
Additionally, the internal surface can be outfitted with a fastener that can
couple the
light source to the internal surface. Furthermore, the fiber optic receptacle
and light
source receptacle are arranged so that light emitted from said light source is
directed
into the light receiving end of the fiber optic cable.
The light source can be any lamp that emits light. Such a lamp can be a
halogen
lamp, high intensity discharge (HID) lamp, light emitting diode (LED), array
of LEDs,
or the like. As such, the light source can create a significant amount of
heat. The light
source used in conjunction with the fiber optic cable and any focusing optics
can
provide a single defined beam which does not interfere with use. The light
source can
be configured to emit light characterized as substantially 5500 Kelvin or
"noon day"
sunlight. Accordingly, the light emitter can include a plurality of LEDs that
cooperate
to emit the light. Alternatively, the light emitter can include a halogen,
HID, or other
lamp that can be filtered so as to emit the light. An example of a light
source can be
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/339,288, which is incorporated
herein in
its entirety by specific reference.
In one embodiment, the fiber optic receptacle is associated with a front
surface
of the component holder body and the light source receptacle is associated
with a rear
surface of the component holder body. This can include the fiber optic
receptacle
and/or light source receptacle being disposed on or formed into the component
holder
body. These receptacles can be affixed to the internal surface of the
component holder
body, and oriented adjacent thereto. Also, the fiber optic receptacle can be
disposed
opposite of the light source receptacle within the component holder body. This
can
include the fiber optic receptacle being disposed in a front end of the
component holder
body and the light source receptacle being disposed in a back end of the
component
holder body. However, other arrangements can be used as described herein.
In one embodiment, the component holder body includes or defines at least one
filter receptacle. Each filter receptacle can be configured so as to retain at
least a
portion of a filter or filter device. In some instances a single filter is
disposed in the
filter receptacle, and in other instances a movable or rotatable filter device
having a
plurality of filters is disposed in the filter receptacle. Such a filter
device can include a
plurality of filters arranged so that the filter device can be moved or
rotated to change
from one filter to another. The filter receptacle can be positioned within a
light path
such that light emitted from the light source passes through the filter
receptacle and
through at least one filter or empty aperture before being emitted from the
lighting
apparatus. Usually, the filter receptacle having at least one filter is
disposed between
the fiber optic receptacle and the light source receptacle such that light
emitted from the
light source passes through a filter before being directed into the light
receiving end of
the fiber optic cable.
The filter device included with the component holder can be configured to hc
rnovable or rotatable with respect to the filter receptacle. The filter device
typically
allows one or more filters to be moved relative to the light source so that
the quality or
characteristics of the light emitted from the lighting device can be
modulated. In the
instance the filter device is rotatable, the filter receptacle can include a
slot to retain at
least a portion of the filter device. The axis of rotation of a rotatable
filter device can be
- Page 13 - Docket No. 165 i6.2n
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
oriented between the front and rear surface of the component holder, or the
axis of
rotation can be congruent with the light emitted from the light source. As
such, the
filter device can be oriented substantially orthogonal to the light source so
that light can
pass through a filter or aperture located in the filter device. This allows
for the selection
of a particular filter over other filters located in the filter device. A
movable filter
device can be similarly configured.
Accordingly, one or more filters can be fixedly attached to the filter device
in a
manner that light emitted from the light source can pass through a selected
filter.
Usually, each filter is disposed within a filter aperture defined by the
filter device. Any
of the filters can be selected from the group consisting of an ultraviolet
filter, an
infrared filter, an orange filter, a filter that filters out blue light, a
polarizer filter,
wavelength filter, long-pass filter, short-pass filter, tunable filter,
combinations thereof,
and the like.
In one embodiment, the component holder body includes or defines at least one
fan receptacle. Each fan receptacle can be configured so as to retain at least
a portion of'
a fan. The fan receptacle can be oriented laterally from the fiber optic
receptacle and/or
the light source receptacle so that the fan is not disposed in the light path
emitted by the
light source. This can include the fan receptacle being disposed on or defined
by the
body of the component holder body. As such, the fan receptacle can be disposed
in a
surface of the component holder body, such as the front surface, back surface,
top
surface, bottom surface, or any side surface. Also, the fan receptacle can be
configured
similar to an aperture so that air can be drawn into and/or around the
component holder.
The fan can be any air moving device that can circulate air into and out of
the
component holder. This can include fans oriented so as to create a negative
pressure
differential and/or a positive pressure differential with respect to the
component holder
andlor interior of lighting apparatus housing with respect to the outside air.
Also, the
fan can be of various sizes, such as the size of fans commonly used to cool
computer
CPUs or other electronic devices.
In one embodiment, the component holder body includes or defines at least one
electronic component receptacle. Such an electronic component can be any
hardware
that operates with electricity to drive a function of the lighting device.
Each electronic
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II'
component receptacle can be configured so as to retain at least a portion of a
electronic
component. The electronic component receptacle can be oriented laterally from
the
fiber optic receptacle and/or the light source receptacle so that the
electronic component
is not disposed in the light path emitted by the light source. This can
include the
electronic component receptacle being disposed on or defined by the body of
the
component holder body. As such, the electronic component receptacle can be
disposed
in a surface of the component holder body, such as the front surface, back
surface, top
surface, bottom surface, or any side surface.
In one embodiment, the component holder body includes or defines at least one
thermocouple receptacle. Such a thermocouple can be any temperature measuring
device that can communicate temperature data to a computing system that can
process
the temperature data to control the temperature of the component holder and/or
lighting
apparatus. Each thermocouple receptacle can be configured so as to retain at
least a
portion of a thermocouple. The thermocouple receptacle can be oriented
laterally from
the fiber optic receptacle and/or the light source receptacle so that the
thermocouple is
not disposed in the light path emitted by the light source. This can include
the
thermocouple receptacle being disposed on or defined by the body of the
component
holder body. As such, the electronic component receptacle can be disposed in a
surface
of the component holder body, such as the front surface, back surface, top
surface.
bottom surface, or any side surface. Also, the thermocouple receptacle can be
disposed
on an internal surface or external surface of the component holder body.
In one embodiment, the component holder body includes or defines at least one
printed circuit board (PCB) receptacle. Such a PCB can be any circuit board
that
operates a function of the lighting device. For example, the PCB can include
circuitry
and/or electronic components that receive temperature data from the
thermocouple and
process the temperature data to control the temperature of the component
holder and/or
lighting apparatus. Each PCB receptacle can be configured so as to retain at
least a
portion of a PCB. The PCB receptacle can be oriented laterally from the fiber
optic
receptacle and/or the light source receptacle so that the PCB is not disposed
in the light
path emitted by the light source. This can include the PCB receptacle being
disposed on
or defined by the body of the component holder body. As such, the PCB
receptacle can
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
be disposed in a surface of the component holder body, such as the front
surface, back
surface, top surface, bottom surface, or any side surface. Also, the PCB
receptacle can
be disposed on an internal surface or external surface of the component holder
body.
In one embodiment, the component holder includes a cooling means for cooling
the component holder and/or housing. The cooling means can include a cooling
device
and/or cooling structure that is configured to cool the component holder
and/or lighting
apparatus. Exemplary cooling devices include a fan, thermoelectronic cooler
(TEC), a
temperature measuring device (e.g., thermocouple), and the like. A cooling
device can
be disposed between the lighting apparatus housing and the component holder
body.
Also, a thermocouple can be in communication with a processor that is in
communication with and controls a fan, wherein the thermocouple measures the
temperature of air disposed between the lighting apparatus housing and the
component
holder body and provides temperature data to the processing means that
controls the fan
in response to the temperature data. A closed loop system is typically formed
in the
lighting apparatus, such that a change in temperature controls the speed of
the fan
means and thereby controls the temperature.
A cooling structure can include a channel or aperture in the component holder
body that enables air to circulate from outside the component holder into and
around the
component holder. This can also include drawing air from outside of the
lighting
apparatus. For example, such a cooling structure can include at least one of
the
following: at least one channel extending from an opening in the external
surface of the
component holder to an opening of the internal surface of the fiber optic
receptacle; at
least one channel extending from an opening in the external surface of the
component
holder to an opening of the internal surface of the light source receptacle;
at least one
channel extending from an opening in the external surface of the component
holder to
an opening in the filter receptacle; at least one channel extending from an
opening in a
surface of the component holder to an opening in the fan receptacle; at least
one channel
extending from an opening in a surface of the component holder to an opening
in the
electronic component receptacle; at least one channel extending from an
opening in a
surface of the component holder to an opening in the printed circuit board
receptacle;
and the like. Accordingly, cool air can travel along any of the channels from
an inlet to
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i~ll
an outlet so as to cool the air surrounding the light source and/or component
holder.
The channels can be provided at acute angles or sloped angles so that cool air
is directed
onto a pre-determined position onto and/or adjacent to the light source.
III. Lighting Apparatus And Component Holder
The following figures describe embodiments of a lighting apparatus and/or a
component holder configured to be included in the lighting apparatus. As such,
the
following figures illustrate and reference various components or elements of
the
lighting apparatus and/or component holder. While the figures are illustrated
and
described in connection with a loupe embodiment, the lighting device can be
configured
for other uses as described herein. Accordingly, the following figures
illustrate a
lighting device that can be employed as a loupe light, which provides a
transportable or
portable light source that can be attached to magnification loupes (not shown)
used in
dentistry, surgery, or the like.
Figures lA-1B illustrate an embodiment of a lighting apparatus 2 in accordance
'with the present invention. As shown, the lighting apparatus 2 includes a
housing 4
containing a light source 6 in the form of an HID lamp. The housing 4 has side
walls
10, 12, end walls 14, 16, top 18, and base 20. A cavity 22 is defined by the
housing 4,
and a component holder 24 is disposed within the cavity 22
A first end of a fiber optic cable (not shown) is optically coupled with the
lamp
6 in housing 4 so that light emitted from the lamp 6 is directed into the
fiber optic cable.
A second end of the fiber optic cable extends through an aperture 60 in the
housing 4.
A plurality of venting slots 62 are provided in end walls 14, 16 of the
housing 4,
wherein such venting slots 62 can extend through the housing 4. As such, the
venting
slots 62 can allow cool air to circulate through the housing 4, and can allow
warm air to
be exhausted from the housing 4. Also, the venting slots 62 can be part of a
cooling
system and can be associated with a fan and/or channels in the component
holder 24.
Additional vent slots can be included in any portion of the housing 4.
The housing 4 is configured to include a battery cavity 63 that can contain a
battery 64 disposed therein. As such, the battery cavity 63 can be a battery
receptacle
and can be shaped so as to conform to a battery 64. In the instance the
battery 64 is
rechargeable, the housing 4 can be configured to include a battery recharging
unit 66
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that is in electronic communication with the battery 64. Also, the battery
charging unit
66 can include a socket arrangement 69 located in the end wall 16. Since the
lighting
apparatus 2 can be battery powered, lighting apparatus 2 can be easily carried
and does
not restrict use to a particular location. The lighting apparatus 2 can also
be configured
to receive electricity from a standard power outlet or power supply.
Figures 2A-2D illustrate an embodiment of a component holder 24 in
accordance with the present invention. The component holder 24 is configured
as a
single integral holder that is configured to be disposed within the housing 4
of the
lighting apparatus 2 described in Figures 1 A-1 B. The component holder 24 can
be
secured or otherwise fastened within the housing 4 with any suitable fastener,
such as
the fasteners described herein. The component holder 24 can also be suspended
from a
partition wall (not shown) located in the housing 4, where such a partition
wall can be
substantially insulating so as to thermally decouple the component holder 24
from the
housing 4. As shown, the component holder 24 has a first end 26, second end
28, side
walls 30, 32, a top 34, and base 36.
The second end 28 has a recess 38 defined therein that is configured as a
receptacle for the front end of the lamp 6 so as to be a light source
receptacle. In front
of the recess 38 is an additional recess 40 that can be utilized as a spacer
or as a
ireceptacle for a component. For example, additional recess 40 can be used for
a lens,
insulator, air space, a filter, a filter device, or the like. As shown, the
recess 40 opens
out adjacent to the base 36 and/or sides 30, 32 of the component holder 24.
Also, the
recess 40 can open so as to be adjacent to the base 20 and/or sides 14, 16 of
the housing
4 of the lighting apparatus 2.
Additionally, the component holder 24 includes an aperture 42 that is defined
in
first end 26 for the location of a portion of the fiber optic cable (not
shown). As such,
the light receiving end of the fiber optic cable can be secured in the
aperture 42 with
any suitable fastener so that receiving end is configured as a fiber optic
receptacle. For
example, the fastener can be a friction fit, adhesive, a clip, a tie, or the
like. The
aperture 42 is located substantially opposite to the recess 38 with respect to
light
emitted from the lamp 6 so that light passes through the recess 38 into the
aperture 42
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
and through the fiber optic cable. In the illustrated embodiment, aperture 42
is
substantially smaller than aperture 38 in which the front end of lamp 6 is
located in use.
Additionally, the component holder includes a slot 44 that is disposed between
the aperture 42 and the additional recess 40. The slot 44 is also oriented
with respect to
the recess 38 so as to be at least partially aligned therewith for the
location of a filter
wheel 46 (see Figure 3). This orientation can allow light emitted from the
lamp 6 to
pass through or out of the recess 38, through the additional recess 40, and
through the
slot 44 into the aperture 42. This can include the light passing through a
filter of the
filter wheel 46.
A recess 48 is defined in the top wall 34 of the component holder 24 for the
location of a printed circuit board (PCB) 50 (see Figure 1A). The PCB 50 can
include a
temperature sensor (not shown) to allow the temperature of the component
holder 24
and/or air surrounding the component holder to be measured. The temperature
sensor
communicates with a processor and/or a fan to control the fan to turn on/off
or control
the speed of the fan depending on the measured temperature. Also, the PCB can
include or be coupled with other electronic components as described herein.
A channe152 is defined in the base 36 of the component holder 24 so as to
allow
air to pass into and out from the component holder 24. As such, the channe152
includes
an inlet 54 defined in base 36 and an outlet 56 defined adjacent to the recess
38. The
channel 52 can allow cool air to be transported into the component holder 24
and
adjacent to the front of the lamp 6.
A fan 58 can be located in the component holder 24 adjacent to the first end
26
or second end 28 as shown. As illustrated in Figure 2D, the fan 58 can be
oriented in a
position in the second end 28 that allows cool air to be drawn into the back
of the
component holder 24. Alternatively, the fan 58 can be disposed adjacent to
channel 52
so that cool air can be drawn through channel 52 and to be circulated around
the
component holder 24. When disposed in the first end 26, the fan 58 can be
offset or
laterally located relative to aperture 42.
As illustrated in Figure 1A, the component holder 24 is positioned in the
housing 4 of the lighting apparatus 2 so as to be a spaced distance apart from
the
internal surface of the walls (e.g., side walls 10, 12, end walls 14, 16, top
18, and base
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20) of the housing 4. Such a spaced apart orientation can inhibit heat
generated by the
lamp 6 disposed in the component holder 24 to be passed directly to the walls
of the
housing 4. Accordingly, the component holder 24 is at least partially
thermally
decoupled from the housing 4 so as to inhibit the temperature of the housing 4
from
achieving a temperature that can be dangerous and/or damaging. As shown,
component
holder 24 is located a spaced distance apart from, but adjacent to, the top 18
of the
housing 4 so that the PCB 50 is substantially parallel to and spaced apart
from the top
wall 18.
Additionally, Figure lA shows the fiber optic aperture 42 of component holder
24 located adjacent to end wall 14 so as to be substantially aligned with
aperture 60
defined in the end wall 14 of housing 4. By being aligned, a fiber optic cable
can
extend from the fiber optic aperture 42 through the aperture 60 so as to pass
out from
the housing 4 of the lighting apparatus 2.
Figure 3 illustrates a filter wheel 46 that can be at least partially disposed
within
the slot 44 of the component holder 24. Such a filter wheel 46 can be
rotatably mounted
in the slot 44 of the component holder 24 so as to be rotatable around a
central axis 70
(e.g., an axis passing from the front surface 26 to the rear surface 28 of the
component
holder 24). The filter wheel 46 can include a plurality of apertures 72, 74,
76 which can
be oriented so as to allow light emitted from the lamp 6 to pass therethrough.
The
apertures 72, 74, 76 can include the filters as described herein. As such, the
filter can
be selected to condition the light emitted from the lamp 6. As illustrated in
Figure 4,
the filter wheel 46 has a first aperture 72 that can pass light from lamp 6
without any
filter. The second aperture 74 is provided for a neutral density filter to
allow dimming
of the light that is emitted from lamp 6. A third aperture 76 is provided for
the location
of an orange filter for filtering out blue light emitted from lamp 6, which
can be
beneficial for use in dentistry. Additionally, an actuation means (not shown)
for
actuating the filter wheel 46 are associated with the housing 4 to allow a
user to move
between the different filters (e.g., apertures 72, 74, 76) by rotating the
filter wheel.
Figure 4 illustrates a lens housing 78 that can be disposed at the light
emitting
end of the fiber optic cable. As such, light emitted by the lamp 6 disposed in
the
component holder 24 can be directed into a light receiving end of the fiber
optic cable
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
so that it passes through the lens housing 78 before being directed to an
object to be
illuminated. The lens housing 78 is defined by side wall 79, a first end 80,
and with a
channel 86 defined by the side wall 79 that extends from the first end 80 to a
second end
84. The first end 80 is configured to include a receiving portion 82 that is
configured to
receive the light emitting end of the fiber optic cable, and the second end 84
is
configured to direct light towards an object to be illuminated.
A fiber optic fastener 88, which is illustrated to be in the form of a screw
thread,
is provided on the interior wall of the lens housing 78 at a pre-determined
position in
the channel 86. The fastener 88 is configured to allow for attaching the light
emitting
end of the fiber optic cable to the lens housing 78. The fiber optic fastener
88 can also
ensure the fiber optic cable is disposed at a pre-determined focal distance
from one or
more lenses (not shown) disposed within the channel 86.
Additionally, at least one lens receptacle 90, 92 is defined in channel 86 by
side
wall 79. As shown, the lens receptacles 90, 92 are disposed towards the second
end 84
of the lens housing 78. By being disposed at the second end 84, the lens
receptacles 90,
92 can include focal lenses. For example, a meniscus lens can be disposed in
the first
lens receptacle 90, and a biconvex lens can be disposed within the second lens
receptacle 92. Such focal lenses can allow the light emitted from the fiber
optic cable to
be focused into a pre-determined light beam size.
A fastener 94 can also be associated with the lens housing 78 so as to allow
attachment of the lens housing 78 to an object (not shown). Alternatively, the
fastener
94 can be associated with the light emitting end of the fiber optic cable. In
any event,
the fastener 94 fastener can be configured as described here so as to be
coupled or
couplable with an object that can be worn or an object that can be used in a
procedure
that can include using the lighting apparatus. For example, the fastener can
be
configured to couple the light emitting end of the fiber optic cable to the
frame of the
spectacles.
The lighting apparatus having the component holder as described in accordance
with the present invention can be configured for use in a variety of settings.
For
example, the lighting apparatus can be configured to be coupled to a loupe for
use in
illuminating a subject or object to be viewed under magnification. This can
include the
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CA 02583813 2007-04-03
lighting apparatus to be coupled with a dental loupe, surgical loupe, jewelers
loupe, and
the like. Additionally, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art
that the
lighting apparatus having the component holder of the present invention can be
used in
any suitable application.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described
embodiments are to
be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The
scope of the
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing
description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of
III 10 the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
II~
Ili
III
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