Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Barker

Thomas E. Barker 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).

  • Closed loop speed control for a pneumatic dental handpiece
    Patent number: 8777614
    Abstract: A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dentsply International Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Brennan, Timothy M. Beck, Eugene J. Novak, Thomas E. Barker, William Raymond, Karl H. Bethke
  • Closed loop speed control for a pneumatic dental handpiece
    Patent number: 8303304
    Abstract: A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Dentsply International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Brennan, Timothy M. Beck, Eugene J. Novak, Thomas E. Barker, William Raymond, Karl H. Bethke
  • CLOSED LOOP SPEED CONTROL FOR A PNEUMATIC DENTAL HANDPIECE
    Publication number: 20080145817
    Abstract: A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Brennan, Timothy M. Beck, Eugene J. Novak, Thomas E. Barker, William Raymond, Karl H. Bethke