Fiber optic ceiling supported surgical task light system with optical commutator and manual zoom lens

The present invention is directed to the art of lighting systems, and, more particularly, to lighting apparatus of the type adapted for particular use in surgical procedures. The invention will be described in connection with the preferred surgical task light suspended from overhead at the ceiling of an operating room but it is to be appreciated that the invention has broader application and can be applied in numerous settings and suspended using a wide range of mechanical components such as wall and floor mounts, and the like. A surgical task light is provided including a light source adapted to generate light. An elongate optical fiber carries the light generated by the light source to a remote target site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving the light generated by the light source and a distal end for emitting the light. A support member supports the optical fiber relative to the ceiling of an associated operating room and holds the optical fiber in a plurality of selected positions. A lens device is carried on the distal end of the optical fiber for focusing the light emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber into a desired selected pattern. A sterile sheath member in combination with the surgical task light provides a sterile barrier between the surgical area and the mechanical and optical portions of the task light. A re-lamping module includes a replaceable light bulb module carrying a light bulb to help facilitate replacement of the light bulb by maintenance personnel. A cooling system cools the light bulb and defines an air duct for directing an air flow through heat dissipating members. The air duct is separated from the optical light path between the light bulb and the elongate optical fiber to prevent the air flow from entering the light path to prevent dust and other contaminants from reducing the optical efficiency of the system.