Abstract: A valve assembly for a dental suction system. The valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly also includes a valve plug positioned at least partially within the valve body and including a through-passage. The valve plug is rotatable relative to the valve body to selectively alter a flow of fluid along the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path exhibits a varied cross-sectional area along a length of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A water treatment dispensing apparatus has a container for holding water from a water supply and a water disinfectant cartridge located within the container. A housing attached to the container and connected to the cartridge directs water from the cartridge to a remote location, such as a dental instrument. An air pressure device supplies water under pressure to the container to force water to flow through the cartridge and to the remote location.

Abstract: A dental instrument water supply filter includes a hollow cylindrical body which bounds an interior area. The interior area houses a plurality of iodinated resin particles. A pair of water permeable discs are positioned in the interior area of the body at opposed axial ends. End caps close the interior area of the body at the respective opposed ends, and each end cap includes a respective removable fluid fitting. Water that is used in connection with the operation of a dental instrument is passed through the filter. The filter provides filtration and reduces microorganisms in the water that is passed therethrough and also releases ions into the water that are effective to reduce the growth of contaminants in the water lines to the instrument.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a water purification apparatus and a water purification method for maintaining a water quality supply are provided. The cartridge comprises an elongated tubular body having first and second ends comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and an internal chamber extending between the first and second end. The first end includes an end cap having a first opening in fluid communication with the body. A disinfectant material is disposed in the internal chamber of the body. Filters are disposed in the elongated tubular body adjacent to the first opening and adjacent the second end of the elongated tubular body and are in fluid communication with the internal chamber and the fluid outlet. The second end of the elongated tubular body comprising an exterior surface having a tapered portion and a linear portion adjacent to the tapered portion.

Abstract: A sterilization package includes a first package layer and a second package layer coupled to the first package layer with a perimeter seal extending around a portion of the sterilization package to define a pouch having a proximal end and a distal end. A first sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer exterior of the pouch and a second sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer interior of the pouch. The first and second sterilization indicia are multi-parameter sterilization indicia configured to be responsive to a sterilization process such that the first and second sterilization indicia undergo a visual change to a desired ending color when the package is subjected to complete multi-parameter sterilization conditions.

Abstract: A sterilization package includes a first package layer and a second package layer coupled to the first package layer with a perimeter seal extending around a portion of the sterilization package to define a pouch having a proximal end and a distal end. A first sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer exterior of the pouch and a second sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer interior of the pouch. The first and second sterilization indicia are multi-parameter sterilization indicia configured to be responsive to a sterilization process such that the first and second sterilization indicia undergo a visual change to a desired ending color when the package is subjected to complete multi-parameter sterilization conditions.

Abstract: A system for condensing steam from an autoclave sterilizer includes a cooling tank and a condensing coil extending into the cooling tank. Cooling water from a source of water flows into the tank to cool the condensing coil when the temperature of the coolant in the cooling tank exceeds a predetermined value. A waste water drain is in fluid communication with the cooling tank. An air gap is located between the tank and the source of cooling water. The air gap includes an opening to atmospheric air and is configured to avoid back flow from a waste water drain toward the water source. A check valve may be used with or in lieu of an air gap to prevent back flow toward the water source.

Abstract: A filter mask for filtering air inhaled and exhaled from the mouth and nostrils while providing a secure fit and comfort to the wearer is provided. The filter mask has upper and lower edges which are provided with at least one malleable stiffener for conforming to the shape of the wearer's nose and cheek area and/or the lower jaw and chin area. In some embodiments, the filter masks further comprises a malleable stiffening member configured to conform the filter material to at least a chin portion and a jaw portion of the face. In some embodiments, the malleable stiffener can have a bend portion, which allows the wearer of the mask to know which part, center and side of the mask is to be properly placed on the nose and cheek area. The masks provide excellent filtration and provide a secure and comfortable fit to the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing amalgam and waste particles from dental office suction effluent. The apparatus includes an upper chamber and a solids collection canister removably secured thereto. Dental office suction effluent drawn through a dental suction wand enters the upper chamber along a lateral flow path above a substantially cylindrical internal wall portion. A gas component of dental office suction effluent changes direction by more than 60° before it exits the upper chamber through an exit port. A riser conveys a liquid and solids component of dental office suction effluent through a drain into the solids collection canister. A flow restrictor allows liquids and gases to exit the solids collection canister interior volume but prohibits solids from exiting the solids collection canister interior volume.

Abstract: A disposable prophy angle is provided, the prophy angle comprising a housing containing a drive shaft and a driven shaft; the drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end having a substantially conical driving portion and a projection, the proximal end of the drive shaft configured to engage a dental hand piece; and the driven shaft having a driven portion comprising a recess configured for engagement by the projection and/or the substantially conical portion of the drive shaft to oscillate the driven shaft at an oscillation angle greater than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, there is a method of making a disposable prophy angle by overmolding a prophy cup to the prophy angle. In other embodiments, there is a method of using the prophy angle to prevent tooth decay.

Abstract: A water treatment dispensing apparatus has a container for holding water from a water supply and a water disinfectant cartridge located within the container. A housing attached to the container and connected to the cartridge directs water from the cartridge to a remote location, such as a dental instrument. An air pressure device supplies water under pressure to the container to force water to flow through the cartridge and to the remote location.

Abstract: A disposable prophy angle is provided, the prophy angle comprising a housing containing a drive shaft and a driven shaft; the drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end having a substantially conical driving portion and a projection, the proximal end of the drive shaft configured to engage a dental hand piece; and the driven shaft having a driven portion comprising a recess configured for engagement by the projection and/or the substantially conical portion of the drive shaft to oscillate the driven shaft at an oscillation angle greater than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, there is a method of making a disposable prophy angle by overmolding a prophy cup to the prophy angle. In other embodiments, there is a method of using the prophy angle to prevent tooth decay.

Abstract: A filter mask for filtering air inhaled and exhaled from the mouth and nostrils while providing a secure fit and comfort to the wearer is provided. The filter mask has upper and lower edges which are provided with at least one malleable stiffener for conforming to the shape of the wearer's nose and cheek area and/or the lower jaw and chin area. In some embodiments, the filter masks further comprises a malleable stiffening member configured to conform the filter material to at least a chin portion and a jaw portion of the face. In some embodiments, the malleable stiffener can have a bend portion, which allows the wearer of the mask to know which part, center and side of the mask is to be properly placed on the nose and cheek area. The masks provide excellent filtration and provide a secure and comfortable fit to the wearer.

Abstract: A sterilization package includes a first package layer and a second package layer coupled to the first package layer with a perimeter seal extending around a portion of the sterilization package to define a pouch having a proximal end and a distal end. A first sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer exterior of the pouch and a second sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer interior of the pouch. The first and second sterilization indicia are multi-parameter sterilization indicia configured to be responsive to a sterilization process such that the first and second sterilization indicia undergo a visual change to a desired ending color when the package is subjected to complete multi-parameter sterilization conditions.

Abstract: A sterilizable pouch having both internal and external sterilization record indicators to indicate whether attempted steam sterilization of the pouch and contents was successful or unsuccessful. The pouch preferably has one indicium in each indicator responsive to multi-parameter sterilization by steam, and another indicium in each indicator responsive to gas sterilization, such as using ethylene oxide.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that control spread of pathogens and prevent infections. In various embodiments, a liquid impervious substrate having an antimicrobial disposed thereon is provided. In one embodiment, a method of antimicrobially treating a substrate is provided, comprising contacting the substrate with an effective amount of a water stable composition, comprising i) water; ii) a product that is formed by reacting in water: a) an organosilane of the formula Rn SiX4?n where n is an integer of from 0 to 3; each R is, independently, a nonhydrolyzable organic group; and each X is, independently, a hydrolyzable group, with b) a polyol containing at least three hydroxy groups, wherein all of the hydroxy groups are separated by at least three intervening atoms, wherein the polyol is not hydroxyethyl cellulose, wherein the product is a monomer, oligomer, or a combination thereof, and iii) a wetting agent in an amount of 0.

Abstract: A sterilizable pouch having both internal and external sterilization record indicators to indicate whether attempted steam sterilization of the pouch and contents was successful or unsuccessful. The pouch preferably has one indicium in each indicator responsive to multi-parameter sterilization by steam, and another indicium in each indicator responsive to gas sterilization, such as using ethylene oxide.