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: 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: 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).