Fuji Optical Systems, Inc.

Optical Systems, Inc.

Charles S Bush

David H Cooper

An electronic video dental camera is provided which overcomes the disadvantages of both prior art dental mirrors, endoscopes, and video endoscopes. The electronic video dental camera is readily manipulated by dentists who are familiar with the manipulation of dental mirrors. Such an electronic video dental camera includes a handle to be held the user, and a camera head located at the distal end of the handle, with the camera head being formed at an angle to the handle, as in prior art dental mirrors. One embodiment includes provision for the flow of a selected fluid in order to defog and/or clean the camera lens. In one embodiment, the camera head includes light sources for illuminating the area to be viewed. In one embodiment, the handle of the dental camera includes means for transporting all appropriate signals and fluids to and from the camera head, and, if desired, valves and switching means located on the handle for controlling such communication to the camera head. One embodiment includes a dental camera head which allows a number of attachments to be used, such as a telephoto lens, wide angle lens, relay lens, and transillumination devices. In an alternative embodiment, the dental camera is attached to another dental instrument, such as a dentist's drill, thereby allowing video monitoring of the task being performed. In another embodiment, the dental camera is formed as an integral part of the dental instrument.

Electronic video dental camera

An electronic video dental camera is provided which overcomes the disadvantages of both prior art dental mirrors, endoscopes, and video endoscopes. The electronic video dental camera is readily manipulated by dentists who are familiar with the manipulation of dental mirrors. Such an electronic video dental camera includes a handle to be held the user, and a camera head located at the distal end of the handle, with the camera head being formed at an angle to the handle, as in prior art dental mirrors. One embodiment includes provision for the flow of a selected fluid in order to defog and/or clean the camera lens. In one embodiment, the camera head includes light sources for illuminating the area to be viewed. In one embodiment, the handle of the dental camera includes structure for transporting all appropriate signals and fluids to and from the camera head, and, if desired, valves and switching structure located on the handle for controlling such communication to the camera head. One embodiment includes a dental camera head which allows a number of attachments to be used, such as a telephoto lens, wide angle lens, relay lens, and transillumination devices. In an alternative embodiment, the dental camera is attached to another dental instrument, such as a dentist's drill, thereby allowing video monitoring of the task being performed.

A novel dental instrument is taught which includes both a laser device and an electronic video dental camera. The teachings of this invention overcome the disadvantages of prior art dental laser instruments which do not provide for other than direct viewing of the treatment area by the dentist, as well as the disadvantages of attempting to use such prior art dental laser instruments together with typical prior art viewing devices such as dental mirrors and dental cameras of the prior art. The dental instrument includes a laser device and an electronic video dental camera is provided having a single handle and a convenient shape, thereby being readily manipulated by dentists who are universally familiar with the manipulation of prior art dental tools. The dental instrument includes a handle to be held by the user, a distal portion which is to be placed inside the patient's mouth, a laser light emission port located at or near the distal end, means for transporting laser light from an external laser source to the laser light emission port, and a camera head located at or near the distal end of the device, with the camera head being formed in order to provide a field of view which includes the portion of the patient which is being treated by the laser light emanating from the laser light emission port.

Dental instrument including laser device and electronic video dental

A sheath is provided which prevents the dental camera itself from coming into contact with the patient, while allowing the dental camera to function properly. Such sheaths are dispensed on a perforated role, either end to end, or side to side. Alternatively, each sheath is individually packaged in a tear away casing, allowing the sheath to remain sterile, yet being readily accessible for use.

Means and structure for prevention of cross contamination during use of

An electronic video dental camera is provided having a general shape of prior art dental mirrors, thereby being readily manipulated by dentists who are universally familiar with the manipulation of prior art dental mirrors. Such an electronic video dental camera includes a handle to be held the user, and a camera head located at the distal end of the handle, with the camera head being formed at an angle to the handle. One embodiment also includes a mirror so that the dental camera can be used simultaneously as both a video dental camera and a dental mirror. Another embodiment includes means to cause, as desired, the flow of a selected fluid over the camera lens in order to defog and/or clean the camera lens, thereby allowing proper viewing. In one embodiment, the camera head also includes light sources for properly illuminating the area to be viewed. As a feature of one embodiment, the handle includes means for transporting all appropriate signals and fluids to and from the camera head, and, if desired, valves and switching means located on the handle for controlling such communication to the camera head. In one embodiment, the handle is uniquely designed to have a one piece connector to connect to a cable from video monitor and control equipment, such connector providing communication with all elements connected to the camera head, such as power for a light source, video signals, fluids, etc.

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Los Gatos, CA, United States of America

Charles S Bush