Abstract: Provided is a system and method for a dental surgical guide for placing at least one dental implant in a patient's mouth. The surgical guide is a formed prosthesis with a contour to fit upon a patient's teeth. The formed prosthesis providing; at least one guide sleeve disposed in the formed prosthesis and structured and arranged to guide a surgical tool into a patient's jaw at a predetermined location, the guide sleeve defining a tool alignment pathway; at least one irrigant port structured and arranged to receive an irrigant line from a remote irrigant source and conduct the irrigant to a spout disposed proximate to each guide sleeve. A hydraulically activated valve may also be disposed within the spout. An associated method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical boom having a surgical head with an electrical connection, a plurality of inlet ports, a compressed gas outlet, and a water outlet, one of the inlet ports having a cover, a hollow surgical arm mounted to a ceiling in a room and having a plurality of joints, a shaft passing through said ceiling, and a shaft collar attached to the ceiling, an outlet port, a filter media arranged between said outlet port and one of the inlet ports, the filter media comprising an ULPA media and an adsorbent layer, a control panel, a suction unit configured and arranged in a position below the ceiling to cause a fluid to be drawn from the inlet port through the filter media and out through said outlet port while minimizing noise in the proximity of the inlet port, wherein the fluid drawn from said inlet port comprises an exhaust path through the hollow arm.

Abstract: A surgical boom having a surgical head with an electrical connection, a plurality of inlet ports, a compressed gas outlet, and a water outlet, one of the inlet ports having a cover, a hollow surgical arm mounted to a ceiling in a room and having a plurality of joints, a shaft passing through said ceiling, and a shaft collar attached to the ceiling, an outlet port, a filter media arranged between said outlet port and one of the inlet ports, the filter media comprising an ULPA media and an adsorbant layer, a control panel, a suction unit configured and arranged in a position below the ceiling to cause a fluid to be drawn from the inlet port through the filter media and out through said outlet port while minimizing noise in the proximity of the inlet port, wherein the fluid drawn from said inlet port comprises an exhaust path through the hollow arm.

Abstract: A method and device for programming a cordless handpiece used for root canal treatment and having a first memory and a tool holder for a treatment tool are described. The method includes providing a first data volume having a plurality of data sets in a second memory separate from the first memory, each of the data sets comprising at least one parameter assigned to the cordless handpiece and/or to the operable tool, selecting at least some of the data sets from the first data volume in the second memory, transmitting the selected data sets from the second memory to the first memory of the handpiece, and selecting a data set from the updated first memory for operation of the handpiece.

Abstract: A holding device with a base element for a handpiece of an intraoral scanner, which has a head area (3), has a receiving area (5) of the base element (1), in which the head area (3) can be snugly accommodated at least partially. The receiving area (5) has an interior (8) with at least two holding areas (10, 11), which are arranged essentially opposite to one another.

Abstract: Dental unit, which comprises at least one connection for at least one ancillary device, a drive-power and feed system for providing drive power or feed to said at least one ancillary device, and a control system for controlling the drive-power and feed system as well as the at least one ancillary device. For its part, the control system comprises at least one programmed function, which includes at least one predefined control operation directed to at least one ancillary device. In addition, at least one trigger is defined for each programmed function within the control system, in response to which said programmed function is performed. According to the invention, the dental unit comprises configuration means, which are arranged to receive control commands from the user in order to configure at least one programmed function and to configure said at least one programmed function according to control commands received from the user.

Abstract: A functional module type medical apparatus for use in medical treatment and/or diagnosis and a functional module with individual function of medical treatment and/or diagnosis are disclosed. The functional module type medical apparatus comprises a common functional body with a module connection part, having at least one of a display section for displaying necessary information relating to medical treatment and/or diagnosis, an operation section for medical treatment and/or diagnosis, and a power source section for supplying driving power to the medical apparatus, in which the module connection part is constructed such that the corresponding connection part of a functional module having medical treatment and/or diagnosis is replaceably connected thereto, whereby the common functional body cooperatively functions in accordance with its individual function of the functional module when the functional module is connected thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental rear delivery unit for providing an increased range of positioning of a doctor's hand piece delivery head and an assistant's instrument work delivery head at a head end of a dental chair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment element which is used to receive dental hand instruments. Said treatment element comprises a base part (1) which is provided with connections (2; 39) and which is used to accommodate the instruments, and a instrument storage place (5; 15). Said treatment element comprises an exchangeable upper part (4; 12).

Abstract: A control device for the drive of a dental handpiece has visual or acoustic indicating means for generating a warning signal if the torque exerted on a tooth to be worked or the material removal power exerted on a tooth to be worked exceeds a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: A multiple position tool receptacle may be incorporated within a medical delivery unit, such as a dental unit head, allowing for positioning of a hand-held device in one of two or more seats. The receptacle may include a switching device operatively coupled in the receptacle to “activate” the medical delivery unit upon removal of a hand-held device from any one of the receptacle's seats. A method of providing multiple hand piece positioning in a “holster” is also provided.

Abstract: A water spray intensity system for providing water to a dental workpiece based on dynamic conditions experienced by the handpiece. The dental workpiece is a dental structure, typically in the mouth of a patient. A periodic function of the handpiece may include a motion such as a periodic motion of a tool of the handpiece, the speed of the rotating tip or some measurable parameter such as the torque experienced by a rotating tip assembled to the handpiece. Instead of providing water at a constant flow rate, the periodic function of the handpiece, such as torque or tip speed, is made by measuring a parameter associated with the handpiece. The water spray intensity system then automatically adjusts the flow of water from the handpiece based on the sensed parameter or periodic function to improve cutting efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable dental system for use in areas having inadequate sources of power, either for human or for veterinary dentistry. The system provides one or more handpieces, each driven driven by a pressurized nitrogen gas contained in a portable tank. A water reservoir is also provided for medicated water to be applied to the tooth site. The system has two channels to which either a conventional dental handpiece or an abrasive handpiece can be attached. When two abrasive handpieces are attached, two different abrasive materials may be used by the system, one material for cleaning and one material for cutting or abrading.

Abstract: There is provided a light emitting device and a process for producing the same in that the light emission efficiency is high, the range of selection of the material is broad, and a device array of a large area can be formed. On a substrate 11 comprising quartz glass, an n-type clad layer 12 comprising a non-single crystal body of n-type AlGaN, a light emitting layer 13 containing plural microcrystals 13a comprising ZnO, and a p-type clad layer 14 comprising a non-single crystal body of p-type BN are laminated in this order. Between the n-type clad layer 12 and the p-type clad layer 14, an insulating layer 15 is formed to fill the gap among the microcrystals 13a to prevent a leaking electric current. The insulating layer 15 is formed by oxidizing the surface of the n-type clad layer 12.

Abstract: A pneumatic ‘Pinch Valve’ control assembly for regulating stopping and/or starting the supply of gasses, air and/or water to a tool, or any type of Dental or Laboratory handpiece in response to it's shaft entering and encircling the inner circumference inside a hanger or holder in which it is removably stored. The assembly comprises of a standard handpiece holder FIG. No. 1a normally referred to as a Universal holder, front section modified for this application and attached to a Back Plate or adapter through which channels are bored to allow flexible air tubing vinyl or other material passage in a horizontal or vertical manner.

Abstract: A dental apparatus is provided with a group of standard preparation instruments that are held in deposit devices having sensors allocated to each device to determine the configuration and deposit condition of the preparation instrument in the deposit device, the apparatus has a second group of non-preparation instruments which include image-acquiring instruments for diagnostic purposes. Both instrument groups or types share a personal computer with a keyboard and a monitor in common through one interface data where the instrument-related functions can be read in and read out so that the installed program of the personal computer is activated dependent on the particular instrument being used.

Abstract: A system for activating a dental handpiece connected to a supply hose after removal of the handpiece from a holder is provided. The handpiece includes a circuit with a switch element that acquires a change of an electrical or magnetic field or that can be influenced by such a field when the handpiece is taken from a holder or, respectively, is returned into a holder. The switch element is allocated to the end part of the supply hose facing toward the handpiece; the part that changes or, respectively, influences the field is disposed at the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and controlling fluid delivery to a dental handpiece includes a frame with a holder for receiving the handpiece, a compressed air actuating arrangement having a valve which is opened and closed by the insertion and removal of the handpiece into and from the holder, and fluid delivery tubing which extends to the handpiece and is affixed at spaced locations to the frame and to the actuating arrangement for folding of the tubing upon itself to close the tubing against fluid flow when the handpiece is mounted in its holder and for unfolding the tubing for open fluid flow when the handpiece is removed from the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and controlling fluid delivery to a dental handpiece includes a frame with a holder for receiving the handpiece, a support arm connected with the handpiece and pivoted to the frame, an actuating linkage operated by the support arm, and fluid delivery tubing which extends to the handpiece being affixed at spaced locations to the frame and to the actuating linkage for folding of the tubing upon itself to close the tubing against fluid flow when the handpiece is mounted in its holder and for unfolding the tubing for open fluid flow when the handpiece is removed from the holder.

Abstract: A control system for a dental handpiece, and the like, for supplying a pressurized drive fluid, pressurized air, and water to the handpiece, and which includes a holder for the handpiece having an internal pinch valve which is operated whenever the handpiece is inserted or removed from the holder. A control module is provided which actually controls the flow of the various fluids to the handpiece. The control module includes a pinch lever which engages the various tubes carrying the fluids to the handpiece, and it also includes a swell tube which responds to pressurized fluid from the handpiece holder whenever the handpiece is removed. A linkage system couples the swell tube to the pinching lever in the control module.

Abstract: A dental instrument holder is combined with a compact valve assembly that is operable for conveying signals to a control system whenever and instrument is removed from or returned to the holder.

Abstract: The service life of a lamp used with a dental handpiece light is enhanced by the brightness control system, which provides a reduced lamp intensity during the time the handpiece is moved from its holder. The control system increases the lamp to its full intensity when the handpiece is actuated.

Abstract: A control unit for an air-polisher is provided, wherein a bleed air line and an air/abrasive line both communicate with a diaphragm valve which in turn communicates with an air polisher handpiece which is stored in a bracket or other holder. The diaphragm valve is closed when the handpiece is in an idle mode and not in its bracket. This blocks pressurized container air and bleed air from carrying water and abrasive out of the nozzle immediately after the handpiece is deactivated, without allowing soluble abrasive within the handpiece to form a plug therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and controlling fluid delivery to a dental handpiece includes a handpiece holding support arm pivotably mounted to a frame member with fluid-delivery tubing being affixed at spaced locations to the frame and to the support arm for folding of the tubing upon itself to close the tubing against fluid flow when the handpiece is mounted in the support arm's holder and for unfolding the tubing for open fluid flow when the handpiece is removed from the holder.

Abstract: This is a dental air and water supply apparatus for selectively and automatically controlling the supply of drive air and/or air and water coolants to any one dental drill or dental handpiece in a dental tool system. The dental apparatus includes a plurality of separately replaceable modular pneumatic circuit blocks and connecting manifolds that are fed by a master block and distribution manifold. The modular pneumatic circuit blocks are modular and separate from the distribution manifold and thereby provides easy repair of the apparatus.

Abstract: In dental surgery apparatus, provided with the usual compressed air and water circuits supplying power and spray to drills and other instruments, use is made of a reservoir from which to dispense physiological saline into a pipeline connecting with the main water supply circuit; upstream of the resulting connection, the respective lines carrying saline and spray water are controlled by a 3-way, 2-position valve that permits of alternating from one source of liquid to the other as required.

Abstract: A replaceable fluid flow control device having a first element for providing valve bodies and a second element for providing fluid inputs and outputs. The second element is firmly mounted on a dental unit with a pair of mounting rods, and the first element is engaged with the second element by screws. It is convenient to dismount the first element from the second element by detaching screws, while blockage occurs within the first element.

Abstract: Hygienic suspension of an instrument for treatment connected to a dental or medical installation by means of an instrument tube, whereby the instrument tube comprises a magnetizable part, at least at the connection at the instrument, and a front panel of the installation comprises at least one magnet, the poles or pole shoes of which penetrate through the wall of the panel, serving for retaining the magnetizable part by attraction, and that a first insulating protection as a plastic casing or foil around the magnetizable part, and for the front panel, at least in the area of the magnet poles or pole shoes, a second insulating protection as a plastic foil are mounted removably, which are replaced after use of an instrument for a patient.

Abstract: A draping apparatus for covering dental and medical handpiece hangers. The apparatus is made from thin aluminum foil or from an aluminum foil-plastic film laminate. It is molded to allow rapid and convenient placement into handpiece hangers and the "dead soft" aluminum foil allows accurate adaptation of the cover to the hanger by finger pressure. A modification of the barrier includes a rectangular window where the aluminum is removed, exposing the translucent plastic film and allowing the function of auto-handpiece selector switches, either mechanical or photoelectric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve arrangement for controlling the flow of pressurized air, water and/or other media to at least one hand-operated tool, preferably an instrument for dental work. The valve arrangement includes for each tool a valve for each medium. According to the invention, each valve comprises a first valve part and a second valve part, those valve parts being arranged for relative movement between an open and a closed psoition under the influence of actuating means and further comprises a flexible hose connected at respective ends to the two first and second valve parts. When the valve parts occupy their valve-closed position, the part of the hose located between the two valve parts is folded so as to exhibit a flow-inhibiting fold or kink, whereas when the valve parts occupy their valve-open positions the flow-inhibiting fold is no longer present in the hose.

Abstract: A foot-operated starter or controller for a dental treatment apparatus possessing a patient's or dental chair and a plurality of treating instruments which are arranged in separate repositories, including actuating elements through the actuation of which there can be initiated or varied different functions of the applicable treatment location. The actuating elements are interconnected with a switching or junction circuit arrangement, which is connected in such a manner with display devices indicative of the removal of the treating instruments from their repositories, such that merely upon withdrawal of at least one treating instrument from its repository, the actuating elements serve for the regulation of the adjusted setting of the applicable treating instrument, whereas at the presence of the collective treating instruments in their repositories they serve for the setting of the adjusted positions of the dental chair.

Abstract: Antiseptic dental shields for preventing contamination of hand-held dental devices with infective micro-organisms or other pathogenic substances are disclosed. Such shields comprise an elongated disposable sanitary sleeve which cover at least a substantial portion of exterior surfaces of the hand-held dental devices. The sleeves are flexible, transparent, and sufficiently thin for accommodating manual manipulation of controls on the hand-held dental devices while maintaining sterility thereof. A disposable hanger adapter can be employed to connect with existing hangers which conveniently mount hand-held dental devices to further prevent contaminants from being transferred from one dental patient to another.

Abstract: A fluidic control assembly for controlling the supply of drive air and/or water to a tool such as a dental handpiece in response to its presence or absence in a hanger in which it is removably stored. The assembly comprises a primary fluidic control and a secondary control, with the primary fluidic control having a control valve which directs the flow of drive air from a source of supply through a primary chamber to a main outlet coupled to the handpiece. The control valve extends into a secondary chamber having means for operating the control valve in response to a predetermined pressure level in the secondary chamber. The secondary chamber communicates with the secondary control, which is integrated in the hanger for sensing the presence or absence of the tool in the hanger. The secondary control causes a build-up of pressure in the secondary chamber when the tool is absent from the hanger and causes the pressure in the secondary chamber to drop below the predetermined level when the tool is present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for shutting off suction generated through the single tubes of dental surgery equipment, which comprises a rotary mechanical obturator (5) located in the grip (1) of the suction tube (2) and attached to a pin (3) that engages in a helical groove (6) offered by the holder (4) in which the grip is replaced whenever the tube is not in use. Pin and obturator rotate as one between an open position and a closed position, the obturator being biased permanently toward the open position by a coil spring (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved delivery system for a dental treatment solution. More particularly, the apparatus disclosed includes a housing defining a well, a reservoir container for the dental treatment solution, and a pump for delivery of the solution to a hand piece. The pump includes an electrically energizable prime mover such as a motor or solenoid, a heater, and a control for the overall system. The control for the system provides a timing arrangement which is actuated upon placement of the reservoir container within the housing well, and which disables the system upon completion of the timing cycle. This feature, coupled with the employment of a visual signal, provides a dental professional with an indication of the strength or useful life of the dental treatment solution. Also disclosed are novel constructions for the pump and the heater, along with a novel design for the reservoir container.

Abstract: A dental drill system including a multiple of drills operated through a modular control setup by a single foot control unit. The moduler control setup includes an individual module for each hand drill, a syringe block, and a manifold to which the foot control unit is connected. The foot control unit produces the controlling functions by pressurizing different ones of a plurality of air lines connected into the manifold. Multiple orifices extended through the modules and into the manifold provides common air pressure from the foot control lines to each of the modules, and is referred to as a primary orifice network. A secondary orifice network in each module taps into the primary orifice and converts the foot control line pressures into the various dental drill functions i.e. drilling with cooling air, drilling with mist air and chip air.

Abstract: A switching arrangement for the control of setting or control elements which are associated with the treatment instruments of a dental treatment location, including a control data memory in which there are stored predetermined control data constants for the treatment instruments. The data is retrievable through a control component for the adjustment of the presently considered control element, and includes a first signal or voltage output arrangement which, through its supplied signals or voltages, facilitates changes in the control data which are conveyed to the control component from the control data memory. A second voltage output arrangement is connected with the control component which supplies a voltage variable from an initial or zero value, and wherein in the active switching thereof, there is prevented the receipt or delivery of signals from the control data memory and of signals or voltages from the first signal or voltage output arrangement through the control component.

Abstract: An induction heating process and apparatus for flameless heating of metallic dental laboratory tools, medical instruments, and the like. The induction heating coil is energized by placement of instruments within the annular zone formed by the windings of the coil, and differential light sensors are utilized to compensate for variations in ambient light levels.

Abstract: A dental treatment apparatus comprising at least one dental treatment instrument, a control data store in which certain fixed control data values are stored and from which they can be called-up as and when necessary, and a display device. In order to permit modification of the control data emitted in each case from the control data store, without the need to refer to the display device, a control member is coupled with the control data store and converts the control data emitted in each case from the control data store into corresponding analog voltages, which can be modified by the emission of an analog voltage corresponding to a desired modification, and which act as operating signals for the instruments.

Abstract: A main valve and separate sensing means are mounted in a housing spaced-apart relation. The main valve is formed with a valve chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and the valve comprises a valve seat and a valve member cooperating therewith. The valve member is movable between a closed position in which it engages the seat and blocks flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet and an open position in which it is spaced apart from the seat and enables such flow. The sensing means includes an exhaust to the atmosphere and exhaust shutoff means actuable for closing the exhaust. The housing and main valve are formed with a passage enabling restricted leakage of fluid from the main chamber to the sensing means for exhaust to the atmosphere when the valve member is in the closed position. The leakage fluid is in communication with the valve member and when pressurized applies a force urging the valve member to the open position.

Abstract: A dental treatment apparatus having a plurality of dental instruments which are adapted to be deposited and releasably retained in an instrument holding device. The dentist is a position to store for the individual treatment instruments operating data of his own selection which will constitute fixed values. The treatment instrument will begin with these fixed values when taken into operation. However, the dentist can deviate from the fixed values and vary the operating data. The fixed values, as well as the varied operating data can be read off by the dentist on a display arrangement. After termination of the treatment, the treating instrument upon again being placed in operation commences at the stored fixed value. A data converter provides that the operating data are indicated on the display arrangement. It is possible to call up, by means of a single selecting sequence, the sets of data informations typical for treatments by all instruments which are to be employed.

Abstract: In a dental apparatus, in which each of a number of instruments is controlled by a control circuit common to the instruments, which are connected with a common operator unit having a control member which is movable in planar directions out of a home position, auxiliary functions not related to the instrument operation may be carried out by means of the common operator unit by switching the apparatus to a second mode of operation, when all the instruments assume respective resting positions in an instrument carrier. Moreover, also auxiliary functions directly related to the instrument operation may be carried out by the common operator unit in a first mode of operation by actuating the control member thereof with a movement different from the instrument energizing movement. The movement for energizing such an auxiliary function may have another direction and/or a shorter duration than the instrument energizing movement.

Abstract: The invention concerns a console specifically designed for the suction tubes of suction units used in dentistry.The console basically comprises a box-like shell which is furnished with a collector, maintained in a state of vacuum and connected to the suction tubes, inside of which is a filter drawer through which pass all the fluids sucked in by the tubes. There is a compartment located in the top of the box-like shell, its top open, which contains the pneumatic and electrical command devices necessary to the console's functioning.The console further comprises a cover in which are located the forked housings for the tubes, which can be attached directly to the top of the box-like shell or which can be connected to the box-like shell by means of articulating arms which allow adjustment of the position of the cover and, consequently, the tubes' housings, with respect to the box-like shell, which will normally be fixed to the dentist's main assembly.

Abstract: A dental treatment installation comprising at least one dental handpiece having an air operated drive motor and an outlet for discharging operating media used for dental purposes, a spray handpiece, a control arrangement for controlling the supply of operating media to the handpieces, and a storage device for the handpieces having storage switching-means which are arranged to place the handpieces on stand-by to receive operating media upon extraction of the handpieces from the storage device. The control arrangement includes supply sleeves having ducts for supplying operating media to both types of handpiece, couplings for releasably coupling the supply sleeves to the handpieces, and a foot-operated device for regulating the supply of operating media to the handpieces and including first switching-means for controlling the supply of air to drive the motor of the dental handpiece and second switching means for controlling the supply of spray to the dental handpiece.

Abstract: A control unit is provided for supporting a multiplicity of dental handpieces of the high-pressure air-driven type, and which includes a plurality of holders for removably supporting the individual handpieces. Each of the holders is mounted on one end of a corresponding arm. The other end of the arm serves as a pinch block. Each arm is pivotally mounted on the frame of the control unit. An actuator is mounted on the frame of the control unit adjacent to each holder, and when a handpiece is inserted into the corresponding holder it engages the actuator and forces the corresponding arm to turn and to move, together with the holder and handpiece, to a down position. The other end of the arm then pinches one or more flexible tubes against a pinch bar in the control unit when the holder is forced to its down position.

Abstract: A dental delivery unit carries a number of dental instruments in nests. Upon selection, one nest is extended carrying its instrument to the dentist's group. Selection is accomplished by a priority system. Associated with each nest is a switch. Activation of any switch starts a selection period by a priority system. At the end of the selection period the nest corresponding to the last to be activated switch is extended by the priority system.If two switches are activated together the nest corresponding to the furthermost switch is extended.

Abstract: A hand held power tool, particularly of the type of a dental handpiece or the like is provided with power shut-off means disposed directly within the handle. The shut-off means is mechanically connected with a suspension means for suspending the hand piece or the like power tool such that the weight of the tool shuts off power supply to the tool. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a dental handpiece is disclosed wherein the suspension means is a magnet, whereby the handpiece can be suspended on any ferromagnetic surface without having to reach to a suspension fork which, in the known devices, is itself associated with a shut-off valve. The basic idea of the invention has broad application in many different fields of technology.

Abstract: A multiple dental handpiece control system is disclosed including a separate control valve block for each handpiece with multiple air and water passages through the valve block. A flexible sleeve is provided surrounding each fluid passage which, when pressure is supplied to its exterior, will collapse about a central fitting in each passage preventing flow from inlet to outlet openings in the central fitting. Pressure in the chamber surrounding the flexible sleeve is relieved when the dental handpiece is removed from its holder and is restored when the handpiece is returned to its holder.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for storing dental handpieces which includes a support device for each of the handpieces and a switching device for creating a signal when a handpiece is disposed in the supporting devices without contacting the handpiece. In one embodiment, the sensing device utilizes a light barrier which is broken by placing the handpiece in the supporting device and in another embodiment the sensing device utilizes a coil and resonant circuit whose output is changed by the presence of the handpiece.

Abstract: A dental treatment installation comprises a plurality of dental treatment instruments, a plurality of tools having different operating parameters and replaceably mountable in the instruments, and a main control device arranged to be supplied with the operating parameters of a selected instrument and optionally with further operating parameters, and to compute therefrom the operating point for the drive of the selected instrument and also the working data of the selected tool. The main control device includes stores which store the operating parameters of the tools under corresponding tool addresses or operating data addresses for the automatic control of the combined tool and instrument operation. A tool receiving station has receiving locations in which the tools are replaceably mounted and means is provided for transmitting automatically from said station to said main control device the tool address specific to a particular tool upon extraction of the latter from its receiving location.