Abstract: In order to select the ultrasonic wave power and amplitude range that matches an ultrasonic tip (130) for mounting on a surgical handpiece (120), the tip (130) includes a cavity (131) forming a housing for an identifier element (140). The identifier element is made of an elastic material presenting a melting temperature higher than 130° C. enabling it to withstand both vibration and sterilization temperatures. The identifier element (140) presents a color or a pattern corresponding to the ultrasonic wave power and amplitude range appropriate for use with the tip.

Abstract: A tool is configured to cut a tissue body. The tool includes a first section configured to be coupled to a transducer assembly, and a second section coupled to the first section. The first section at least partially includes a first material. The second section at least partially includes a second material that is different from the first material and denser than the first material. The second includes a cutting member that is configured to vibrate at a predetermined frequency so as to cut a tissue body an operative portion.

Abstract: An ultrasound dental treatment appliance having a surgical handpiece (220) fitted with a transducer connected to an ultrasound generator (230), the handpiece being designed to receive ultrasound tips (210) that are mechanically coupled to the transducer and that operate in different ultrasound wave power and amplitude ranges. The dental treatment appliance includes elements (224, 225), e.g. optical elements, for automatically detecting the utilization power and amplitude range of the tip (210) mounted on the handpiece, and a processor for automatically setting the ultrasound generator to the detected power and amplitude range.

Abstract: A device for producing a gas plasma by ionisation of a gas using a microwave source of determined nominal power (Pn), includes a magnetron 7 receiving its electric energy from a supply circuit. The device is characterized in that the power (Pd) delivered by the supply circuit to the magnetron 7 is no more than one quarter of the nominal power (Pn) of the magnetron 7.

Abstract: A device used for the sterilization of objects (19), in particular medical or surgical instruments, is of the type that can create a gaseous plasma from a gas flow which is subjected to an electric field. The resulting post-discharge flow is brought into contact with the surface of the objects to be treated. The device is characterized in that the gas flow includes exclusively nitrogen. Moreover, the device include a device for heating the aforementioned objects, which can heat the objects to a temperature of at least 60° C. during treatment. A method of using the device is also described.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing objects (19), in particular medical or surgical instruments, includes subjecting a gas stream circulating in a chamber wherein an industrial vacuum is created to the action of an electric field so as to create a gaseous plasma whereof the post-discharge stream which is derived therefrom is admitted into a sterilizing chamber where it is contacted with the surface of the objects to be treated. The device is characterized in that the gas stream consists of a mixture of nitrogen, and of an amount of hydrogen less than 5%. It includes elements for heating the objects capable of bringing the latter, during treatment, to a temperature not less than 60° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical device for the photo-polymerization of composite material, and is used in particular in the dental field. The inventive device comprises a light source (2) which is defined by an LED or a group of LEDs. It comprises electrical power supply means consisting of a battery (4) which is associated with a direct current/direct current converter device (7) commonly known as a DC/DC converter, passive means (3) for the evacuation of heat, and a central management unit (5) for operating parameters of the light source for the definition of a determined photo-polymerization energy profile.

Abstract: A switching device for an irrigation line includes two flexible supply tubes (4a, 4b), each of the tubes connecting a flask containing an irrigation fluid to a handpiece via a peristaltic pump. The device includes at least one compression element (34a, 34b) and control members (32) which can apply the compression element alternatively to each of the flexible supply tubes (4a, 4b) in such a way as to squeeze and block the tube. The control members (32) are designed such that, when one of the tubes is being squeezed in order to block the passage of the fluid through same, the other tube is not being squeezed so that the fluid can flow through the other tube.

Abstract: A power cord (5) for a medical handpiece includes at least one longitudinal auxiliary housing (13) which is equipped with a radial slit (15) which communicates the auxiliary housing (13) with the exterior. The power card is equipped with a mechanism for positioning the flexible conduit inside the auxiliary housing, the mechanism including: elements (24) for positioning same on the cord (5), means for positioning the flexible conduit (17) at the inlet of the slit (15) of the cord (5), and applicator elements for pushing the conduit (17) into the auxiliary housing (13) through the slit (15) when the mechanism is moved along the length of the cord (5).

Abstract: The invention concerns a dynamometric key designed in particular for fixing an insert (22) on a handpiece (23). Said dynamometric key is characterized in that it consists of a grip element (3), and a securing element (5), said two elements being linked in frictional rotation via a spring (1) whereof the end coils have been assembled, so as to provide it with a globally toroidal shape.

Abstract: A power assistance device for an ultrasonic dental handpiece (5) includes a working circuit with a parallel impedance (Ls) between the output terminals (S1,S2) and a control circuit with a current transformer (T2), the primary winding (7) thereof is serially arranged in the working circuit and the secondary winding (11) thereof forms an RLC circuit in conjunction with a capacitor (13) and a resistor (15) associated therewith. The voltage of the circuit at the terminals of the resistor (15) is transmitted to the input of a power supply (1). The control circuit enables variations in the value of the capacitor (13) and/or the value of the self-inductance coil of the secondary winding (11) of the transformer (T2).

Abstract: A dental instrument adapted to be fixed to a hand piece suitable for communicating ultrasound waves to the dental instrument, includes at least one arm ending in an active extremity that has two longitudinal concavities in opposing surfaces.

Abstract: There is provided a substantially disposable dental tip incorporated in an ultrasonic scaler and a dental working distal end piece used for the dental tip.The dental tip in accordance with the present invention includes a transmission medium whose proximal end portion is connected to an ultrasonic vibration source to transmit ultrasonic vibrations generated from the ultrasonic vibration source and the dental working distal end piece of the present invention which is mounted on a distal tip end of the transmission medium and consists of a tip end member having a shape suitable for dental treatment etc. and a connecting portion connected integrally to a proximal end portion of the tip end member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an operative assembly (1) and a supply assembly (3). The back of the operative assembly (1) and the front of the supply assembly (3) have complementary connectors forming a sealed connection between the assemblies. The supply assembly (3) comprises at least one duct (43) for feeding a first fluid as far as the connectors. The surgical instrument is characterized in that it comprises a member (31) for sealing the fluid duct (43) when the operative assembly (1) is connected to the supply assembly (3), and the operative assembly (1) includes a member (25) for feeding at least one second fluid.

Abstract: A surgical knife comprising an ultrasonic generator (3) for ultrasonically vibrating an electrode or sonotrode (9) arranged at the front end of the knife and provided with an axial suction bore (19, 21). The surgical knife is characterized in that its back end comprises a member (31) for guiding a laser beam through the axial suction bore (19, 21) and onto a focal point (A) located beyond the front end of the sonotrode (9).

Abstract: Process and device for use in surgery comprising a conducting element capable of shifting from a first medium to a second medium, which can measure an electrical parameter such as conductance and which can present a variation threshold during its movement when the conducting element is in contact with the second medium. The device can determine the variation of the electrical parameter during the movement of the conducting element in the first medium, as well as detect at least one predefined critical value and produce a signal when this critical value is detected.