Abstract: A socket for removably receiving an end of a dental saliva ejector tube includes a central body having a first end forming a port for being coupled to a vacuum hose. The central body includes a passage extending therethrough from the first end toward a second opposing and that includes an enlarged bore forming a socket for receiving the end of the dental saliva ejector tube. A lever, slide member, or other movable retaining member is movably secured to the central body for selectively engaging, or moving away from, the sidewall of the ejector tube. The movable retaining member includes a sharpened tip for lightly digging into the sidewall of the ejector tube. A biasing spring may be provided for urging the retaining member into engagement with the sidewall of the ejector tube. A user may depress or otherwise actuate the retaining member to move it away from the ejector tube to insert or remove the ejector tube from the socket.

Abstract: This is an air-sucking, sterilizing and wastewater treatment method for dental clinic bed. It has an air-sucking and sterilizing device, and a wastewater-treating device below a gargle bench of a dental clinic bed. The air-sucking inlet of the air-sucking and sterilizing device is connected above the bench top to an air-sucking pipe that can be bent to form. At the other end of the air-sucking pipe is an air-sucking mask equipped with a clinical lamp. Utilizing the bendable property of the air-sucking pipe, the dentist can adjust the air-sucking mask with the clinical lamp to an optimum position, to collect germ-carrying flying saliva and volatile chemicals produced in the clinical process, or the flying moisture from the tooth grinding machine in the air-sucking and sterilizing device. Inside the air-exhaust valve is a ion device for purifying purpose to enhance hygienic quality of the entire clinical process, and avoid unnecessary contamination of flying saliva.

Abstract: This is an air-sucking, sterilizing and wastewater treatment method for dental clinic bed. It has an air-sucking and sterilizing device, and a wastewater-treating device below a gargle bench of a dental clinic bed. The air-sucking inlet of the air-sucking and sterilizing device is connected above the bench top to an air-sucking pipe that can be bent to form. At the other end of the air-sucking pipe is an air-sucking mask equipped with a clinical lamp. Utilizing the bendable property of the air-sucking pipe, the dentist can adjust the air-sucking mask with the clinical lamp to an optimum position, to collect germ-carrying flying saliva and volatile chemicals produced in the clinical process, or the flying moisture from the tooth grinding machine in the air-sucking and sterilizing device. Inside the air-exhaust valve is a ion device for purifying purpose to enhance hygienic quality of the entire clinical process, and avoid unnecessary contamination of flying saliva.

Abstract: An assembly for aspirating and irrigating an endodontic or other cavity. The assembly includes a handpiece having at least one fluid discharge inlet and a vacuum outlet. The assembly further includes a surgical needle connected to the handpiece by way of a L-shaped connector. The L-shaped connector is arranged to support the needle while concurrently providing communication between a fluid discharge tube and an aspiration tubing.

Abstract: An assembly for aspirating and irrigating an endodontic or other cavity. The assembly includes a handpiece having at least one fluid discharge inlet and a vacuum outlet. The assembly further includes a surgical needle connected to the handpiece by way of a L-shaped connector. The L-shaped connector is arranged to support the needle while concurrently providing communication between a fluid discharge tube and an aspiration tubing.

Abstract: A toothbrush including a handle that has a first chamber towards a closed end in which is located a bristled head, and access passageways through the bristled head externally of the bristles. The access passageways communicate with the first chamber. A fluid supply line is provided on or in the side of the first chamber from which extend the bristles of the bristled head. The fluid supply line extends into the bristled head and has at least one outlet sited within the confines of the bristles. In addition, there is an air vent to prevent a build up of vacuum in the mouth of the user, located on the side of the first chamber from which extend the bristles of the bristled head. The air vent terminates at one end in close proximity to the bristles to that side of the bristled head, and terminates at the other end at a distance along the length of the handle to ensure that it cannot be fouled by the mouth of a user.

Abstract: A disposable saliva ejector has a strainer tip at its distal end. The strainer tip has a plurality of slots through which saliva, blood etc. can be extracted from the patient's mouth. A protective flange is located adjacent the strainer tip, extends parallel to it, and is spaced apart from it. The space between the flange and the tip is sufficiently small that the patient's flesh is unlikely to become interposed between the tip and the flange. For this reason, slots in the region of the flange will likely always remain unblocked. For this reason, the tip and flange do not become tightly wedged against the patient's flesh as a result of the vacuum supplied to the ejector.

Abstract: A socket for removably receiving an end of a dental saliva ejector tube includes a central body having a first end forming a port for being coupled to a vacuum hose. The central body includes a passage extending therethrough from the first end toward a second opposing end that includes an enlarged bore forming a socket for receiving the end of the dental saliva ejector tube. A lever, slide member, or other movable retaining member is movably secured to the central body for selectively engaging, or moving away from, the sidewall of the ejector tube. The movable retaining member includes a sharpened tip for lightly digging into the sidewall of the ejector tube. A biasing spring may be provided for urging the retaining member into engagement with the sidewall of the ejector tube. A user may depress or otherwise actuate the retaining member to move it away from the ejector tube to insert or remove the ejector tube from the socket.

Abstract: A tissue traction device according to the invention includes an elongated tube defining a vacuum passageway, which tube has a proximate end defining a first opening, a distal end defining a second opening, and a third opening between the ends. A shield covers the distal end of the tube, the shield having a plurality of openings providing communication between the vacuum passageway and an exterior surface of the shield. The shield prevents the tissue from being pulled deep into the tube, thereby protecting the tissue from damage. Each of the openings having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the vacuum passageway. The tube and shield are configured for use in surgery, such that when suction is applied to one of the first and third openings, the level of suction through the second opening can be controlled by varying the extent to which the other of the first and third openings is uncovered, whereby the suction causes the shield to selectively hold tissue against the shield.

Abstract: A socket for removably receiving a dental saliva ejector tube includes a central body having a first end forming a port for being coupled to a vacuum hose. The central body includes a passage extending therethrough from the first end toward a second opposing end. An elastic sleeve is secured over the second end of the central body for receiving the end of the ejector tube. A pair of spreader members are secured to the elastic sleeve. A pair of levers are pivotally secured about the central body and are actuated by the user to pull the spreader members apart, thereby distending the elastic sleeve to more easily receive the dental saliva ejector tube. To prevent the ejector tube from becoming dislodged during use, a rib may extend about the lower end of the ejector tube.

Abstract: A suction oral care device with a head having opposite scrub elements. The scrub elements are dissimilar to one another, one of the scrub elements comprising bristles and the other comprising a foam pad. A suction port communicates with each scrub element, each suction port leading to a suction end of the device. A suction outlet, separate from the suction ports, also extends from the cleansing head. The suction ports and the suction outlet provide three separate locations for suctioning so that even if two become clogged, a third is available.

Abstract: A socket for removably receiving an end of a dental saliva ejector tube includes a central body having a first end forming a port for being coupled to a vacuum hose. The central body includes a passage extending therethrough from the first end toward a second opposing end. An elastic sleeve is secured over the second end of the central body for receiving the end of the dental saliva ejector tube. A pair of spreader members are secured to the elastic sleeve. A pair of levers are pivotally secured about the central body and are actuated by the user to pull the spreader members apart, thereby distending the opening of the elastic sleeve to more easily receive the dental saliva ejector tube. To prevent the dental saliva ejector tube from becoming dislodged from the socket during use, a rib may extend about the lower end of the dental saliva ejector tube.

Abstract: An oral cavity cleaning device, particularly for bedridden patients, which comprises a body which has a grip portion connected to a front portion provided with bristles and the like, a channel provided inside the body with an opening at the bristles and an inlet which can be connected to an air suction unit, a container with a liquid located inside the channel, fluid tight means and internal ribs for peripherally supporting the container so as to form an annular region of the channel for the passage of fluid.

Abstract: An evacuation hand piece for collecting debris during dental procedures. The hand piece is adapted for attachment to evacuation apparatus and provides both intra- and extra-oral suction. A body member of the hand piece has a contoured outer gripping surface which makes the hand piece easier to grasp. A mask is disposed at one end of the hand piece to create a suction area which is larger than the cross sectional area of the body member. The mask is attached to a spherical tip of the body member to form a ball and socket-type connection which permits directional adjustment of the mask, thereby maximizing the effective extra-oral suction of the hand piece. The mask is formed from transparent material to allow viewing through the mask during dental procedures.

Abstract: A suction device is disclosed comprising an elongated tubular metal handle portion having a predetermined uniform diameter suction bore therethrough and a spigot connection portion for connection to a hospital suction source. The device further comprises a selected metal probe having a predetermined uniform diameter suction passage therethrough and terminating in a suction tip. The inner diameter of the probe is less than the inner diameter of the handle portion. The proximal end of the probe has a non-metallic secured sleeve thereabout. The outer diameter of the sleeve is detailed to frictionally engage an inner wall end portion of the handle opposite to the spigot connection portion. The selected probe may be of varying diameters which is fitted with a selected diameter dimensioned sleeve whereby the probe fits within the selected and the probe carrying sleeve fits removably frictionally within the tubular metal handle.

Abstract: A containment chamber for use in dental air abrasion comprises a rigid self-supporting chamber having self-supporting walls defining an operating space for performing dental operation. An access opening is provided in one of the walls for introducing a dental tool into the operating space. The chamber further includes an outlet port for coupling the chamber to a suction source and a dam retention member for coupling the chamber to a dental dam.

Abstract: An oral vacuum and scraper device is disclosed for removing foreign matter such as mouth rinse, toothpaste, food particles, volatile sulfur compound producing bacteria, and the like from a mouth. The vacuum device, in a preferred embodiment, utilizes a venturi device to create suction when fluid flows through the venturi device. A mouthpiece has a suction area located near an edge of the head of the mouthpiece and incorporates either, or both of, a scraper and bristles.

Abstract: A fluid flow passage defined by a surface which surrounds the passage is provided with a plurality of projections, such as fibrils or brush like bristles, on the surface extending transversely to the flow passage. The projections serve to counteract or dampen the generation of high frequency sound energy or noise. The flow passage may be part of a medical or dental aspirator or industrial vacuum intake system or high pressure steam or gas exhaust system.

Abstract: A medical/surgical suction device of three essential main parts. The first part is a metal tube having a proximal port and a distal port. The proximal part is attached to a have or flexible tube that is connected to a vacuum source. The distal end has plugged into it a portion of a sleeve. The other portion of the sleeve extends therefrom and carries coaxially the a thin tube. The other end is the suction end. The sleeve may be de-mounted from the metal tube whereby the sleeve may be cleaned apart from the metal tube. The metal tube has a port intermediate its proximal part and its distal part which acts as a valve to permit.

Abstract: A method and device for automatic or semi-automatic collection of saliva has a mouthpiece on a wand. The wand is connected to an interface section via a flexible conduit. Saliva is transported by aspiration into the device. Bulk air is removed and saliva is collected in a collection chamber. For collection of volatile components, air flow, vacuum, conduit diameter and length, and collection times are controlled and limited, to reduce loss of volatile components.

Abstract: A suction system in a laser device for the bonding of prosthesis parts in dental technology formed of an annular suction nozzle that concentrically surrounds the laser focusing unit or an annular nozzle encircling the latter for the introduction of protective inert gas. The lower rim of the laser focusing unit or the annular nozzle for the supply of protective gas projects beyond the annular suction nozzle by 10 to 25 mm.

Abstract: An oral suctioning swab includes a rigid plastic tube of an elongated shape having first and second ends and a bend therebetween. A suctioning thumb control is bonded to the tube first end and a soft resilient tubular tip is bonded to said tube second end. A foam sleeve is bonded over the tube second end and soft resilient tubular tip such that the soft resilient tubular tip extends beyond the foam sleeve thereby avoiding any radial aspiration through the foam sleeve.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning device for delivering a cleaning fluid to a vacuum hose of a dental suction system is provided which automatically dispenses a measured amount of cleaning fluid into the vacuum hose each time that a dental instrument is changed. The automatic cleaning device includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the housing is adapted to releasably receive a hollow dental instrument, such as a suction tube. The second end of the housing is coupled to the vacuum hose. The housing of the automatic cleaning device includes a cavity which extends from the first end to the second end and a reservoir is disposed within the housing, the reservoir containing a cleansing fluid. A hollow piston is disposed within the housing and coupled to the first end of the housing such that receipt of the hollow dental instrument in the first end of the housing causes a forward-backward longitudinal movement of the hollow piston.

Abstract: A socket for removably receiving an end of a dental saliva ejector tube includes a central body having a first end forming a port for being coupled to a vacuum hose. The central body includes a passage extending therethrough from the first end toward a second opposing end.An elastic sleeve is secured over the second end of the central body for receiving the end of the dental saliva ejector tube. A pair of spreader members are secured to the elastic sleeve. A pair of levers are pivotally secured about the central body and are actuated by the user to pull the spreader members apart, thereby distending the opening of the elastic sleeve to more easily receive the dental saliva ejector tube. To prevent the dental saliva ejector tube from becoming dislodged from the socket during use, a rib may extend about the lower end of the dental saliva ejector tube.

Abstract: An illuminated dental suction appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a suction component having a tubular member and a light projecting tip. The light projecting tip is formed at one end of the tubular member and also at least partially defines an inlet for the tubular member. The opposite end of the tubular member is operably interengaged with a source of suction. Light is transmitted from a fiberoptic illuminator along the length of the tubular member to the light projecting tip. That tip projects light from the illuminator into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A tooth crown preparation system is provided including a handle and a tooth cover fixed to the handle and defining an interior space and an open bottom. A grinding assembly is rotatably mounted to the handle and situated within the tooth cover for rotating upon its actuation to grind a tooth situated within the interior space of the tooth cover. A plurality of tooth covers and grinding assemblies are included for affording a system which may accommodate various sized teeth. Also provided is a suction assembly for removing particles from within the grinding assembly.

Abstract: A dental vacuum system having a foot-actuated valve for controlling the flow of vacuum through the system. The foot-actuated valve is located away from the field of operation such that the valve is not exposed to the typical sources of pathogenic contaminants in a dental office.

Abstract: A dental suction tool has a disposable sanitary plastic suction tip to prevent cross contamination from one patient to the next. Additionally, a light source such as a fiberoptic bundle with or without a ring light is provided on the interior of the dental suction tool to provide light to the end of the plastic disposable suction tip. Illumination from the ring light or directly from the fiberoptic bundle is transmitted along the length of the suction tip and is emitted from the end thereof to illuminate the oral cavity during dental procedures.

Abstract: A dental suction tool has a disposable sanitary plastic suction tip to prevent cross contamination from one patient to the next. The suction tip is formed as a generally cylindrical hollow tubing and made of disposable plastic material. One end of the suction tip has at least one beveled section along an outer wall surface of the suction tip so that the suction tip can be properly aligned in the dental suction tool. Alternatively, one end of the suction tip has at least one recess that is adapted to cooperate with a keying element in the dental suction tool to properly align the suction tip in the dental suction tool.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a micro aspirator for use in performing microsurgery for the removal of blood, debris and fluids from around the micro surgical site. The micro aspirator includes an elongated flexible tube which is preferably transparent, which is adapted to be connected to a negative pressure source and an aspirating tip formed as a plastic hub having a connected needle or cannula with a gauge ranging between 10 to 30 connected to the end of the flexible tube. The plastic hub may be either detachably or fixedly secured to the end of the flexible tube, with the needle or cannula being formed of a readily bendable material that can be easily bent by the operator or surgeon to any desired angle.

Abstract: A suction control valve comprising a valve housing defining a cavity and including an inlet port for being connected to a suction tube, an outlet port for being connected to a suction source, and a suction control port for creating a suction across the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port when the suction control port is closed. The valve preferably includes a bacteria filter secured in the cavity for preventing exposure of the suction control port to bacteria entering the inlet port. A splash guard extends along the cavity for preventing liquid from contacting the bacteria filter or from reaching the suction control port. A suction control port guard is selectively movable to prevent accidental closure of the suction control port.

Abstract: A dental suction mirror has a stainless reflecting plate with a slant depression and an oblong groove 13. Three holes having different paths in the inner center and on both sides of the plate connect the groove to the depression. A stainless connection tube having an expanding portion in the form portion thereof and a projecting tube in the rear portion thereof; and a handle tube having an insertion groove along the upper part thereof are connected to the plate. An optical fiber is in the insertion groove, stickers being applied to the groove so as to prevent the optical fiber from leaving the groove. A plastic clip over a narrow portion of the stainless tube curves the optical fiber upwardly over a polished specular surface, and the stainless reflecting plate, the stainless connection tube and the handle tube are coated with nickel-chrome and additionally SiO.sub.2.

Abstract: An exhaust control system and method are provided for use with one or more pneumatic devices so as to draw contaminated fluid from the fluid outputs of such devices and deposit such contaminated fluid in a waste collector such as a drain. The system is configured for use with any conventional pneumatic device of the type which includes a pressurized fluid input, a turbine driven by fluid from such input, and a fluid output which exhausts fluid from the turbine. Fluid is directed from the fluid output of each pneumatic device to an exhaust manifold which includes a number of inflow ports corresponding to the number of devices serviced. The inflow ports connect to a depressurization chamber, where the fluid flow pressure is lowered, and from which the fluid is drawn via a collective outflow port. The fluid is drawn from the exhaust manifold using a vacuum source and then directed to a waste collector such as a drain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for testing the useful vacuum of a dental vacuum system having at least one high volume evacuator valve (HVE) or hose. The vacuum tester is simple, inexpensive, can be used by non-technical personnel, is easily fabricated to test a wide range of performance standards, and evaluates useful vacuum performance during full flow (that is a real-life situation). The tester includes two simple components, an adaptor tube that is placed into contact with an HVE or hose, and a vacuum indicating weight which cooperates with the adaptor tube. With the dental vacuum system operating the weight is brought into position with respect to the tube so that gravity acts to move the weight away from the tube, and then the weight is released. If the weight moves away from the tube the useful vacuum conditions of the dental vacuum system are insufficient, whereas if the weight stays in operative position with respect to the tube the useful vacuum conditions are sufficient.

Abstract: A device for the introduction of cleansing agents into dental suction devices under vacuum. An adjustable amount of a cleansing agent from a cleansing agent holding reservoir is introduced the suction system and is sucked off by the suction system. The suction system includes a connector for receiving and connecting a replaceable suction duct to the suction system, the connector communicating with the holding reservoir and including a cleansing agent dispensing control positioned in removable engagement with the suction duct. Operation of the dispensing control supplies a predetermined amount of the cleansing agent from the holding reservoir into the suction system through the connector when the suction duct is inserted into the connector.

Abstract: A filter-adapter for filtering amalgam and attaching multiple sizes of disposable aspirator tips to the suction line of a dental aspirator system is disclosed herein. The filter-adapter incorporates a filter for preventing amalgam from contaminating the suction line and significantly reducing the amount of amalgam that reaches the central amalgam separator in the system. The filter-adapter fits between the aspirator tip and the suction hose of the aspirator system. In particular, one embodiment of the filter-adapter comprises a substantially cylindrical, hollow body with a flowpath defined through the body, an outer surface diameter at one end sealably fitting one size aspirator tip and an inner surface diameter of the same end sealably fitting another size of aspirator tip, and a second end having an outer surface diameter sealably fitting the suction hose from the aspirator system.

Abstract: A saliva ejector tip system, which prevents the problem of backflow when a patient closes his lips around an ejector tip, includes seal-interfering structural features on the outer surface of an ejector tip. A tip holder carried by a saliva elector hand tool couples with the proximal end of the tip in vacuum-tight engagement.

Abstract: A disposable oral suction tip includes a tubular body having a suction line attachment end, a mouthpiece end, an exterior surface and at least one central passage that extends between the suction line attachment end and the mouthpiece end. A mouthpiece is secured to the mouthpiece end of the tubular body. At least one vacuum release channel is provided having a first end and a second end. The at least one vacuum release channel extends along the exterior surface of the tubular body. The first end of the at least one vacuum release channel is positioned to be placed into a patient's mouth along with the mouthpiece. The second end is spaced from the mouthpiece such that the at least one vacuum release channel provides direct venting of the oral cavity.

Abstract: A saliva ejector having a hollow tube including a cylindrical wall, a first end for placement within an oral cavity, and a second end for attachment to a suction hose. A flowpath is defined within the tube. The ejector includes a first corrugated portion defined in the cylindrical wall, a second corrugated portion defined in the cylindrical wall, and a filter element secured across the flowpath. The bending qualities of the first corrugated portion differ from the bending qualities of the second corrugated portion, thus allowing for a wide variety of bendable configurations.

Abstract: An aspirating dental hand piece having at its distal end a vacuum scoop that circumscribes the work tool and automatically carries away cooling water and debris during operation of the hand piece. The hand piece includes a two-part handle. The distal portion of the handle terminates in a suction scoop or shroud within which the gas driven motor is housed. This portion of the handle is divided into two portions, one of which houses the cooling fluid, gas and fiber optic conduits, and the other of which forms a fluid passageway in communication with the suction scoop for carrying away the cooling fluid and the debris generated during the drilling and grinding operations. The fluid and debris passageway is sealed with respect to the conduit carrying portion of the handle.

Abstract: A dental apparatus includes a tray that is shaped and dimensioned to fit over at least some of the teeth of a patient. The tray defines a tunnel through which to evacuate saliva from the mouth of the patient. The tray includes a connector portion for coupling a suction source to the tunnel, and the tray defines at least a first opening in fluid communication with the tunnel through which saliva may be sucked from the mouth of the patient into the tunnel for communication to the suction source. The apparatus may take the form of a fluoride treatment tray or an impression tray, including a bite registration tray, it may include multiple trays, and it may define additional spaced-apart openings in fluid communication with the tunnel to facilitate evacuation of saliva from a larger region within the mouth of the patient. Preferably, the connector portion is configured to receive an end of a conventional saliva ejector in a close fitting relationship in order to couple a commonly used suction source to the tunnel.

Abstract: A dental syringe for the controlled injection of air and water into a patient's mouth that effectively prevents the spread of contamination from patient to patient during the performance of dental procedures. The syringe comprises a one,piece, combination dispensing tip, head portion and handle portion that is constructed of plastic so that it can be disposed of after use. The air operated valves that control the flow of water and air through the dispensing tip are remotely located from the dispensing head so that they are not exposed to contamination during the performance of the dental procedure. The control valves of the apparatus can be easily operated by the thumb of the operator in a manner to effortlessly and precisely control the flow of air and water through the dispensing tip.

Abstract: The invention is to an aspirating tooth brush which has a vacuum drawn through the tooth brush handle and openings in the side of the tooth brush handle opposite the bristles, and an inlet in the end of the brush body to which the vacuum line is attached. The handle may also have a second channel in the handle for dispensing water into the mouth during brushing and aspirating.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a shield for use in operating dental hand tools outside of a patient's mouth while preventing escape of any matter ejected from the hand tool into the surrounding vicinity, thereby eliminating or substantially reducing the risk that the ejected matter may otherwise contaminate nearby people or equipment. The shield has an enclosure within which the end of a dental hand tool is placed and operated. The shield is removably coupled to a waste line or the like typically already present in a dental office, such as a high volume suction line, a saliva ejector suction line or a cuspidor. The shield contains therein any matter ejected from the hand tool during operation thereof, and such matter is carried away by the waste line. When the enclosure is coupled to the waste line, escape of the matter ejected from the end of the hand tool is substantially prevented except through the waste line. The shield is preferably disposable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suction hood assembly that is attachable to an ultrasonic handpiece, as well as to a source of suction. The suction hood assembly includes a portion thereof that opens in an area adjacent the ultrasonic tip to provide an area of influence of the suction and thereby recover microdroplets of body fluids, matter and water mist. The suction can be used to control the size of the aerosol envelope generated when the water stream from the ultrasonic device is directed toward the ultrasonic-moving tip. The size of the aerosol envelope can be substantially reduced to a small area of operation, thereby minimizing the dispersion of germs, viruses and body fluids from the patient to the surgeon. The suction tube assembly is easily attached or removed from the ultrasonic handpiece, is easily manufactured, cost effective and thus is disposable.

Abstract: An aspirating dental hand piece having at its distal end a vacuum scoop that circumscribes the work tool and automatically carries away cooling water and debris during operation of the hand piece. The hand piece includes a two-part handle. The distal portion of the handle terminates in a suction scoop or shroud within which the gas driven motor is housed. This portion of the handle is divided into two portions, one of which houses the cooling fluid, gas and fiber optic conduits, and the other of which forms a fluid passageway in communication with the suction scoop for carrying away the cooling fluid and the debris generated during the drilling and grinding operations. The fluid and debris passageway is sealed with respect to the conduit carrying portion of the handle.

Abstract: A method for use during laser surgery comprises the steps of providing a flexible hose having a plurality of apertures spaced from each other along a distal end portion of the hose and forming a portion of the hose into an arcuate segment about an opening in a patient. A distal end segment of the hose is inserted through the opening into a body cavity of the patient. A proximal end of the hose is connected to a suction source, and suction is applied to the hose to draw in air through apertures in the arcuate segment and in the distal end segment.

Abstract: Aseptic dental valves and instruments and accoutrements therefor comprise a handle extension (20--FIG. 2) and a flange guard (22) to be added within the path of a saliva ejector (FIG. 1) for preventing a dental professional's (DP's) hand from touching and contaminating the hose (14) or the hose valve (24), thereby to prevent microorganisms on the hand from contaminating these latter components where they might be picked up by the hand later and cross-contaminate subsequent patients. The handle extension and flange guard are useable on saliva ejectors (FIG. 3), surgical suction tips (FIG. 4), drills (FIGS. 12-12C), and air-water valves (FIGS. 14-15). The surgical tip can be formed of a series of sections of decreasing diameters in a stepped-down formation (FIG. 4A) to enable it to retain its shape when bent (FIG. 4B). The hose valve (FIGS.

Abstract: A fiber optic illumination system for dental instruments of the present invention enables a light source to provide light to the oral cavity using a single continuous polymethyl methacrylate optical fiber axially fitted into a cylindrical tube, open at both ends, and affixed to a dental instrument, such as a mirror, aspirator, or retractor, for example. The end of the cylindrical tube and the inserted portion of the single continuous polymethyl methacrylate optical fiber it supports contacts the fluids in the oral cavity. After treatment, the end of the single continuous polymethyl methacrylate optical fiber is removed from the cylindrical tube and immersed into a 1:4 glutaraldehyde, or equivalent, solution and subsequently wiped clean. The dental instrument and attached cylindrical tube, now devoid of optical fibrous material, is completely and fully sterilized in a normal fashion, such as by autoclaving.

Abstract: A connector (12' or 12") is attached to the end of a dental vacuum hose (20) for enabling a valved handle (24) to be attached to the connector and thus coupled to the vacuum hose. A saliva ejector or a high-volume ejector can then be attached to the distal end of the valved handle. The end of the connector is closed with a crown cap (22) to prevent a vacuum rushing sound and keep the connector sanitary when the valved handle is not attached. The cap has a top spike or finial (22F) which enables the cap to be pried off the connector easily by pushing the lumen at the bottom of the valved handle over the finial and tilting the handle. The cap hangs by a tether (22T) after it is pried off. In lieu of a cap, a flip top (12"F) which is hinged to the top opening of the connector can be used; one side of the flip top can be pried with the bottom of the valved handle.