Abstract: Aseptic dental valves and instruments and accoutrements therefor comprise a handle extension (20--FIG. 2) and a flange guard (22) to be added within the path of a saliva ejector (FIG. 1) for preventing a dental professional's (DP's) hand from touching and contaminating the hose (14) or the hose valve (24), thereby to prevent microorganisms on the hand from contaminating these latter components where they might be picked up by the hand later and cross-contaminate subsequent patients. The handle extension and flange guard are useable on saliva ejectors (FIG. 3), surgical suction tips (FIG. 4), drills (FIGS. 12-12C), and air-water valves (FIGS. 14-15). The surgical tip can be formed of a series of sections of decreasing diameters in a stepped-down formation (FIG. 4A) to enable it to retain its shape when bent (FIG. 4B). The hose valve (FIGS.

Abstract: A connector (12' or 12") is attached to the end of a dental vacuum hose (20) for enabling a valved handle (24) to be attached to the connector and thus coupled to the vacuum hose. A saliva ejector or a high-volume ejector can then be attached to the distal end of the valved handle. The end of the connector is closed with a crown cap (22) to prevent a vacuum rushing sound and keep the connector sanitary when the valved handle is not attached. The cap has a top spike or finial (22F) which enables the cap to be pried off the connector easily by pushing the lumen at the bottom of the valved handle over the finial and tilting the handle. The cap hangs by a tether (22T) after it is pried off. In lieu of a cap, a flip top (12"F) which is hinged to the top opening of the connector can be used; one side of the flip top can be pried with the bottom of the valved handle.

Abstract: A saliva ejector for dental use comprises a tube (16) having an open end with a slanted edge (32) and a tip valve comprising a disc (22) and a pivot attachments (24) mounted adjacent the tip. The valve enables the tube to be closed without having to touch any non-sterilizable parts, thereby avoiding cross-contamination of patients with microorganisms. The pivot attachments are integral with the wall of the tube, but can be pivoted in pivot holes (36) therein. A pair of operating arms (28) are attached normal to the disc so that the valve can be closed from the open end of the tube by pulling the arm down with a finger; the arms also provide the valves with an inherent screen-filter. A notch (12) in the open end of the tube receives and holds the arm when the valve is closed. The tip of the tube can have a spacing fin (72) attached.

Abstract: A saliva ejector tip for dental use comprises a tube (10) with a pliable, flexible tip. The end (26) of the tip is flat. The sides of the tip adjacent the end extend down to form a cage (22) of spiral mullions which terminate at a solid base portion of the tip. Extending axially inside the tip from the end is an internal plunger (24). Below the plunger on the inside is an annular valve seat (28). When the end is pushed in, the cage collapses and the plunger is pushed into the valve seat which it closes off so as to close the tip. In this manner the tip can be closed with one hand when it is removed from the mouth, thereby to avoid a sucking sound, and the need for the dentist to handle and contaminate the more proximal hose and hose valve, which are difficult to sterilize. The mullions of the cage can be extended down over the base of the tip (FIG. 4) to provide lands (32) on the base for an easier grip and saliva routing action.