Abstract: An ultrasonic unit manufacturing system and process are based on a universal ultrasonic generator unit that operates interchangeably with either one of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive ultrasonic devices, and optionally as well as with either on-off or power level control footswitches. The ultrasonic units use a generator unit having a detector that determines whether the connected device is piezoelectric or magnetostrictive, and activates the generator for the appropriate piezoelectric or magnetostrictive operating mode. The ultrasonic units so made and methods of using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic unit manufacturing system and process are based on a universal ultrasonic generator unit that operates interchangeably with either one of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive ultrasonic devices, and optionally as well as with either on-off or power level control footswitches. The ultrasonic units use a generator unit having a detector that determines whether the connected device is piezoelectric or magnetostrictive, and activates the generator for the appropriate piezoelectric or magnetostrictive operating mode. The ultrasonic units so made and methods of using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic unit manufacturing system and process are based on a universal ultrasonic generator unit that operates interchangeably with either one of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive ultrasonic devices, and optionally as well as with either on-off or power level control footswitches. The ultrasonic units use a generator unit having a detector that determines whether the connected device is piezoelectric or magnetostrictive, and activates the generator for the appropriate piezoelectric or magnetostrictive operating mode. The ultrasonic units so made and methods of using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: Motion-assisted dental treatment method and apparatus. Manual back-and-forth manipulation of a handpiece with respect to a working surface automatically reciprocates a tip with respect to the handpiece in phase with the operator manipulation to amplify the movement of the tip adjacent the working surface and thereby attenuate the extent of hand motion required, which can help to alleviate repetitive motion fatigue. Also disclosed are motion-assisted dental treatment tools and systems for implementing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and a handheld electrical tool system comprising an insert receivable in an ultrasonic handpiece comprising a primary coil disposed about a well and electrically connected to a primary current supply, the insert comprising a secondary coil disposed about at least a portion of the insert dimensioned and arranged to be disposable within the well such that the secondary coil is inductively coupled to the primary coil, the secondary coil in electrical communication with at least one electrical device powered by the secondary coil. A method of operating a handpiece and of retrofitting a handpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method relating to inserting an ultrasonic oscillatory dental tip into a gingival sulcus of a patient proximate to a subgingival tooth surface, and ultrasonically oscillating the dental tip while supplying a fluid to a porous surface of the dental tip to space the dental tip surface from the subgingival tooth surface to inhibit contact therebetween while debriding biofilm from the tooth surface. A dental tool relating to a tip body having first and second ends, the first end coupleable to a dental delivery device; an internal fluid flow passage through the tip body disposed between the first end and the second end; the second end having a dental tip surface in fluid communication with the internal fluid flow passage.

Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic unit manufacturing system and process are based on a universal ultrasonic generator unit that operates interchangeably with either one of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive ultrasonic devices, and optionally as well as with either on-off or power level control footswitches. The ultrasonic units use a generator unit having a detector that determines whether the connected device is piezoelectric or magnetostrictive, and activates the generator for the appropriate piezoelectric or magnetostrictive operating mode. The ultrasonic units so made and methods of using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tip-based computer controller system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history, The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a handheld electrical tool system comprising an insert receivable in an ultrasonic handpiece comprising a primary coil disposed about a well and electrically connected to a primary current supply, the insert comprising a secondary coil disposed about at least a portion of the insert dimensioned and arranged to be disposable within the well such that the secondary coil is inductively coupled to the primary coil, the secondary coil in electrical communication with at least one electrical device powered by the secondary coil. A method of operating a handpiece and of retrofitting a handpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: Motion-assisted dental treatment method and apparatus. Manual back-and-forth manipulation of a handpiece with respect to a working surface automatically reciprocates a tip with respect to the handpiece in phase with the operator manipulation to amplify the movement of the tip adjacent the working surface and thereby attenuate the extent of hand motion required, which can help to alleviate repetitive motion fatigue. Also disclosed are motion-assisted dental treatment tools and systems for implementing the method.

Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method comprises inserting an ultrasonic oscillatory dental tip into a gingival sulcus of a patient proximate to a subgingival tooth surface, and ultrasonically oscillating the dental tip while supplying a fluid to a porous of the dental tip to space the dental tip surface from the subgingival tooth surface to inhibit contact there-between while debriding biofilm from the tooth surface. A dental tool comprises a tip body having first and second ends, the first end coupleable to a dental delivery device; an internal fluid flow passage through the tip body disposed between the first end and the second end; the second end having a dental tip surface in fluid communication with the internal fluid flow passage.

Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: Efficiency-modulated ultrasonic dental inserts (12) are disclosed for preventing the overpowering of power-sensitive tips (18). The inserts (12) are useful in a handpiece (10) having an induction coil (20) disposed about a well and operable with an adjustable power supply having a maximum power output setting. An efficiency-modulated magnetostrictive element (14) is adapted to be received in the well. A velocity transducer (16) has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is attached to a distal end of the magnetostrictive element (14). A power-sensitive tip (18) has a proximal end secured to the distal end of the velocity transducer (16). The efficiency of the magnetostrictive element (14) is matched with the power range of the tip (18) to prevent overpowering the tip (18) at the maximum power output setting.

Abstract: Embodiments of an adaptor for a lighted magnetostrictive device, a lighting system for a hand-held dental delivery device including an adaptor, and a method of providing light at a magnetostrictive hand-held device using an adaptor are disclosed. The adaptor may securely connect to a hand-piece of the device, and may include a self-contained electric power storage device to power a light source, an adaptor light channel for delivering light from a light source to the insert, or both. The light source may be disposed within the hand-piece, the adaptor or the insert. A user may switch the light source on and off, and/or may dim or brighten an intensity of the light. The light source may provide illumination even when a tip of the device is not activated, and the electric power storage device may be inductively re-charged.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tool is disclosed with a handpiece (300, 500, 806) containing coils (304A-304D; 504A-504D; 804A-804B) that produce an electromagnetic field that vibrates a magnetic rod (102, 702A, 702B, 820) of a moveable pin transducer (MPT) 100 disposed within the handpiece. Ultrasonic vibrations are produced when the coils are selectively powered by an ultrasonic signal generator, which can include a stepper motor control apparatus (1300, 1400). A tip 106 can be removably attached to an MPT 100. A channel (708A, 708B) in the magnetic rod (700A, 700B) can allow fluidic communication with a handpiece fluid supply channel (310, 510). A method of vibrating a tool can include controllably energizing at least one electromagnetic coil contained within a handpiece to vibrate a magnetic rod and an attached tip. The method can include varying the energy to at least one of the electromagnetic coils with a stepper motor control apparatus.

Abstract: A single use cartridge 10 is disclosed for dispensing a medicament or other substance for dental, medical, or veterinarian applications. A motive fluid can contact the medicament to mix and dispense from reservoir 12, or the motive fluid can act on a plunger 21 to dispense the medicament. A handpiece 15 can sealably connect the cartridge 10 to a source of the motive fluid. The cartridge 10 can be easily replaced to facilitate the use of multiple cartridges with a single handpiece 15. An ultrasonic cleaning element 30 with a channel for fluid flow can be used in a handpiece 25 with a single use medicament cartridge 28 to dispense medicament during ultrasonic dental procedures. A cartridge 72 can contain a mixing element 70 to mix the motive fluid and abrasive particles for tooth surface polishing.

Abstract: A single use cartridge 10 is disclosed for dispensing a medicament or other substance for dental, medical, or veterinarian applications. A motive fluid can contact the medicament to mix and dispense from reservoir 12, or the motive fluid can act on a plunger 21 to dispense the medicament. A handpiece 15 can sealably connect the cartridge 10 to a source of the motive fluid. The cartridge 10 can be easily replaced to facilitate the use of multiple cartridges with a single handpiece 15. An ultrasonic cleaning element 30 with a channel for fluid flow can be used in a handpiece 25 with a single use medicament cartridge 28 to dispense medicament during ultrasonic dental procedures. A cartridge 72 can contain a mixing element 70 to mix the motive fluid and abrasive particles for tooth surface polishing.