Patent ID: 8113830
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. An instrument for curing light-curable compounds comprising: at least one solid-state light-emitting element operable for emitting light in a band of wavelengths capable of curing a light-curable compound; a control circuit for controlling the operation of the at least one light-emitting element, the control circuit, in an ON state, operable for providing a power signal to the light-emitting element generally immediately at a generally constant steady state power level to drive the element to emit a steady state light output; the control circuit, while continuing with a power signal at the steady state power level, further operable to provide temporary micro-pulses in the power signal to temporarily provide an increased power level to the at least one light-emitting element above the steady state power level before returning to the steady state power level; the time duration of the micro-pulses and the resulting increased power level of the power signal above the steady state power level being less than the time duration of the power signal at the steady state power level to thereby increase the light output of the instrument while controlling heat generated by the at least one light-emitting element.