Including Lubricating Or Apparatus Cooling Means Patents (Class 433/104)
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Patent number: 12226282Abstract: A dental tool and prosthetic components/screws that allow capturing, transporting and applying torque so as to perform dental service with a single tool specially adapted for components/screws with reduced dimensions, such as, e.g., smaller than 1.4 mm in diameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: JJGC INDÚSTRIA E COMÉRCIO DE MATERIAIS DENTÁRIOS S.A.Inventors: Geninho Thomé, Felix Andreas Mertin, Rafael Calixto Salatti, Ilderaldo Jose Lucca
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Patent number: 11915678Abstract: a sound control device for pneumatically driven mechanical devices and method of use of said device, the device configured to create a sealed intermediary gas medium between the atmosphere and surfaces of the pneumatically driven mechanical device where vibrational energy is generated and where exhaust flow travels, the sound control device further configured to carry such energy and exhaust away from the source where it may be released into the atmosphere in a quieter manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Inventors: Richard J Mah, Edward P Sullivan, Jr.
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Patent number: 11496010Abstract: Fault-tolerant radial flux rotary electric machines are provided. One such machine comprises: a permanent magnet rotor having fourteen poles; and an alternate-wound stator having sixteen slots and four coil pairs, each coil pair forming part of one of four independent electrical phases.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: ROLLYS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Simon Turvey
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Patent number: 11318002Abstract: Medical or dental cleaning and/or care device for cleaning and/or care of at least one instrument, comprising: a housing, a plurality of chambers, each of the plurality of chambers configured to accommodate at least one instrument, wherein each chamber has at least one dispensing element for dispensing at least one cleaning agent and/or care agent into the respective chamber and/or to the instrument accommodated in the respective chamber, an opening in the housing, through which the plurality of chambers can be loaded with instruments, and a cover for closing the opening and the plurality of chambers, wherein only a part of the opening can be closed by the cover so that when at least one of the plurality of chambers is completely closed, at least another one of the plurality of chambers is not completely closed.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbHInventors: Florian Galluseder, Jürgen Meburger, Johann Eibl
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Patent number: 10881490Abstract: A handpiece maintenance system and method identifies a dental handpiece and operates in a diagnostic cycle to power the handpiece and determine predictive maintenance condition thereof. The handpiece maintenance system includes a temperature sensor and/or an acceleration sensor to measure the conditions of the handpiece during the diagnostic cycle. The predictive maintenance condition of the handpiece is based on data from the diagnostic cycle and other stored data for the identified handpiece. A system is also configured to determine a predictive maintenance condition of the handpiece based on sensor data read from a handpiece and historical usage data thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: KAVO DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Robert Thomas St. Louis, Michael Carl Dunaway, Steven Bohon, Mitchell James Rutledge
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Patent number: 9956150Abstract: The present invention provides a method for dental cutting including the steps of providing a dental unit water line irrigation system, the dental unit water line irrigation system including a container surrounding a solution chamber; providing a lubricant for use in the dental unit water line irrigation system, the lubricant defining a composition including 10 to 25% by weight of ethanol; 5 to 25% by weight of glycerol; 10 to 25% by weight of xylitol; 0.5 to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant and emulsifying agent; 0.15 to 0.5% by weight of a plurality of flavoring agents; and 45 to 60% by weight of water; and selectively operating the water line irrigation system to express the lubricant onto a dental cutting site.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: John Irving White
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Patent number: 9877798Abstract: An electric dental handpiece including a head engaging a handle and configured to rotatably support a tool. The handle includes a lower handle portion and an upper handle portion with the lower handle portion engaging the head and the upper handle portion having an attachment area configured for attachment to a power supply. An electric motor is positioned with a majority thereof within the lower handle portion and is configured to rotate the tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: SPRING HEALTH PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Joseph A. Lieb, Nathaniel H. Lieb, Arthur A. Knopp
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Patent number: 9833298Abstract: A dental apparatus that includes a turbine, a rotor, and a disruptive contour. The turbine drives a tool by compressed air. The rotor is arranged in a turbine compartment and rotates about its longitudinal axis. The rotor includes a plurality of blades that extend up to a front side of the rotor. The disruptive contour is at least one protrusion on a wall opposite the front side of the rotor which extends over a height in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventors: Matthias Rein, Siegfried Goisser, Metin Ertugrul, Ralf Sutter
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Patent number: 9803931Abstract: The handpiece includes; an outer housing of a bar shape; a cylindrical core inserted into the outer housing and having an air hole and a water hole; pipes respective inserted into the air hole and the water hole of the core; a rotor made with a cylindrical magnetic material and inserted into the core; cylindrical support rings forcedly fit to both sides of transfer shafts of the rotor; a pair of bearings respectively disposed at the front side and the rear side of the support rings; a coupling disposed in front of the rotor; a front housing joined to the front of the outer housing; a front cap disposed at the rear of the core; a rear cap disposed at the rear of the front cap and having a power supply terminal disposed at one side thereof; and a rear housing joined to the rear of the outer housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: MICRO-NX CO., LTDInventor: Jong Geon Lee
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Patent number: 9782193Abstract: A handle assembly for use in conjunction with a surgical cutting device is provided. The handle assembly can generally include two, detachable pieces or housings. The first housing can include electrical and mechanical components for driving a cutting assembly, such as a motor, while the second housing can include a fluid flow path that allows fluid to flow from the surgical site to a location outside of the cutting device. At least a portion of the fluid flow path can extend substantially adjacent to at least a portion of one or more components used to drive the cutting assembly to help manage the heat output of the components. The fluid flow path allows the fluid to exit the device without coming into contact with components like a motor, while also helping to cool the handle assembly. Systems and methods for cutting tissue are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRLInventor: Robert C. Thistle
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Patent number: 9566129Abstract: A disposable dental instrument of the compressed air drive type is disclosed for use in performing dental procedures on a workpiece. The disposable dental instrument is constructed from two mating shells and a core. Each shell incorporates a mating surface and the shells are joined using various bonding methods to ensure a waterproof, high quality dental instrument. An elongated body has conduits penetrating a base at one end of the body. The conduits allow entry of a light beam, a pressurized water stream, and a compressed air stream into the body. The base includes attachment threads for securing the body to a source of the light beam, pressurized water stream, and compressed air stream. Pluralities of passageways are in communication with the conduits for conducting the light beam, the water stream, and the air stream through the body. A head at the opposite end of the body rotatably mounts a turbine shaft on bearing surfaces which inhibit vibration and noise.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Inventors: Jerry W. Browning, David G. Murphy, Thomas P. Crooks
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Patent number: 9551995Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: James Feine
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Patent number: 9468503Abstract: A drive motor of a dental handpiece for driving a cutting tool of the handpiece is provided that is connected to the dental handpiece on its front end side and includes a cylindrical casing; a rotor unit, which is rotatably supported inside the casing and outputs a driving force; a stator unit provided around the rotor unit inside the casing; and an air path which causes cooling air supplied from the rear end side of the drive motor to pass through an airtight cooling room circumferentially extending between the stator unit and the casing, and to be discharged from the rear end side.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: NAKANISHI INC.Inventors: Shinichiro Muto, Hayato Matsushita, Akito Nakamura
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Patent number: 9033707Abstract: Tool and method for creating a perforation or cavity in a bone or bone structure in contact with a membrane, the tool including a drill having a free end and a channel adapted for supplying a liquid under pressure to the free end, the tool further including a source of the liquid under pressure such that the liquid flows partially into and through the bone or bone structure toward the membrane while drilling the bone or bone structure with the drill, which allows to perform a progressive detachment of the membrane when the drill is close to the membrane while still being inside the bone or bone structure, and before completely piercing the bone or bone structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Inventor: Roland Dricot
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Patent number: 8919607Abstract: An analyte test strip vial having a restrictor to dispense analyte test strips in a controlled manner. In general, the restrictor includes one or more openings (e.g., central and/or arc-shaped openings) that are appropriately sized to facilitate the dispensing of a manageable number of analyte test strips from the vial container. The restrictor may also include one or more surface features (e.g., tabs, cavities, and/or tapered surfaces) to facilitate in the removal of analyte test strips, and the matting and/or removal of the restrictor from the vial container.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.Inventors: Frank David Fujimoto, Craig W. Sharp, Philip Justus Wunderle, III
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Patent number: 8439677Abstract: The present invention provides a maintenance apparatus for increasing the service life of a medical handpiece. The maintenance apparatus is provided with a first fluid supply which feeds a maintenance fluid to the bearings of a handpiece, capable of rotatably supporting a rotary tool, and a second fluid supply which feeds the maintenance fluid to the chucking structure of the handpiece, capable of detachably holding the rotary tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Makoto Numakawa, Shigehiko Inoue, Makoto Kawakami, Hirofumi Jikuhara
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Publication number: 20120231415Abstract: A dental handpiece of the type having a bearing supporting a turbine. At least one of the bearings is an air-foil type.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventor: Kevin Rogers Brennan
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Publication number: 20100151415Abstract: A device for further processing a fluid material, particularly a care device for medical or dental tool holders, the material being stored in a tank under pressure, the device having a coupling fixture having an adapter forming a screw connection to the tank under pressure, the adapter of the coupling fixture being pivotally supported.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: Kaltenbach & Voight GmbHInventors: Hans-Dieter Wiek, Uwe Mohn
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Patent number: 7568554Abstract: An oiler for supplying lubricant to a pneumatically driven surgical instrument has: a wick chamber; an oil reservoir; and a gas reservoir. The wick chamber is open to the conduit through which gas is supplied to the instrument. A wick is disposed in the wick chamber. An oil-soaked member is disposed in the wick chamber. A lubricant soaked member is disposed in the oil reservoir. The gas reservoir holds a charge of gas. When gas is supplied to the instrument, oil is educed from the wick and oil reservoir and flows with the gas stream to the instrument. Upon the shut off of the gas, the gas charge vents from the of gas reservoir. This gas delivers a charge of oil to the wick. Some of this oil is discharged from the oiler to the supply conduit. This oil lubricates the instrument when it is initially reactuated.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Ray E. Umber, Steven C. Grubbs
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Publication number: 20080176181Abstract: There is disclosed a medical or dental hand-piece element comprising a coupling mechanism for a detachable connection of the hand-piece element to a drive unit, a tool receptacle that is or can be connected to the hand-piece element, and a drive element for transmitting a driving movement from the drive unit to the tool receptacle so that the tool receptacle can be set into a working movement, wherein the drive element comprises at least one rotatable shaft, and a generator for converting mechanical energy into electric energy, wherein the generator can be driven by the at least one rotatable shaft of the drive element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Stefan Putz, Stephan Rauchenzauner, Norbert Schatz, Karl Schmiedlechner, Hannes Wagner
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Publication number: 20080118890Abstract: An electric dental handpiece including a head engaging a handle and configured to rotatably support a tool. The handle includes a lower handle portion and an upper handle portion with the lower handle portion engaging the head and the upper handle portion having an attachment area configured for attachment to a power supply. An electric motor is positioned with a majority thereof within the lower handle portion and is configured to rotate the tool. Additionally, a method of operating a dental drilling system connected with one of a plurality of handpieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: SPRING HEALTH PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Arthur A. Knopp, Joseph A. Lieb, Nathaniel H. Lieb
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Publication number: 20080090202Abstract: A disposable dental instrument of the compressed air drive type is disclosed for use in performing dental procedures on a workpiece. The disposable dental instrument is constructed from two mating shells and a core. Each shell incorporates a mating surface and said shells are joined using various bonding methods to ensure a waterproof, high quality dental instrument. An elongated body has conduits penetrating a base at one end of the body. The conduits allow entry of a light beam, a pressurized water stream, and a compressed air stream into the body. The base includes attachment threads for securing the body to a source of the light beam, pressurized water stream, and compressed air stream. Pluralities of passageways are in communication with the conduits for conducting the light beam, the water stream, and the air stream through the body. A head at the opposite end of the body rotatably mounts a turbine shaft on bearing surfaces which inhibit vibration and noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2004Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: Jerry W. Browning, David G. Murphy, Thomas P. Crooks, Brian Babson
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Patent number: 7258546Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical instrument (2) having a memory element (10p) for identification and/or operational parameter data. IN order to extend the range of possible applications of the instrument, the memory element (10p) is constituted for the overwriting of the data by other data.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stefan Beier, Eugen Eibofner, Hans Heckenberger, Ernst Strohmaier, Armin Imhof
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Patent number: 7008224Abstract: A disposable dental instrument of the compressed air drive type is disclosed for use in performing dental procedures on a workpiece. The disposable dental instrument is constructed from two mating shells and a core. Each shell incorporates a mating surface and the shells are joined using various bonding methods to ensure a waterproof, high quality dental instrument. An elongated body has conduits penetrating a base at one end of the body. The conduits allow entry of a light beam, a pressurized water stream, and a compressed air stream into the body. The base includes attachment threads for securing the body to a source of the light beam, pressurized water stream, and compressed air stream. Pluralities of passageways are in communication with the conduits for conducting the light beam, the water stream, and the air stream through the body. A head at the opposite end of the body rotatably mounts a turbine shaft on bearing surfaces which inhibit vibration and noise.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Inventors: Jerry W. Browning, David G. Murphy, Thomas P. Crooks, Brian Babson
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Patent number: 6920960Abstract: An inline oiler cartridge assembly for a pneumatically powered instrument includes a housing, a first conduit and a second conduit. The housing includes a lower portion removably attached to an upper portion. The lower portion defines an inner cavity and an outer cavity. A source of oil is disposed in the inner cavity. A dry fiber cellulose material is disposed in the outer cavity. The first conduit has a first end for attachment to a source of pressurized air and a second end for attachment to a pneumatically powered instrument. The first conduit passes through a portion of the upper portion of the housing and defines a channel for transmission of the source of pressurized air. The channel is in fluid communication with the inner cavity such that the source of pressurized air draws oil into an air stream for delivery to the pneumatically powered instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Brian Highley
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Patent number: 6692692Abstract: The present invention involves a sterilization system for running high amperage current through a dental or medical handpiece to be sterilized thereby heating the handpiece to a point of sterilization. The system includes a controller, a high amperage current source, and a handpiece receptacle. The handpiece receptacle includes clamps to hold the handpiece in place and a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the handpiece. The controller controls the amount of current supplied by the high amperage current source to the handpiece according to the temperature of the handpiece. After the handpiece has been at or above the sterilization temperature for the required period of time, the controller stops the flow of current to the handpiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Eric J. Stetzel
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Patent number: 6527552Abstract: A dental prophylaxis angle is provided having a body having a sleeve sized for fitting the nose of a dental handpiece, a drive part comprising a drive shaft extending into the sleeve and a drive member on the drive shaft. A driven part comprising a driven part shaft. The drive and driven parts has axes of rotation which are at substantial angles to each other. The drive part shaft is sized for gripping by a gripping mechanism in the handpiece. The drive member has a forward surface and a post extending from its forward surface. The drive part post is sized to limit end play of the drive part. Additionally, the drive part post has a shallow cavity formed in a forward surface thereof to reduce the contact area of the post with the driven part shaft, and to provide a reservoir for lubricant in the angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Young Dental Manufacturing I, L.L.C.Inventors: Gerald R. Loddeke, Brendan J. McCrea
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Patent number: 6482356Abstract: A pump is supported on a housing and has an inlet port coupled to a lubricant supply and an outlet port coupled to a tube outlet opening for delivering a predetermined amount of the lubricant during an activated cycle of the pump. An actuator, when triggered, operates in an actuated state for a predetermined duration during which time the pump is activated for one cycle and delivers a predetermined amount of the lubricant to the tube outlet opening. A switch is independently selectable for triggering the actuator to activate only the active cycle of the pump. The actuator may be a spring-biased solenoid or a timer circuit with a relay. The pump may be a piston-diaphragm type or any one of various motor driven types. The pump is activated for about 1 second, without also activating a cleaning cycle or a purging cycle and delivers ⅛ to ½ cc of a lubricant comprising about 90% by volume of a pharmaceutical grade mineral oil and about 10% by volume of NNL-690.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: Kenneth R. Brown
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Patent number: 6217329Abstract: The invention relates to a maintenance apparatus (1) for medical or dental handpieces (17), having a housing (2), which encloses a free maintenance chamber (4) which is accessible by means of a door (5), having a plurality of connection parts (16a, 16b) in the maintenance chamber (4) each for receiving the rearward end of a handpiece (17), having a supply line (18) for a maintenance medium, which branches with supply line branches (18a) to the connection parts (16a, 16b), which branches open out each at a mouth opening (16a1, 16b1) at the associated connection part (16a, 16b), which stands in connection with a drive channel of the connected handpiece (17), having a supply system for supplying the maintenance medium to the connection parts (16a, 16b) and having a control device (51) for control of the supply system, whereby a sensor (S2a to S2d) is associated with each connection part (16a, 16b, 16c), which sensor is activated by means of the handpiece (17) connected with the associated connection part and emiType: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbHInventors: Eugen Eibofner, Hans-Dieter Wiek
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Patent number: 6171300Abstract: A tubing cassette and method for use in cooling a surgical handpiece. The handpiece is provided with a drive motor which is received within a cooling chamber adapted to circulate cooling fluid around the motor. The cooling chamber is accessible from the exterior of the handpiece via inflow and outflow apertures, and a disposable cassette is selectively attachable to the exterior of the handpiece so as to communicate inflow and outflow apertures of the cassette with the inflow and outflow apertures on the handpiece body. The cassette is provided with inflow and outflow ports in communication with its inflow and outflow apertures in order to direct cooling fluid into and out of the cooling chamber via tubes through which coolant fluid may be circulated with the aid of an external pump, if desired.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Linvatec CorporationInventor: Kenneth M. Adams
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Patent number: 5876203Abstract: A maintenance-free dental prophylaxis angle includes a one-piece body including a sleeve and a head. The sleeve and head define intersecting bores. A drive assembly, comprising a drive gear and a bushing, is force fitted in the sleeve. A one-piece driven gear is received in the head bore to be driven by the drive assembly. The driven gear includes an upper bur tube, a gear part, and a lower shaft. The gear part of the driven gear rests on an upper face of a boss in the head, the boss forming a thrust bearing for the driven gear. Intersecting bores in the boss form part of a lubricant circulating system. A metal cap is force fitted in the head bore to close the head bore and retain the driven gear in place in the head. A dental tool is connected to the bur tube of the driven gear, and forms a seal with the cap.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Young Dental Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Ronald L. Bailey
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Patent number: 5785521Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adaptable to condition the water or air used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The air or water may be conditioned by adding flavor, scent, saline, medications, and disinfectants. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1995Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: BioLase Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ioana M. Rizoiu, Andrew I. Kimmel
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Patent number: 5683247Abstract: A maintenance-free dental prophylaxis angle includes a one-piece body including a sleeve and a head. The sleeve and head define intersecting bores. A drive assembly, comprising a drive gear and a bushing, is force fitted in the sleeve. A one-piece driven gear is received in the head bore to be driven by the drive assembly. The driven gear includes an upper bur robe, a gear part, and a lower shaft. The gear part of the driven gear rests on an upper face of a boss in the head, the boss forming a thrust beating for the driven gear. Intersecting bores in the boss form part of a lubricant circulating system. A metal cap is force fitted in the head bore to close the head bore and retain the driven gear in place in the head. A dental tool is connected to the bur tube of the driven gear, and forms a seal with the cap.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Young Dental Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Ronald L. Bailey
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Patent number: 5531596Abstract: A dental hand piece includes a head to which is secured a burr, and a liquid supply or distribution assembly directs a stream of cooling liquid directly to the burr from exteriorly of the dental hand piece itself. The liquid supply assembly is connected to the head of the hand piece through a block, and the burr is hollow to connect directly to the liquid supply or distribution assembly through the block.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1995Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Inventor: Chris R. Melde
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Patent number: 5520882Abstract: About 1/2 cc of a sterile composition (5) dropped into the rotor drive air feed line (11) of a dental handpiece (10) while holding the handpiece upside down protects and lubricates the handpiece bearings and turbine during the subsequent auto-clave sterilization process. An additional dosage inserted into the bur hole after the auto-clave process further lubricates the handpiece and inhibits rust from forming on the handpiece bearings and turbine during use. The pre-sterilization dosage and post-sterilization dosage of measured amounts may be separately packaged in disposable capsules (20, 30). The composition (5) is made by heat mixing until sterile about 10% by volume of a sterile solution of Power-Up.TM. NNL-690, which is a liquid hydrocarbon boundary lubricant; and corrosion inhibitor, with 90% by volume of pharmaceutical grade mineral oil.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Kenneth R. Brown
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Patent number: 5512245Abstract: A process for the cleaning and/or disinfection and maintenance care of an, in particular, hollow or tubular medical treatment instrument, in particular a medical or dental treatment instrument, such as a handpiece, in which the treatment instrument is cleaned and/or disinfected with a preferably liquid cleaning and/or disinfecting agent and is then subjected to maintenance care with a maintenance care agent, is characterized in that, there is used a cleaning agent and/or a disinfecting agent and/or a maintenance care agent, one or more of which agents contains or contain a medium which ensures mixing of the cleaning and/or disinfecting agent with the maintenance care agent.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.Inventors: Eugen Eibofner, Bernhard Kuhn
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Patent number: 5480302Abstract: A multiple stage anti-microbial apparatus and methods are disclosed, which provide capacity to process a handpiece between patients including soaking, de-overburdening via use of ultrasonic energy, treating with exposing to anti-microbial heat, accommodating coordinated though separate autoclaving, and accommodating contiguously packaging in a heat shrunk sheath after multiple anti-microbial treatment to prevent later contamination through the air. The distal portion of the heat shrunk sheath is initially removed along weakened paths to expose the operative head of the handpiece, accommodating grasping of the handpiece handle through the remainder of the sheath during use of the handpiece on the patient. After such use, the remainder of the sheath is removed along a weakened path and discarded.The anti-microbial apparatus comprises a portable casing with one or more exterior lids or covers. An ultrasonic basin provides a bath for soaking, liquid anti-microbial activity and removal of debris.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Gull Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Richard K. Fife
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Patent number: 5443385Abstract: A method of disinfecting and lubricating a discrete dental-medical device which comprises immersing the device in a water-alcohol-glycerin-chlorhexidine solution which includes methylcellulouse as a lubrication-enhancing and film-forming agent and polyglycol as an antifoaming agent, followed by autoclaving the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1994Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Inventor: Thad J. Overmyer
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Patent number: 5433604Abstract: A medical instrument, particularly a dental instrument has a head housing with a chucking arrangement for gripping an internally-cooled tool. In order to assume an optimum transfer of coolant from a delivery channel into an internal channel of the tool, an exit opening of the delivery channel is arranged opposite the admission opening of the tool in a no-contact fashion at the end of the tool being gripped. To prevent leakage, sealing gaps are provided between the moving parts in the head housing and compressed air is charged into these sealing gaps under a higher pressure in comparison to the pressure of the coolant.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1994Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Hermann Landgraf
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Patent number: 5415248Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning dental tools includes an instrument connection for blowing oil and/or cleaning agent, possibly in the form of a spray mist, through the instruments and subsequently drying the instruments with compressed air. A drive unit for driving movable instrument components may additionally be provided. The control of the various cleaning phases and of the conveyance of the cleaning liquids takes place pneumatically. In particular, a short-term flow of compressed air displaces at least one piston against a spring which causes oil and/or cleaning agent to be pressed into the instrument. A control edge of the piston produces a connection between the compressed air supply and the instrument connection when the piston leaves its upper position of rest.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Dentalwerk Burmoos Gesellschaft m.b.H.Inventors: Johann Eibl, Peter Malata, Jr.
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Patent number: 5407354Abstract: A multiple stage anti-microbial apparatus and methods are disclosed, which provide capacity to process a handpiece between patients including soaking, de-overburdening via use of ultrasonic energy, treating with exposing to anti-microbial heat, accommodating coordinated though separate autoclaving, and accommodating contiguously packaging in a heat shrunk sheath after multiple anti-microbial treatment to prevent later contamination through the air. The distal portion of the heat shrunk sheath is initially removed along weakened paths to expose the operative head of the handpiece, accommodating grasping of the handpiece handle through the remainder of the sheath during use of the handpiece on the patient. After such use, the remainder of the sheath is removed along a weakened path and discarded.The anti-microbial apparatus comprises a portable casing with one or more exterior lids or covers. An ultrasonic basin provides a bath for soaking, liquid anti-microbial activity and removal of debris.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Gull Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Richard K. Fife
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Patent number: 5352118Abstract: A dental instrument having an active tool for treating a hard dental substance includes an arrangement for spraying water to cool the preparation location with the water either forming an envelope surrounding the tool or being a finely atomized stream of a solid angle directed onto the preparation location. The volume proportion of cooling air relative to the volume of the water in both versions is not greater than the volume of the water so that the envelope or spray are substantially free of air.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1992Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Manfred Franetzki, Juergen Wohlgemuth
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Patent number: 5350064Abstract: A novel disposable container and method is used for cleaning and lubricating a standard dental handpiece. The disposable container completely encloses a head of the dental handpiece. When the handpiece is cleaned or lubricated with cleaning or lubricating agents, the container collects cleaning or lubricating agents and any other materials that are expelled therewith from the handpiece to prevent these materials from entering the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1993Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Assignee: Gendex CorporationInventor: Gary G. Schneck
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Patent number: 5318443Abstract: A method of flushing, disinfecting and lubricating a dental turbine handpiece by forcing a pressurized solution of a disinfectant and lubricant simultaneously through an air drive line to the handpiece when it is not in operation to flush dental debris through an exhaust line.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1993Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Inventor: Thad J. Overmyer
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Patent number: 5308579Abstract: Liquids for cleaning, disinfecting and lubricating dentistry handpieces are distributed to the handpieces by a device which includes reservoirs for storing liquids for the cleaning, disinfection and lubrication procedures which are to take place, and a series of solenoid valves for sequentially opening at different stations according to a prescribed cycle. To this end, each liquid to be utilized is conveyed through each handpiece in actual liquid form, and not in an atomized form, and then atomized in the handpiece by compressed air entering through a conduit which is separate from the conduit for passing the liquids.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1991Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Micro Mega SAInventors: Bernard Melon, Bernhard Guggenheim
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Patent number: 5302123Abstract: The apparatus is adapted for maintaining air/gas operated dental drills, mechanical scalers or other tools by blowing air/gas through the handpiece to purge it from excess substances in order to enhance the life of the toll and meet the requirements of health and safety regulations. The apparatus has an absorbant filter sleeve that will serve to surround the instruments to be purged and an internal filter. It uses a rigidly anchored coupling that can be replaced, as desired. It also uses pneumatic tubing and shuttle valves to direct the air/gas flow along with switches that control the power and operation of the apparatus. A pressure gauge is mounted on the housing to allow the user to observe the pounds per square inch pressure being used in the purging operation. A timer controlling the amount of time the instruments are being purged is also incorporated. A number of ports are used to allow connection air, water and fiber optic lines to the apparatus and exhaust ports are also available.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1993Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Inventor: Craig A. Bechard
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Patent number: 5165503Abstract: A device for disinfecting dental drills having an air turbine motor, or like handpiece, includes a housing having air and water passages extending therein for coupling a flexible supply hose to the handpiece. A first conduit extends from the housing and provides a passageway in fluid communication with the pressurized air inlet passageway of the dental handpiece leading to the air turbine motor. The conduit includes a cap releasably secured to the end of the conduit. The nozzle of a disinfectant reservoir may be inserted within the conduit after temporarily removing the cap for permitting the nozzle to be advanced through the housing and into the handpiece for disinfecting the air passages leading to and from the turbine motor. A second conduit extends from the housing and communicates with the water passage of the housing. The nozzle of the disinfectant reservoir may be inserted into the second conduit, after removing its cap, to disinfect the water passage extending through the dental handpiece.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1991Date of Patent: November 24, 1992Inventor: Elliott S. Hoffman
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Patent number: 5131845Abstract: A lubricant delivery system for a dental handpiece, the dental handpiece having an air inlet tube having a predetermined internal shape in the vicinity of an open end portion thereof. The lubricant delivery system comprises a squeezable sealed capsule which includes a main body portion and a necked down portion extending from the main body portion. The necked down portion is smaller than the internal shape of the air inlet tube and is insertable into the open end of the air inlet tube. A passage is formed in the necked down portion extending from the main body portion to a tip end portion of the necked down portion. A lubricant fills at least a part of the squeezable main body portion. When the tip end portion of the necked down portion is opened, the opened necked down portion is inserted into the air inlet tube of the dental handpiece and the main body portion is squeezed to expel lubricant contained therein into the handpiece via the air inlet tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1991Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Moshe MellerInventors: Michael Feldman, Moshe Meller
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Patent number: 5078605Abstract: The device comprises a tool 21 with a cutting part 23 and a shaft 25. The shaft 25 is provided with an annular catch groove 25d and carries a sleeve 31 which encloses it and comprises a catch projection 31c which engages in the catch groove 25d so as to be detachable, wherein the shaft 25 and the sleeve 31 are rotatable relative to one another. The sleeve 31 is provided with a coolant inlet 31d which opens into an annular duct 41 enclosing the shaft 25 and communicating with a passage 43. This duct 41 is connected with the passage 43 for guiding a coolant, which passage 43 extends through the tool 21 until its cutting part 23 and opens into the surroundings at the free end of the cutting part 23 or in the vicinity of the latter. The sleeve 31 can be secured against axial displacements by means of a catch projection 31c, which is engaged in a catch groove 25d, without separate connection parts and without taking up much axial space.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1989Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: Institut Straumann AGInventors: Franz Sutter, Alexander Frei, Andreas E. Schwammberger
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Patent number: 5054584Abstract: A lubrication device for a dental drill having an air turbine motor, or like handpiece, includes a housing having air and water passage extending therein for coupling a flexible supply hose to the handpiece. A conduit extends from the housing and provides a lubrication passageway in fluid communication with the pressurized air inlet passageway leading to the air turbine motor. The conduit includes a cap releasably secured to the end of the conduit. The nozzle of a lubricant reservoir may be inserted within the conduit after temporarily removing the cap for permitting the nozzle to be advanced through the housing and into the handpiece for lubricating the air turbine motor. The device may be provided as an adapter for insertion between the handpiece and the supply hose. Alternately, the proximal end of the housing may be permanently secured to the end of the supply hose.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1990Date of Patent: October 8, 1991Inventor: Elliott S. Hoffman