Abstract: A dental hand instrument has two structurally distinct functional units capable of interconnection. One functional unit comprises a head piece equipped with a tool a portion of grip element which at least has the function of making it possible to hold the hand instrument in the hand, connecting element, and a driving mechanism or means for transmitting the energy therefor. A second functional unit comprises at least one carrier for conduits and/or conductors for media and signals respectively. The first functional unit forms a drive-independent, hand-held unit, having an external housing that is closed all round, and contains means for the attach-ment of the second functional unit (F1/2).

Abstract: A clamping arrangement for clamping a cylindrical shaft of a tool in a dental handpiece includes a clamping sleeve having resilient tongues for gripping the cylindrical shaft and being capable of being moved radially outward by an adjustable plunger to release the shaft. In order to achieve a largely wear-free tool guidance, the tool shaft is held at least at its distal end of the tool in a guide bushing, which is firmly joined to the hollow shaft. The guide contains an arrangement which enables axial mobility of the plunger, prevents twisting of the plunger so as to enable transmission of the force between the plunger and a manipulator which actuates the plunger.

Abstract: In order to provide a surface in a gripping region of a dental handpiece that meets the requirements of being optimally smooth for hygienic reasons and also to provide an adequate non-slip surface, the dental handpiece has a plurality of thin lines arranged in line patterns having a roughened surface in the gripping portion. These lines or line patterns extend in a longitudinal direction and may have portions that extend at an angle to the longitudinal portion, and these patterns are arranged at least in two quadrants of the circumference of the grip part that preferably lie diametrically opposite one another.

Abstract: A rotatable socket for supporting a tool for rotating in a head housing of a dental handpiece, includes a catch device which includes at least one catch member movable between a locking position for retaining a tool in the socket and an unlocking position for releasing the tool and a thumb actuated purchase. The purchase has a pressure surface that is movable from a position disengaged from each catch member to a position engaging each catch member, a cover member having a peripheral edge that is rigidly secured to the head housing, and the cover member has an elastically deformable portion movable through a stroke when pressure is applied to the purchase so that the deformable portion of the cover member will move through the stroke to cause the pressure surfaces to move each catch member to an unlocking position to release the tool from the socket.