Abstract: A predictive maintenance system and method for a dental handpiece includes a condition sensor for sensing a condition of the handpiece to obtain sensor data and providing wired communication of the sensor data and a device identifier from the handpiece to a delivery unit. The system is configured to store sensor data, a device identifier and a time stamp in data logging equipment to obtain a usage history for the handpiece. The system determines a maintenance condition of the handpiece based on the sensor data and/or the usage history of the handpiece. In response to a severity of the maintenance condition, the system provides a preventative maintenance indication of a future failure for the handpiece or stops operation of the handpiece.

Abstract: A handpiece maintenance system and method identifies a dental handpiece and operates in a diagnostic cycle to power the handpiece and determine predictive maintenance condition thereof. The handpiece maintenance system includes a temperature sensor and/or an acceleration sensor to measure the conditions of the handpiece during the diagnostic cycle. The predictive maintenance condition of the handpiece is based on data from the diagnostic cycle and other stored data for the identified handpiece. A system is also configured to determine a predictive maintenance condition of the handpiece based on sensor data read from a handpiece and historical usage data thereof.

Abstract: A modular dental system, methods for controlling a modular dental tool, a dental system, a control module, and a treatment unit. In one embodiment, the modular dental system includes a modular dental system including a control module and a battery module. The control module includes a first end, a second end, a control sub-system, and a charging sub-system. The control sub-system is configured to communicatively couple to an attachment, detect an attachment identifier associated with the attachment when the attachment is removably attached to the first end of the control module, and control the attachment based on the attachment identifier. The battery module is configured to removably attach to the second end of the control module.

Abstract: A lamp assembly adapted to cast shadow-free illumination over an area. Typically, a lamp assembly includes a plurality of light modules that are disposed in a spaced apart relationship over an area. Desirably, the lamp assembly is arranged to aim the light output of each module for overlapping summation on a target footprint. Modules generally each include a LED light source, a collimating lens disposed at a distal end of the mirror, and a tube disposed between the LED and the collimating lens.

Abstract: A headrest adjustment system includes a tension block having a threaded aperture extending entirely through the tension block. The tension block is configured to be coupled to a chair. The headrest adjustment system also includes a screw configured to be moved through the threaded aperture along an axis, and a clamp lever pivotally coupled to the tension block. The clamp lever has an inclined surface. The axis intersects the inclined surface at an oblique angle. The headrest adjustment system also includes a headrest tension bracket configured to be coupled to the chair. The headrest tension bracket has a first end and a second end and the second end includes a flange. The clamp lever is configured to contact and press against the flange upon movement of the screw.

Abstract: Devices and methods for dispensing material from a dental handpiece. In one example, the method includes receiving an input that indicates that an amount of the material is to be dispensed from the container of the dental handpiece. The method also includes rotating an electric motor to rotate an imbalanced mass to vibrate a vibration transmission element that vibrates the material in the container. The method also includes dispensing the amount of the material from the container with a piston based on the input.

Abstract: A disinfecting system including a delivery unit having a dental instrument holder, a dental instrument engagable with the dental instrument holder, a fluid supply line fluidly coupled to the dental instrument to provide fluid to the dental instrument, and a disinfecting device in fluid communication with at least one of the supply lines and the dental instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved dental operatory lamp having an LED light source that directs light to a reflector that in turn reflects the light to illuminate a treatment area. In one embodiment, the lamp is adapted for efficient transfer of heat from the light source and into the environment. In another embodiment, the lamp is adapted to generate a predetermined pattern of light optimal for the treatment area. In other embodiments, the lamp includes structural features that enable the lamp to maintain optimum light intensity and/or temperature. Also, disclosed herein are unique reflector embodiments that intentionally provide a generally smooth surface, without facets, that reflect light at all visible and infrared wavelengths.

Abstract: A water control valve includes a valve body defining a valve body internal cavity, a first air inlet passageway in communication with the valve body internal cavity, a first water outlet passageway in communication with the valve body internal cavity, and a water inlet passageway. The water control valve further includes a valve cartridge removably coupled to the valve body. The valve cartridge is sized to fit at least partially within the valve body internal cavity. The valve cartridge defines a second air inlet passageway and a second water outlet passageway. The first air inlet passageway is aligned with the second air inlet passageway and the first water outlet passageway is aligned with the second water outlet passageway when the valve cartridge is coupled to the valve body.

Abstract: A disinfecting device including a conduit configured to carry a flowing liquid. The conduit has a first index of refraction. A sheath surrounds the conduit and has a second index of refraction. The second index of refraction is lower than the first index of refraction. The disinfecting device also includes a light source configured to produce disinfecting light and arranged to send the disinfecting light into the conduit.

Abstract: A dental hand tool including a main body having a main body proximate end, a main body distal end, at least one dental utility conduit associated with the main body proximate end, and a dental disinfection system associated with the main body that disinfects dental fluid at a point of use. The dental disinfection system includes a disinfection reactor associated with the main body, a collimated germicidal UV light source end, a disinfection reactor distal end, disinfection reactor walls, a disinfection reactor fluid inlet that receives the dental fluid from a dental fluid source, a disinfection reactor dental fluid outlet that delivers the dental fluid to the point of use, and a disinfection reactor inner chamber.

Abstract: A track and carriage system including a mounting plate, a first track secured to the mounting plate and receiving a first carriage movable therein, a second track secured to the mounting plate and receiving a second carriage movable therein. The first and second tracks are positioned substantially parallel to one another such that the carriage of the first track moves independently of and in parallel with the carriage of the second track.

Abstract: An electrically powered light source including a light emitting diode (LED) having variable chromaticity, which is adapted for use in a dental operatory. A dental operatory lamp includes a thermally conductive housing having a front directed toward the operating area and a rear away from the operating area; a generally elliptical reflector located on the rear of the thermally conductive housing; at least one heat pipe; a plurality of color LEDs projecting light toward the elliptical reflector, the plurality of LEDs being in thermal contact with the at least one heat pipe; and an optical light guide for combining light from said LEDs. Another embodiment of the lamp includes at least two user selectable light spectra, one of said spectra providing white light with color temperature in the range 4000° K-6000° K and one spectra having reduced output in the wavelength range 400-500 nm.