US3265881A - Light source for illuminated appliances - Google Patents
Light source for illuminated appliances Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3265881A US3265881A US433242A US43324264A US3265881A US 3265881 A US3265881 A US 3265881A US 433242 A US433242 A US 433242A US 43324264 A US43324264 A US 43324264A US 3265881 A US3265881 A US 3265881A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- light
- lamps
- opening
- fiber optic
- handle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
- F21L14/00—Electric lighting devices without a self-contained power source, e.g. for mains connection
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S385/00—Optical waveguides
- Y10S385/901—Illuminating or display apparatus
Definitions
- This invention relates to illuminated appliances and, in particular, to illuminated appliances using fiber optic light transmitting means and light conducting applicators such as retractors, anos'copes, tongue depressors, etc.; this application is a division of the co-pending application Serial Number 221,498, filed September 5, 1962 for Illuminated Appliances, now Patent No. 3,195,536, and assigned to the assignee of the.present invention.
- Illuminated appliances some of which are named above, are widely known in the art. Heretoforc, however, these wcre battery operated.
- the light source consisted of one or more batteries and a small lamp, both contained in the handle of an appliance assembly.
- the prior art devices sutl'ered from low light intensity and frequent replacement of lamps and batteries. When higher intensity lamps were used, operated from line voltages, two major shortcomings appeared: (1) excessive heat from lamp in proximity to patient and/or physician. and (2) voltages, wires and currents around the patient creating serious hazard problems.
- Hercloforc, illuminated appliances were primarily used for diagnostic purposes in hospitals and doctors otfiees. Their low light intensity and limited battery life did not make them appealing to surgeons in operating rooms. Additionally, an ever present danger in an operating room is the possibility of an explosion caused by the ignition of ether. For this reason, all electrical equipment designed for use in an operating room below a minimum above a floor surface is constructed to be explosion proof. Methods of safeguarding electrical appliances from explosion invariably create a great deal of bulk.
- Typical operating room lighting systems may produce. 5,000 foot candles above the operating table. By the time the light reaches the surface of the operating site its intensity may havedccreased to below 100 foot candles. This level of light is general acceptable for operating purposes but because the lights are mounted a considerable distance above the operating table and because they are relatively difficult to maneuver and move about, they are quite often unsatisfactory for providing adequate light for probing inside a cavity such as the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. Overhead lights are particularly unsatisfactory for localized lighting and locating certain organs within the shadows of the cavity.
- a small high intensity light via a highly mechanically flexible light pipe also has the advantage of not obstructing the surgcon in the limited interior of an incision, especially if it also substitutes for other functional instruments such as a retractor.
- an illuminated apiliance comprises a light source and a fiber optic light transmitting means in light communication therewith.
- the fiber optic light transmitting means is connected to a light transmitting applicator assembly, in light communication therewith.
- the light transmitting applicator asscmb ly includes a tubular handle in which the fiber optic light transmitting means is inserted and securcd. It also includes a light transmitting applicator which has a diffused light emitting portion.
- Another aspect of the invention is to provide a light source which comprises a plurality of lamps and means for energizing said lamps.
- the light source also includes means for supplying light to a utilization means.
- the plurality of lamps is mounted on a movable plate which can be moved to place one or another of the plurality of lamps in light communication with the light utilization means.
- An electrical control means for energizing the lamp which is in light communication with the light utilization means is operably coupled to the lamp mounting means and actuated thereby.
- An additional feature of the invention comprises an illuminated applicator assembly having a tubular handle for receiving a fiber optic light transmitting means, a light conducting applicator and a latch mechanism for rotatably securing the fiber optic light transmitting means in the handle.
- FIGURE 1 is a partially schematic and partially seetional representation of an illuminated appliance embodying the principles of the present invention
- FIGURE 2 is a section of a latching mechanism taken along lines 2--2 in FIGURE 1;
- FIGURE 3 depicts a light source with a cntawaysection showing details of the lamp mounting means
- FIGURE 4 is a section taken along lines 4-4 in FIG- URE 3.
- an illuminated appliance generally designated 10 comprising a light light applied thereto.
- the light is carried in the fiber optic light transmitting means by means of total internal reflection.
- An excellent discussion of fiber optic light transmitting means can be found in the book entitled Concepts of Classical Optics by John Strong, published by W. H. Freeman & Company (San Francisco 1958).
- the illuminated applicator assembly comprises three major elements, a light transmitting applicator 14, a latch mechanism 16 and a handle 17.
- the applicator 14 is made preferably from a light transmitting material such as Lucite or Plexiglas. For purposes of illustration, it is shaped as a retractor and it includes a light emitting portion 20 at one end.
- a remaining end 18 of theapplicator 14 is generally cylindrical in shape and is inserted part way into a tubular metal sleeve 19 and secured therein in any suitable manner such as by cement. The metal sleeve 19 in turn is inserted into one end 21 of the tubular handle 17 and secured therein.
- the handle 17 broadly comprises an elongated portion 22 which includes a finger grip to facilitate manual manipulation and the end 21 mentioned previously. Spaced from the edge of the end 21 is the latch mechanism 16, the construction of which is shown in FIGURE 2.
- a pair of dia' metrically opposing slots 24 are provided through the wall of the end 21.
- a fork 26 comprising a bight 27 and a pair of parallel spaced prongs 28 is inserted in the slots 24.
- the width of the prongs 28 is not uniform.
- the spacing between prongs 28 adjacent to the bight 27 is smaller than the spacing between prongs 28 at their opposed cnd remote from the bight 27.
- a header 29 bridges the prongs 28 at the end remote from the bight 27.
- a recess 31 is provided on the under side of the header 29 and a complementary recess 32 is provided in the end 21.
- a spring 33 bridges the distance between the recesses 31 and 32. The spring 33 maintains the fork 26 in the position shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.
- the fiber optic light transmitting means 12 includes a protective cover 15.
- the cover 15 is made from rubber, or a suitable plastic and it is inserted in a metal ring 36. Allowing for a slight clearance, the length of the ring 36 is substantially equal to the distance between the latch mechanism 16 and the end 18 of the applicator 14 as shown in FIGURE 1.
- the fiber optic light trans mitting means 12 When inserted and locked in the handle, the fiber optic light trans mitting means 12 will abut against the applicator 14 forming an excellent light communication path thcrebetween.
- the diameter of the ring 36 is larger than the spacing between the prongs 28 adjacent to the bight 27.
- the spacing between the prongs remote from the bight 27 and adjacent to the header 29 is larger than the diameter of the ring 36.
- mitting means 12 it is merely necessary to depress the header and slide the fiber optic light transmitting means into or out of the handle respectively.
- the spring 33 Upon releasing the header 29, the spring 33 returns the latch mechanism 16 to the position shown in FIGURE 2 thus preventing axial translation of the fiber optic light transmitting means 12 with respect to the applicator 14. It will be noted, however, that these two components are freely rotatable rclative to one another.
- a significant advantage of the combination described above is the versatility of the system. It enables a practitioner to interchange applicator assemblies in a simple and facile manner, to rotate the applicator assembly relative to the fiber optic light transmitting means, and to manipulate the applicator assembly independent of the light source 11. This latter benefit arises from the complcte mechanical ficxibility of the fiber optic light transmitting means, a typical length of which is six feet.
- FIGURES 3 and 4 depict details of the light source 11 and, in particular, details relating to the novel feature of providing a plurality of lamps, two shown in the drawings. which are easily interchanged to provide continuous light during a surgical procedure.
- the light source 11 includes a pair of lamps t1 and 42 mounted on a siidahle mounting plate 43 (see FIGURE 4).
- the plate in turn. sits on a shelf 44 and its movement is guided by means of a pair of Z-shaped channels 46.
- One wall 47 of the light source 11 includes a pair of spaced openings 48 and 49 (see also FIGURE l).
- One end of the plate 43 is cxtendable through the opening 48 and terminated in a hinged connection with a handle 51.
- the handle 51 is generally L shaped and includes two transverse portions 52 and 53.
- the handle-51 is sliowncxtended in FIGURE 3 and recessed in FIGURE 1. In the recessed position shown in FIGURE 1, the plate 43 is positioned at one extreme of its travel (see. the phantom outline in FIGURE 3).
- By simply actuating the handle 51 it is possible to place either lamp 41 or lamp 4?. in light communication with an opening 5-3, shown dotted in FIGURE 3, through which light is carried to the fiber optic light transmitting means 12 or other utilization means.
- an actuating mechanism 56 which actuatcs a switch 57 when the plate 43 is in the position shown in FIGURE 3.
- the microswitch 57 When actuated, the microswitch 57 energizes lamp, 47.. Lamp 41 is energized when the microswitch 57 is not actuated. when the plate 43 is in the extreme right hand position of its travel.
- the length of the portion 52 is substantially equal to the distance separating the openings 48 and 49.
- the handle 51 may be pivoted about the hinge 50 and the portion 53 in serted through the opening 49 and stored within the light source It.
- a clip 58 is provided to hold the handle 51 against the wall 47 in either position of its travel.
- a light source comprising:
- a housing defined by a plurality of wall members, one of which walls includes an uppcran d a lower slot spaced apart by a predetermined distance;
- an L-shaped handle including a first and a second portion, said first portion having a length equal to said predctenmincd distance and adapted to be in serted in said upper slot and hinged to said slidable mounting for positioning either lamp in light communication with said utilization means, said second portion being alternately insertable in said lower slot or abuttable against said one wall adjacent to said upper slot.
- a light source as described in claim 1 which includes, in addition, clip means secured to said one wall intermediate said upper and lower slots for securing said handle against said one wall.
- a light source as described in claim 1 which includes, in addition, electric switch means and an actuator for said switch, the latter being mounted on said slida-ble mounting for energizing the lamp in light conununication with said utilization means.
- a light source for a fiber optic light-transmitting means comprising:
- a light source for a fiber optic light-transmitting means comprising:
- (f) means interconnecting said plurality of lamps with said handle such that movement of said handle causes both removal of said one lamp from light communication with said opening and simultaneous movement of said other lamp into light communica tion with said opening;
- (g) means for energizing a lamp which is in light communication with said opening.
- a light source for a fiber optic light-transmitting means comprising:
- a movable handle member having a portion thereof extending outside said housing and connected to said slidable plate such that movement of said handle causes both removal of said one lamp from light communication with said opening and simultaneous movement of said other lamp into light communication with said opening;
- (h) means for energizing a lamp which is in light communication with said opening.
Description
Claims (1)
- 4. A LIGHT SOURCE FOR A FIBER OPTIC LIGHT-TRANSMITTING MEANS, COMPRISING: (A) A HOUSING DEFINED BY A PLURALITY OF WALLS; (B) ONE OF SAID WALLS HAVING A FIRST OPENING PROVIDED THEREIN FOR CARRYING LIGHT TO A FIBER OPTIC LIGHT-TRANSMITTING MEANS; (C) A PLURALITY OF LAMPS, DISPOSED ADJACENT SAID ONE WALL SUCH THAT ONE OF SAID LAMPS IS IN LIGHT COMMUNICATION WITH SAID FIRST OPENING AND ANOTHER OF SAID LAMPS IS REMOTE FROM SAID FIRST OPENING. (D) A MOVABLE HANDLE MEMBER HAVING A PORTION THEREOF EXTENDING OUTSIDE SAID HOUSING THROUGH A SECOND OPENING THEREIN; (E) MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID PLURALITY OF LAMPS WITH SAID HANDLE SUCH THAT MOVEMENT OF SAID HANDLE CAUSES BOTH REMOVAL OF SAID ONE LAMP FROM LIGHT COMMUNICATION WITH SAID FIRST OPENING AND SIMUL-
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US433242A US3265881A (en) | 1962-09-05 | 1964-12-15 | Light source for illuminated appliances |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US221498A US3195536A (en) | 1962-09-05 | 1962-09-05 | Illuminated appliances |
US433242A US3265881A (en) | 1962-09-05 | 1964-12-15 | Light source for illuminated appliances |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3265881A true US3265881A (en) | 1966-08-09 |
Family
ID=26915836
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US433242A Expired - Lifetime US3265881A (en) | 1962-09-05 | 1964-12-15 | Light source for illuminated appliances |
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Country | Link |
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US (1) | US3265881A (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3683167A (en) * | 1970-07-01 | 1972-08-08 | Dyonics Inc | Mounting device for light pipe |
US3914880A (en) * | 1974-08-19 | 1975-10-28 | Gte Laboratories Inc | Optical fiber coupler and connector |
US4025776A (en) * | 1975-09-18 | 1977-05-24 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Door closure for fiber optic light source |
US4666406A (en) * | 1984-01-13 | 1987-05-19 | Kanca Iii John | Photocuring device and method |
US4975810A (en) * | 1990-03-14 | 1990-12-04 | Instrument Research Corporation | Light source |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1326300A (en) * | 1919-12-30 | Iighi ibanshiiting subglcal device | ||
US2245707A (en) * | 1938-01-29 | 1941-06-17 | Justrite Manufacturing Co | Electric lantern |
US2509832A (en) * | 1948-03-09 | 1950-05-30 | Frank E Miller | Electric flashlight with means for quickly changing bulbs |
-
1964
- 1964-12-15 US US433242A patent/US3265881A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1326300A (en) * | 1919-12-30 | Iighi ibanshiiting subglcal device | ||
US2245707A (en) * | 1938-01-29 | 1941-06-17 | Justrite Manufacturing Co | Electric lantern |
US2509832A (en) * | 1948-03-09 | 1950-05-30 | Frank E Miller | Electric flashlight with means for quickly changing bulbs |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3683167A (en) * | 1970-07-01 | 1972-08-08 | Dyonics Inc | Mounting device for light pipe |
US3914880A (en) * | 1974-08-19 | 1975-10-28 | Gte Laboratories Inc | Optical fiber coupler and connector |
US4025776A (en) * | 1975-09-18 | 1977-05-24 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Door closure for fiber optic light source |
US4666406A (en) * | 1984-01-13 | 1987-05-19 | Kanca Iii John | Photocuring device and method |
US4975810A (en) * | 1990-03-14 | 1990-12-04 | Instrument Research Corporation | Light source |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TORONTO-DOMINION BANK, THE Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TRACOR, INC., (SEE RECORD FOR REMAINING GRANTORS);REEL/FRAME:004829/0701 Effective date: 19871216 Owner name: TORONTO-DOMINION BANK, THE,STATELESS Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TRACOR, INC., (SEE RECORD FOR REMAINING GRANTORS);REEL/FRAME:004829/0701 Effective date: 19871216 |
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Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA AS AGENT Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TORONTO-DOMINION BANK, THE;REEL/FRAME:005197/0122 Effective date: 19880801 Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVING ASSOCIAT Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TORONTO DOMINION BANK, THE,;REEL/FRAME:005284/0163 Effective date: 19880801 Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TRACOR, INC.;REEL/FRAME:005217/0247 Effective date: 19880801 Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TORONTO-DOMINION BANK;TRACOR, INC.;REEL/FRAME:005224/0276 Effective date: 19880801 Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TRACOR INC.;REEL/FRAME:005217/0224 Effective date: 19880801 Owner name: TORONTO-DOMINION BANK, THE Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TRACOR, INC.;LITTLEFUSE, INC.;TRACOR AEROSPACE, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:005234/0127 Effective date: 19880801 |
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Owner name: TRACOR, INC. Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:005957/0562 Effective date: 19911220 Owner name: TRACOR, INC. Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:005957/0542 Effective date: 19911227 |
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Owner name: BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TRACOR, INC.;REEL/FRAME:006674/0551 Effective date: 19930825 |