| abstract |
A light-emitting handpiece for curing light-curable dental resins and similar materials. In general appearance, the handpiece is designed to resemble a conventional dental drill. Preferably, the handpiece comprises a housing defining a tubular handle portion that is adapted to contain a power pack for energizing an LED light source, a head portion for supporting an LED in a position to project radiation outwardly therefrom; and (iii) a neck portion that serves to interconnect the head and handle portions. Preferably, at least the head and neck portions of the housing are integrally formed from a common, thermally conductive material, preferably aluminum. In use, the head and neck portions of the handpiece housing operate to provide a heat sink for the LED. Circuitry within the handpiece housing operates to prevent overheating of the housing and the LED source. Preferably, the head portion of the handpiece housing supports a conical reflector or the like that operates to redirect off-axis LED emissions towards a desired focus zone of high flux density. |