Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for delivery of pressurized particulate matter against a surface or target to abrade, texture, sandblast, etch, erase, cut, penetrate, smooth, clean, polish, harden and/or deburr the surface or target. The invention is expected to be used in slightly different embodiments, both by dentists and oral hygienists to clean teeth, and by hobbyists, although numerous other uses are within the contemplation of the inventors. The dental embodiment features a prefilled, sealed, and disposable fluidizing chamber and cannula assembly that avoids contamination and which has been approved by the FDA for dental use. The general utility embodiment features a refillable fluidizing chamber and detachable cannula.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for delivery of pressurized particulate matter against a surface or target to abrade, texture, sandblast, etch, erase, cut, penetrate, smooth, clean, polish, harden and/or deburr the surface or target. The invention is expected to be used largely by hobbyists, although numerous other uses are within the contemplation of the inventors. Included is a fluidizing chamber having a discharge end of an inlet tube that is disposed below or overlaps the intake end of the cannula such that the discharge of the inlet tube blows the particulate matter into the fluid above the intake end of the cannula, thereby suspending it therein, without clogging. The invention further provides for dual check valve function in several different embodiments to prevent backflow of particulate matter in the event of a drop in pneumatic pressure, and also to prevent excessive pressure from reaching the fluidizing chamber and cannula in the event of a pressure surge.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved apparatus for delivery of pressurized particulate matter against a surface or target to abrade, etch, erase, cut, penetrate, smooth, clean, polish and/or harden the surface or target. The most important use to which the present invention is adapted is use by dentists and oral hygienists to very effectively clean teeth, employing a particulate matter such as aluminum oxide, while at the same time having no effect on soft tissue such as the gums. This is accomplished using a prefilled, sealed, and disposable fluidizing chamber and cannula assembly that avoids contamination and which has already been approved by the FDA for dental use. Included is a fluidizing chamber having a discharge end of an inlet tube that is disposed below or overlaps the intake end of the cannula such that the discharge of the inlet tube blows the particulate matter into the fluid above the intake end of the cannula, thereby suspending it therein, without clogging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the carbon dioxide content of micro samples of blood, serum, or other body fluid. In performing the method, a micro quantity of sample is introduced into one compartment of a double-compartmented open-topped reaction vessel, the other compartment containing a reagent capable of liberating the carbon dioxide from the sample when the two are mixed. The open top of the vessel is then sealed so that its interior communicates only with a capillary gasometer, and the contents of the vessel are then thoroughly mixed. The volume of evolved gas is measured directly from the graduated capillary gasometer by observing the extent of displacement of an indicating liquid therein. The structure of the device is described, along with the structure and method for adjusting the volume of the reaction vessel, after sealing and before mixing, to locate the meniscus of the liquid in the capillary at a selected starting point.