Ultrasonic Tool Patents (Class 433/86)
  • Patent number: 11406413
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprises a cylindrical shaft and a blade at a distal or free end of the shaft, the blade being unitary and continuous with the shaft, without an intervening joint. The shaft has a longitudinal axis and the blade includes a flat or planar blade body with a proximal end eccentrically disposed relative to the shaft axis. Thus, the blade body or at least a proximal end portion thereof is disposed eccentrically relative to the shaft. The blade in its entirely may be inclined relative to the shaft axis or extend parallel thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: MISONIX, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Voic, Scott Isola
  • Patent number: 10368967
    Abstract: A dental insert (10) has a nozzle (30) supporting a grip sleeve (80). Nozzle 30 may include several components (31, 32, 33) that are assembled without the need for a weld. A grip retaining ring 60 is positioned at a nodal location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Clive Swatton, Kenneth R. Guaragno, Jeremy Kile, Jared Witmer
  • Patent number: 9421072
    Abstract: A vibratory instrument includes a tool releasably mounted on a tool carrier designed to be coupled with a vibration generator device. The tool includes in succession along a longitudinal axis: a working portion presenting a free end for reproducing the vibration transmitted by the vibration generator device; a coupling portion; and an elastically-deformable attachment portion disposed upstream from the coupling portion. The tool carrier includes in succession along a longitudinal axis: a housing receiving the attachment portion of the tool; and a coupling bearing surrounding the coupling portion of the tool, at least in part. The attachment portion of the tool presents outside dimensions that are adapted relative to the inside dimensions of the housing of the tool carrier to prevent contact between the attachment portion and the housing when the coupling portion of the tool is in contact with the coupling bearing of the tool carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Societe Pour La Conception Des Applications Des Techniques Electroniques
    Inventors: Patrick Lesage, Jean-Michel Richer, Alain Pinel
  • Patent number: 9233021
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a phacoemulsification cutting tip with a straight shaft and an angled portion off of the straight shaft may include a hook on the angled portion to move an axis of rotation of the cutting tip closer to alignment with an extended centerline of the shaft. The cutting tip may be configured to torsionally rotate back and forth on an axis perpendicular to a centerline of the shaft (e.g., rotation around a y-axis). In some embodiments, lateral vibrations (e.g., side to side along an x-axis or z-axis perpendicular to the y-axis) that result from torsional rotation around the y-axis in a cutting tip without the hook may be reduced through use of the hook to balance the otherwise eccentrically weighted hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Mikhail Boukhny, James Y. Chon, Ramon Carsola Dimalanta, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150125808
    Abstract: An apparatus for mineralising a biological material includes an ultrasonic source, operable to generate an ultrasonic signal, an ultrasonic probe and one or more mineralising probes, operable to receive a mineralising agent. The mineralising agent is transferred from at least one mineralising probe to the biological material using the ultrasonic signal. Also disclosed are a mineralisation agent and a method of mineralising a biological material that includes the steps of: providing an ultrasound source, providing a mineralising agent, generating an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasound source, and applying the ultrasonic signal and the mineralising agent to the biological material separately, sequentially or simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Nigel Pitts, Christopher Longbottom, Joseph Crayston
  • Publication number: 20150111169
    Abstract: Provided is a dental ultrasonic cleaning device that efficiently cleans teeth or dentures in an oral cavity using ultrasonic waves. A dental ultrasonic cleaning device 1 emits ultrasonic waves through a cleaning-liquid (W1) to the surface of a cleaning-target 26, ultrasonically cleaning it. An ultrasonic born 24 propagates ultrasonic waves being generated by an ultrasonic-wave transducer 23 and emits them from the vibratory surface 25 provided at the tip-end of the horn 24. A liquid-reserving part 27 is provided, surrounding the vibratory surface 25 of the ultrasonic horn 24, which temporarily reserves the cleaning-liquid (W1) between the vibratory surface 25 and the cleaning-target 26. A cap-member 33 is provided at a certain interval opposite the liquid-reserving part 27.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Matsuo Yamamoto, Takashi Takiguchi, Masanori Sato, Katsuyuki Inagaki, Kazumasa Kubota, Hideo Kozaka, Toshiaki Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9004920
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the amelioration of a recess (8), e.g. a recess in a (human) bone (7). The device comprises an element (2) for producing or coupling mechanical energy, and a cylindrical collar (4) comprising a cylindrical lateral surface having an outside diameter and having a central recess (26) for accommodating a guide pin (3). The guide pin (3) is provided to be inserted substantially down to the base of the recess (8) before applying oscillations, and in the region of the end thereat facing the base of the recess it is surrounded by an amelioration sleeve (6) made from a material that can be liquefied by way of ultrasonic oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nexilis AG
    Inventors: Falko Schlottig, Uwe Werner
  • Publication number: 20150072304
    Abstract: A dental insert (10) has a nozzle (30) supporting a grip sleeve (80). Nozzle 30 may include several components (31, 32, 33) that are assembled without the need for a weld. A grip retaining ring 60 is positioned at a nodal location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Clive SWATTON, Kenneth R. GUARAGNO, Jeremy KILE, Jared WITMER
  • Publication number: 20140356808
    Abstract: An adaptor for coupling a dental irrigation tip to an ultrasonic dental handpiece is disclosed. The dental handpiece is connected to a fluid source. The adaptor comprises an elongated body having a distal end for connection to the irrigation tip and a proximal end for connection to the dental handpiece. The elongated body has a through bore in fluid communication with the dental handpiece and the irrigation tip. In an alternate embodiment, the adaptor may replace the ultrascaling dental handpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Gary J. Pond
  • Publication number: 20140349248
    Abstract: A multiuse programmable dental device that allows the user to selectively program various fluid delivery regimens and methods of using and programming the irrigator device. The irrigator may also be operated manually, as desired by the operator. Other features, such as selective delivery of various fluids, monitoring fluids levels of the system, and the capability to store previously used regimens within the systems memory, are found in the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gary J. Pond, Wesley Day
  • Publication number: 20140212831
    Abstract: A medical or dental treatment device for use in an oral or dental procedure, comprises a base part with a power supply unit and an electrical or electronic control device and a set of different parts for use with the base part. The set of different parts comprises at least one delivery part for a first treatment phase and comprising a sound or ultrasound source, a movable piston and a piston operating element operable to deliver a substance from the delivery part to a treatment site, and at least one active part for use in a second treatment phase to act on the treatment site. The active part comprises a sound source, an ultrasound source and/or an electromagnetic radiation source. The delivery part and the active part are selectively connectible to the base part for use in consecutive treatment phases (the first can precede or follow the second).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: W&H DENTALWERK BÜRMOOS GMBH
    Inventors: Hannes Wagner, Walter Schuh
  • Publication number: 20140147804
    Abstract: This invention is achieved to provide a water-flow ultrasonic oral-cavity cleaning device and a method for water-flow ultrasonic oral-cavity cleaning for surely and efficiently cleaning an oral cavity. In the water-flow ultrasonic oral-cavity cleaning device 1, cleaning liquid W1 from a cleaning-liquid supplying device 2 is supplied into a transducer case 21 through a supply port 26. Ultrasonic waves S1 are propagated into the cleaning liquid W1 from an ultrasonic transducer 22 mounted in a transducer mounting part 23 inside the transducer case 21. The water-flow of the cleaning liquid W1 is collected at the apical-part inside the transducer case 21, and then emitted from the issue 27 into the oral cavity, wherein power supply of 100W or less is supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 22 of 50 mm or less in diameter to propagate the ultrasonic waves S1 of 100 kHz or more to 3 MHz or less in frequency into the cleaning liquid W1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicants: SHOWA UNIVERSITY, GC CORPORATION, HONDA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Matsuo Yamamoto, Takashi Takiguchi, Masanori Sato, Kengo Uemura, Tomomi Hikida, Katsuyuki Inagaki, Hideo Kozaka, Toshiaki Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20140057225
    Abstract: The present Utility Model Patent refers to an innovative constructive layout applied to an ultrasonic insert for irrigation to be engaged in a dental ultrasound device. The present invention is basically comprised of an elongated and slender rod (1) to be coupled to a dental ultrasound device, being that said rod has a fine inactive tip and a taper that increases from its tip toward the fastening part, in addition to being produced as a single component and having the inner part that penetrates the root canal smooth, having no cutting surface and, alternatively, can be made with different tip diameters, in different lengths of the active part and with different conicities of the active tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Alexandre CAPELLI
  • Publication number: 20130337404
    Abstract: A method comprises inserting an ultrasonic oscillatory dental tip into a gingival sulcus of a patient proximate to a subgingival tooth surface, and ultrasonically oscillating the dental tip while supplying a fluid to a porous of the dental tip to space the dental tip surface from the subgingival tooth surface to inhibit contact there-between while debriding biofilm from the tooth surface. A dental tool comprises a tip body having first and second ends, the first end coupleable to a dental delivery device; an internal fluid flow passage through the tip body disposed between the first end and the second end; the second end having a dental tip surface in fluid communication with the internal fluid flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: James Feine
  • Patent number: 8585404
    Abstract: Efficiency-modulated ultrasonic dental inserts (12) are disclosed for preventing the overpowering of power-sensitive tips (18). The inserts (12) are useful in a handpiece (10) having an induction coil (20) disposed about a well and operable with an adjustable power supply having a maximum power output setting. An efficiency-modulated magnetostrictive element (14) is adapted to be received in the well. A velocity transducer (16) has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is attached to a distal end of the magnetostrictive element (14). A power-sensitive tip (18) has a proximal end secured to the distal end of the velocity transducer (16). The efficiency of the magnetostrictive element (14) is matched with the power range of the tip (18) to prevent overpowering the tip (18) at the maximum power output setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: James S. Feine
  • Publication number: 20130209955
    Abstract: A device includes a connecting end and a working end. Device has an internal fluid passageway and a bend area. The fluid passageway has a discharge opening or hole, which opening is positioned or located substantially away from the bend area, such that the discharge opening and upstream portions of the passageway will remain unaffected, substantially unaffected, or selectively affected by any deformation thereof due to the bending procedures employed to make the other portions of the tool, such as those conventionally involved in fabricating the bend area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Vicky L. MORAN, Kevin LINT
  • Publication number: 20130171582
    Abstract: Provided is an abrasive tip with which a tip, a curette, or the like can be readily sharpened by anyone without requiring skill gained through experience. Provided is a shaft (2) that is detachably attached to an end of a handpiece of a dental ultrasonic scaler or a dental air scaler, and a flat plate (3) extending continuously from an end of the shaft (2) and having a top surface (9), a bottom surface, two side surfaces (11), and a front surface (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Masanori Nishikibe, Mitsuyoshi Nishikibe
  • Patent number: 8469707
    Abstract: A hand-held device, particularly for dental purposes, comprising a dispenser for dispensing a pasty filling material as well a device for emitting a radiation that causes the filling material to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Emde
  • Patent number: 8435034
    Abstract: The present invention describes an ultrasonic dental insert capable of enhanced operating efficiency. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic insert, when seated in the handpiece, is substantially decoupled, on a rotary axis, from the handpiece. A rotary force need only be applied to the insert to rotate it in the handpiece. At least one light source substantially proximate or distal to the tip may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Zila, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Gersh, Pejman Fani, John Raybuck
  • Publication number: 20130004912
    Abstract: Tooth whitening device for whitening teeth using sonochemistry includes a body, and an ultrasonic transducer provided in the body. The ultrasonic transducer is configured for producing ultrasonic waves in the range of 20-100 kHz, and good results have been achieved with ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 40 kHz. There is an ultrasonic horn provided on the body, and the ultrasonic horn is operatively connected with the ultrasonic transducer. A liquid retaining element is provided on the ultrasonic horn, and the liquid retaining element is configured for retaining a liquid tooth whitening composition against a user's teeth. The liquid retaining element may be a sponge or a replaceable pad, such as a foam pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Dentovations Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Brown, Mark Edward Farrell, Arshad Ali, Tim Diasti, Graham K. Philp, JR., Garham K. Parrish-Philp
  • Publication number: 20120308956
    Abstract: An ultrasonic dental instrument provides a hand piece with an ultrasonic generator communicating with a separable base and tip that when assembled provide mechanical rigidity and the conduction of ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic generator to a distal portion of the tip but which may be separated for individual replacement and manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: James A. DeVengencie, F. Kris Olsen, Spanky Raymond
  • Publication number: 20120270177
    Abstract: A dental ultrasonic drug delivery system capable of accurately cleaning the inside of root canals and killing bacteria in dentin tubules is provided. The dental ultrasonic drug delivery system delivers a drug to a target using an ultrasonic delivery device 800. The drug is delivered in a mixed state with nanobubbles. A dental therapeutic probe for applying ultrasound is attached to the ultrasonic delivery device 800. The dental therapeutic probe is selected from: (1) a root canal insertion probe 100 which is configured to be inserted into a root canal and causes ultrasound to propagate in the root canal; (2) a dental caries therapeutic probe which causes ultrasound to propagate in a dental caries portion; (3) a periodontal disease therapeutic probe which applies ultrasound to a periodontal disease portion; and (4) a hyperesthesia therapeutic probe which applies ultrasound to hyperesthesia portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicants: FUKUOKA UNIVERSITY, NATIONAL CENTER FOR GERIATRICS AND GERONTOLOGY
    Inventors: Misako Nakashima, Katsuro Tachibana
  • Publication number: 20120122054
    Abstract: A container for use with a hand-held device, in particular for dental purposes, for dispensing a pasty filling compound, the viscosity of which can be reduced by supplying vibration energy, wherein the container is designed to receive the pasty filling compound and comprises a discharge opening at the front end for dispensing the filling compound. The discharge opening is formed by a cannula which is made of steel, for example. The viscosity of the filling compound can be positively influenced by the cannula. In this way, in particular a significant increase in the liquefaction degree of the filling compound can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Emde
  • Patent number: 8057480
    Abstract: An ultrasonic handpiece is used for augmenting a bone screw. The handpieces comprise a housing, an ultrasonic converter shiftingly accommodated in the housing, and a sonotrode connected to one end of the ultrasonic converter. The sonotrode protrudes from the housing into the bone screw. An adjuster wheel is adjustably connected to the housing. A spring is provided the ends of which are supported by the ultrasonic converter and the adjuster wheel, respectively. The ultrasonic converter is preloaded in the direction away from the adjuster wheel by setting the adjuster wheel, thereby the sonotrode is urged with a selected force into the bone screw and the augmentation material is pressed out of the bone screw and into the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Dorawa, Manuel Schwager, Marcel Aeschlimann, Philipp Seiler
  • Patent number: 8043088
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquefaction endodontic system having a graspable hand piece includes a contra-angle tip assembly that has an insert and an internal fluid flow passageway. A portion of the fluid flow passageway passes through a C-shaped receiver located at the end of the receiver so that an ultrasonic frequency may pass directly to the fluid flowing through the passageway. The fluid flow passageway may be an injection tube and the tubular body portion of the tip assembly may be injection molded around the injection tube and the insert. A supply tube, which is held in position by tube guides connected to the hand piece, provides a source of flushing fluid with and without pulsed pressure. The fluid pressure pulses may have an ultrasonic energy superimposed thereon as the fluid is forced into a root canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110229845
    Abstract: An ultrasonic dental implant tool set includes an ultrasonic machine, a hand piece connected to the ultrasonic machine and tool members selectively mounted on the hand piece for providing vibrations and a compressed fluid. Each tool member has a connection base, a pole and a cutter tip. The spray nozzle has a connection base, a pole extends from the connection base and having a longitudinal fluid passage for the passing of a fluid and a fluid injection hole for injecting a fluid into a vertical hole made on the alveolar ridge of the patient to be treated, and an operating tip located on one end of the pole remote from the connection base and for insertion into the vertical hole made on the alveolar bone of the patient to transfer ultrasonic vibrations to the fluid applied to the inside of the vertical hole on the alveolar bone of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Chun-Leon CHEN
  • Publication number: 20110229846
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sinus membrane/periosteum separation tool set consisting of a cutting tool and a spray nozzle for use with a hand piece of an ultrasonic machine is disclosed. The cutting tool has a connection base, a pole and a cutter tip. The spray nozzle has a connection base, a pole and an operating tip. The pole extends from the connection base, having a longitudinal fluid passage for the passing of a fluid and a fluid injection hole for injecting a fluid into a hole made on the alveolar ridge of the gingiva of the patient to be treated. The cutter tip and the operating tip each have jet holes for ejecting a fluid radial in jets, facilitating sinus augmentation (sinus lift or sinus graft). The ultrasonic sinus membrane/periosteum separation tool set can also be used in an upper/lower jaw deformity implant surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Chun-Leon Chen
  • Patent number: 7981071
    Abstract: A handheld instrument for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic that has a main body, a vibration unit mounted in the main body when initiated to cause the main body to vibrate, and a detachable tip cantilever mounted on the main body to vibrate with it, the tip having a free end characterized by a bifurcation to form two spaced projections defining a space between them, whereby the spaced projections can be placed in proximity to, adjacent to and bracketing a preselected injection site on a human or animal and the tissue at said preselected injection site and vibrated while an injection is given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Bing Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven G. Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20110143305
    Abstract: A medical or dental treatment device for dispensing a medium having a base part with a power supply unit and an electrical or electronic control device and at least one delivery part that can be connected detachably to the base part via a coupling device and which has a sound source, such as an ultrasound source, and a delivery device for dispensing the medium from the delivery part. In addition, at least one active part, which can be connected detachably to the base part via the coupling device, may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Hannes Wagner, Walter Schuh
  • Patent number: 7959438
    Abstract: An ultrasonic tool is disclosed with a handpiece (300, 500, 806) containing coils (304A-304D; 504A-504D; 804A-804B) that produce an electromagnetic field that vibrates a magnetic rod (102, 702A, 702B, 820) of a moveable pin transducer (MPT) 100 disposed within the handpiece. Ultrasonic vibrations are produced when the coils are selectively powered by an ultrasonic signal generator, which can include a stepper motor control apparatus (1300, 1400). A tip 106 can be removably attached to an MPT 100. A channel (708A, 708B) in the magnetic rod (700A, 700B) can allow fluidic communication with a handpiece fluid supply channel (310, 510). A method of vibrating a tool can include controllably energizing at least one electromagnetic coil contained within a handpiece to vibrate a magnetic rod and an attached tip. The method can include varying the energy to at least one of the electromagnetic coils with a stepper motor control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: James Feine
  • Publication number: 20110076638
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a source of gas (air) bubbles (14) in a liquid medium, the gas bubbles having a size range which is associated with the size of bacteria alone or in colonies, on teeth or other surfaces. A source of ultrasound signals (16, 18) has a range of frequencies between 200 kHz and 2 MHz, the ultrasound frequency range including the resonance frequencies of a majority of the bubbles. The application of the ultrasound to the bubble/liquid stream directed toward the biofilm on the teeth results in a dislodging/removal of the biofilm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Gottenbos, John Douglas Fraser, Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Benjamin Marty
  • Publication number: 20100261135
    Abstract: A single use cartridge 10 is disclosed for dispensing a medicament or other substance for dental, medical, or veterinarian applications. A motive fluid can contact the medicament to mix and dispense from reservoir 12, or the motive fluid can act on a plunger 21 to dispense the medicament. A handpiece 15 can sealably connect the cartridge 10 to a source of the motive fluid. The cartridge 10 can be easily replaced to facilitate the use of multiple cartridges with a single handpiece 15. An ultrasonic cleaning element 30 with a channel for fluid flow can be used in a handpiece 25 with a single use medicament cartridge 28 to dispense medicament during ultrasonic dental procedures. A cartridge 72 can contain a mixing element 70 to mix the motive fluid and abrasive particles for tooth surface polishing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: HU-FRIEDY MFG.CO., INC.
    Inventor: James Feine
  • Publication number: 20100233649
    Abstract: A hand held dental device that is utilized to irrigate and aspirate a root canal during a root canal procedure is described. The device includes multiple functionalities permitting a dentist to drip irrigant into a primary canal from an opening thereabove and remove the irrigant from proximate the apex of the tooth using suction through a thin cannula while agitating the solution within the canal at sonic frequencies ranging from about 6,000 to 12,000 hertz. On variation includes a pneumatically powered sonic driver to impart the necessary vibration to the cannula which in turn transfers the sonic energy to the pool of irrigant contained in the canal of a tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: John W. McPeek, David Truwe
  • Publication number: 20100167235
    Abstract: A handpiece (1) is described for making holes in bone tissue including a surgical tool (3; 103) provided with a tip or head (40; 140) able to make a hole in the bone. The handpiece works by ultrasound, the tip (40; 140) of the tool includes a plurality of cutting elements (43) defining the profile of the hole to be made in the bone, and in the body of the tool there is provided a main channel (36) which ends in an outlet hole (44) opening in the tip of the tool (40; 140) for the passage of a cooling fluid, so as to cool the work area affected by the tool tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PIEZOSURGERY S.R.L.
    Inventors: Domenico Vercellotti, Tomaso Vercellotti, Fernando Bianchetti
  • Publication number: 20100167234
    Abstract: A rinsing instrument (1) is described, comprising a vibration part (30) and a spraying part (20) which can be coupled to each other. The spraying part comprises: a hollow cylindrical body (21) with an input end (23) and a narrow needle (25); an axially displaceable piston (22) arranged in the interior of the body, which at its free side directed away from the spraying mouth is provided with a coupling member (27) for coupling to the vibration part, for instance a threading. The vibration part comprises: a housing (31) which at an end is provided with a coupling member (32) for coupling to the spraying part, for instance a threading; a vibration generator (34) mounted in the housing, for instance a motor; a battery chamber (39) for receiving a battery (35) providing electrical supply to the vibration generator; a user-controllable switch (36) mounted in the housing for actuating the vibration generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Petrus Johannes Wouter Brokx
  • Patent number: 7744729
    Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Satinder K. Nayar, Ronald W. Gerdes, Michael W. Carpenter, Kamal E. Amin
  • Patent number: 7731823
    Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Satinder K. Nayar, Ronald W. Gerdes, Michael W. Carpenter, Kamal E. Amin
  • Patent number: 7686773
    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: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Raintree Essix, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Sherrill F Lindquist
  • Patent number: 7675219
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an ultrasonic unit f an ultrasonic cleaning system with at least one control unit, one generator unit and one hand-held unit containing the ultrasonic unit and one switching module provided for starting the ultrasonic unit, wherein mechanical oscillations can be generated via the ultrasonic unit and transmitted to an instrument that is mechanically connected to the ultrasonic unit. In a preferred embodiment, the resonant frequency required for operation of the ultrasonic unit in resonance is determined by a control routine executed in the control unit, and a control signal (ss) based on the determined resonant frequency is generated in the generator unit and is sent to the ultrasonic unit for operation of the ultrasonic unit in resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Tanzer, Bernhard Jung
  • Patent number: 7604479
    Abstract: A dental instrument comprising a handpiece with a threaded extension and a working tool for attachment to the extension includes a wrench mounted on the distal end of the handpiece for use in attaching the tool to the extension. The wrench comprises a nose piece mounted on the front end of the handpiece, said nose piece rotateable radially about the front end of the handpiece as well as longitudinally slidable forward of the distal end of the handpiece so that an opening in a front end of the nose piece extends over the hub of the tool. Rotating the extended nose piece radially around the front end of the handpiece causes the hub of the tool to rotate, attaching the tool to the threaded extension. The nose piece is then retracted to a storage position during use of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: L. Stephen Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20090208899
    Abstract: A bypass device and kit for delivering a fluid to a dental area for use with a dental handpiece. The device comprises a fluid reservoir, a length of hollow tubing that will be attached externally to the handpiece, and a nosepiece connected to the tubing. Fluid is delivered to the dental area through the nosepiece, independently of the dental handpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Gary J. Pond, John Baeten
  • Publication number: 20090136894
    Abstract: An insert for a handheld ultrasound surgical device is disclosed. The insert comprises an interface to receive ultrasound vibrations and provide fluid to a channel within the insert. The insert also comprises a tip having a plurality of cutting elements disposed in a substantially circular configuration. Each of the cutting elements is disposed radially from the opening to provide a plurality of corridors that allows that fluid to pass from the opening to an edge of the tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Vercellotti Tomaso, Vercellotti Domenico, Bianchetti Fernando
  • Publication number: 20090042163
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquefaction endodontic system having a graspable hand piece includes a contra-angle tip assembly that has an insert and an internal fluid flow passageway. A portion of the fluid flow passageway passes through a C-shaped receiver located at the end of the receiver so that an ultrasonic frequency may pass directly to the fluid flowing through the passageway. The fluid flow passageway may be an injection tube and the tubular body portion of the tip assembly may be injection molded around the injection tube and the insert. A supply tube, which is held in position by tube guides connected to the hand piece, provides a source of flushing fluid with and without pulsed pressure. The fluid pressure pulses may have an ultrasonic energy superimposed thereon as the fluid is forced into a root canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080311540
    Abstract: A method of removing bio films from a surface is disclosed. The method includes a source of bubbles in a liquid medium being provided. The bubbles having a predetermined size. A source of ultrasound waves at a predetermined frequency also being provided. The bubbles in the liquid medium being output toward the surface. The ultrasound waves also being directed toward the surface so that the bubbles vibrate at the predetermined frequency of the ultrasound waves. The predetermined size of the bubbles is approximately related to the frequency of the ultrasound waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Gottenbos, Joep Janssen, Antonius Maarten Nuijs
  • Patent number: 7297238
    Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Satinder K. Nayar, Ronald W. Gerdes, Michael W. Carpenter, Kamal E. Amin
  • Patent number: 7175431
    Abstract: A water guiding mechanism of teeth cleaning machine comprising a center shaft, a plastic base and an ‘O’ shape ring, the major character as following: a stainless-steel head is installed on the front of the center shaft, a bend is on the center of the stainless-steel head, a sleeve in on the front inner side of the plastic base, a silicon sleeve is on the front brink of the sleeve, the silicon sleeve wraps the backside of the stainless-steel head and around the bend, a compression chamber is installed between the back half of the silicon sleeve and the stainless-steel head; based on the structure described above, the compression chamber of the silicon sleeve is applied to guide and compress water, the stainless tip can aim upward, and achieve the effect to minimize the possibility to have water spray on patients' faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-I Tsai
  • Patent number: 7172420
    Abstract: The invention concerns an ultrasonic shaping instrument comprising: a mount structure (10), a sonotrode (14) elastically mounted on the mount structure (10), a tool (16) fixed to the sonotrode (14) for carrying out shaping operations, and a control member (12) for controlling and powering the sonotrode (14). The instrument is dimensioned so that the assembly consisting of the sonotrode (14) and the tool (16) has a resonance ultrasonic frequency fo, in a mode selected among traction-compression and torsion, variable between a lower limit fomin and an upper limit fomax, and it does not have itself any other resonance frequency in a range between a frequency fpmin<fomin and a frequency fpmax>fomax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ecole D'Ingenieurs
    Inventors: Gérard Huguenin, Pierre Pasche
  • Patent number: 7150629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental scaling translucent insert which provides a coaxially aligned light adjacent the distal end of such insert for illuminating the tip of the dental scaler which light may be provided by light emitting from a fiber optic light guide from a light source located remotely from the tip. The light provided can also be used to view through a camera lens system located in translucent insert to provide a clear unobstructed view of the work at the tip of the scaler on a remote screen or for recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: James Feine
  • Patent number: 7140878
    Abstract: A dental tool for use with an ultrasonic transducer, the tool comprises a substantially elongate tool defined by a shaft having a proximal end with a coupling attachment at the proximal end for attachment to an ultrasonic transducer, and a distal end having a tip configured for performing a dental procedure, and a fluid passage extending from the proximal end to a port configured and positioned to direct fluid onto the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dentsply International, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa R. Hickok
  • Patent number: 7118377
    Abstract: A dental system for cleaning a user's teeth and marginal gingiva with a drug solution includes a mouthpiece made for each user and having substantially the same shape as the teeth and the marginal gingiva of the user. The mouthpiece is designed to produce a gap between the mouthpiece and the teeth together with the marginal gingiva when placed to cover the teeth and the marginal gingiva of the user. The dental system also includes a drug solution supply unit and a drain unit, both connected to the mouthpiece, and a suction unit connected to the drain unit. The mouthpiece adheres to the marginal gingiva by a suction applied from the suction unit. The dental system cleans the teeth and the marginal gingiva with a stream of the drug solution flowing through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: Yoshinori Inoue, Hisaaki Shinji, Noboru Uchimura