Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tool is disclosed with a handpiece (300, 500, 806) containing coils (304A-304D; 504A-504D; 804A-804B) that produce an electromagnetic field that vibrates a magnetic rod (102, 702A, 702B, 820) of a moveable pin transducer (MPT) 100 disposed within the handpiece. Ultrasonic vibrations are produced when the coils are selectively powered by an ultrasonic signal generator, which can include a stepper motor control apparatus (1300, 1400). A tip 106 can be removably attached to an MPT 100. A channel (708A, 708B) in the magnetic rod (700A, 700B) can allow fluidic communication with a handpiece fluid supply channel (310, 510). A method of vibrating a tool can include controllably energizing at least one electromagnetic coil contained within a handpiece to vibrate a magnetic rod and an attached tip. The method can include varying the energy to at least one of the electromagnetic coils with a stepper motor control apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental scaling translucent insert which provides a coaxially aligned light adjacent the distal end of such insert for illuminating the tip of the dental scaler which light may be provided by light emitting from a fiber optic light guide from a light source located remotely from the tip. The light provided can also be used to view through a camera lens system located in translucent insert to provide a clear unobstructed view of the work at the tip of the scaler on a remote screen or for recording.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental scaling translucent insert which provides a coaxially aligned light adjacent the distal end of such insert for illuminating the tip of the dental scaler which light may be provided by light emitting from a fiber optic light guide from a light source located remotely from the tip. The light provided can also be used to view through a camera lens system located in translucent insert to provide a clear unobstructed view of the work at the tip of the scaler on a remote screen or for recording.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler automatically supplies a frequency to match a handpiece connecting thereto. A handpiece connector includes one or more passive elements, which affect the resonant frequency produced by the generator. Multiple handpieces, each operating at a different resonant frequency, may thus be used with the same ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic dental scaler also supports two footswitches. One footswitch includes a foot-controlled power level adjuster. When connected, the footswitch automatically disables the manual power adjuster. Another on-off footswitch includes no power adjustment mechanism. When connected, the manual power adjustment feature of the generator is maintained. Orders for different handpiece frequencies and footswitch types can thus be filled with an inventory of one generator model.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler automatically supplies a frequency to match a handpiece connecting thereto. A handpiece connector includes one or more passive elements, which affect the resonant frequency produced by the generator. Multiple handpieces, each operating at a different resonant frequency, may thus be used with the same ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic dental scaler also supports two footswitches. One footswitch includes a foot-controlled power level adjuster. When connected, the footswitch automatically disables the manual power adjuster. Another on-off footswitch includes no power adjustment mechanism. When connected, the manual power adjustment feature of the generator is maintained. Orders for different handpiece frequencies and footswitch types can thus be filled with an inventory of one generator model.

Abstract: A pre-packaged, sterilized, single-use dental scaler tip, to be supplied to dental professionals, is used with an insert for an ultrasonic dental scaler. The single-use tip is employed for maintenance and preventive care for patients with titanium and other dental implants. The tip is packaged individually and sterilized by gas or irradiation, only to be removed after purchase, such as by the dental professional just before use on a patient. Upon completion of the patient care, the tips are preferably discarded and the dental insert is autoclaved or otherwise sterilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a footswitch which contains all operating elements of an ultrasonic dental scaling system. The footswitch incorporates the circuitry for controlling the frequency of the dental scaling tip and can also provide water and light which is fed to a remote head located either on the dentist or hygienist or on the dental chair adjacent the patient, thereby eliminating the need for a control unit on the counter top in the treatment room. The consolidation of the entirety of the control circuitry in the footswitch eliminates messy cable tangles and because it services a remote head located adjacent the patient allows the handpiece control cable to be shortened, thus lightening the strain on the technician and permitting easier and more efficient dental scaling to be accomplished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental scaling translucent insert which provides a coaxially aligned light adjacent the distal end of such insert for illuminating the tip of the dental scaler which light may be provided by light emitting from a fiber optic light guide from a light source located remotely from the tip. The light provided can also be used to view through a camera lens system located in translucent insert to provide a clear unobstructed view of the work at the tip of the scaler on a remote screen or for recording.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler automatically supplies a frequency to match a handpiece connecting thereto. A handpiece connector includes one or more passive elements, which affect the resonant frequency produced by the generator. Multiple handpieces, each operating at a different resonant frequency, may thus be used with the same ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic dental scaler also supports two footswitches. One footswitch includes a foot-controlled power level adjuster. When connected, the footswitch automatically disables the manual power adjuster. Another on-off footswitch includes no power adjustment mechanism. When connected, the manual power adjustment feature of the generator is maintained. Orders for different handpiece frequencies and footswitch types can thus be filled with an inventory of one generator model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microprocessor-controlled ultrasonic control apparatus used to sweep a range of operating frequencies and to identify, store and tune to the resonant frequency of a magnetostrictively driven handpiece. This allows the user to change tip systems as desired and the device is not limited to a preset or switch selectable frequency. The unit automatically finds and adjusts to the frequency which corresponds to the resonant acoustic frequency of the magnetostrictive coil insert tip system.

Abstract: A color coding system and method for visually identifying and distinguishing ultrasonic dental tool inserts. The invention employs a color-coded removable cap that is used to secure a handgrip, which can also be color-coded, to the insert. The caps and/or handgrips of different inserts thus have different colors to visually distinguish one insert or type of insert from another.

Abstract: A three-part ultrasonic dental insert and replacement system used in a handpiece having an induction coil disposed about a well and operably connected to power supply. The three parts include a magnetostrictive element, a velocity transducer and a tip. The magnetostrictive element has a crown at one end which is releasably attached to a distal end of the velocity transducer. The tip is releasably attached to a proximal end of the velocity transducer. The insert can comprise a set of interchangeable tips wherein the velocity transducer and the tips are ultrasonically operable with the coil and the magnetostrictive element. The three-part replacement system comprises a set of the magnetostrictive coils and a set of the velocity transducer elements, as well as the interchangeable tips. The velocity transducer and tip sets include a plurality of transducer-tip combinations ultrasonically operable at the ultrasonic frequencies of the magnetostrictive elements.