Multi-function dental operating light source

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Among basic objects of the present invention, it is a major objective to provide a multi-function dental operatory light source in which, by simple rotation of a turntable on which a limited number of light beam modifiers of a single stationary light source are mounted for selective positioning relative to said light source and manual setting of a potentiometer and the electronic control circuitry therefor to vary the voltage to the filament of the light source as required for each modifier, whereby at least the most commonly required dental illumination needs and photocuring function are supplied by a single instrument.
Ancillary to the foregoing object, it is a further object to have said single instrument selectively supply substantially pure white light to view dental targets, intensify said white light at a higher color temperature a limited amount for shade matching purposes simply by varying the aforementioned voltage to the lamp filament by adjusting said potentiometer, supply non-polymerizing light illumination for viewing dental materials which otherwise would light polymerize light-sensitive materials, and supplying polymerizing light capable of quickly polymerizing light-polymerizable resins and plastics when required, whereby simple rotation of the aforementioned turntable on which said several light-modifying optical devices are supported in spaced relationship produces the desired types of dental illumination and photocure function from a single light source.
Another object of the invention is to provide a heat-absorbing filter positioned adjacent and in the path of the light beam emanating from the parabolic reflector, whereby the light beam is intercepted by the heat absorbing filter and produces relatively cool light, of reduced infrared wavelengths, and less thermal stress is placed upon the modifying optical filters when positioned in the light beam and in front of the reflector of the lamp.
A further object of the invention is to provide as a light source a tungsten halogen lamp having a parabolic reflector to produce parallel light rays, and further to provide one or more light filters selectively positionable in the light path from the lamp and the reflector therefor