A thermal defogging system and method for an optical instrument is described. In one embodiment, the thermal defogging system for an optical instrument is comprised of: at least a primary housing, the primary housing defining an aperture for transmission of optical signals, a transparent element adapted to be aligned with the aperture for transmission of optical signals, at least one side of the transparent element facing the external environment; and a transparent conductive layer covering an area at least as large as the optical footprint of the transmitted optical signal through the transparent element, wherein responsive to the application of electrical power to the transparent conductive layer, the transparent conductive layer generates heat that is thermally communicated to the least one side of the transparent element facing the external environment.

A device for cleaning the lens of a scope is disclosed. The device comprises a sleeve including an inner surface configured to engage a medical device; and a pad secured around the sleeve and configured to wipe the lens of the scope. While a cleaning fluid can be applied to the pad, the device does not require nor does it contain a reservoir for cleaning solution. A method of cleaning a lens of a scope using such a device is also disclosed. A lens cleaning system comprising the device positioned on a medical device, such as an elongated surgical instrument, is also disclosed.

A device for cleaning the lens of a scope is disclosed. The device comprises a sleeve including an inner surface configured to engage a medical device; and a pad secured around the sleeve and configured to wipe the lens of the scope. While a cleaning fluid can be applied to the pad, the device does not require nor does it contain a reservoir for cleaning solution. A method of cleaning a lens of a scope using such a device is also disclosed. A lens cleaning system comprising the device positioned on a medical device, such as an elongated surgical instrument, is also disclosed.

A dental instrument and method for imaging the three-dimensional topography of one or more teeth in the oral cavity of an individual is provided. The instrument includes a probe insertable into the oral cavity to receive the image of these surfaces which can then be processed. Combined with the probe is an auxiliary which projects an air stream toward the surface to be imaged by the probe and acts to evaporate and remove from these surfaces a liquid film coating formed by saliva and other fluids present in the oral cavity, to render these surfaces dry and to enhance their reflectivity and in doing so, provide clearer images.

A dental instrument and method for imaging the three-dimensional topography of one or more teeth in the oral cavity of an individual is provided. The instrument includes a probe insertable into the oral cavity to receive the image of these surfaces which can then be processed. Combined with the probe is an auxiliary which projects an air stream toward the surface to be imaged by the probe and acts to evaporate and remove from these surfaces a liquid film coating formed by saliva and other fluids present in the oral cavity, to render these surfaces dry and to enhance their reflectivity and in doing so, provide clearer images.

The invention relates to a window system for an intraoral scanner. Said window system comprises an optical element having a thermal conductivity of more than 1 W m.sup.?1 K.sup.?1. A window, which comprises a pane made for example of a plastic, glass, or corundum, is detachably disposed on the optical element at an average distance of less than 1 mm. At least one heat source is also connected to the optical element. The invention further relates to an intraoral scanner. Said intraoral scanner comprises the window system. The optical element and the at least one heat source are connected to the intraoral scanner. The window is disposed in a cover. Said cover can be disposed on the intraoral scanner such that the window has an average distance of less than 1 mm from the optical element.

The invention relates to a window system for an intraoral scanner. Said window system comprises an optical element having a thermal conductivity of more than 1 W m.sup.?1 K.sup.?1. A window, which comprises a pane made for example of a plastic, glass, or corundum, is detachably disposed on the optical element at an average distance of less than 1 mm. At least one heat source is also connected to the optical element. The invention further relates to an intraoral scanner. Said intraoral scanner comprises the window system. The optical element and the at least one heat source are connected to the intraoral scanner. The window is disposed in a cover. Said cover can be disposed on the intraoral scanner such that the window has an average distance of less than 1 mm from the optical element.

A dental instrument system has an optical component with a mirror for the dental practitioner to view a patient's mouth. A light source and an airflow source have a plurality of output levels that are controlled by a user input on the handle, such as a single button. The output levels of the light and airflow are controlled by a single or double click, wherein a single click increases the output level of the airflow and a double click increases the output level of the light, for example. The light source illuminates the mirror and the airflow source produces airflow over the mirror to remove debris and bodily fluid. A clearing flow of air may be initiated by holding the single button down on the handle and release of the button may return the airflow to the previous level.

A dental instrument system has an optical component with a mirror for the dental practitioner to view a patient's mouth. A light source and an airflow source have a plurality of output levels that are controlled by a user input on the handle, such as a single button. The output levels of the light and airflow are controlled by a single or double click, wherein a single click increases the output level of the airflow and a double click increases the output level of the light, for example. The light source illuminates the mirror and the airflow source produces airflow over the mirror to remove debris and bodily fluid. A clearing flow of air may be initiated by holding the single button down on the handle and release of the button may return the airflow to the previous level.

In an embodiment, a dental mirror includes an image sensor, a plurality of light sources, a mirror surface, an appendage affixed to the mirror surface to extend the mirror surface into a patient's mouth, and a handle affixed to the appendage. The mirror surface includes a transparent planar material covering the image sensor and the plurality of light sources, and a reflective coating portion on the transparent planar material. The plurality of light sources are positioned around a perimeter of the mirror surface close enough to one another to emit a continuous ring of light.