Abstract: A dental treatment unit including at least one mechanical connection for a three-dimensional measuring device for the measurement of teeth, treatment situations and tooth models. The three-dimensional measuring device and the dental treatment unit may be connected to each other by way of means for the exchange of data and/or control commands. In another embodiment, the three-dimensional measuring device may be configured for the three-dimensional measurement of teeth, treatment situations and tooth models, and include a hand-held piece with an image acquisition unit and a base unit that is connected to hand-held piece. The base unit may include means for the exchange of data and/or control commands with a dental treatment unit and/or means for the supply of power through the dental treatment unit.

Abstract: A dental apparatus is provided with a group of standard preparation instruments that are held in deposit devices having sensors allocated to each device to determine the configuration and deposit condition of the preparation instrument in the deposit device, the apparatus has a second group of non-preparation instruments which include image-acquiring instruments for diagnostic purposes. Both instrument groups or types share a personal computer with a keyboard and a monitor in common through one interface data where the instrument-related functions can be read in and read out so that the installed program of the personal computer is activated dependent on the particular instrument being used.

Abstract: An apparatus having a plurality of components with printed circuit boards (PCB) having electronic circuits that act on electrical and/or electromechanical function elements is provided. The PCBs communicate with one another via a serial communication bus. The components have analog and digital signal generators allocated to them whose signals act on the PCBs as an input quantity. The PCBs have the capability for implementing self-tests. The self-tests provide test results that are supplied to a service computer as input quantities. Converters for the data for a transmission via a standard interface are provided for the transmission of the data onto the service computer. In an embodiment, the service computer has a first module with a diagnosis software component that enables an interactive error diagnosis off-line. The service computer also contains a second module that produces a connection between the first module and the apparatus components to enable an on-line diagnosis with the first module.

Abstract: A device for the optimizing of the speed control of an electric subfractional horsepower motor for dental instruments is provided wherein it is possible to operate the motor in any desired speed range. The device contains a first module for regulating the speed by voltage measurement, a second module for regulating the speed by current-load compensation, and means for deciding which of the two modules and in what proportion they assume speed regulation of the motor.

Abstract: A recognition system is provided for tools, such as drill bits and milling bits, which are insertable into dental treatment instruments, each of the tools having an optimum speed at which the tool must be rotated for effective treatment. In the recognition system, each tool is provided with a code corresponding to the speed or speed graduation necessary to effectively use the tool. The system also includes a reader which reads the code on each tool, and generates identifying signals in accordance with the code, which are supplied to an evaluation logic. The logic converts the signal from the reader into control signals for the drive motor used to operate the tool, as well as indicator signals for visually displaying information relating to the tool currently in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a disinfectant cycle of a medical device such as a dental device having an input water line with a main valve and a plurality of water lines extending to instruments with control valves characterized by an arrangement for injecting a disinfectant into the input line downstream of the main valve and an arrangement for controlling the opening and closing of the various valves to enable replacing the water in the water lines with disinfectant, and subsequently flushing the disinfectant therefrom. The method and apparatus can include a device for dosing the water flowing through the water lines during usage with a disinfectant to retard growth of microorganisms and the apparatus can include a selector switch to select various modes of operation.