Patents by Inventor Bryan B. Van

Bryan B. Van has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Unidirectional valve for preventing back flow in a dental saliva ejector
    Patent number: 5941703
    Abstract: A unidirectional valve (46) is used for preventing a back flow (52) of fluid matter (72) in a dental saliva ejector (20). The unidirectional valve (46) includes a valve body (74) and a valve diaphragm (76). The valve diaphragm (76) is coupled to a base (78) of the valve body (74). The base (78) has apertures (90) for separating a particulate component (104) from a liquid component (102) of fluid matter (72). The valve diaphragm (76) has a flexible flap (96) for allowing a forward flow (48) of liquid component (102) into a low volume suction tube (28) of saliva ejector (20). The flexible flap (96) is further configured to prevent the back flow (52) liquid component (102) into an ejector tip (26) and into the mouth (22) of a dental patient (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Bryan B. Van
  • Method for preventing back flow in a dental saliva ejector
    Patent number: 5855478
    Abstract: A unidirectional valve (46) is used for preventing a back flow (52) of fluid matter (72) in a dental saliva ejector (20). The unidirectional valve (46) includes a valve body (74) and a valve diaphragm (76). The valve diaphragm (76) is coupled to a base (78) of the valve body (74). The base (78) has apertures (90) for separating a particulate component (104) from a liquid component (102) of fluid matter (72). The valve diaphragm (76) has a flexible flap (96) for allowing a forward flow (48) of liquid component (102) into a low volume suction tube (28) of saliva ejector (20). The flexible flap (96) is further configured to prevent the back flow (52) liquid component (102) into an ejector tip (26) and into the mouth (22) of a dental patient (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Bryan B. Van