Having Rotating Cam Or Eccentric Patents (Class 433/122)
  • Patent number: 11346430
    Abstract: A mechanical rotational-swinging adapter is provided to transfer a continuous rotational input from a driving tool into back-and-forth swinging output via a slotted cam structure. When the rotational-swinging adapter is installed between the nosecone and the air motor of a conventional dental handpiece, the nosecone outputs the back-and-forth swinging movement for dental work such as root canal or prophylaxis treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventors: Xudong Ma, Feimo Shen
  • Patent number: 11039874
    Abstract: A surgical impact tool comprises an electromagnetic impactor hermetically sealed within a sterilizable housing having one or more external mechanical coupling for transmitting an impact to an object external to the tool. The housing also contains an energy storage medium rechargeable through the hermetic seal, and electronic controls operable through the hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Steven N. Bittenson
  • Patent number: 10144106
    Abstract: An adjustable stroke mechanism for a random orbital machine including a housing having a wall enclosing a cavity, an adjuster ring surrounding the housing and having a first set of gear teeth along a first portion of an inner surface, and a second set of gear teeth along a second portion of the inner surface, a counterweight having gear teeth on an exterior surface disposed within the housing, and a bearing carriage having gear teeth disposed within the housing. At least one counterweight gear that meshes with the gear teeth of the counterweight and the first set of gear teeth of the adjuster ring, and at least one bearing carriage gear that meshes with the gear teeth of the bearing carriage and the second set of gear teeth of the adjuster ring, so that movement of the adjuster ring causes movement of both the counterweight and the bearing carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Lake Country Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott S. McLain, Mark Snyker
  • Patent number: 10092370
    Abstract: A hand instrument, comprising: a tool-holding device for fastening a treatment tool on the hand instrument, a driveshaft for transmitting a driving movement to the tool-holding device and a stroke gear which is designed to induce the tool-holding device in a stroke movement. According to a first embodiment the hand instrument further has a rotary gear which is designed to induce the tool-holding device to a rotational movement, wherein a drive-side element of the rotary gear and a drive-side element of the stroke gear are arranged jointly on the driveshaft. According to a second embodiment the drive-side element of the stroke gear is designed such, that in a complete revolution of the drive-side element of the stroke gear the tool-holding device runs through more than a double stroke. According to another embodiment the drive-side element of the stroke gear is disposed concentrically around an axis of rotation of the driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Hannes Wagner, Karlheinz Eder, Michael Rothenwaender, Hermann Rehrl
  • Patent number: 9498403
    Abstract: Provided is an automatic salivation facilitating apparatus including a first parotid gland massaging device which massages user's one-side parotid gland, a second parotid gland massaging device which massages user's other-side parotid gland, a first fixing member which connects the first and second parotid gland massaging devices and allows the user to wear the automatic salivation facilitating apparatus, a salivation agent injection unit which is disposed to a lower portion of one of the first and second parotid gland massaging devices to periodically automatically inject salivation agent, and a controller which operates a main body. The automatic salivation facilitating apparatus utilizes a submandibular gland massaging device together with the salivation agent injection unit and the parotid gland massaging devices, so that the effect of facilitating salivation can be maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Byeong-Cheol Ahn
  • Patent number: 9377803
    Abstract: A voltage control apparatus includes: an obtaining unit which obtains voltage values at voltage measuring points; a detecting unit which detects a system impedance value; a control quantity calculating unit which calculates, as control quantity, a reactive power value to be output by a power regulating apparatus to prevent at least a voltage value deviating from a predetermined voltage range from deviating from a target voltage value; and a notifying unit which notifies the power regulating apparatus of the control quantity. The control quantity calculating unit calculates the control quantity such that the voltage value at a specific voltage measuring point is substantially equal to the target voltage value, and when all of the voltage values deviating from the target voltage value deviate from the target voltage value in a same direction, only positive or negative reactive power is output by power regulating apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Watanabe, Junji Kondoh
  • Patent number: 9241721
    Abstract: A surgical pelvic drill for operating hip osteoarthritis adapted to create a hole in the pelvic bone of a human patient is provided. The pelvic drill is adapted to create a through-going hole placed in the acetabulum area from the abdominal side of the pelvic bone of the human patient. The pelvic drill comprises: a driving member, a bone contacting organ in connection with said driving member, an operating device adapted to operate said driving member. The bone contacting organ is adapted to create a hole in the acetabulum area starting from the abdominal side of the pelvic bone through repetitive or continuous movement. A surgical and a laparoscopic/arthroscopic method of using said pelvic drill is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Publication number: 20150079540
    Abstract: An oscillating dental angle handpiece for dental tools is described. The handpiece has a hollow housing body, that defines a first longitudinal cavity suitable for coaxially containing inside the first longitudinal cavity a driving shaft, and a second transversal cavity, arranged at an end of the first cavity and having an axis incident with the axis of the first cavity, as well as a driven holder, in which a rotary movement of the driving shaft is transformed into oscillating movement of the driven holder. Additionally, the handpiece is entirely made from synthetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Rek
  • Patent number: 8806691
    Abstract: The invention provides an electric toothbrush capable of changing a resonant frequency and vibration amplitude of an eccentric shaft. An electric toothbrush of the present invention includes a motor, an eccentric shaft with one end fixed to a rotation shaft of the motor, and a stemserving as a vibration transmitting component having a bearing for supporting the other end of the eccentric shaft for transmitting vibration generated in accordance with rotation of the eccentric shaft to a brush portion. In the electric toothbrush, the eccentric shaft is formed so that a gravity center position is movable at least in one direction among a direction in which a distance to a shaft center is changed and an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Iwahori, Akitoshi Miki, Jun Shimoyama, Takashi Torihama
  • Patent number: 8790286
    Abstract: A system for mitigating pain in a patient associated with needle penetration in the administration of medication, and in particular to a vibratory device configured to be utilized with a variety of existing hand-held intra-oral dental drills or like devices. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a disposable or non-disposable vibratory tip formed to engage an off-the-shelf intra-oral dental drill, the vibratory tip utilizing an off-axis weight associated with a shaft drive engaging the dental drill, to provide a vibratory sensation to an application tip, the application tip configured to engage an area of a patient's mouth targeted for the subsequent needled administration of local anesthetic, or other medication. In use, the application tip is applied to the patient, the dental drill is engaged to rotate the shaft drive of the vibratory tip, vibrating same for period of time, so as to decrease the sensation of pain associated with the subsequent needle penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Raintree Essix, LLC
    Inventor: Sherrill F Lindquist
  • Patent number: 8499851
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush as a vibration generator is provided with a case, a motor, an eccentric rod, a stem, and an oral hygiene member. The eccentric rod has an eccentric weight portion and a rod portion connected to a drive shaft of the motor. The angle between the first central axis of the eccentric weight portion and an extension line, defined by extending the second central axis of the rod portion towards the eccentric weight portion, is greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than approximately 10 degrees in a state in which one end of the eccentric rod is not inserted into a shaft receiving portion. In this way, a fixed structure of an eccentric rod and a vibration generator are obtained which reduce noise generated by vibration when run at high as well as at low rotation speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunori Hata
  • Publication number: 20130101958
    Abstract: A novel apparatus is provided for moving tools used in surgery, in particular in dental surgery. The apparatus includes a head into which a tool is attached and a shaft onto which the head is attached, characterized in that said apparatus also includes a means for transmitting the movement of a motor to the tool, the transmission means including a first transmission axis, for transmitting a first movement at a first frequency, and a second transmission axis, for transmitting a second movement at a second frequency, the first frequency being different from the second frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: MICRO MEGA INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURES
    Inventor: Philippe Garcia
  • Patent number: 8307488
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a toothbrush having a body, which comprises a handle region, a head region and a neck region located between the handle region and the head region, and having functional elements which are arranged, at least in part, within the body and comprise an electrically operated functional unit and an electric supply device which has an energy store and is intended for the functional unit, in the case of which the body is produced, by injection molding, from at least one hard component, which serves as a reinforcement, and at least one soft component, and at least some of the functional elements, during the production of the body, are encapsulated, at least in part, directly by the plastic which forms the soft component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Philipp Pfenniger, Franz Fischer, Beat Huber
  • Publication number: 20120258418
    Abstract: A portable dental prophylaxis and bleaching system is provided for simultaneous tooth polishing and bleaching. It includes an oscillatory driving handpiece, a dental angle with a disposable rubber cup assembly, a dual-component dispenser, and a disposable mouthpiece. The battery-powered handpiece transforms a continuous rotation through a driving cam into a rotary oscillation which is then transferred through the attached dental angle to the rubber cup with an obtuse angle at its distal output end. The dispenser is operated manually to correctly apportion and mix the dual treatment materials into the rubber cup. In order to provide longer shelf life and effective bleaching action, the treatment materials are maintained at optimal pH values in separate compartments within the dispenser before use. The disposable mouthpiece is shaped for easy access to the user's teeth while protecting the gum surfaces. The system can be used both in dental clinics and at home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Feimo Shen
  • Patent number: 8256979
    Abstract: An application substance reservoir for a toothbrush is provided. The reservoir has a data carrier and may be filled with toothpaste or another application substance. An electric toothbrush is also provided. The data carrier of the application substance reservoir may contain, for example, information regarding the prevailing filling level of the application substance reservoir and the type of application substance. The electric toothbrush has a data receiver for reading the data stored in the data carrier, a data transmitter for writing to the data carrier, and a control unit which may display the filling level in the application substance reservoir or the particular application substance used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Hilscher, Christian Neyer
  • Patent number: 8172572
    Abstract: A dental tool displacement apparatus for use with a motorized power handle to displace a dental tool includes a tool holder having a receptacle for receiving the dental tool, and a drive arrangement. The drive arrangement defines a transmission from the motorized power handle to the tool holder such that the tool holder undergoes reciprocating motion parallel to the tool axis at a first frequency of oscillations per minute and rotates about the tool axis at a second frequency of rotations per minute. In some cases, the two types of motion are generated by an eccentric drive pin engaging an annular slot which has gear teeth along one side, thereby generating an angular rotation step of the tool holder during each reciprocating stroke. In some cases, the first frequency is at least one order of magnitude greater than the second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Redent-Nova Ltd.
    Inventor: Raphael Hof
  • Publication number: 20110300507
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling body that can convert a linear input movement into a linear output movement transversal to the input movement. The coupling body includes two parallel flexional arms of the same length, the ends of the flexional arms being connected by means of transversal connection arms. The connection arms carry driving bodies which represent load bodies arranged at the same distance from the neutral lines of the connection arms, in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Udo Kirstgen, Michael Thoms
  • Publication number: 20100178632
    Abstract: A system for mitigating pain in a patient associated with needle penetration in the administration of medication, and in particular to a vibratory device configured to be utilized with a variety of existing hand-held intra-oral dental drills or like devices. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a disposable or non-disposable vibratory tip formed to engage an off-the-shelf intra-oral dental drill, the vibratory tip utilizing an off-axis weight associated with a shaft drive engaging the dental drill, to provide a vibratory sensation to an application tip, the application tip configured to engage an area of a patient's mouth targeted for the subsequent needled administration of local anesthetic, or other medication. In use, the application tip is applied to the patient, the dental drill is engaged to rotate the shaft drive of the vibratory tip, vibrating same for period of time, so as to decrease the sensation of pain associated with the subsequent needle penetration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Sherrill F. Lindquist
  • Publication number: 20080254408
    Abstract: Teeth cleaning apparatus comprises a cylindrical cleaning implement. The cleaning implement includes a resilient support shaft and an engagement thread and is drivingly rotatable. The implement is so configured that, when presented between a pair of adjacent teeth, a rotating implement threads itself into the interproximal space and extracts interproximal debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Leonard Coates
  • Patent number: 7409741
    Abstract: A toothbrush provides a head with bristles, a neck and a handle. An eccentrically rotational weight is engaged for rotation with a motor, the weight disposed within the head. The motor is disposed within the handle. The head and neck are integrally formed with a natural resonance frequency of vibration approximately equal to the rotational speed of the motor and synchronized therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: William S. Dworzan
  • Patent number: 7261561
    Abstract: A contra-angled driver receives an endodontic activator to induce vibrations and/or oscillations in the activator at sonic frequencies. The driver includes a quick connect/disconnect to allow for quick and simple mounting and dismounting of the activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Clifford J. Ruddle, Robert H. Sharp
  • Patent number: 6964076
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an electric toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a housing, an electric motor, a first transmission and a second transmission. The electric motor is connected to the housing has a motor output member for rotation about a motor output axis. The first transmission is connected to the housing, and converts rotational movement from the motor output member into rotational reciprocating movement at a first average angular speed. The second transmission is linked to the first transmission, and converts rotational reciprocating movement from the first transmission into rotational reciprocating movement at a second average angular speed about a second transmission output axis that is parallel to the motor output axis. The second transmission drives an output member to reciprocate at the second average angular speed about the second transmission output axis. A brush head is removably connectable to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Qingping Zhuan
  • Patent number: 6910887
    Abstract: A device for use in an endodontic treatment, for example for filling a root canal of a tooth that is empty as a consequence of the removal of the nerve, with a thermoplastic product such as gutta percha, which product is distributed in the root canal by means of heating and pressing. The device includes a housing that can be grasped by hand, a treatment element provided at one end of the housing, and a device for making the treatment element vibrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Megadent Endo Products, B.V.
    Inventor: Andreas Adrianus Lambertus Van Den Houdt
  • Patent number: 6902337
    Abstract: A dentifrice dispensing electrical toothbrush using a replaceable dual-channel brush head. The dual-channel brush head has a first channel for housing a drive shaft for bristle oscillation and a second channel for dispensing the dentifrice material. The brush head is mounted on the dual-channel connector of the brush handle which contains a drive mechanism and a pumping mechanism that dispenses dentifrice material from a cartridge in the handle. A manual dispensing configuration uses an external rubber button and an electrical dispensing configuration uses a rotary solenoid for actuating an internal rubber button that applies pumping pressure to the dentifrice material. The latter benefits arthritis sufferers, as no external squeezing action is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Youti Kuo
  • Patent number: 6766548
    Abstract: An accessory mount for an electric toothbrush having a motor which is arranged in a handpiece for driving vibration-generating mechanism. The mount including an elongate protective cover attachable to the handpiece. The vibration-generating mechanism is arrangeable in an interior of the elongate protective cover. A sleeve is fitted onto the protective cover so as to cover the protective cover over at least part of its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rowenta-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Andrea Lukas, Harald Trocha
  • Patent number: 6721986
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an electric toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a housing, an electric motor, a first transmission and a second transmission. The electric motor is connected to the housing has a motor output member for rotation about a motor output axis. The first transmission is connected to the housing, and converts rotational movement from the motor output member into rotational reciprocating movement at a first average angular speed. The second transmission is linked to the first transmission, and converts rotational reciprocating movement from the first transmission into rotational reciprocating movement at a second average angular speed about a second transmission output axis that is parallel to the motor output axis. The second transmission drives an output member to reciprocate at the second average angular speed about the second transmission output axis. A brush head is removably connectable to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Qingping Zhuan
  • Patent number: 6629842
    Abstract: A dental handpiece to securely detect the load applied to the handpiece itself, and when an excessive load is applied to the handpiece, the cutting operation is suspended. The dental handpiece includes: a head; a support mounted in the head to support a cutting tool; and a transmission mounted in the head to transmit driving force to the support. The support and the transmission are slidably connected with each other. In the dental handpiece, the support may be cylindrical and can be provided with a plurality of inclined projections that are arranged in a longitudinal direction of an outer periphery of the cylinder; the transmission may be provided with engaging projections with inclined faces parallel to inclined faces of the plurality of inclined projections; and the transmission can be provided with resiliency that allows the engaging projections movable in a direction departing from the inclined projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Mani, Inc.
    Inventors: Nozomu Satake, Toshiyuki Takase
  • Patent number: 6626670
    Abstract: A periodontal surgical instrument is disclosed which includes a motor. A rotary member is mounted for movement at a center of rotation of the rotary member. A shaft couples the output of the motor to the center of rotation of the rotary member. A coupling structure is secured to the rotary member at a point displaced from its center of rotation. A follower member is coupled to the coupling structure. A track member is coupled to the follower member and configured to allow the follower member to move in a closed loop path. A tool secured to the follower member. A method of use is also described for this periodontal surgical instrument for procedures where extraction is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventors: Sheldon Lerner, Christopher Robert, Anthony Handal
  • Patent number: 6511319
    Abstract: A handpiece is provided. The handpiece comprises a shaft one end of which includes a connection means in the form of a shank to accept an aperture in a dental handpiece drive, the other end of the shaft includes a pin with a central longitudinal axis offset from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. Bearings are disposed about the shaft at either end so as to support the shaft in a casing which extends to encompass the shaft, the casing including a portion at one end which is enlarged to accept the dental handpiece drive and at the other end a housing into which the pin protrudes. The housing is adapted to retain a member comprising a mounting component and a head, which head is disposed outside of the housing and to permit the pin to engage in a groove in the member in a manner such that operation of the dental handpiece drive causes the shaft to rotate which in turn imparts an oscillating arcuate motion to the member including the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Hunter
  • Patent number: 6446294
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided which includes an elongate body having an interior cavity, a power source mounted within the cavity, an elongate drive shaft driven rotatably by the power source, a camwheel mounted on the drive shaft, a yoke with projecting arms which confine travel of the camwheel, a crankshaft section driven by the drive shaft, an output shaft axially aligned to the drive shaft, and a collar with a guide track eccentrically coupling the crankshaft section to the output shaft thereby imparting both lateral and rotary reciprocating motion to the output shaft. A brushhead mounted on the front end of the elongate body accepts the motion from the output shaft. The mechanical drive system is fully enclosed within the housing of the elongate body. Brushheads are replaceably mountable outside the cavity on the front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Bernhardt Specht
  • Patent number: 6447293
    Abstract: An interproximal flossing device including a link member that isolates lateral from vertical rotational movement to transfer only translatory arcuate movement. This is done by the combination of a hinge and pivot structure. A tip attachment structure is also included for secure placement of the tip on the link member, and allows easy removal and replacement. A tip member removal structure is also included to allow for easy removal of the tip member from the link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Sokol, Cliff Snyder
  • Patent number: 6409507
    Abstract: A transmission for changing rotary motion into angularly reciprocating motion and adapted to be mounted on the output end of a dental power unit of the type having a rotary drive output and used to drive a dental tool. The transmission is comprised of a support member, a driving resinous member supported by the support member for rotary motion, and a driven resinous member supported by the support member for reciprocating angular movement by the support member. The transmission subassembly is formed by the driving resinous member, driven resinous member and support member and adapted to be mounted on the output end of the dental power unit with a rotary drive output mechanically coupled to the driving resinous member. A driving cam surface is disposed on a portion of the driving resinous member. A driven cam surface is disposed on a portion of the driven resinous member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Twist2It, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Postal, Robert P. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6247931
    Abstract: A transmission for changing rotary motion into angularly reciprocating motion and adapted to be mounted on the output end of a dental power unit of the type having a rotary drive output and used to drive a dental tool. The transmission is comprised of a support member, a driving resinous member supported by the support member for rotary motion, and a driven resinous member supported by the support member for reciprocating angular movement by the support member. The transmission subassembly is formed by the driving resinous member, driven resinous member and support member and adapted to be mounted on the output end of the dental power unit with a rotary drive output mechanically coupled to the driving resinous member. A driving cam surface is disposed on a portion of the driving resinous member. A driven cam surface is disposed on a portion of the driven resinous member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: TWIST2IT, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Postal, John Laverack, George E. Riehm, Edward Gilchrest, Tom Benz, Robert P. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6106290
    Abstract: In a dental hand-piece, a sleeve connected to a dental tool reciprocates in a head. A fixed protrusion from the head engages a groove on the moving sleeve. The groove has portions that are transverse to the axis of reciprocation causing the sleeve to oscillate about the axis during reciprocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Bernard Weissman
  • Patent number: 5931672
    Abstract: A dental tool assembly having a driving mechanism with interengaging camming surfaces shaped for continuous contact during use. The mechanism includes a drive shaft having a drive surface and a driven shaft having a driven surface. The cam surfaces are shaped and the shafts are transversely juxtaposed with respect to each other such that the drive surface and driven surface are in continuous contact during rotation of the drive shaft to impart oscillatory rotation to the drive shaft. Specifically, the drive surface is conical and preferably has a cone axis that is at an approximately 45.degree. angle with respect to the rotation axis of the drive shaft. The driven surface has alternating hills and valleys that are shaped for continuous engagement with the drive surface as the drive shaft rotates. Preferably a pair of juxtaposed valleys are provided with juxtaposed hills formed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventors: Robert T. Postal, Michael E. Langlais
  • Patent number: 5651157
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush having a handle with a cavity therein, a motor mounted in the cavity of the handle and having a rotatable shaft, a brush head, and a shaft arranged to connect the brush head to the handle. An eccentric weight is mounted to the motor shaft so as to rotate eccentrically when the motor shaft rotates so that the brush handle vibrates. A further weight is mounted to the shaft so as to be axially movable by a manipulator for adjusting vibration of the brush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Rowenta Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Hahn
  • Patent number: 5616029
    Abstract: A dental treatment device for forming a screw hole for embedment of an implant material by a tool attached to the dental treatment device contains a speed-reducing unit for decelerating rotation of an external electric motor and raising torque for transmitting rotation to the tool, and a clutch unit provided between the speed-reducing unit and the tool. The clutch unit contains a driving side clutch having a first indented surface on its forward side, a tool side clutch having a second indented surface on its rear side, and a spring for thrusting the driving side clutch towards the tool side clutch for axially mating the first indented surface and the second indented surface with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Nakanishi Dental Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5454718
    Abstract: In a handpiece head for a medical or dental handpiece having an in particular angular housing, in which a treatment tool is mounted so that it can move back and forth along it centre axis and rotate, wherein a rotating position adjustment device for the treatment tool is associated with the handpiece head, and has a positioning coupling with two interacting coupling parts,a rotating engagement member for the treatment tool that is manually externally accessible is movably mounted on or in the housing,the rotatable engagement member and/or the positioning coupling are/is connected to the treatment tool by a displacement coupling that enables stroke movement of the treatment tool, andthe positioning coupling is effective between the housing and the rotatable engagement member or the treatment tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Ernst Strohmaier
  • Patent number: 5453008
    Abstract: A dental handpiece head comprises a tool holder (17) driven by an eccentric crankpin (10) engaged in a vertical groove (18) of the tool holder. The axial displacement of the tool holder is limited by a finger (13) engaged in a transverse cutting (12) of the tool holder, the walls of which cutting define two axial limit stops. The relative position of these limit stops and of the groove (18) is such that when the tool holder is pushed back by the reaction to the penetration of the tool into the dental canal, the tool holder is driven only in alternating rotation, whereas it is driven in a combined rotational and translational movement when a traction force is exerted on the tool.This construction has the effect of suppressing the percussions of the tool in the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Instruments Dentaires S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Berlin
  • Patent number: 5421726
    Abstract: A tooth-brushing method comprises the steps of: predeterming respective weights of an electric toothbrush and a heavy eccentric mass as well as a location of the center of gravity of the eccentric mass; establishing an output of a motor at about 7,000 rpm in accordance with the predetermined conditions; and, producing a vibration at about 7,000 rpm by actuating the motor, thereby brushing the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Eiji Okada
  • Patent number: 5340310
    Abstract: A disposable attachment for reciprocably mounting a dental tool and being mounted to a conventional handpiece which provides the drive for the tool. The attachment includes a plastic housing having a neck and sleeve to rotatably mount a shaft which is driven by a dental handpiece and a head which mounts a plastic socket to be reciprocated by a shaft eccentric extended into an annular groove in the socket. A rotational restrainer is provided in the socket groove to permit rotation of the tool which is friction fitted in the socket while a force external to the attachment is exerted on the tool but otherwise retain the tool in a fixed angular relationship relative to the head as the socket is reciprocated. The attachment housing, socket and rotational restrainer are made of plastic while in one embodiment the attachment shaft is also made of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Edward J. Bifulk
  • Patent number: 5330355
    Abstract: A dental apparatus provided with a drive unit for operative dentistry instruments, specifically a powered system for performing the various phases of operative dentistry operations. This advanced dental apparatus is essentially characterized in that the working tool housed in a tool-holder sleeve, exhibits dampable, disengageable, reciprocating helical motion using a flexible cam. The cam is mounted on the rotational axis and its end is received in a hole in the sleeve. This device allows completely safe operative dentistry operations to be performed, while preventing false canals and instrument breakage, through the use of the flexible movement control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Anthogyr, societe anonyme
    Inventor: Eric Lietaer
  • Patent number: 5318445
    Abstract: A polishing dental instrument includes a polisher, which is vibrated by a drive shaft connected to a motor-driven drive via an eccentric pin. The eccentric movements are elastically transferred to two arms via two compression springs. The arms are fixed to a displaceably guided bearing sleeve positioned in the casing. The polisher which is guided in the bearing has an end piece whose lateral edges are adapted to smooth or clean the tooth root surface. As a result of the elastically transferred reciprocating movements of the eccentric pin a very fine smoothing of the root surface is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignees: Mikrona Technologie A.G., Ludwig Romhild
    Inventors: Peter Meier, Andre Schwander, Ludwig Romhild
  • Patent number: 5205744
    Abstract: This invention provides a self-powered dental hygiene device having an outer housing with three sections, a battery section at one end, an intermediate electric motor section and at the second end a transmission section with a head end section at the distal end. The head end section includes an aperture extending fully therethrough so as to be open at both ends, transverse to the transmission section and designed to hold from either end a replaceable dental bit designed for reciprocating longitudinal motion. The casing is shaped such that the first battery section extends at an angle of between 7 and 12 degrees relative to the transmission section, and the aperture is preferably perpendicular to the axis of the transmission section. The dental tool bit held within either end of the aperture has a hollow plenum for containing a fluid to be administered during use and a pressurizing means is secured to the tool to provide for the expression of the fluid through openings in the tool blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Bernard Weissman
  • Patent number: 5169312
    Abstract: The apparatus of the contra-angle type comprises an instrument holder sleeve driven in a combined movement of alternate rotation and translation by an eccentric stud fixed to the end of a flexible shaft consisting of a metal cable. It comprises a device for controlling the flexibility of the end of the cable, this device consisting of a ring mounted rotatably in a support which can slide in the body of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Instruments Dentaires S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Berlin
  • Patent number: 5158457
    Abstract: A polishing dental instrument includes a polisher, which is vibrated by a drive shaft connected to a motor-driven drive via an eccentric pin. The eccentric movements are elastically transferred to two arms via two compression springs. The arms are fixed to a displaceably guided bearing sleeve positioned in a casing. The polisher which is guided in the bearing has an end piece whose lateral edges are adapted to smooth or clean the tooth root surface. As a result of the elastically transferred reciprocating movements of the eccentric pin a very fine smoothing of the root surface is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventors: Peter Meier, Andre Schwander, Ludwig Romhild
  • Patent number: 5151030
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a tool for applying a filling material to a tooth cavity or other surface including a housing for grasping by the hand of the user, a vibrator contained within the housing for vibrating the housing, a brush for applying or shaping and molding cavity filler material, and an elongated brush holder connected to the housing and to the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Robert I. Comeaux
  • Patent number: 5145369
    Abstract: A manually deployable power tool for dental treatment and other uses drives an output shaft with continuous rotary motion, combined with selected axial reciprocation of adjustable stroke length. The drive mechanism for imparting this combined motion to the output shaft has a single rotary input drive coupled with an adjustable cam mechanism. The cam mechanism produces the reciprocating motion in response to the driven rotation of the output shaft. The tool drive mechanism has a high degree of axial symmetry, and is arranged to facilitate the delivery of liquid material to the output, tool-carrying end of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: L. Paul Lustig
    Inventors: L. Paul Lustig, Andrew Tybinkowski
  • Patent number: 5040977
    Abstract: This invention provides a self-powered dental hygiene device having an outer housing with three sections, a battery section at one end, an intermediate electric motor section and at the second end a transmission section with a head end section at the distal end. The head end section includes an aperture therethrough, transverse to the transmission section and designed to hold a replaceable dental tool, designed for reciprocating longitudinal motion. The casing is shaped such that the first battery section extends at an angle of between 7 and 12 degrees relative to the transmission section, and the aperture is preferably perpendicular to the axis of the transmission section. The dental tool bit held within the aperture has a hollow plenum for containing a fluid to be administered during use and a pressurizing means is secured to the tool to provide for the expression of the fluid through openings in the tool blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: Bernard Weissman
  • Patent number: RE35941
    Abstract: A power driven mechanical toothbrush is disclosed. A replaceable toothbrush head member has tuft blocks retained generally therewithin and extending laterally outwardly from the a cam shaft. Each tuft block has at least one tuft of bristles, usually four, secured within the tuft block and extending upwardly therefrom. Each of the bristles has a distal end at a distance from its tuft block, and the bristles in each tuft are generally parallel to each other. The toothbrush head member is adapted to receive and retain the tuft blocks in sliding relation therein, so that each tuft block slides linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal tuft axis as guided by guide rails within the head member, between a retracted position and an extended position. Each tuft block is driven from its retracted position to its extended position by the rotatable cam shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Pulse Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin H. Stansbury, Jr.