Abstract: A dental cutting device has a head portion (10) which accommodates a rotary cylinder (20) for holding a cutting tool (22), and a turbine blade (21) mounted around and secured on the rotary cylinder (20). Air fed from an air-supply port (24) is blown onto the turbine blade to rotate the same, and the air blown onto the turbine blade is exhausted from the exhaust port (25). The head portion has a first chamber (26) which is located at a portion confronting the outer peripheral end portion of the turbine blade and which extends in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the rotary cylinder, and second chambers (27, 28) which are located adjacent to one or both ends of the turbine blade along the direction of the central axial and which communicate with the first chamber.

Abstract: A turbine for dental burr handpiece includes a turbine main body having an axial central bore with a pivot shaft fixedly connected thereto, and multiple circles of blade sets surrounding the main body. The blades on two adjacent blade sets are staggered in arrangement. For guiding air, each blade in each of the blade sets is provided at a radially inner end adjacent to a radially outer end of a preceding blade with an air guiding slot, and two axially outmost blade sets are provided between respective axial outer side and a corresponding outer end of the central bore with an annular recess. High-pressure air introduced into the dental burr handpiece sequentially strikes against the blades on the multiple circles of blade sets to thereby quickly, smoothly, and stably rotate the pivot shaft at high speed without causing high wind resistance and turbulence, or noise due to vibration.

Abstract: A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical handpiece having a rotary part, in particular a turbine rotor. In order to improve the handpiece with regard to small construction, running noise and economical construction, there is provided a roller bearing for the purpose of mounting the rotary part, having at least two roller body rows arranged next to one another.

Abstract: A dental handpiece including a handpiece body with a head mounting seat, with a gas feeding channel, wherewith the seat is adapted to provide a full turn of the head. The head includes a turbine and an gas feeding aperture to the turbine. A micromotor is included having an inlet for feeding gas and a drive shaft for ensuring mechanical drive action. An intermediate gas feeding channel is made on the inner surface of the head mounting seat or on the outer surface of a part of the head. The drive shaft of the micromotor is connected to the head, and the inlet for feeding gas to the micrometer is connected to the gas feeding channel in the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical handpiece having a rotary part which is rotatably mounted in a bearing bush by means of a roller bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring. In order to improve the handpiece with regard to an axial limiting of the roller bearing there is arranged in the inner surface of the bearing bush or in the outer surface of the outer ring a first ring groove in which there sits a securing ring which projects out of the first ring groove and bears at least with its one side on a shoulder surface of the respective radially oppositely lying part.

Abstract: A air-driven cutting device for medical treatment (a handpiece (10)) comprises a housing (18) for a head portion (14). The housing (18) accommodates a rotary cylinder (60) for holding a cylindrical cutting tool (46) inserted through the tool inlet (42) of the housing, and a turbine blade (62) mounted around and secured on the rotary cylinder. With this arrangement, a compressed air is blown onto the turbine blade to rotate the turbine blade, the rotor and the cutting tool. Particularly, a part or a whole of the end portion of the rotary cylinder in the vicinity of the tool inlet is covered with the cover section (42) of the housing. Therefore, the rotary cylinder does not contact the teeth or the tissues of the buccal cavity.

Abstract: A disposable dental instrument of the compressed air drive type is disclosed for use in performing dental procedures on a workpiece. The disposable dental instrument is constructed from two mating shells and a core. Each shell incorporates a mating surface and the shells are joined using various bonding methods to ensure a waterproof, high quality dental instrument. An elongated body has conduits penetrating a base at one end of the body. The conduits allow entry of a light beam, a pressurized water stream, and a compressed air stream into the body. The base includes attachment threads for securing the body to a source of the light beam, pressurized water stream, and compressed air stream. Pluralities of passageways are in communication with the conduits for conducting the light beam, the water stream, and the air stream through the body. A head at the opposite end of the body rotatably mounts a turbine shaft on bearing surfaces which inhibit vibration and noise.

Abstract: A support structure for a turbine motor for use in a dental handpiece includes a pair of resilient rings to capture and limit rotation of an outer race of a bearing supporting a rotor of the turbine motor. The turbine motor is supported by first and second bearing assemblies, the first bearing assembly being proximate a dental tool and the second bearing assembly being distal the dental tool. The pair of rings are preferably located on the first bearing assembly, but optionally could be located on only the second bearing assembly or on both first and second bearing assemblies. The support structure further includes a resilient spacer ring located on the second bearing assembly to provide axial pre-load to the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: The invention concerns a handpiece for a surgical or dental tool (3), which can be inserted in the head of the handpiece (1) through an insertion hole (14) into a tool holder (2) and is rotationally supported by means of two axially separated bearings (12, 13), with positive torque transmission (8) to the tool (3) by the drive (9) installed in the handpiece, such that the tool possibly has a longitudinal bore (6) for supplying cooling liquid to the work site, and the handpiece (1) possibly has a short, fixed feed tube (7), which extends into the longitudinal bore and is sealed from the tool (3).

Abstract: The retainer of the present invention is made of a composite material having a body made from a polymer, a layer of solid lubricant formed over the body by chemically coating the body with a porous layer of solid lubricant and impregnating the solid lubricant with another lubricant using conventional methods such as vacuum impregnation. The retainer is placed between an outer raceway and an inner raceway to form a self-lubricating bearing. The bearing made in this manner has high lubrication tolerance (i.e. it performs well in the absence of external lubrication). Because of its high lubrication tolerance, the bearing is suitable for use in various applications such as dental/medical hand pieces that are periodically sterilized and other applications which occasionally experience periods of lubrication starvation.

Abstract: A dental cutting device has a head portion (10) which accommodates a rotary cylinder (20) for holding a cutting tool (22), and a turbine blade (21) mounted around and secured on the rotary cylinder (20). Air fed from an air-supply port (24) is blown onto the turbine blade to rotate the same, and the air blown onto the turbine blade is exhausted from the exhaust port (25). The head portion has a first chamber (26) which is located at a portion confronting the outer peripheral end portion of the turbine blade and which extends in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the rotary cylinder, and second chambers (27, 28) which are located adjacent to one or both ends of the turbine blade along the direction of the central axial and which communicate with the first chamber.

Abstract: An air-driven rotating and cutting device or handpiece has a double-wheel rotor. The handpiece includes connecting channels for guiding air from first turbine blades to second turbine blades. Each of the channels is defined by an opening opened toward a direction parallel to the rotational axis and a surface portion formed by extending the opening to a direction along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A air-driven cutting device for medical treatment (a handpiece (10)) comprises a housing (18) for a head portion (14). The housing (18) accommodates a rotary cylinder (60) for holding a cylindrical cutting tool (46) inserted through the tool inlet (42) of the housing, and a turbine blade (62) mounted around and secured on the rotary cylinder. With this arrangement, a compressed air is blown onto the turbine blade to rotate the turbine blade, the rotor and the cutting tool. Particularly, a part or a whole of the end portion of the rotary cylinder in the vicinity of the tool inlet is covered with the cover section (42) of the housing. Therefore, the rotary cylinder does not contact the teeth or the tissues of the buccal cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical handpiece (3) having a rotary part (12), in particular a turbine rotor (15a). In order to improve the handpiece with regard to small construction, running noise and economical construction, there is provided a roller bearing (21) for the purpose of mounting the rotary part (12), having at least two roller body rows arranged next to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical handpiece (3) having a rotary part (12) which is rotatably mounted in a bearing bushing (23) by means of a roller bearing (21) having an inner ring (21b) and an outer ring (21a). In order to improve the handpiece (3) with regard to an axial limiting of the roller bearing (21) there is arranged in the inner surface (23a) of the bearing bushing (23) or in the outer surface (21c) of the outer ring (21a) a first ring groove (25) in which there sits a securing ring (24) which projects out of the first ring groove (25) and bears at least with its one side on a shoulder surface (26a) of the respective radially oppositely lying part.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) has a rotor (15) and a ball bearing assembly (14) supporting the rotor (15). The ball bearing assembly (14) has at least one ball (22).

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) has a rotor (15) and a ball bearing assembly (13, 14) supporting the rotor (15). At least one of the ball bearing assemblies (13, 14) has a ball (20) and a retainer (21). The retainer (21) has at least one grease retaining groove (30, 50) or void (51) therein.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed, which includes a burr sleeve, upper and lower ball bearings for rotatably supporting the burr sleeve, a rotor fixed to the burr sleeve between the upper and lower ball bearings and rotated for rotatably driving the burr sleeve, and a dust controller. The dust controller includes a rotary protruding member fixed on the outer surface of the burr sleeve and rotating integrally with the burr sleeve, and a stationary protruding member attached to a stationary part of the handpiece and having a surface facing to the rotary protruding member to define a gap therebetween located outside of the lower ball bearing. The upper and lower ball bearings are angular contact ball bearings each having a bearing cage. The bearing cage has apertures that support bearing balls therein and are located in the middle of the bearing cage in the thrust direction.

Abstract: A high-speed medical/dental handpiece includes a handle, which carries air, water, and light to a disposable cartridge which is received on the sleeve. The cartridge includes a head portion and a sleeve portion. The cartridge head defines a chamber having an upper and lower portions each of which receives a bobbin shaped sleeve bearing, and a central portion which receives a turbine. The bearings each form annular channels with their respective chambers. The cartridge includes water and air passages which direct water to the turbine so that the turbine is driven by an air/water mixture. Water is also directed to the upper bearing and grooves in the lower bearing chamber allow water to enter the annular channel around the lower bearing. Axial passages in the bearings enable water to pass from the annular chamber to the bit to contact the bit shaft. The air and water in the chamber are exhausted through the bit opening in the bottom of the head as well as through a plurality of exhaust ports in the head.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) has a rotor (15) and a ball bearing assembly (14) supporting the rotor (15). The ball bearing assembly (14) has at least one ball (22). The bearing (14) has an inner (20) and an outer race (21), and the outer race (21) has an.

Abstract: The retainer of the present invention is made of a composite material having a body made from a polymer, a layer of solid lubricant formed over the body by chemically coating the body with a porous layer of solid lubricant and impregnating the solid lubricant with another lubricant using conventional methods such as vacuum impregnation. The retainer is placed between an outer raceway and an inner raceway to form a self-lubricating bearing. The bearing made in this manner has high lubrication tolerance (i.e. it performs well in the absence of external lubrication). Because of its high lubrication tolerance, the bearing is suitable for use in various applications such as dental/medical hand pieces that are periodically sterilized and other applications which occasionally experience periods of lubrication starvation.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) of the type having at least one component (11) fabricated from an elastomeric material, is improved by fabricating the component (11) from a perfluoroelastomer.

Abstract: A high-speed medical/dental handpiece includes a handle, which carries air, water, and light to a disposable cartridge which is received on the sleeve. The cartridge includes a head portion and a sleeve portion. The cartridge head defines a chamber having an upper and lower portions each of which receives a bobbin shaped sleeve bearing, and a central portion which receives a turbine. The bearings each form annular channels with their respective chambers. The cartridge includes water and air passages which direct water to the turbine so that the turbine is driven by an air/water mixture. Water is also directed to the upper bearing and grooves in the lower bearing chamber allow water to enter the annular channel around the lower bearing. Axial passages in the bearings enable water to pass from the annular chamber to the bit to contact the bit shaft. The air and water in the chamber are exhausted through the bit opening in the bottom of the head as well as through a plurality of exhaust ports in the head.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed, which includes a burr sleeve, upper and lower ball bearings for rotatably supporting the burr sleeve, a rotor fixed to the burr sleeve between the upper and lower ball bearings and rotated for rotatably driving the burr sleeve, and a dust controller. The dust controller includes a rotary protruding member fixed on the outer surface of the burr sleeve and rotating integrally with the burr sleeve, and a stationary protruding member attached to a stationary part of the handpiece and having a surface facing to the rotary protruding member to define a gap therebetween located outside of the lower ball bearing. The upper and lower ball bearings are angular contact ball bearings each having a bearing cage. The bearing cage has apertures that support bearing balls therein and are located in the middle of the bearing cage in the thrust direction.

Abstract: A drive system for dental handpieces, having a rotor (12) secured to a motor shaft (11), an anti-friction bearing system (13, 14), including an inner bearing race (17), an outer bearing race (18) and a plurality of rolling elements (19) arranged between the bearing races, and a coupling element (16) for coupling thereto a dental instrument (1) that is to be driven, the rolling elements consisting of a non-electroconductive material.

Abstract: In a dental handpiece with an elastically arranged reception part (8) for a tool, compressed air from angled exit nozzles (9) can be applied to a sleeve (7) allocated to the reception part (8) with radial play. The circulating movement of the sleeve (7) is converted into a vibration of the reception part (8), the plane of vibration lying essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reception part (8).

Abstract: A high-speed dental drill is comprised of a hand piece having a drill head at an end thereof. A turbine assembly is supported in a turbine chamber inside the drill head. The turbine assembly has a chuck which is rotatably secured between bearings. An impeller is secured about the chuck and aligned with an air inlet port in a sidewall of the turbine chamber. An exhaust port is provided in the sidewall to exhaust air. An air conduit is provided in the handpiece to direct air pressure to the air inlet port to drive the turbine and rotate the chuck. The chuck has a work bit engaging free end which is exteriorly accessible. An insert is secured to the drill head and provides access to the turbine chamber. The insert has a smooth conical tapered circumferential external sidewall for frictional engagement by a mating conical bore of a key for the removal and connection of the insert. The exhaust port has a non-circular cross-section in which the aspect ratio of the exhaust port is not equal to one.

Abstract: A dental handpiece has a head housing having a turbine chamber and an annular channel. First and second bearings are provided on opposite sides of the turbine chamber in the head housing. An air-driven turbine rotor is arranged in the turbine chamber and supported on the first and second bearings. A rotor spindle is driven by the air-driven turbine and drives, in turn, a tool. The first bearing is positioned proximal to the tool and the second bearing is positioned distal to the tool. The head housing has a drive air channel guiding drive air to the air-driven turbine rotor and a return channel for the drive air. A hollow space is provided in the head housing in which an actuator for the tool holder of the tool is arranged. Several air-permeable connecting channels connect a radially outer area of the turbine chamber to the hollow space or the annular channel or both.

Abstract: A handpiece is presented which utilizes fluid channels instead of electric wiring to provide power to a treatment device. These fluid channels operate a micro-turbine generator that provides electrical energy to treatment devices. Each micro-turbine generator generates electrical energy for powering at least one electricity consuming functional device; wherein said electricity consuming functional device is selected from the group; a compact laser, an electromechanical dental drill, an ultrasound generator, a microwave generator and, an activator for treatment chemicals. In particular this device provides energy to a dental hand-piece without the need for electrical wiring or optics between the hand-piece and the control apparatus. One or more fluid channels permit fluids to flow between the control apparatus and the hand-piece. This flow of fluid operates the micro-turbine, which in turn produces energy to operate a medical/dental device.

Abstract: An arrangement for driving a rotary dental or medical tool attached to a handpiece includes a vane motor that is compact enough to be mounted within the head of the handpiece. The vane motor includes a rotor, which is mounted within an eccentric bore of a cylinder, which forms a stator. Inlet ports into the vane motor preferably open perpendicular to the rotor's axis of rotation so that intake air is directed substantially directly at the vanes. An arrangement of the inlet and of outlet ports allows a duty stroke for each vane up to 240 degrees. Inlet and exhaust air preferably enters and exits the vane motor via annular channels surrounding either end of the cylinder. There is then no need to align the motor angularly when it is installed in the head. A radial gap is preferably provided between the rotor and the shaft it is mounted on. Channels connecting the bottom of each vane slot with this gap reduce the vacuum effect acting on the vanes as they extend.

Abstract: An air-driven rotating and cutting device or handpiece has a double-wheel rotor. The handpiece includes connecting channels for guiding air from first turbine blades to second turbine blades. Each of the channels is defined by an opening opened toward a direction parallel to the rotational axis and a surface portion formed by extending the opening to a direction along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A high speed dental handpiece (1) of the present invention includes a metal non-disposable body (3) and a plastic disposable cartridge (5, 5′, 205, 205′, 305, 605) received in the body (3). The body (3) is a one-piece body, has a sleeve (7), and an annular head (9) at an end of the sleeve (7). The sleeve (7) carries an air input line (27), an air exhaust path, a water line (25), and a fiber optic cable (29). The air input and water line (27, 25) are operatively connected to a supply of air and water, respectively. The fiber optic cable (29) is operatively connected to a source of light to carry the light to a patient's mouth to enable a dentist to more clearly see what is being operated upon. The disposable cartridge carries a turbine (95, 401, 501) and is placed in communication with the air input line (27) to drive the turbine. A bit (DB) is received by the turbine (95, 401, 501) and the water is directed toward the bit for cooling.

Abstract: A rolling bearing for a high-speed rotating equipment is constructed of an outer ring, an inner ring, rolling elements and a retainer to rotatably support at least a rotary shaft thereon. The rolling elements are non-metallic inorganic balls. The retainer is composed of a molded porous synthetic resin body having a porous portion of a communicated structure in at least a part thereof. The rolling elements and the retainer are lubricated with a lubricating oil.

Abstract: A dental turbine comprises a rotor (10) which is rotatably accommodated in a housing (12), the housing (12) having an outlet opening (23) for propellant air which causes the rotor (10) to rotate. The rotor (10) comprises a flow duct whose outlet opening (36) imposes a tangential component on the outflowing propellant air.

Abstract: The invented dental apparatus and method for its manufacture involves an integrally molded, polymeric, unitary, hand piece having fluid conduits formed therein during the molding process for conducting fluid, e.g. air, under pressure from a proximal end having an industry standard couple to a distal end including an integrally molded head piece for housing a rotary, preferably canister-type turbine to which a dental bur may be removably secured. Preferably, an integrally molded venturi chamber fluid-interconnects a pressurized one of the conduits and an inlet to the turbine's impeller and an outlet of the turbine's impeller is fluid-connected at an outlet of the canister to an exhaust one of the conduits. Optionally, one or more chip-air source conduits and a light valve may extend within the elongate interior of the hand piece to provide intra-oral, in-process cleaning, cooling and lighting functions. Preferably, the hand piece is injection molded via a lost-material, e.g.

Abstract: A gas turbine operated handpiece instrument having a spin able front shaft mounted bur that is operated by pressurized gas or air. Two embodiments are disclosed. In one a flexible rubber like PVC one-way pinch valve is mounted on an exterior gas exhaust stack of the instrument's body housing. This embodiment allows for the internal lubrication of the turbine parts by compressing the valve sides towards each other and then spraying a lubricate into the housing through the opened valve. In another embodiment, a metallic one-way ball valve is mounted within an extension to the housing and this design is more suitable for dental bur offset instruments. In both designs, the turbine has impellers located within the hollow body of the instrument. The purpose of the one-way valves in both embodiments is to prevent contaminates from being sucked back into the housing as the gas turbine is being shut down during its complete operating range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine handpiece (1), in particular for medical or dental-medical purposes, having a drive shaft (2), rotatably mounted in the forward end region of the handpiece (1), with which a tool can be connected by a mounting device, whereby there is arranged on the drive shaft (2), fixed for rotation therewith, a turbine wheel (4) in a turbine chamber (5), in which a delivery line (11) for a flowing pressure medium opens at an inlet opening (11a) and from which a discharge line (12) extends at an outlet opening (12a), whereby a apparatus (22) is provided which after a switching-off of the pressure medium supply, during the running on of the turbine wheel (4), prevents a release of the pressure medium rotating in the turbine chamber (5) through the discharge line.

Abstract: A fluid reaction device (10) is provided having a rotor (90) with vanes (92) pivotably connected thereto. The device (10) includes an entrance (30) for elevated pressure fluid and an outlet (40) for discharge of the fluid after contacting the rotor (90). The elevated pressure fluid passes from the entrance (30) into a high pressure area. The high pressure area is in contact with inlet ports (74) accessing a cylinder (70) within the device (10). The cylinder (70) supports the rotor (90) with a rotational axis (M) of the rotor (90) off center with respect to a central axis (N) of the cylinder (72). The elevated pressure fluid causes the rotor (90) and an attached output shaft (97) to rotate. The rotor (90) includes a trunk (24) with a plurality of posts (93) extending therefrom and with vanes (92) connected to the posts (93) through hinges (94). The vanes (92) can pivot from a first position collapsed against the trunk (24) to a second position spaced away from the trunk (24).

Abstract: An Improved Collet Assembly and Manufacturing Process is disclosed. Also disclosed is an improved collet that includes a spindle, a center portion comprising several tabs and a collar. The disclosed collet is manufactured from a single piece of stock, and as such, that the tabs are formed from this unitary piece. The disclosed collet is inserted into a collet housing that is further defined by a bore in its center. The preferred collet housing bore is further defined by a sloped portion that cooperates with the tabs formed on the collet to restrain a burr shaft from rotational or axial movement. The collet assembly of the present invention provides improved balance and therefore wear properties over previous collet assembly. In particular, the disclosed collet assembly is well suited for application inside a cannister assembly of a air-powered dental tool handpiece.

Abstract: Air driven dental handpiece motors include a tubular housing and a rotor rotatably supported within the housing. One motor is geared down by the provision of a plurality of idler gears rotatably supported on a hub which rotates between a sun gear on the output end of the rotor and a ring gear fixed within the housing. A drive shaft connects an exposed drive gear with the hub. A bearing is provided between the drive shaft and the inner bore of skirt extending from the ring gear to reduce a number of tolerances built up between the drive shaft and the bearing. The motor further includes a valve member rotatable through about 140.degree. of arc to vary maximum motor speed and motor rotation direction. The valve member abuts a valve plate having a circular air inlet opening and a semicircular air outlet or exhaust opening. The valve member has an air supply opening which is an elongated arcuate slot having radiused circumferential ends.

Abstract: A dental and surgical handpiece with disposable cartridge of the present invention includes a reusable handpiece and a disposable cartridge. The disposable cartridge contains all the major moving parts that provide torque and RPM for high speed dental drilling. The disposable cartridge detachably couples with the head of the reusable handpiece. The handpiece can be heat sterilized after the disposable cartridge is removed. The performance of the handpiece is not reduced by the sterilization since the turbine and bearings are contained in the disposable cartridge.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed which includes:a head housing provided at a distal end of the dental handpiece,a burr sleeve for unrotatably holding a dental treatment tool,upper and lower ball bearings for rotatably supporting the burr sleeve, each of the upper and lower ball bearings having an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of balls between the inner and outer rings,a rotor disposed between the upper and lower ball bearings and rotated by a compressed air for rotatively driving the burr sleeve, the rotor defining a rotation space within the head housing,a rolling bearing cage for supporting the plurality of balls at regular intervals in each of the upper and lower ball bearings, the cage having a side facing the rotor, anda baffle member disposed facing the side of the cage to define a first gap between the baffle member and the cage.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed, which contains a handpiece body for giving dental treatment on a site in oral cavity of a patient, and an optical semiconductor device in the handpiece body for illuminating the site during the treatment. The optical semiconductor device is preferably LED, more preferably VLED.

Abstract: An air turbine handpiece comprises a grip portion and a head portion disposed at a tip of the grip portion. In the handpiece, a rotor is disposed in a chamber in the head portion, and a cutting tool is detachably attached to a rotation shaft which is rotated integrally with the rotor. A nozzle opening for injecting air toward a turbine blade portion and an exhaust opening for exhausting the injected air to the outside are opened to the chamber of the head portion. An arc width of the nozzle opening in a circumferential direction is two or more times a height in a direction of a rotation axis of the rotor. The nozzle opening is formed so as to extend in a width direction.

Abstract: Dental drill handpiece having a disposable filter cartridge for cleaning drive air, water, chip air, and exhaust passing through the handpiece.

Abstract: In a dental angular instrument holder (10) a turbine (142) for driving a clamping chuck (62) for an instrument (64) is installed in a handle part (12) and is supported on a drive shaft (70) passing through a neck part (14). Thedrive shaft is fixedly connected to the clamping chuck (62) via a 90.degree. direction-changing gear. The turbine (142) can have large radial dimensions, compared to a turbine installed in the working head (16) of the angular instrument holder, so that a greater torque can be exerted on the instrument (64). In addition the movement-changing gear (66, 68) is at the same time designed as a reduction gear.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a rodlike member to a housing, particularly a dental tool to a handpiece, includes a tapered sleeve and a tapered collet received within the tapered sleeve, both having open ends for receiving the rodlike member. A depressible button is engageable with the closed end of the tapered collet to move the collet outwardly of the tapered sleeve, thereby to expand the tapered collet and to permit removal or insertion of the rodlike member. Several improved versions are also described including an annular seal carried by the open end of the tapered sleeve, a coiled spring urging the tapered collet inwardly of the tapered sleeve, an air bearing rotatably mounting an air turbine and the tapered sleeve, etc.

Abstract: A dental handpiece includes a turbine arranged in a handpiece head for rotating a tool, wherein the turbine is supported by slide bearings or roller bearings arranged on the side of the rotor or turbine facing the tool and on the side of the rotor or turbine facing away from the tool. The handpiece head includes an air duct for the propulsion air and a return duct for the returned or used air. At least one opening in the turbine chamber wall in the area near the axis is connected through a connecting duct to the return duct.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered surgical handpiece suitable for a pencil-type handpiece configuration in which the pressurized fluid inlet is axially directed relative to the handpiece body. Fluid is directed through a dispersing section from an axial direction to a radially outward direction against the interior of a hollow cylindrical turbine body provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged and longitudinally extending semi-circular channels adapted to receive the fluid flow and redirect it proximally through an annular exhaust channel situated annularly about the fluid inflow conduit. An output shaft is integrally formed with the turbine body and extending distally therefrom and a surgical instrument may be attached to or integrally formed within this output shaft. The invention also resides in a method for fluidically driving a surgical handpiece and lends itself to a method of producing a disposable fluidically driven surgical instrument.