Abstract: An actuator having an actuator body and a cap that can be raised or retracted is disclosed. The cap has an aperture sized to fit around the body. In the raised position, the actuator fits into the aperture and the body upper end is shaped to conform with the upper surface of the cap. This encloses the nozzle and provides a smooth upper surface when the cap is raised. When the cap is retracted, the body extends upwardly through the aperture so that it may be pushed on to dispense a liquid from the container on which the actuator is mounted.

Abstract: The tool has an elongated, at least partly hollow body including a handle portion and a free end adapted for carrying a periodontic end effector. A shaft, powered by a motor and rechargeable battery, rotates within the hollow portion. A fixed ring is mounted transversely in the hollow portion of the body, and a gear member is rotated by the shaft along the ring. An eccentric weight is carried by the gear member and is displaced so that the center of gravity of the eccentric weight follows a substantially triangular path as the gear member moves through one cycle. This vibrates the tool, and the end effector, in a substantially triangular path which achieves advantages in cleaning the tooth proximal surfaces by closely following the shape of the embrasure.

Abstract: A hand held periodontical tool preferably including a switch for adjusting the frequency of vibration, tabs accessible from the exterior of the housing for adjusting the vibration amplitude, and interchangeable end pieces, having a variety of tip members including side by side ribs that are separated from each other a distance smaller than at least one of the height and width dimensions of the ribs.