Abstract: An aquarium includes a container defining a perimeter and an aquarium space, a filter space arranged to receive a fluid, and a filter holder coupled to the container. The filter holder defines the filter space and is operable to direct the fluid from the filter space into the container. A pump operates to draw the fluid from the container and a spout is coupled to the pump to selectively receive the fluid. The spout includes a first leg that extends along a first axis and a second leg that extends along a second axis and defines an outlet, The spout is movable along the first axis between an on position in which fluid from the pump flows through the spout and is discharged through the outlet and an off position in which no fluid flows through the spout.

Abstract: A handle for retaining a source of suction or water at a rear end and a dental tool or medical tool at a front end. The assembly is made up of a six components: a suction handle back, a suction handle valve body, a suction handle valve, an O-ring, a suction handle front, and a suction handle clip. The suction handle back is assembled with the valve body, O-ring and suction handle valve in place before being sonically or ultrasonically welled to the suction handle front and to the suction handle back. The suction handle valve body protrudes out the back side of the suction handle back to allow for a hose to be attached.

Abstract: A periodontal cleaning device, including a cleaning head having a fluid outlet for releasing a cleaning fluid and a suction member for suction of a waste fluid, a cleaning fluid source, connected to the fluid outlet, a controllable suction device connected to the suction member, fluid feeding device for controlling a flow of the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid source to the fluid outlet. The periodontal cleaning device further has a control unit, arranged for controlling the controllable suction device in generating a vacuum pulse in the suction member, controlling controllable fluid feeding device in generating a fluid flow pulse in the fluid outlet in response to the vacuum pulse, and controlling the controllable suction device in generating a subsequent vacuum pulse in the suction member, and introducing a time period between the cleaning fluid flow pulse and the subsequent vacuum pulse in the suction member.

Abstract: A dental surgical suction apparatus combines the features and benefits of a surgical suction tip and a saliva ejector. The apparatus creates a more powerful suction force than provided by a saliva ejector by itself and can allow for better suctioning during oral surgery procedures and sedation, where keeping saliva and blood secretion from the throat can be critical, while also providing a device that is less traumatic to a patient's mouth. The apparatus can include a rigid tubular handle portion configured to releasably attach to a receiving port configured to receive a surgical suction tip on one end, a flexible tube portion connected to another end of the rigid tubular handle portion, and a soft tip portion connected to another end of the flexible tube portion. The soft tip portion includes a plurality of openings configured to minimize complete obstruction during suctioning.

Abstract: A device for positioning a probe in living tissue, the device including a casing having an underside for positioning on the tissue, the probe, which can be moved relative to the casing beyond the underside in an insertion direction to be inserted into the tissue, and a signal means carried by the casing such that it can be moved in the insertion direction to an end position, wherein the signal means slaves the probe when moving in the insertion direction.

Abstract: A suction tool having a hollow handle and a probe extending from the handle near one end of the handle to define a lumen in fluid communication with the hollow handle and a fitting, formed to extend near the other end of the handle and shaped to receive a vacuum source drawing fluids through the probe, handle, and fitting. The handle also includes an aperture extending at an acute angle with respect to the axis of the handle.

Abstract: An intraoral biofilm control apparatus including a suction unit, a suction chamber positioned within and in communication with an inner space of the suction unit, a tubular connection member operably connected to and extending into the suction chamber, and an angular head member adjustably connected to an upper end of the tubular connection member is provided. The suction chamber, in communication with the suction unit, creates a negative air pressure in an inner space of the suction chamber. The angular head member in fluid communication with the suction chamber via the tubular connection member, contacts and suctions the intraoral biofilm from the intraoral areas into the inner space of the suction chamber when the negative air pressure is created. The angular head member having an angularly curved suction tip configurably accesses the intraoral areas. The angular head member having a suction plate suctions the intraoral biofilm from intraoral tongue areas.

Abstract: A dental aspiration device comprising an inside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; an outside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; at least one of the interior surfaces of the inside housing and the outside housing including vacuum channels; a hinge connection mechanism hingeably connecting the proximal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing; and a locking mechanism for removably attaching the distal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing to each other.

Abstract: A suction system for removing fluid from an individual. The suction system has a container assembly, a suction tube, an output hose and a suction valve assembly. The container assembly is connectable to an air source and a container is configured to receive the fluid from the individual. The suction tube is connectable to the container assembly and in fluid communication with the air source. The output hose is connectable to the container assembly and in fluid communication with the container. The suction valve assembly has a housing and a pin. The pin is movable between an open and closed position so that fluid is removable from the individual.

Abstract: A suction apparatus has a tube. The tube has an end to be inserted in a user's body. The tube has another end for coupling with a vacuum hose to remove air. A check valve coupled is to the tube. The check valve is configured to prevent a back pressure flow into the user's mouth. For an embodiment, the dental suction apparatus includes a base coupled to the tube. Base includes a control valve to control the air removal. For an embodiment, the dental suction apparatus includes a check valve coupler coupled to the tube. For an embodiment, the check valve is on the check valve coupler.

Abstract: A disposable dental valve device is disclosed which comprises a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, and a partial opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to being inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the rotatable valve body having a top and a handle portion connected to the top.

Abstract: A suction handle, a suction handle assembly, and an oral care system. The suction handle can include a first axis oriented along a longitudinal direction, a first conduit having a first bore oriented along the first axis, and a second conduit adapted to be coupled to the first conduit, which can have a second bore oriented along the first axis. The first conduit and the second conduit can be movable with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction between a first position in which there is no fluid communication between the first and second bores, and a second position in which there is fluid communication. An actuator can be coupled to at least one of the first conduit and the second conduit that which can pivot about a second axis oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the first axis between a first and second actuator position.

Abstract: A pump for an oral irrigator includes a pump chassis, an eccentric end plate movably connected to the pump chassis, a first alignment shaft connected to the pump chassis, a second alignment shaft connected to the eccentric end plate, a first gear rotating around a longitudinal axis of the first alignment shaft, and a second gear engaging the first gear and rotating around a longitudinal axis of the second alignment shaft. By selectively moving the eccentric end plate relative to the pump chassis selectively moves the second gear relative to the first gear.

Abstract: An aspirator tip for a dental aspirator comprising: an elongated hollow tube comprising a first end and a second end, the first end configured to connect to a dental aspirator unit to provide suction to the second end of the elongated hollow tube, the second end configured to be inserted into an oral cavity of a patient, an opening in a portion of the elongated hollow tube between the first end and the second end of the elongated hollow tube, a gate configured to be inserted into the opening, and an actuator configured for actuation by a single digit (e.g., finger or thumb) to insert the gate into the opening to at least partially block an airway through the elongated hollow tube.

Abstract: A system for removing saliva or debris from the mouth of a dental patient. One end of tubing is connected to a vacuum pump. The other end of the tubing is connected to removably connected tip. A vacuum control valve is connected to the removably connected tip. The vacuum control valve is positioned so that the vacuum control valve remains outside of the patient's mouth when the tip is inserted into to patient's mouth. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum control valve is a push valve and is located approximately half way along the length of the removably connected tip. In one preferred embodiment the tip is a removably connected saliva ejector tip. In another preferred embodiment the tip is a removably connected high-volume evacuator tip. In another preferred embodiment the tip is a removably connected surgical high volume evacuator tip.

Abstract: An air water vacuum dental instrument includes a handle; a head; an air control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a water control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a vacuum control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; and an air water vacuum tip coupled to the head and configured to provide at least air, water, and vacuum in a mouth of a dental patient at the air water vacuum tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering dental solid waste has been developed. The apparatus includes a high volume evacuation (HVE) tip with one end that is connected to a suction line and another end that is inserted in a patient's mouth to remove dental waste. A filtration unit is located within the HVE tip that retains solid dental waste within the HVE tip.

Abstract: A suction handle, a suction handle assembly, and an oral care system. The suction handle can include a first axis oriented along a longitudinal direction, a first conduit having a first bore oriented along the first axis, and a second conduit adapted to be coupled to the first conduit, which can have a second bore oriented along the first axis. The first conduit and the second conduit can be movable with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction between a first position in which there is no fluid communication between the first and second bores, and a second position in which there is fluid communication. An actuator can be coupled to at least one of the first conduit and the second conduit that which can pivot about a second axis oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the first axis between a first and second actuator position.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for removing fluid from a patient's mouth during a dental procedure, the dental apparatus includes an intraoral tip having a wall defining a cavity, the wall having a plurality of apertures and at least one opening, the apertures being distributed over the wall; and a hollow tube coupled to the intraoral tip, the hollow tube for connecting the opening of the intraoral tip to a suction device. The intraoral tip is continuously within the patient's mouth during the dental procedure and the dental apparatus removes fluid from the patient's mouth through the apertures of said intraoral tip. In one embodiment, the dental apparatus further includes a valve for modulating the rate of fluid removal from the patient's mouth. In another embodiment, the dental apparatus further includes a fastener for securing the intraoral tip within the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A device for achieving high vacuum stability during phacoemulsification surgery includes a main aspiration line connected to a vacuum source which enables a fluid flow from a phacoemulsification handpiece tip to a drainage reservoir. A first tubing segment is provided in the main aspiration line along with a second tubing segment generally parallel to the first tubing section and a valve disposed in the second tubing segment regulates fluid flow through the second tubing segment in order to limit vacuum surge in the main aspiration line upon clearing of an occlusion in the phacoemulsification handpiece tip.

Abstract: A control valve for a dental vacuum system includes a housing having a first end, a second end and a sidewall therebetween, which define a cavity of the housing. An imaginary central longitudinal axis extends from the first end to the second end and generally parallel to the sidewall. A first opening in the sidewall of the housing is operatively connected to a vacuum control volume and a pair of opposing second openings in the sidewall are spaced-apart from the first opening along the imaginary central longitudinal axis. A biasing member and a plunger valve are located within the cavity of the housing. The plunger valve is movable along the imaginary central longitudinal axis between a first position that blocks at least a portion of a flow of air through the housing and a second position that substantially permits the flow of air through the housing and to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for regulating vacuum applied to surgical suction devices allowing the use of a single vacuum regulator and associated canister to provide vacuum to two suction devices, such as a suction stabilizer and a suction retractor. Vacuum controllers may be placed in the vacuum lines provided to each of two or more suction devices, or may be placed only in the vacuum line of the suction device believed most likely to detach during the procedure. Each vacuum controller is provided with a primary vacuum line, coupling its associated suction device to the output of the vacuum regulator and a pilot passage, also coupling the suction device to the vacuum regulator. The controller closes a valve in the main vacuum line in response to loss of vacuum attachment, which valve remains closed until attachment is reestablished. Closure of the valve results in substantial or complete blockage of the main vacuum line.

Abstract: A HVE tip that includes two tubular members, each of which is formed with a straight portion and a connecting portion, and one of the connecting portions is telescopically received within the other connecting portions so that the two tubular members can be rotated relative to one another between a plurality of configurations, including a straight configuration in which the axes of the two straight portions of the two tubular members extend generally parallel to one another and in the same plane, and a right angle configuration at which these axes extend generally perpendicular to one another in the same plane. An indexing connection is provided between the two connecting portions.

Abstract: A suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end that is connectable to a suction source. A collar is slidable along the suction tube from a retracted position to a deployed position. A sleeve is provided having a proximal end fixed relative to the proximal end of the suction tube, and a distal end configured with the collar so as to move therewith and cover the suction tube in the deployed position of the collar. A wiper seal is contained within collar in sliding frictional engagement around the suction tube.

Abstract: A tongue scraper comprising a tongue scraping portion and a hand piece connected to the tongue scraping portion. A fluid passageway is located in the hand piece, which is connected to an external vacuum device.

Abstract: A suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end that is connectable to a suction source. A collar is slidable along the suction tube from a retracted position to a deployed position. A sleeve is provided having a proximal end fixed relative to the proximal end of the suction tube, and a distal end configured with the collar so as to move therewith and cover the suction tube in the deployed position of the collar. An ergonomic handle member is provided for connecting the suction tube to a suction source. An optional wiper seal is contained within collar in sliding frictional engagement around the suction tube.

Abstract: A method of using a heat sink device with an intraoral illumination device includes inserting an intraoral illumination device at least partially in a patient's mouth, connecting a heat sink device to the intraoral illumination device, the heat sink device including an illumination device that emits light and heat when activated and a heat sink member thermally coupled to the illumination device; activating the illumination device so that light is transmitted to the intraoral illumination device and into the patient's mouth, aspirating fluid from the patient's mouth at negative pressure; and causing aspirated fluid to flow past the heat sink member at negative pressure so that heat is removed from the heat sink member, causing the illumination device to be cooled.

Abstract: A dental suction device includes a hollow tube having both flexibility and shape retainability. The tube has its both ends connected to a connector and is formed with suction holes. The connector can be connected to a vacuum source. A suction force produced by the vacuum source can thus be applied to the suction holes of the tube through a passage formed in the connector. The connector includes a valve for adjusting the degree of opening of the passage formed in the connector and thus the suction force applied to the suction holes. The valve includes a valve body mounted in the connector and a manual lever for controlling the valve body.

Abstract: A separating tank assembly enables a dental vacuum separating tank to be drained without using a pump and without turning off or isolating the vacuum source from the tank. A drain tank is provided in fluid communication with the separating tank, and a control valve controls a pressure differential between the drain tank and the fluid tank. When the separating tank is filling, the drain tank and separating tank pressures are equalized, and the tanks are in fluid communication. When the fluid in the drain tank reaches a predetermined level, the solenoid opens the drain tank to atmosphere, blocking fluid communication between the separating tank and the drain tank and opening fluid communication between the drain tank and a sewer drain. After the fluid is drained, the solenoid reopens fluid communication between the separating tank and the drain tank, and the pressures in the respective tanks are equalized.

Abstract: A sleeve for preventing backflow and cross-contamination between patients of fluid and particulate matter as well as other contaminants present within a dental/medical suctioning device. The sleeve includes a sleeve inlet end that sealingly attaches to and surrounds at least a portion of the suctioning device the vacuum hose to the evacuator tip. The sleeve also has a sleeve exhaust end that is inserted into the control valve and can reside within the interior lumen of the vacuum hose during normal suction operation. During operation, the sleeve provides a seal between the patient contact part and the control valve of the suctioning device. The proximate end collapses, seals, and/or provides a barrier when the suctioning device does not draw a vacuum away from the patient and towards the vacuum source.

Abstract: A waste liquid tank B is connected to a cleaning head 60 through a waste tube 25. Squeezing means 61 is provided in a waste flow passage of from an end 60a of the cleaning head 60 to a suction port b of the waste liquid tank B to squeeze the waste flow passage. A pump A is driven with a cleaning head 60 introduced in the oral cavity to suck the residual matter in the oral cavity and to drain it into the waste liquid tank B in order to clean the oral cavity. When the residual matter cannot be sucked with a normal suction force, the waste flow passage is squeezed by the squeezing means 61 to increase the negative pressure in the waste tube 25. Thereafter, the squeeze is released to suck the residual matter at a breath with the increased negative pressure.

Abstract: A method and valve are disclosed for preventing bacterial contamination from being introduced by backflow from a saliva evacuator, particularly cross contamination of dental patients by previous patients as well as contamination from biofilm which is growing in the lines. The backflow may contain bacteria, viruses and other pathogens from previous patients or from the biofilm contamination of the lines.

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 dental apparatus backflow-prevention system substantially prevents contaminant backflow into a patient's mouth. The system includes a saliva ejector tube for insertion into the patient's mouth and for removal of saliva, blood, etc. when a vacuum is applied. A backflow-prevention device receives fluid from the saliva ejector tube and includes an internal valve seat. Valve componentry disposed within the backflow-prevention device includes a housing and a seating mechanism operably supported by the housing to automatically engage the valve seat and prevent contaminant backflow upon release of the vacuum. Upon application of vacuum, however, the seating mechanism automatically disengages from the valve seat and allows fluid flow away from the patient's mouth. According to one embodiment, the seating mechanism is functionally flexible for movement within the housing away from the valve seat, and is biased to move toward the valve seat upon release of vacuum.

Abstract: An oral care system includes a universal handle which is configured to hold any of a plurality of oral hygiene instruments, and a lavage source to apply lavage solution through the oral hygiene instruments to facilitate complete cleaning of a patient's mouth. Preferably, the universal handle and lavage source are configured to be held in the user's hand with both suction and lavage being controlled manually. The orally hygiene instruments attachable to the universal handle typically include a lavage toothbrush, at least one catheter and at least one swab, to thereby enable cleaning of the teeth, gums, soft tissue and crevices therebetween.

Abstract: A disposable cushioned aspirator which forms part of a dental or medical aspirating system. The disposable cushioned aspirator appliance described herein is intended principally to be used in dental procedures where bodily fluids and rinse water is evacuated from a patient's mouth, but the invention has application in medical procedures and various other applications as well. An elongate tubular element having a patient end and a connection end is exteriorly lined with a layer of soft cushioning material such as a porous foam material to protect the soft tissues in and around the mouth of a patient. The elongate tubular aspirator is capable of being manually bent from an initially straight configuration to a curved or other desired configuration and is provided with a structural member extending along its length and being pliable to permit bending and yet of sufficient structural integrity to maintain the aspirator in the desired configuration during use.

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 unidirectional valve (46) is used for preventing a back flow (52) of fluid matter (72) in a dental saliva ejector (20). The unidirectional valve (46) includes a valve body (74) and a valve diaphragm (76). The valve diaphragm (76) is coupled to a base (78) of the valve body (74). The base (78) has apertures (90) for separating a particulate component (104) from a liquid component (102) of fluid matter (72). The valve diaphragm (76) has a flexible flap (96) for allowing a forward flow (48) of liquid component (102) into a low volume suction tube (28) of saliva ejector (20). The flexible flap (96) is further configured to prevent the back flow (52) liquid component (102) into an ejector tip (26) and into the mouth (22) of a dental patient (24).

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: There is disclosed a nasal irrigation system having an applicator or irrigating member through which a pressurized stream of irrigating fluid is passed through to the nasal passage. The applicator or irrigating member includes a tubular member, adapted for receiving a pressurized stream of fluid from a fluid source, having a bore extending therethrough. The tubular member is formed of a first portion and a second portion offset at an angle from each other. One portion of the tubular member includes an opening extending into the bore. The covering and uncovering of the opening by the user allows for the user to control the pressure of the fluid stream through the irrigating member, such that the fluid stream is directed to the nose and nasal passages when desired. A fitting is attached to an end of the tubular member for further comfort for contacting the nose. A method for using the irrigating member and the system including this irrigating member is also disclosed.

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 unidirectional valve (46) is used for preventing a back flow (52) of fluid matter (72) in a dental saliva ejector (20). The unidirectional valve (46) includes a valve body (74) and a valve diaphragm (76). The valve diaphragm (76) is coupled to a base (78) of the valve body (74). The base (78) has apertures (90) for separating a particulate component (104) from a liquid component (102) of fluid matter (72). The valve diaphragm (76) has a flexible flap (96) for allowing a forward flow (48) of liquid component (102) into a low volume suction tube (28) of saliva ejector (20). The flexible flap (96) is further configured to prevent the back flow (52) liquid component (102) into an ejector tip (26) and into the mouth (22) of a dental patient (24).

Abstract: A coupler is adapted for inserted engagement with a dental ejector valve and serves to couple a vacuum hose to the valve. A passageway in the coupler is closed by a flexible disk which flexes open in response to a vacuum inducted ejector system flow from a source. The disk is confined in place across the passageway by a retainer which biases the disk into engagement with a valve seat surface. The flexible disk blocks any reverse flow through the coupler as when a reduced pressure occurs from interaction of the patient's mouth with a saliva ejector.

Abstract: An oral suction tip is described which includes a tubular body. The tubular body has a peripheral sidewall, a first end, a second end, and a single passage for transmitting fluids extending between the first end and the second end. A mouthpiece is provided at the second end of the tubular body. At least one vacuum release aperture extends through the sidewall of the tubular body in direct communication with the fluid passage. The at least one vacuum release aperture is spaced from the mouthpiece, such that when the mouthpiece is inserted into a patient's mouth the at least one vacuum release aperture is not confined within the patient's mouth. A porous guard overlies in spaced relation the at least one vacuum release aperture. This prevents accidental blockage of the at least one vacuum release aperture and also prevents regulation of the suction by means of the at least one vacuum release aperture.

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: A valve is provided for preventing backflow of bacteria and other unhealthy substances in a medical suctioning apparatus. The valve includes a chamber and a tubular member positionable in the chamber having one or more reversely lipped fins. The chamber and tubular member provide a tortuous path that effectively limits backflow of bacteria and other unhealthy substances. Various modifications of the valve are disclosed including two, three and four piece valves. The valves are configured to be positioned between a medical suctioning unit and a patient-contacting part such as ejectors, evacuators, and medical yankauers. The valve shapes facilitate manufacture, and can be made of disposable or autoclavable materials.

Abstract: A disposable saliva ejector which has a formable hollow tube (40) with a tip (42) on the end with openings for drawing in saliva. The tube has a beveled hole (46) near the top through which single-integral instruments such as a scaler or a rotary instrument such as a polishing brush may be cleaned of debris and the hole may be varied in size by bending outwardly or inwardly. A finger over the hole also may vary suction within the tube for manual volume control. The tip includes a guard (48) of a flat and resilient material preventing tissue aspiration into openings in the tip. Waste materials are trapped inside the tube with teeth (58), fingers (6) or shelves (62) that project inwardly. Debris may also be trapped by a loop (66) or S-shaped bend (68) in the tube itself. The ejector is disposed of after use on singular patient.

Abstract: A method of preventing a back flow of oral contaminants in a low volume suction line of a dental saliva ejector is described. This method consists of the single step of placing a vacuum release aperture through a tubular sidewall of a saliva ejector tip. The aperture is spaced from a mouthpiece of the saliva ejector tip such that when the mouthpiece is inserted into a patient's mouth, the patient's mouth will not block the aperture.

Abstract: The invention concept is a shutoff valve mechanism (40) for use in conjunction with the oral evacuator of a dental unit, said mechanism being connectable to a suction tube (14) communicating with a vacuum pump. The shutoff valve mechanism (40) comprises a valve (42, 48) by means of which an air flow (S) induced by the vacuum applied to the suction tube (14) can be switched on to effect via an evacuator tip (30) attached to the shutoff valve mechanism (40), whereby the evacuator tip can be employed for evacuating liquids and solid particles (SP) from the patient's mouth. The shutoff valve mechanism (40) further comprises non-moving elements (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) permanently attached to the suction tube (14) and elements (49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55) adapted movable relative to said non-moving elements, both sets of elements incorporating a flow channel (41a, 42a, 43a, 53a).