Abstract: A point of use microfiltration device suitable for filtering the cooling water and cooling air supplies to a turbine driven dental handset is a multicompartmental device containing microporous filtration membranes effective to remove particulate matter, particularly microbes, thus protecting the patient from the risk of infection. The device contains passages providing for unrestricted turbine supply and return air, and may be provided with a light path suitable for use with fiber optic light supplies. The device is advantageously constructed to mate with standard multilumen and hand-piece end fittings, and may be disposed of after a single use.

Abstract: A combination air and water microfiltration device suitable for mounting on a dental syringe handset contains microporous membrane air and water filters which prevent particulate and bacterial contamination of the air and water streams applied to a dental patient's oral cavity during dental procedures. The small pore size of the microporous membrane allows filtration of infectious agents while maintaining adequate flow rates.

Abstract: Microporous membranes can be prepared which comprise a polymer which is a hydrophobic polymer in bulk form and which has an equilibrium water absorption from about 2% to about 4%, but is hydrophilic when precipitated as a membrane. The membranes are further characterized by high water flow rates at any given bubble point.