Abstract: A system of treating teeth or associated tooth structure by the use of abrasive-laden fluid stream provides fluid at high pressure to a manifold with selectively operable valves delivers fluid at a selected pressure to a device for mixing the fluid with abrasive and delivers the air/abrasive mix to a hand-held device for application of an abrasive-laden stream to a tooth or associated tooth structure. Priming air at a relatively low pressure pressurizes the air abrasive device. A flow path for pure air bypasses the air/abrasive device. A selective control allows the operator to deliver a stream of air or air and abrasive to the tooth or associated tooth structure as desired. Preferably the fluid pressure is controlled by a manually-operable servo valve system. Upon termination of a treatment with the air abrasive mix, the pure air is diverted through a purge line to purge the system downstream from the abrasive device of excess abrasive particles.

Abstract: Treating teeth or associated tooth structure by the use of an abrasive-laden fluid stream which provides fluid at high pressure to a manifold with selectively operable valves, delivers fluid at a selected pressure to a mixer for fluid and abrasive and delivers the mix to a handpiece for application of abrasive-laden air to a tooth or tooth structure. Low pressure priming air pressurizes the air abrasive device. A path for pure air bypasses the air/abrasive device. A control allows for delivery of air or air and abrasive as desired. Fluid pressure is controlled by a manually-operable servo system. Following treatment with the air/abrasive, a purge line purges the system downstream from the abrasive device of excess abrasive particles. A vacuum removes abrasive particles and debris from the patient's mouth. The abrasive delivery device may include a hand-held nozzle having fluid ports operable by the fingers of the operator to control system functions.

Abstract: A system of treating teeth or associated tooth structure using an abrasive-laden fluid stream provides fluid at high pressure to a manifold with selectively operable valves to deliver fluid at a selected pressure to a mixer for the fluid and abrasive and delivery to a device for application to a patient's mouth. Priming air at low pressure pressurizes the mixer. An alternate air path bypasses the mixer. A selective control delivers a stream of fluid or fluid and abrasive to the tooth or tooth structure. Upon termination of treatment, pure air is diverted through a purge line to purge the system of abrasive. A vacuum is selectively operable to remove abrasive and debris from the mouth during and after the abrasive treatment. The abrasive delivery device includes a hand-held nozzle having ports operable by the fingers for control.

Abstract: A system of treating teeth or associated tooth structure uses abrasive-laden fluid stream. The system provides air at high pressure to a manifold with selectively operable valves delivers fluid at a selected pressure to a device for mixing the fluid with abrasive and delivers the air/abrasive mix to a hand-held device for application of an abrasive-laden stream to a tooth or associated tooth structure. Priming air at a relatively low pressure pressurizes the air/abrasive device. A flow path for pure air bypasses the air/abrasive device. A selective control allows for optional delivery of a stream of air or air and abrasive to the tooth or associated tooth structure. Upon termination of a treatment, the pure air is diverted through a purge line to purge the system downstream from the abrasive device of abrasive particles. A vacuum removes abrasive particles and debris from the region of the mouth of the patient during and after the abrasive treatment operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for developing and handling an abrasive-laden gas stream for abrasive jet machining, employing equipment for storage, feeding, and control of abrasive powder in a carrier jet delivered through an upright feed tube at relatively high pressure and velocity.

Abstract: Apparatus for abrasive jet machining, including equipment for storage, feeding, and control of abrasive powder in a carrier jet delivered through an upright feed tube at relatively high pressure and relatively high velocity.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding powder particles into a pressurized gaseous stream comprising a feed chamber having a helical particle feed channel, a reserve powder supply chamber above the feed chamber and a feed tube extended from the reserve powder supply chamber and arranged to deliver powder from the reserve supply to the bottom of the feed chamber and form a powder deposit in the central region of the bottom wall and lying within the angle of repose of the powder, a delivery duct communicating with the helical particle feed channel, and means for controlling the feed rate comprising means for controlling the vibration of the feed chamber.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for effecting shut-off of flow through a tube formed of flexible material. The device includes a block having a bore through which the tube extends and having a resilient sleeve surrounding the tube in the bore and further including a plunger adapted to project through an aperture in the bore wall to engage the resilient sleeve and pinch the tube within the sleeve.

Abstract: Equipment for abrasive stream cleaning delivers a stream of a gas and particles and a flow of liquid. A nozzle structure provides for entrainment of the liquid by a jet of particle-laden gas.

Abstract: Equipment for abrasive stream cleaning delivers a stream of a gas and particles and a flow of liquid. A nozzle structure provides for entrainment of the liquid by a jet of particle-laden gas.

Abstract: A method for cleaning teeth involving the conjoint use of streams of water and of a water soluble abrasive carried in an air stream.