Abstract: A dental instrument comprises a fluid driven handpiece in fluid communication with a valve; a source of fluid in fluid communication with the valve; and a controller in electrical communication with the valve and an actuator positioned on the handpiece. The actuator is configured to cause the valve to move between a first position in which fluid cannot flow from the source of fluid to the handpiece and a second position in which fluid flows from the source of fluid to the handpiece thereby driving the handpiece. The dental instrument may further comprise a second actuator in communication with the controller. The second actuator is configured to cause the valve to move between the first position in which fluid cannot flow from the source of fluid to the handpiece and the second position in which fluid flows from the source of fluid to the handpiece thereby driving the handpiece.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials methods for reducing infections in subjects. The materials methods utilize chlorhexidine, which has been found to be surprisingly non-toxic. The lack of toxicity facilitates the use of chlorhexidine in contexts that were not previously thought to be possible.

Abstract: In the case of a dental hand instrument having a grip sleeve and also a head housing arranged at the front end of the grip sleeve for receiving or holding a treatment instrument, the head housing has a substantially cylindrical hollow space which is connected by way of at least one connecting bore to a connection region pointing to the grip sleeve, wherein the connecting bore is coupled, at its end facing the grip sleeve, to a media line extending through the grip sleeve, and wherein the inner wall region of the head housing enclosing the hollow space has a recess into which the connecting bore opens.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device (100) including: a nozzle portion (30) configured to direct a plurality of liquid droplets; an actuator (120); a mode selector (130); a liquid reservoir (38) wherein in operation liquid is moved from the liquid reservoir into an orifice (36) at the proximal end of the nozzle; a system (12, 13, 14, 24) configured to drive a plunger or piston element (16) toward the proximal end of the nozzle to create a spray of liquid droplets when the moving air comes into contact with the liquid; a control unit (15) configured to control the system to drive the plunger a predetermined number of times in response to a single actuation of the actuator, where the control unit is further configured to accept input from the user via the mode selector, and the mode selector is configured for the user to select a number of liquid bursts that will be delivered in response to a single actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A system for dental tissue treatment includes a system for directing a laser beam to an area of dental tissue to be treated, and a fluid-delivery system for directing and controlling a flow of a fluid. The fluid is directed to at least a portion of the area to be treated and the fluid flow is controlled to substantially prevent both a change in laser energy absorption by the dental tissue and attenuation of treatment efficiency due to fluid interference with the laser beam. The fluid present in at least a portion of the area to be treated may prevent or reduce the likelihood of melting of enamel in that area.

Abstract: An irrigating device including a reservoir for storing fluid, a tip fluidly connected to the reservoir, and a pump operative to draw fluid from the reservoir and propel the fluid to the tip. The irrigating device further includes at least one reed valve positioned to regulate fluid between at least one of an inlet port or an exhaust port of the pump.

Abstract: A dental treatment system can include a console, a tooth coupler, and an interface member that provides at least one of fluidic, electrical, mechanical, and data communication between the tooth coupler and the console. The tooth coupler (which may comprise a handpiece or a treatment cap) can act as a working end of the system to administer a suitable treatment procedure, such as a cleaning procedure, an obturation procedure, a restoration procedure, etc. The tooth coupler can removably engage the interface member such that the clinician can easily engage and disengage the tooth coupler and interface member.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, electrosurgical systems are provided generally including at least one energy-delivery device for delivering energy to tissue when inserted or embedded within tissue. The energy-delivery device can be a tissue ablation device, such as an ablation probe, needle, etc. for ablating tissue as commonly known in the art. The electrosurgical systems include at least one structure and/or operational characteristic for enhancing ultrasonic visibility of the energy-delivery devices within tissue during ultrasonography.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the controlled supply of compressed air to at least one pneumatically operated dental instrument (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) from a supply and control unit (2), in which a dental instrument (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) is connected by a supply hose (4, 4?, 4?, 4??) for supplying compressed air with a valve mechanism (6) provided in the supply and control unit (2), the valve mechanism (6) having a plurality of pneumatic sliding valve units (9, 9?, 9?, 9??). The pneumatic sliding valve units (9, 9?, 9?, 9??) of the valve mechanism (6) are accommodated in at least one valve body (10) and the valve body (10) has a plurality of control connections (12, 12?, 12?, 12??), whereby each pneumatic sliding valve unit (9, 9?, 9?, 9??) corresponds to a control input (12, 12?, 12?, 12??) and pressurization of a control input (12, 12?, 12?, 12??) with switching compressed air opens the corresponding sliding valve unit (9?) and locks the additional, closed sliding valve units (9, 9?, 9??).

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: A spray glaze or opaque composition for coating dental restorations and other surfaces and objects such as hobby ceramics that comprises about 4 to about 50 weight % glaze material, about 5 to about 60 weight % restoration wetting agent, and about 10 to about 90% non CFC propellant. An opaque composition further comprises about 5 to about 30% opaque material.

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: A dental fluid delivery system for use with a dental drill is disclosed. The dental fluid delivery system includes a coolant water supply, a drive air line, a water line, and a coolant mist air controller. The coolant water supply unit includes a controller and a water container. The controller has a drive air inlet, a water inlet communicatively connected to the water container, a drive air outlet, and a water outlet. The drive air line is connected to the drive air outlet of the water supply unit. The water line is connected to the water outlet of the water supply unit. The coolant mist air controller is connectable in use to a dental drill. The mist air controller has a drive air inlet, a drive air outlet, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a mist air outlet.

Abstract: An oral care instrument, such as a motorized toothbrush, which activates upon exposure to the oral environment of the user, is described. The electrical conductivity of saliva, optionally mixed with toothpaste and water, may be utilized to complete an electrical circuit that powers a motorized device within the instrument.

Abstract: The present dental handpiece has a burr sleeve, a head section, an air supply passage for introducing compressed air into the head section for driving the burr sleeve, and an air discharge passage for discharging the compressed air. The air supply passage includes a through hole axially extending through the rear terminal part of the handpiece, and a tubular pressure regulating member and an air supply tube connected in series between the through hole and the head section. The pressure regulating member has an aperture for allowing communication with the air discharge passage, and an annular valve body arranged axially slidably for opening/closing the aperture. When the pressure of compressed air passing through the air supply passage exceeds a predetermined level, the valve body is slid to open the aperture to discharge the compressed air for regulating the pressure of the compressed air to be supplied to the burr sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is an oral irrigator comprising a pump, a discharge nozzle and a pressure control. The pump has a generally constant operating speed and feeds the discharge nozzle. The pressure control is adapted to modify a discharge pressure at the nozzle without a significant change in pump speed. The pressure control modifies a level of fluid flow restriction between the pump and the nozzle. The modification of the level of fluid flow restriction is accomplished by modifying aspects of a fluid flow path extending through the pressure control. The aspects modified include the diameter, length and/or number of direction changes of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end that is connectable to a suction source. A collar is slidable along the suction tube from a retracted position to a deployed position. A sleeve is provided having a proximal end fixed relative to the proximal end of the suction tube, and a distal end configured with the collar so as to move therewith and cover the suction tube in the deployed position of the collar. A wiper seal is contained within collar in sliding frictional engagement around the suction tube.

Abstract: A fine flow pinch adjust has a T shaped fluid communication path. A flexible tube is inserted within the fluid communication path in other than a straight path. A screw is inserted in one branch of the T unoccupied by the flexible tubing such that the screw cooperatively engages threads on the opening wall and such that the screw can engage the tubing when turned sufficiently in a known direction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention discloses novel sucrose isomerases, polynucleotides encoding these sucrose isomerases, methods for isolating such polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. Also disclosed are cells, including transformed bacterial or plant cells, and differentiated plants comprising cells, which contain these sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides, as well as extracts thereof. Methods of producing isomaltulose are also disclosed which use the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells, cell extracts and plants of the invention.

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.

Abstract: An attachment structure of a connector is configured so that a group 40 of wires connected to a connector 20, in which a connector block 21 is supported by a holder 22 fixed to a stationary attachment member 31 in such a way as to be able to cause relative displacement with respect to a stationary attachment member 31, is nearly equally divided into divided groups at a rear portion of the connector block 21, and that each of the divided groups of wires 41 and 42 is fixed to a corresponding one of supports 32 and 33 for a stationary attachment member 31.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly that may be used to supply fluid for use in dental instrumentation including irrigation, application, and aeration for treating a patient's mouth. The fluid dispensing assembly includes a fluid supply system that conveys fluid by pressurized air, and also includes a handpiece to allow flow between the fluid supply system and the patient's mouth. The fluid dispensing assembly further includes a separate handpiece for the delivery of only air into a patient's mouth.

Abstract: A fluid supply system that may be used interchangeably to supply fluid for use in dental instrumentation including irrigation, application, aeration, and evacuation for treating a patient's mouth. The fluid supply system includes a dental handpiece that has at least one valve arranged within and operably disposed upon said handpiece, and is used to allow flow between the fluid supply system and the patient's mouth. The fluid supply system can also be used to decontaminate dental unit water lines when used with anti-microbial fluids such as sodium hypochlorite.

Abstract: In a medicinal or dental hand instrument (1) comprising a hand piece (2) and a handle (6) arranged on the hand piece (2), an outlet opening (5), arranged on the front side of the handle (6), for the outlet of an abrasive therapeutic agent and a transport fluid, and a coupling terminal (4) for coupling the hand instrument (1) to a supply line for at least one transport fluid, in particular water and/or air, wherein the coupling terminal (4) is a coupling component (14b) of a coupling (13), the coupling component (14b) is arranged on an insert piece (20) which can be plugged into a plug-in socket or plug-in recess (19) and in its end zone, facing away from the flow, has one or more coaxially or paraxially disposed, sealed pipe socket couplings (10), which each connect a feed line (9, 11) for the transport fluid to an ongoing feed line (21, 22).

Abstract: Air driven dental handpiece motors include a tubular housing and a rotor rotatably supported within the housing. One motor is geared down by the provision of a plurality of idler gears rotatably supported on a hub which rotates between a sun gear on the output end of the rotor and a ring gear fixed within the housing. A drive shaft connects an exposed drive gear with the hub. A bearing is provided between the drive shaft and the inner bore of skirt extending from the ring gear to reduce a number of tolerances built up between the drive shaft and the bearing. The motor further includes a valve member rotatable through about 140.degree. of arc to vary maximum motor speed and motor rotation direction. The valve member abuts a valve plate having a circular air inlet opening and a semicircular air outlet or exhaust opening. The valve member has an air supply opening which is an elongated arcuate slot having radiused circumferential ends.

Abstract: A hand held blow gun is designed to help dental lab technology wash, rinse, and dry a prosthesis using one hand. High pressure air (100 p.s.i.) is needed to clean the work piece. Next a wash and finally an air dry process is needed. The vapor blaster is a one piece hand held device having a single thumb actuated lever to progressively depress first an air valve and then a water valve. The invention is powered by a high pressure gas source connected to a high pressure regulator. The high pressure regulator is connected to the hand held blow gun and to a second low pressure regulator connected to the remote second water bottle. An optional second water bottle is shown to select a cleaning solution cycle with T switches.

Abstract: A dental cleaning device (1) is provided with a mouthpiece (6) and with a grip member (4) having a fluid channel (83, 76, 75, 67, 69, 70, 71, 93, 94) and having a fluid-flow control device (61) which is adjustable an actuating member (8), which is movable between different actuating positions to change the amount of fluid supplied to the mouthpiece (6) through the fluid channel (83, 76, 75, 67, 69, 70, 71, 93, 94), the grip member (4) is provided with activatable parts (83, 76, 75, 67, 72, 73, 74, 32, 94) for temporarily increasing the amount of fluid supplied to the mouthpiece (6) while the instantaneous actuating position of the actuating member (8) for the fluid-flow control device (61) is maintained.

Abstract: A dental handpiece includes an end grip member gripped by an operator during use. The end grip member has a first end to be connected to an air supply and a second end on which is selectively detachably mounted a tool holder supporting a tool that is driven either by a mechanical structure or by an air turbine, depending upon the particular tool holder mounted on the end grip member. Within the end grip member is an air motor, and a first air line extends from the first end to the air grip motor. When the tool holder includes the mechanical structure, then the first air line supplies air to the air motor, thereby to transmit power to the mechanical structure. A second air line extends through the end grip member between the first and second ends thereof. When the particular tool holder mounted on the end grip member includes an air turbine, the second air line supplies air thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an appliance for oral hygiene, in particular an oral irrigating apparatus 10, comprising a hand-held unit 12 and a base unit 14 interconnected by a fluid conducting hose 19 and electrical conductors 21, 23. By means of an operating means 33 arranged on the handle section 28 of the hand-held unit 12, two operating parameters, particularly the On/Off state and the jet pressure of the oral irrigating apparatus 10, can be varied.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for one-step preparation of fibrinogen adhesive by polyethylene glycol-mediated precipitation from plasma are disclosed. The methods and apparatus of the invention permit preparation of autologous fibrinogen adhesive composition from the patient during surgery, and can be applied generally to provide such compositions. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for application of sealant comprising this fibrinogen adhesive composition.

Abstract: A replaceable fluid flow control device having a first element for providing valve bodies and a second element for providing fluid inputs and outputs. The second element is firmly mounted on a dental unit with a pair of mounting rods, and the first element is engaged with the second element by screws. It is convenient to dismount the first element from the second element by detaching screws, while blockage occurs within the first element.

Abstract: A dental spray handpiece, consisting of a gripping sleeve having a media inlet connection at one end thereof and a media discharge outlet at its other end, the gripping sleeve having media conduits arranged therein which extend from the media inlet connection to the media discharge outlet and discharge media outwardly therefrom. The media conduit has an electrical heating installation associated therewith for heating the medium, as well as a shutoff valve which is adapted to be brought into an open position through finger-actuation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for abrading, etching, polishing and cleaning metallic or non-metallic surfaces that operates through mechanical sandblasting principles. The present invention is embodied in an apparatus for abrading, etching or polishing a surface with a jet stream containing a mixture of solid particles and a gaseous medium. The apparatus comprises a hollow tubular handle with a nozzle at one end for dispensing the mixture of a solid material and a gaseous medium, and a compressed air and pulverulent material receiving member at the other end of the handle. The nozzle section of the apparatus contains a mixing chamber where a vacuum is created by the flowing pressurized gaseous medium, the pressure gradient results in aspiration of the solid material which mixes with and becomes entrained in the gaseous medium flow and passes through the nozzle tip.

Abstract: A fine tip hand-held medical suction device is provided having a vent orifice in the sidewall of the tip remote from the suction orifice of the tip and the hand holding portion of the device to regulate the negative pressure at the suction orifice. A fluid flow restriction orifice in the flow passage is disposed close to the vent orifice.

Abstract: A control device for use in an air turbine dental handpiece comprising an air turbine which is integrated with a spindle supporting a cutting tool and is rotatably supported in a head housing by bearings, an air supply passage which supplies compressed air to the air turbine and an exhaust passage which discharges air spent to drive the air turbine, the control device being characterized in that the control device comprises a pressure or flowrate regulating device disposed in the exhaust passage to control the speed of the turbine in the range of stop to high-speed operation by changing the back pressure of the air turbine.

Abstract: An oral hygiene apparatus for facilitating the accomplishment of an oral hygiene program. The apparatus includes liquid injection ports and a suction opening which are located proximate the bristles provided on the apparatus with the liquid injection ports being coupled to a remote source of liquid under pressure and the suction opening being coupled to a remote source of negative static pressure. The injected liquid in conjunction with a conventional brushing action will dislodge foreign matter in the oral cavity and the injected liquid along with the dislodged matter are evacuated from the oral cavity via the suction port of the apparatus.

Abstract: A dental handpiece, consisting of a gripping sleeve part with a built-in air motor for the drive of a treating implement which is supported within the gripping sleeve part. The gripping sleeve part has a detachable connecting member associated therewith; and the air motor has a control device possessing a handgrip associated therewith for changing the direction of rotation of the air motor; and wherein the connecting member is further provided with two passageways having outlet orifices connectable with the air motor for, respectively, the infeed of driving air and the discharge of exhaust air. For collective gripping sleeve parts which are brought into exchangeable engagement with the connecting member, it is necessary to provide only a single control device for changing the direction of rotation, which results in a simple mounting of bearing support for the gripping sleeve parts.

Abstract: A blood suction device for removing blood from a surgical field is provided which can be controlled by a pressure sensing means mounted on a suction tip of the device for starting and stopping the roller pump of the device, and changing the revolution rate of the roller pump, thus enabling to reduce possible hemolysis, clothing and other undesirable effects. The blood suction device comprises pressure sensing means for detecting the pressure exerted thereupon which can be handled adjacent the suction tip by means of pneumatic pressure, and control means for controlling the revolution rate in response to the sensed pressure. The revolution rate when the device is not gripped or pushed by the operator may be set either at zero revolution or at any desired revolution.

Abstract: A dental compressed-air motor, consisting of a housing in which there is arranged a rotatably supported rotor adapted to be set into rotation by means of operational compressed air which is introduced into the housing through the intermediary of an operational compressed-air inlet conduit, and which includes a rotor shaft connectable with a work tool, wherein the operational compressed-air inlet conduit has associated therewith a regulating device located within the housing, with an externally operable handle for effecting the turning of a rotary slide valve supported within the motor housing for variation of the rotational speed and/or the direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A flushing instrument or irrigator for surgical purposes comprises a stem 11 having an inlet end 29 adapted for connection to a flushing fluid supply line 13 and a discharge end 12. A fluid supply passage 16, 17, 18, 24, 19, 20, 21 is able to convey flushing fluid from the inlet end 29 to the discharge end 12. A valve 14 with a longitudinally movable slider 15 is movable between first and second abutments 22 and 23 from a retracted position in which it blocks the supply passage to an advanced position in which the supply passage is open for the transfer of flushing fluid to the discharge end of the stem and then via a cannula 38 to the site of the operation. In one embodiment the cannula 38 is also provided with a drainage duct 50 leading to a drainage passage 49 in the stem 11 in order to drain fluid away from the site of the operation. The drainage passage can be blocked by a transversely disposed slide valve 31.

Abstract: A dental treatment installation comprising at least one dental handpiece having an air operated drive motor and an outlet for discharging operating media used for dental purposes, a spray handpiece, a control arrangement for controlling the supply of operating media to the handpieces, and a storage device for the handpieces having storage switching-means which are arranged to place the handpieces on stand-by to receive operating media upon extraction of the handpieces from the storage device. The control arrangement includes supply sleeves having ducts for supplying operating media to both types of handpiece, couplings for releasably coupling the supply sleeves to the handpieces, and a foot-operated device for regulating the supply of operating media to the handpieces and including first switching-means for controlling the supply of air to drive the motor of the dental handpiece and second switching means for controlling the supply of spray to the dental handpiece.

Abstract: A dental syringe employs a single thumb or finger operated control member mounted on the syringe for regulating the flow of air or water or spray. The single control moves axially and vertically with respect to the syringe. Axial movement either forward or rearward from a rest position, initiates and controls the quantity of flow of air or water. Vertical movement of the control member initiates the flow of both air and water to produce a spray.

Abstract: A hand held power tool, particularly of the type of a dental handpiece or the like is provided with power shut-off means disposed directly within the handle. The shut-off means is mechanically connected with a suspension means for suspending the hand piece or the like power tool such that the weight of the tool shuts off power supply to the tool. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a dental handpiece is disclosed wherein the suspension means is a magnet, whereby the handpiece can be suspended on any ferromagnetic surface without having to reach to a suspension fork which, in the known devices, is itself associated with a shut-off valve. The basic idea of the invention has broad application in many different fields of technology.

Abstract: An irrigation-suction handpiece assembly, for dental and surgical use at an operating site, includes a handle containing longitudinally extending, side-by-side suction and irrigant passageways respectively connectible to a source of subatmospheric pressure (i.e., a vacuum source) and an irrigant fluid source. An irrigant valve is actuable for alternately opening and blocking flow of irrigant from the irrigant source through the irrigant passageway. An air pressure conduit includes a third passageway in the handle and connectible to an air pressure source which is not atmospheric pressure and not influenced by pressure changes in the suction passageway. This air pressure source is either a further subatmospheric pressure source or a compressed gas source. The third passageway has a relief opening in the handle selectively openable or closable by the hand of the operator for effecting a change in the pressure within the third passageway.

Abstract: A compressed-air dental motor includes a housing, a rotor, a compressed air inlet conduit supplying compressed air for placing the rotor into rotation, and a rotor shaft in the rotor connectable with a work tool, such as a drill. A valve member in the housing associated with the compressed-air inlet conduit is adapted to vary the inlet of compressed air for each unit of time, and an adjusting device is provided for controlling the valve member. The rotor shaft includes an axially displaceable component for controlling the valve member in direct mechanical dependence upon the torque at the work tool so as to form the adjusting device into a torque-dependent adjusting device.

Abstract: A fluid control for powering and supplying coolant liquid to gas operated surgical and dental tools and for supplying irrigant to a suction-irrigation handpiece, selectively by remove control from a surgical or dental operating site. A console remote from the operating site has a pressurized gas source. The tool and an operator valve actuable for turning on the tool are located at the operating site, remote from the console. A tool gas supply at the console is actuable for supplying pressurized gas from the source to the remote operator valve and tool. A coolant supply at the console is actuable for delivering coolant liquid to an outlet tip located at the tool. Gas circuitry in the console responds to the drop in gas pressure in the tool gas supply resulting from turning on of the tool and thereby causes the coolant supply to supply liquid to the tip while the tool is running.

Abstract: This dental handpiece comprises means for controlling the delivery of compressed air and water to an outlet conduit leading to the head of the handpiece. The water and air supply conduits from the motor open each into a circular groove formed in the inner periphery of a socket easily fitted on the tool holder retaining end of the motor. Radial ports formed in the socket open on the one hand into the grooves, respectively, and on the other hand into an annular chamber formed between the socket and the handpiece body, the outlet conduit extending from this chamber. A rotary ring accessible from outside the handpiece body is provided with a pair of seals off-set axially and angularly to each other and so arranged that in two end positions of the ring one of the two supply conduits is closed while the other conduit is open, and that in an intermediate position both conduits are open.