Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a pressurized stream of gas having particles suspended therein, is described. A double acting pinch valve suitable for use in the apparatus is also described. The apparatus finds particular utility in the dental industry.

Abstract: A removable nozzle head for a miniature sandblaster used for medical or industrial applications is disclosed comprising a nozzle, a handpiece nozzle adapter, a nozzle locking ring where the nozzle and nozzle handpiece adapter each have corresponding first and second bore in fluid communication to allow delivery of independent supplies of a gas and an abrasive laden stream to a mixing chamber in the nozzle for delivery through a orifice tube to a surface to be abraded, cleaned or modified.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel composition and system for use for removal of organic and inorganic materials from a variety of substrates, including a tooth surface, without damage occurring to the substrate. The disclosed composition comprises a friable abrasive particle which when propelled by a gas stream at a surface for a time sufficient departs adequate energy to remove organic and inorganic materials from the surface without causing any significant ablation of the surface.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for an air abrasive unit such as those used in the dental field. This method and apparatus utilizes an internal vibrator motor with vibration transmitters which transmit the vibration throughout the abrasive jar. The abrasive pickup assembly uses pressure differentials to suck up abrasive through a screen which controls the flow rate and particle size of the abrasive flowing through the system. The system can utilize a photo-optical detection system to detect the abrasive level. Alternatively, a pressure/pulse detection system may be used to measure abrasive level. Dilution of the air/abrasive mixture and "air only" modes are possible with the present system. Depressurization and mere reductions of pressure can also be accommodated. The invention also includes a system for easily modifying the content of an air abrasive stream exiting the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel composition and system for use for removal of organic and inorganic materials from a variety of substrates, including a tooth surface, without damage occurring to the substrate. The disclosed composition comprises a friable abrasive particle which when propelled by a gas stream at a surface for a time sufficient departs adequate energy to remove organic and inorganic materials from the surface without causing any significant ablation of the surface.

Abstract: A removable nozzle head for a minature sandblaster used for medical or industrial applications is disclosed comprising a nozzle, a handpiece nozzle adapter, a nozzle locking ring where the nozzle and nozzle handapiece adapter each have corresponding first and second bore in fluid communication to allow delivery of independent supplies of a gas and an abrasive laden stream to a mixing chamber in the nozzle for delivery through a orifice tube to a surface to be abraded, cleaned or modified.