Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera

Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera is a light source that is reversibly attachable to any dental camera. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has two light sources that directly face each other. When properly attached to a dental camera, two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera effectuates sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of a tooth, so that the dental camera may capture a photo or image of the illuminated tooth. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has a specially shaped body that makes a slip-fit, press-fit, or snap-fit onto the exterior surface of any dental camera. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section is reversibly attachable to the proximal section. The distal section is sterilizeable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of a tooth. Sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination is the process of projecting light into the interior of the tooth from both the buccal side of the tooth and the lingual side of the tooth where this light is scattered in the interior of the tooth to exit the tooth from the coronal surface. An image is then taken or recorded from the scattered light emerging from the coronal surface of the tooth where this image is used to help determine and categorize any impurities that might be present in the tooth such as fractures, leaking amalgam, decay, and the like. Specifically, this invention is an illumination attachment that is reversibly attachable to any dental camera. The illumination attachment functions to project light into the buccal side of the tooth and the lingual side of the tooth. The dental camera functions to capture the image of the scattered light emerging from the coronal surface of the tooth. The dental camera is not a portion of this invention.

2. Description of Related Art

There are stand-alone devices in the prior art that effectuate sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of a tooth and record an image of sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of the tooth. However, there are no lighting devices in the prior art other than this one that are reversibly attachable to an existing dental camera in order to effectuate sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of a tooth so that the existing dental camera may capture an image of sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of the tooth.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera to be reversibly attachable to any dental camera.

It is an aspect of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera to effectuate sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of a tooth.

It is an aspect of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera to have a distal section and a proximal section that are reversibly attachable to each other.

It is an aspect of the distal section of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera to be sterilizeable.

It is an aspect of the distal section of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera to include a dual light tooth cup.

It is an aspect of dual light tooth cup to have a left arm with a first light source and a right arm with a second light source.

It is an aspect of dual light tooth cup to be sterilizeable.

It is an aspect of the proximal section of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera to include a circuit board and a battery.

It is an aspect of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera to include a means to reversible detach the distal section from the proximal section so that the distal section may be separated from proximal section and sterilized without damaging the circuit board or battery in the proximal section.

It is an aspect of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera to include a means to reversible attach the distal section to the proximal section wherein electrical continuity is created between the battery and the first and second light source when attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is reversibly attachable to a dental camera100. A dental camera100is a camera that is used to take pictures or images of the interior of a patient's mouth and the exterior of a patient's face. Dental cameras100are typically used to take a picture or capture an image of a problem tooth in order to show the patient and for record keeping purposes. A dental camera100is also known as an intraoral camera. All dental cameras100have a tapered cylindrical exterior shape with a larger diameter end101and a smaller diameter end102as depicted. The larger diameter end101is the gripping end where the operator grips or holds this end to operate the dental camera100. The larger diameter end101of dental camera100is the proximal end of dental camera100. The smaller diameter end102of dental camera100is the distal end of dental camera100. The smaller diameter end102of dental camera100has a distal tip with an image sensor and a light source located thereon. The distal tip with image sensor and light source is placed into the interior of the patient's mouth when using a dental camera100to take pictures or images of the interior of a patient's mouth. There is a smooth taper between the larger diameter end101and the smaller diameter end102on the exterior surface of dental camera100. Dental camera100has a capture switch103, which is the button used to take pictures or capture images of a tooth. Dental camera100has a focus wheel104, which is used to adjust focus of the image. Dental camera100has a light on off switch105, which is the button used to control the light source or flash on dental camera100. Dental camera100has an on off power switch106, which is the button turn the dental camera100on and off. There are many different brands of dental camera100in the market place where each brand may have its own specific tapered cylindrical shape, however, most, if not all, brands have a larger diameter end101with a smooth tapered mid-section leading to a smaller diameter end102as described above. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is reversibly attachable to any brand or model of dental camera100with a larger diameter end101and smooth tapered mid-section leading to a smaller diameter end102. Since the exact dimensions of the larger diameter end101and the smaller diameter end102may differ for each model of dental cameras100may differ, a specifically sized two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5may be required for each specific model of dental camera100.

Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5comprises: a distal section10and a proximal section60. The primary purpose of the two-piece design is to allow the distal section10to be separated from the proximal section60and sterilized separately from the proximal section60without damaging the electronics and battery in the proximal section. Distal section10is reversibly attachable to proximal section60and vice versa. Reversible attachment is such that electrical continuity is created between the distal section10and the proximal section60when properly attached to each other. Reversible attachment is such that a strong rigid connection occurs between the distal section10and the proximal section60when attached to each other. Strong rigid attachment is primarily accomplished by a locking key protrusion20on the distal section10that mates with a locking key recess70on proximal section60. Locking key protrusion20is reversibly attachable to locking key recess70and vice versa. When the distal section10and a proximal section60are properly attached together, a specially shaped structural member is formed that makes a slip-fit, press-fit, or snap-fit over the exterior surface of a dental camera100.

Distal section10may be made from any known material that is rigid and capable of being sterilized by heat or chemical means. Distal section10and proximal section60may be made from steel, metal, composite, plastic, polymer, carbon fiber, fiberglass, epoxy, or similar. In best mode, as depicted, distal section10and proximal section60each have a two-piece hollow clamshell structure. As depicted, there is a longitudinal seam running completely around distal section10and proximal section60defining the two pieces of the clamshell structure. In the hollow clamshell structure, there are two pieces or halves that press together and rigidly attach together like a clamshell. The hollow clamshell design makes for easier production and assembly of distal section10where an electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36and a dual light tooth cup48are installed between the two hollow clamshell pieces prior to pressing them together or rigidly attaching them together to form the proximal section60. The two pieces or halves may be rigidly attached together by any known means such as glue, adhesive, epoxy, welding, sonic welding, soldering, press-fit, clips, or similar. The hollow clamshell design makes for easier production and assembly of proximal section60where a circuit board80, a battery86, and other items are installed between the two hollow clamshell pieces prior to pressing them together or rigidly attaching them together to form the proximal section60. The two pieces or halves may be rigidly attached together by any known means such as glue, adhesive, epoxy, welding, sonic welding, soldering, press-fit, clips, or similar.

Distal section10is a rigid oblong structural member with a distal end11, a proximal end12, a left side13, a right side14, a concave side15, a convex side16, and a longitudinal axis. Distal end11is the end of distal section10that is farthest from the operator during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Proximal end12is the end of distal section10that is closest to the operator during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Concave side15has a general concave shape and a concave surface. Concave side15is the side of distal section10that is faces or is adjacent to dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is properly attached to dental camera100. Convex side16has a general convex shape and a convex surface. Convex side16is the side of distal section10that is opposite of dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is properly attached to dental camera100. Left side13is located on the operator's left side during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Right side14is located on the operator's right side during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Concave side15is specially sized and shaped to make a slip-fit, press-fit, or snap-fit onto the smaller diameter end102of dental camera100. This special shape includes: a locating collar18, a locking key protrusion20, an elongated neck30, an end cap31, and a tooth cup ledge32.

Distal section10further comprises: a locating collar18and locking key protrusion20. Locating collar18and locking key protrusion20are located on proximal end12of distal section10. Locating collar18and locking key protrusion20are adjacent to each other. Locking key protrusion20is on the convex side16of proximal end12while locating collar18is on the concave side15of proximal end12as depicted.

Locating collar18is a rigid tapered cylindrical member with open ends. Locating collar18has a distal end, a proximal end, a tapered side, and a longitudinal axis. Distal end has a circular opening with an inner diameter. Proximal end has a circular opening with an inner diameter. The inner diameter of distal end is smaller than that of proximal end. Tapered side is tapered with a smooth tapered inner diameter that varies from distal end to proximal end to yield a smooth taper. The inner diameter of tapered side is sized and shaped to make a slip-fit or press-fit over the tapered outer diameter of dental camera100. The longitudinal axis of locating collar18is parallel with that of distal section10. A portion of the tapered side of locating collar18is contiguous with or rigidly attached to locking key protrusion20. The longitudinal axis of locating collar18is coincident with that of elongated neck30.

Locking key protrusion20is a rigid rectangular cuboid-shaped, cube-shaped protrusion, or key-shaped protrusion on the convex side16of distal section10at the proximal end12of distal section10as depicted. Locking key protrusion20mates with a locking key recess70on proximal section60when distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60. Locking key protrusion20has a left surface21, a right surface22, a crown surface23, and a proximal surface24. Left surface21is located on the operator's left side during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Right surface22is located on the operator's right side during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Crown surface23is located on the convex side16of distal section10. Proximal surface24is located on the proximal end12of distal section10. Left surface21, right surface22, crown surface23, and proximal surface24are each essentially planer members. Left surface21, right surface22, crown surface23, and proximal surface24make up four sides of the rectangular cuboid-shaped or cube-shaped protrusion that is locking key protrusion20. The other two sides of the rectangular cuboid-shaped or cube-shaped protrusion are integrated within distal section10where an elongated neck30is contiguous with locking key protrusion20at the distal end of locking key protrusion and locating collar18is contiguous with locking key protrusion20on the concave side of locking key protrusion20.

Locking key protrusion20may further comprise: a left rail25and a right rail26. Left rail25is a rail or linear protrusion on the left surface21of locking key protrusion20. Left rail25has a length, a width, a height, and a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of left rail25may run parallel or perpendicular to that of distal section10. Left rail25is sized to make a slip-fit with a left groove77on locking key recess70. Left rail25slides within left groove77, along the longitudinal axis of left rail25, when the distal section10is being attached to and/or detached from proximal section60. Right rail26is a rail or linear protrusion on the right surface22of locking key protrusion20. Right rail26has a length, a width, a height, and a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of left rail25is parallel with that of right rail26. Right rail26is sized to make a slip-fit with a right groove76on locking key recess70. Right rail26slides within right groove76, along the longitudinal axis of right rail26, when the distal section10is being attached to and/or detached from proximal section60.

Left and right rails25,26along with left and right grooves77,76function to guide and align locking key protrusion20properly within locking key recess70during attachment and/or detachment of distal section10and proximal section60. Left and right rails25,26along with left and right grooves77,76also function to guide and align first, second, and third electrical contacts37,38,39properly to contact first, second, and third contacts81,82,83during attachment and/or detachment of distal section10and proximal section60. When distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60, there is electrical continuity between first electrical contact37and first contact81. When distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60, there is electrical continuity between second electrical contact38and second contact82. When distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60, there is electrical continuity between third electrical contact39and third contact83.

Distal section10further comprises an elongated neck30. Elongated neck30is an elongated rigid structural member. Elongated neck30has a distal end, proximal end, left side, right side, concave side, convex side, a length, and a longitudinal axis. The proximal end of elongated neck30is adjacent to and contiguous with or rigidly attached the distal end of locating collar18. Left side is located on the operator's left side when facing the convex side. Right side is located on the operator's right side when facing the convex side. Concave side of elongated neck30is a partial cylindrical surface with an inner diameter. The inner diameter of concave side is sized and shaped to make a slip-fit or press-fit over the outer diameter of the smaller diameter end102of dental camera100. The inner diameter of concave side is equivalent to that of the distal end of locating collar18thereby making a smooth transition of inner diameter between the locating collar18and the elongated neck30. Concave side of elongated neck30is a partial cylindrical surface because most of the side of the hollow cylindrical member is void or removed to yield an open space. When two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is attached to dental camera100, the concave side of elongated neck30covers about 90 to 180 degrees of the smaller diameter end102of dental camera100when attached thereto. Thus, the concave side of elongated neck30wraps around the smaller diameter end102of dental camera100about 90 to 180 degrees when attached thereto.

Both ends of rigid hollow partial cylindrical member are void or open. The voids or open ends allow for easier insertion, attachment, detachment, and removal of the two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5onto the dental camera100. The length of elongated neck30is about 70-95 percent of the length of distal section10. The longitudinal axis of elongated neck30is parallel with that of distal section10. The longitudinal axis of elongated neck30is parallel with that of locating collar18.

The interior of elongated neck30has a longitudinal wire conduit running along the entire length of elongated neck30. Longitudinal wire conduit is an internal channel or cavity running from locking key protrusion20to a tooth cup ledge32. Longitudinal wire conduit has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of longitudinal wire conduit connects with tooth cup ledge32. The proximal end of longitudinal wire conduit connects with locking key protrusion20. Longitudinal wire conduit is a conduit for an electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36.

Distal section10further comprises an electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36. Electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36is an assembly of two or more electrically conductive members. Electrically conductive members are each capable of transmitting electrical signals or electric current from end to end. Electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36has a proximal end and a distal end. Each of the two or more electrically conductive members has an electrical connector attached to the proximal end and a light source attached to the distal end. Electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36may be an assembly or harness of wires or strips. Electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36may be a printed circuit board with conductor paths printed on the circuit board or a series of printed circuit boards with conductor paths printed on the circuit boards. Electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36is sterilizeable by heat or chemical means. Electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36may be made from any known material that is sterilizeable and capable of carrying and electrical signal. Electrically conductive members may be made from copper, gold, steel, metal, composite, plastic, polymer, carbon fiber, or similar. In the best modes, electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36is a rigid or semi-rigid assembly, which allows for easier assembly and manufacturing of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5.

Electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36comprises: a first electrical contact37, a second electrical contact38, a main run section40, an elbow section41, a U-member42, a left tine section43, a right tine section44, a left light source45, a right light source46, a first electrically conductive member, and a second electrically conductive member. First electrical contact37is a rigid planar member that is electrically conductive. Second electrical contact38is a rigid planar member that is electrically conductive. First and second electrical contacts37,38may be made from copper, gold, steel, metal, composite, plastic, polymer, carbon fiber, or similar. First and second electrically conductive members are each electrically conductive members with a proximal end and a distal end. First and second electrically conductive members may be made from copper, gold, steel, metal, composite, plastic, polymer, carbon fiber, or similar. First and second conductive member are each isolated and electrically insulated from all other conductive members. The proximal end of first conductive member is connected to and has electrical continuity with first electrical contact37. The proximal end of second conductive member is connected to and has electrical continuity with second electrical contact38. First and second electrical contacts37,38are attached to the proximal end of main run section40. Main run section40is an elongated member with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. First and second electrically conductive members run from the first and second electrical contacts37,38at the proximal end of main run section40and pass through the distal end of main run section40. In best mode, main run section40is rigid. Elbow section41is a 90-degree bend or elbow with a proximal end and a distal end. First and second electrically conductive members pass in through the proximal end of elbow section41and out through the distal end of elbow section41. The proximal end of elbow section41is rigid attached to the distal end of main run section40. In best mode, elbow section41is rigid. U-member42is an inverted U-shaped member with top side, a left leg, and a right leg. First electrically conductive member passes in through the top side of U-member42and down the left leg of U-member42. Second electrically conductive member passes in through the top side of U-member42and down the right leg of U-member42. The top side of U-member42is attached to the distal end of main run section40. The bottom of left leg of U-member42is attached to the proximal end of left tine section43. The bottom of right leg of U-member42is attached to the proximal end of right tine section44. In best mode, U-member42is rigid. Left tine section43is an elongated member with proximal end and a distal end. First electrically conductive member passes in through the proximal end of left tine section43to terminate at the distal end of left tine section43. In best mode, left tine section43is rigid. Right tine section44is an elongated member with proximal end and a distal end. Second electrically conductive member passes in through the proximal end of right tine section44to terminate at the distal end of right tine section44. In best mode, right tine section44is rigid. Left light source45is a light source attached to the distal end of left tine section43. Right light source46is a light source attached to the distal end of right tine section44. Left light source45is connected to and has electrical continuity with first electrically conductive member. Right light source46is connected to and has electrical continuity with second electrically conductive member. Left and right light sources45,46are each an electric light source. Any known type and/or color of electrical light source may be used such as incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, CFL, LED, or similar. In best mode, left and right light sources45,46are each white LED lights.

Electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36is a one-piece assembly. First and second electrically conductive members pass entirely through the electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36from proximal end to distal end. There is electrical continuity between first electrical contact37and left light source45. There is electrical continuity between second electrical contact38and right light source46. When electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36is properly installed or assembled within distal section10, first electrical contact37and second electrical contact38are each located on the proximal surface24of locking key protrusion20or alternately each located on the crown surface23of locking key protrusion20. In best mode, first electrical contact37and second electrical contact38are each located on the proximal surface24, as depicted. First electrical contact37functions as a direct current power source or ground source to left light source45. Second electrical contact38function as a direct current power source or ground source to right light source46. In t, this mode, there is a cross-tine electrically conductive member that connects the left light source46to the right light source46to function as a direct current power source or ground source to both lights45,46. In best mode, left light source45and right light source46are connected in parallel to a direct current power source or ground source so that so that the on off switch84controls both lights simultaneously.

In order to control left and right light sources45,46individually, a third electrical contact39and a third electrically conductive member are required. Electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36may further comprise a third electrical contact39and a third electrically conductive member. Third electrical contact39and third electrically conductive member are not required for proper functioning of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5but may be optionally added. Third electrical contact39is located adjacent to second electrical contact38on the proximal surface24or the crown surface23of locking key protrusion20. Third electrically conductive member is located adjacent to first and second electrically conductive members. Third electrical contact39has electrical continuity with both the left light source45and the right light source46. Third electrically conductive member runs along the entire length of electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36along side of first and second electrically conductive members. Third electrical contact39and third electrically conductive member allow individual control over the left light source45and the right light source46. Third electrical contact39may be made from copper, gold, steel, metal, composite, plastic, polymer, carbon fiber, or similar. In this mode, left light source45and right light source46are each individually connected to battery86so that the on off switch84may switch each light on and off individually.

Distal section10further comprises an end cap31. End cap31is a specially shaped rigid structural member that functions as the point of attachment to and detachment from the distal tip of dental camera100. End cap31is reversibly attachable over the distal tip of dental camera100. End cap31is rigid cup-shaped, socket-shaped, or U-shaped member where the cup, socket, or U shape is reversibly attachable over the distal tip of dental camera100. End cap31has a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The distal end of end cap31is the closed end or bottom of the cup, socket, or U shape. The proximal end of end cap31is the open end or top of the cup, socket, or U shape. The distal end of elongated neck30is contiguous with or rigidly attached a point on the open proximal end of end cap31.

Distal section10further comprises a tooth cup ledge32. Tooth cup ledge32is a rigid planar member. Tooth cup ledge32has a distal end, a proximal end, a camera side surface, and a tooth side surface. Distal end is the end of tooth cup ledge32that is furthest from the operator during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Proximal end is the end of tooth cup ledge32that is closest to the operator during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. The camera side surface of tooth cup ledge32is contiguous with or rigidly attached to the side of or proximal open end of end cap31. The camera side surface faces or is adjacent to dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is attached to dental camera100. Camera side surface of tooth cup ledge32is sized and shaped to make a slip-fit or press-fit with outer surface of the image sensor and the outer surface of the light on the distal end of dental camera100. The tooth side surface of tooth cup ledge32faces or is adjacent to the patient's tooth during use of the two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Tooth cup ledge32further comprises: a camera port35and tooth cup socket34. Camera port33is an open space, void, or aperture in tooth cup ledge32to allow for the image sensor on the distal end of dental camera100to have an open path or clear field of view of the tooth during use of the two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5for sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of the tooth. An open path or clear field of view between the image sensor and the tooth is required to allow the image sensor on dental camera100to capture an image or take a picture of the tooth during sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of the tooth. Tooth cup socket34is a specially shaped socket, recess, or depression in the tooth side surface of tooth cup ledge32. Tooth cup socket34is sized and shaped to accept a dual light tooth cup48. Dual light tooth cup48is installed into tooth cup socket34. Dual light tooth cup48is rigidly attached to tooth cup socket34. Tooth cup socket34functions to help secure and rigidly attach dual light tooth cup48to tooth cup ledge and to distal section10.

Dual light tooth cup48is inserted into a patient's mouth during use of the two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Dual light tooth cup48is placed over the coronal surface or crown of the tooth where the left light source45and the right light source46straddle the tooth and project light directly towards each other, into the interior of the tooth in order to effect or yield sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of the tooth so that the image sensor on the distal tip of dental camera100may then take or capture an image or picture from the light projected out of the coronal surface or crown of the tooth of interest.

Dual light tooth cup48comprises a base, a left arm51, and a right arm52. Dual light tooth cup48is a rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, elastic, or resilient structural member that houses or retains the U-member42, left tine section43, and right tine section44of electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36. Dual light tooth cup48has a distal end, a proximal end, a camera side49, a tooth side50, a left side, and a right side. Distal end is the end of dual light tooth cup48that is furthest from the operator during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Proximal end is the end of dual light tooth cup48that is closest to the operator during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Camera side49faces or is adjacent to dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is attached to dental camera100. Tooth side50faces or is adjacent to the patient's tooth during use of the two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Left side is located on the operator's left side when facing the camera side49of dual light tooth cup48. Right side is located on the operator's right side when facing the camera side49of dual light tooth cup48. Base is a rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, elastic, or resilient essentially planar member. One side of base is the camera side49and the other side of base is the tooth side50. Dual light tooth cup48may be made from steel, metal, composite, plastic, polymer, rubber, elastomer, carbon fiber, fiberglass, epoxy, or similar.

The camera side49of dual light tooth cup48has a U-member recess55. U-member recess55is a recess or gully in the camera side49of dual light tooth cup48. U-member recess55is the inverse shape of U-member42so that U-member42may be inserted therein. There is a left arm socket53on the U-member recess55. Left arm socket53is an internal channel or cavity running from the camera side49of dual light tooth cup48, through a left arm51, to exit laterally from the tooth end of left arm51. There is a right arm socket54on the right side of U-member recess55. Right arm socket54is an internal channel or cavity running from the camera side49of dual light tooth cup48, through a right arm52, to exit laterally from the tooth end of right arm52, to face the exit of left arm socket53, as depicted.

The camera side49of dual light tooth cup48also has a camera port56. Camera port56is an open space, void, or aperture through the base of dual light tooth cup48penetrating from the camera side49to the tooth side50. Camera port56on dual light tooth cup48aligns with camera port35on tooth cup ledge32when dual light tooth cup48is properly installed or attached to tooth cup ledge32. Camera port56functions to allow to allow the image sensor on the distal end of dental camera100to have an open path or clear field of view of the tooth during use of the two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5for sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of the tooth. An open path or clear field of view between the image sensor and the tooth is required to allow the image sensor on dental camera100to capture an image or take a picture of the tooth during sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of the tooth.

The tooth side50of dual light tooth cup48has a left arm51protruding upwards or outwards therefrom. Left arm51is a rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, elastic, or resilient oblong structural member that houses or retains the left tine section43of electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36. Left arm51is a rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, elastic, or resilient hollow oblong protrusion extending outwards from tooth side50. Left arm51has a camera end that is located adjacent to dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is properly attached to dental camera100. Left arm51has a tooth end that is located adjacent to patient's tooth when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is in use. Left arm has four sides. Left arm51has a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the plane of tooth side50and the plane of the base of dual light tooth cup48. The longitudinal axis of left arm51is concentric with left arm socket53on the camera side49. The hollow interior of left arm51is left arm socket53. Left arm socket53is a longitudinal cavity, void, or conduit running along the longitudinal axis or length of left arm51. Left arm socket53has a camera end that is located adjacent to dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is properly attached to dental camera100. Camera end of left arm socket53extends to the U-member recess55on the camera side49. Left arm socket53has a tooth end that is located adjacent to patient's tooth when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is in use. The tooth end of left arm socket53extends to a lateral exit on the tooth end of left arm51. Left arm51houses or retains the left tine section43of electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36. Left arm51may optionally have a left crown line57on one of its sides. Left crown line57is a visible line or marking on the left arm51that is used to align with the crown of the target tooth in order to properly position and locate left light source45onto the target tooth to properly effectuate sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of the target tooth.

The tooth side50of dual light tooth cup48has a right arm52protruding upwards or outwards therefrom. Right arm52is a rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, elastic, or resilient oblong structural member that houses or retains the right tine section44of electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36. Right arm52is a rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, elastic, or resilient hollow oblong protrusion extending outwards from tooth side50. Right arm52has a camera end that is located adjacent to dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is properly attached to dental camera100. Right arm52has a tooth end that is located adjacent to patient's tooth when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is in use. Right arm52has four sides. Right arm52has a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the plane of tooth side50and the plane of the base of dual light tooth cup48. The longitudinal axis of right arm52is concentric with right arm socket54on the camera side49. The hollow interior of right arm52is right arm socket54. Right arm socket54is a longitudinal cavity, void, or conduit running along the longitudinal axis or length of right arm52. Right arm socket54has a camera end that is located adjacent to dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is properly attached to dental camera100. Camera end of right arm socket54extends to the U-member recess55on the camera side49. Right arm socket54has a tooth end that is located adjacent to patient's tooth when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is in use. The tooth end of right arm socket54extends to a lateral exit on the tooth end of right arm52. Right arm52houses or retains the right tine section44of electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36. Right arm52may optionally have a right crown line58on one of its sides. Right crown line58is a visible line or marking on the right arm52that is used to align with the crown of the target tooth in order to properly position and locate right light source46onto the target tooth to properly effectuate sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of the target tooth.

The distal section10of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is assembled as follows. First, the left and right tine sections43,44of electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36must each be tucked or threaded into the left and right arm sockets53,54of dual light tooth cup48respectively. The left tine section43must be carefully threaded into left arm socket53so that the left light source45is properly positioned over the lateral exit of left arm socket53on the tooth end of left arm51. Left light source45must shine out of the lateral exit of left arm socket53. The right tine section44must be carefully threaded into right arm socket54so that the right source46is properly positioned over the lateral exit of right arm socket54on the tooth end of right arm52. Right light source46must shine out of the lateral exit of right arm socket54. Next, the dual light tooth cup48and electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36is inserted into the clamshell structure of the distal section10. The dual light tooth cup48and electrical ribbon or wiring assembly36is inserted into the locking key protrusion20, elongated neck30, end cap31, and tooth cup ledge32being careful to position first and second electrical contacts37,38properly into locking key protrusion20and then rigidly attaching the clamshell halves together. Rigid attachment may be accomplished by any known means such as glue, adhesive, epoxy, welding, sonic welding, soldering, press-fit, or similar.

Proximal section60may be made from any known material that is rigid. Proximal section60is a rigid oblong structural member with a distal end61, a proximal end62, a left side63, a right side64, a concave side65, a convex side66, and a longitudinal axis. Distal end61is the end of proximal section60that is farthest from the operator during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Proximal end62is the end of proximal section60that is closest to the operator during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Concave side65has a general concave shape and a concave surface. Concave side65is the side of proximal section60that is faces or is adjacent to dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is properly attached to dental camera100. Convex side66has a general convex shape and a convex surface. Convex side66is the side of proximal section60that is opposite of dental camera100when two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5is properly attached to dental camera100. Left side63is located on the operator's left side during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Right side64is located on the operator's right side during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Distal end61is specially sized and shaped to reversibly attach to distal section10. This special shape includes locking key recess70. Distal end61of proximal section60is reversibly attachable to the proximal end12of distal section10and vice versa. Concave side65is specially sized and shaped to make a slip-fit, press-fit, or snap-fit onto the larger diameter end101of dental camera100. This special shape includes a half socket90.

Proximal section60comprises an electronics compartment. Electronics compartment is a hollow compartment or void area underneath the convex surface of convex side66directly beneath on off switch84. Electronics compartment functions to house a circuit board80and a battery86. Proximal section60further comprises: a circuit board80and a battery86. Circuit board80is a circuit board. Circuit board80comprises: a plurality of electrical circuits, a plurality of electrical contacts, first contact81, second contact82, and an on off switch84. Electrical circuits include an integrated circuit or chip with read only memory and random access memory. Structurally, circuit board80is a rigid planar member with an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface faces convex side66and the lower surface faces concave side65. First and second contacts81,82are each attached to or soldered to the upper surface of circuit boards80. First and second contacts81,82are connected to and have electrical continuity with first and second electrical contacts37,38respectively when distal section is properly attached to proximal section60. Proximal section60further comprises an on off switch84. On off switch84is attached to or soldered to the upper surface of circuit board80and thus has electrical continuity therewith. A portion of on off switch84protrudes through convex side66in order to provide operator access thereto. Proximal section60may further comprise a battery tray88and a battery lid89. Battery tray88is slidably attachable or reversibly attachable to circuit board80. Battery tray88is a tray that holds battery86. Battery86is placed within battery tray88, which is attached to circuit board80. Battery lid89is a lid or cap to electronics compartment. Battery86is installed and replaced in the typical way that batteries are installed and replaced. Battery86may be any known type of battery. In best mode, battery86is a button-type battery.

Concave side65is specially sized and shaped to make a slip-fit, press-fit, or snap-fit onto the exterior surface of a dental camera100. A portion of this special shape is half socket90. Proximal section60may further comprises a half socket90. Half socket90is located on the proximal end62of proximal section60. Half socket90creates part of the general concave shape of concave side65. Half socket90makes a snap-fit over the larger diameter end101of dental camera100. Half socket90is a rigid hollow partial cylindrical member that is a “half-pipe” shape. Half socket90is a half pipe. Half socket90has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis. The inner diameter of half socket90is sized to make a snap-fit over the outer diameter of the larger diameter end101of dental camera100. Rigid hollow partial cylindrical member is partial because a portion of the side of the hollow cylindrical member is void or removed to yield an open space. A portion of the side of the hollow cylindrical member is void or open. Both ends of rigid hollow partial cylindrical member are void or open. These voids allow for easier insertion, attachment, detachment, and removal of the two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5onto the dental camera100.

Half socket90comprises: a left wing92, a right wing94, a left wing tip96, and a right wing tip98. Left wing92and left wing tip96are located on the operator's left side when facing the convex side66. Right wing94and right wing tip98are located on the operator's right side when facing the convex side66. Left wing92and left wing tip96comprise the left half of the rigid hollow partial cylindrical member. Left wing92is rigid arced member or curved member with an inner diameter, outer diameter, a distal end, a proximal end, a first side, and a second side. The inside diameter of left wing92is sized to make a snap-fit over the larger diameter end101of dental camera100. Left wing92is the wider portion or base portion of the rigid hollow partial cylindrical member on the left side. The first side of left wing92is contiguous with left side63. The second side of left wing92is contiguous with left wing tip96. Left wing tip96is the more narrow portion or tip portion of the rigid hollow partial cylindrical member on the left side. Left wing tip96is rigid arced member or curved member with an inner diameter, outer diameter, a distal end, a proximal end, a first side, and a second side. The inside diameter of left wing tip96is sized to make a snap-fit over the larger diameter end101of dental camera100. The first side of left wing tip96is contiguous with the second side of left wing92. The second side of left wing tip96is adjacent to the void section of the rigid hollow partial cylindrical member. The length of left wing tip96is about 25-75 percent of that of left wing92. The width of left wing tip96is about 20-50 percent of that of left wing92. Right wing94and right wing tip98comprise the right half of the rigid hollow partial cylindrical member. Right wing94is rigid arced member or curved member with an inner diameter, outer diameter, a distal end, a proximal end, a first side, and a second side. The inside diameter of right wing94is sized to make a snap-fit over the larger diameter end101of dental camera100. Right wing94is the wider portion or base portion of the rigid hollow partial cylindrical member on the right side. The first side of right wing94is contiguous with right side14. The second side of right wing94is contiguous with right wing tip98. Right wing tip98is the more narrow portion or tip portion of the rigid hollow partial cylindrical member on the right side. Right wing tip98is rigid arced member or curved member with an inner diameter, outer diameter, a distal end, a proximal end, a first side, and a second side. The inside diameter of right wing tip98is sized to make a snap-fit over the larger diameter end101of dental camera100. The first side of right wing tip98is contiguous with the second side of right wing94. The second side of right wing tip98is adjacent to the void section of the rigid hollow partial cylindrical member. The length of right wing tip98is about 25-75 percent of that of right wing94. The width of right wing tip98is about 20-50 percent of that of right wing94. Wings92,94and wing tips96,98function to wrap-around the larger diameter end101of dental camera100and reversible attach thereto by press-fit or slip-fit. The void section between the second side of left wing tip96and the second side of right wing tip98functions to allow clearance space for the distal end or smaller diameter end102of dental cameral to be passed there through during attachment and detachment of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. This clearance space makes it much easier to attach and detach two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5to dental camera100. An alternate description of half socket90is that left wing92, left wing tip96, right wing94, and right wing tip98collectively form a half pipe shape. The inner diameter of this half pipe is sized to make a snap-fit over the outer diameter of the larger diameter end101of dental camera100. Left wing92forms left half of the wider base of the half pipe shape. Right wing94forms right half of the wider base of the half pipe shape. Left wing tip96forms the narrower tip or end of the half pipe shape on the left. Right wing tip98forms the narrower tip or end of the half pipe shape on the right. The half pipe shape spans about 190 to 330 degrees of a complete 360-degree circle or full pipe. Left wing92spans about 90 to 130 degrees of a complete circle. Left wing tip96spans about 5 to 30 degrees of a complete circle. Right wing94spans about 90 to 130 degrees of a complete circle. Right wing tip98spans about 5 to 30 degrees of a complete circle. The void section at the top of the half pipe functions to allow clearance space for the distal end or smaller diameter end102of dental cameral to be passed there through during attachment and detachment of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. This clearance space makes it much easier to attach and detach two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5to dental camera100.

Proximal section60further comprises a locking key recess70. Locking key recess70is a rigid rectangular cuboid-shaped, cube-shaped protrusion, or key-shaped recess on the concave side65of proximal section60at the distal end61of proximal section60as depicted. Locking key recess70mates with a locking key protrusion20on distal section10when distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60. Locking key recess70has a left surface71, a right surface72, a crown surface73, and a proximal surface74. Left surface71is located on the operator's left side during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Right surface72is located on the operator's right side during operation of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Crown surface73is located on the concave side65of proximal section60. Proximal surface24is located on the proximal end62of proximal section60. Left surface71, right surface72, crown surface73, and proximal surface74are each essentially planer members. Left surface71, right surface72, crown surface73, and proximal surface74make up four sides of the rectangular cuboid-shaped or cube-shaped recess that is locking key recess70. The other two sides of the rectangular cuboid-shaped or cube-shaped recess are open or void to allow clearance for insertion of the locking key protrusion20.

Left and right rails25,26along with left and right grooves77,76function to guide and align locking key protrusion20properly within locking key recess70during attachment and/or detachment of distal section10and proximal section60. Right and left rails25,26along with left and right grooves77,76also function to guide and align first, second, and third electrical contacts37,38,39properly to contact first, second, and third contacts81,82,83during attachment and/or detachment of distal section10and proximal section60. When distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60, there is electrical continuity between first electrical contact37and first contact81. When distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60, there is electrical continuity between second electrical contact38and second contact82. When distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60, there is electrical continuity between third electrical contact41and third contact83.

Locking key recess70may further comprise: a left divot79and a right divot78. Left divot79and right divot78are each a divot, indentation, or recess. Right divot78is on the right surface72of locking key recess70. Right detent28nests within or catches within a right divot78on locking key recess70when distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60. Left divot79is on the left surface71of locking key recess70. Left detent27nests within or catches within a left divot79on locking key recess70when distal section10is properly attached to proximal section60. Left and right detents27,28function with left and right divots79,78to rigidly lock and hold the distal section10onto the proximal section60when the two sections are properly attached or snapped together.

Dual light tooth cup48and other portions of distal section60touch or make contact with the inside of a patient's mouth during use of the two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5. Therefore these portions must be sterilized or discarded after use with a particular patient. Since the dual light tooth cup48contains expensive electronics and light sources, it is desirable to re-use the dual light tooth cups48. This design allows for sterilization and re-use of the entire distal section10along with the dual light tooth cup48.

In order to attach distal section10to proximal section60, the locking key protrusion20on distal section10is aligned with and placed within the locking key recess70on proximal section60and pressed together until the left and right detents27,28on distal section10fall into or snap into the right and left divots78,79on proximal section60respectively. In order to detach distal section10to proximal section60, the locking key protrusion20on distal section10is pushed out of or slid out of the locking key recess70on proximal section60until the left and right detents27,28on distal section10fall out of or snap out of the right and left divots78,79on proximal section60respectively.

In order to attach two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5to a dental camera100, the smaller diameter end102and the distal tip of dental camera100are inserted through the void section between left and right wing tips96,98and pushed towards the distal end11of distal section10. Then, the smaller diameter end102and the distal tip of dental camera100are inserted through the locating collar18from its proximal end. Then, the smaller diameter end102and the distal tip of dental camera100are inserted into cup or socket shape of end cap31on order to snap into place. The snap signals a proper press-fit or slip-fit of two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera5to dental camera100. The press-fit or slip-fit is reversible.