Having Means Facilitating Assembly Or Disassembly Of Tool Or Handpiece Patents (Class 433/126)
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Patent number: 11331110Abstract: An oscillating decorticating burr assembly for decortication of the articular surfaces of joints of the human body is disclosed. The oscillating decorticating burr assembly comprises a burr, a burr-support post, and a handle. Power is imparted to the assembly by way of a user input on the handle causing oscillation of the burr.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Inventors: David K. Boger, William Krauss
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Patent number: 11166784Abstract: Disclosed is a power generating system for a rotatory dental apparatus that can power the illumination source. The rotatory dental apparatus includes a supply hose having a hose connector at its one end. A swivel coupling connects the hose connector to the dental handpiece. The power generating system can be configured in the hose supply. In one case, the power generating system can be installed in the hose connector of the hose supply. In one case, the power generating system can be interposed between the two sections of the hose supply. In one case, the power generating system can be installed in a hose coupling that is interposed between the swivel coupling and the hose connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Inventors: Yong Weon Kim, Chinpao Hsieh
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Patent number: 10939978Abstract: The high-speed turbine dental handpiece adapted for single safe use comprises a nose, a handle connected to the rear end of the nose, a plug connector disposed at the rear end of the handle, and a clip ring for fixing the handle and the plug connector, wherein the plug connector is provided with a first fixing slot at a side wall, the tail end of the handle is provided with a second fixing slot matched with the first fixing slot, the inner wall of the clip ring is provided with bumps matched with the first fixing slot and the second fixing slot, and when the clip ring is hooped on the plug connector, the bumps are embedded into the first fixing slot and the second fixing slot to limit and fix the handle and the plug connector.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: NINGBO HPDOVE DENTAL INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.Inventor: Zhanli Zhou
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Patent number: 10874481Abstract: Compressed air handpiece including a handle connected to a head housing a turbine. The turbine includes a moving wheel from a periphery of which extends a plurality of blades which define an outer diameter of the moving wheel. The handpiece also includes injection means, whose function is to direct onto the blades of the moving wheel a compressed air flow whose pneumatic energy is converted into kinetic energy when the compressed air flow strikes the blades of the moving wheel. The injection means take the form of an independent insert inside which is arranged a compressed air flow feed pipe and which is mounted inside the handle of the handpiece.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: BIEN-AIR HOLDING SAInventor: Laurent Farine
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Patent number: 10874480Abstract: A coupling device for detachably connecting a medical or dental instrument to a drive unit or a supply hose for transfer of at least one of data, energy, a driving movement and a working medium between the drive unit or the supply hose and the instrument includes a first coupling element and a second coupling element. One of the coupling elements includes a coupling recess and the other includes a coupling protrusion insertable therein. One of the coupling elements includes a positioning element and the other includes an indentation into which the positioning element can be inserted to position the coupling elements in a defined angular position about a shared axis. One of the coupling elements includes a memory unit for storage of data and the other includes a transfer unit, so that data can be transferred from the memory unit by the transfer unit to the other coupling element.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbHInventors: Michael Mangelberger, Christof Baier, Wolfgang Tannebaum
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Patent number: 10779921Abstract: An oral cavity washing device includes a body unit including a pump configured to discharge washing liquid, a tube connected to the body unit and configured to allow the discharged washing liquid to flow through the tube, a washing unit connected to the tube and configured to discharge the washing liquid, a joint portion configured to detachably attach the washing unit to the body unit, a disposing portion provided at the body unit and configured to allow the tube to be disposed at the disposing portion in a state where the washing unit is attached to the body unit, and an elastic member provided at the disposing portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Junichi Hoshino, Tadanobu Kitagawa
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Patent number: 10772631Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, David M. Chowaniec, Ryan V. Williams, Anand Subramanian
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Patent number: 10646315Abstract: A dental curing light includes a device body that efficiently conducts heat away from the light emitting diode portion of the curing light. The device body includes a proximal gripping end and a distal head end. The device body is formed from a thermally conductive body material. Excellent heat conduction away from the LED dies is achieved using a thermally conductive layer disposed over the device body. The thermally conductive layer serves as a conduit to quickly conduct heat away from the LED dies for dissipation within the material of the device body In this manner, the material of the device body serves as a highly efficient heat dissipater. The surface area coupling the thermally conductive layer to the device body is sufficiently large that a majority (e g, substantially all) of heat being conducted by the thermally conductive layer is transferred to the device body during operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: ULTRADENT PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Dee Jessop, Jared Sheetz, Neil Jessop
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Patent number: 10631882Abstract: An oscillating decorticating burr assembly for decortication of the articular surfaces of joints of the human body is disclosed. The oscillating decorticating burr assembly comprises a burr, a burr-support post, and a handle. Power is imparted to the assembly by way of a user input on the handle causing oscillation of the burr.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventors: David K. Boger, William Krauss
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Patent number: 10617487Abstract: A zero-suckback device for a disposable high-speed turbine dental drill handpiece includes two units respectively installed at two ends of the head of the handpiece. On one side of the handpiece head where a drill pin is installed, one unit consists of an elastic shaft sealing casing which is centrally embedded with a central framework made of hard substances and a non-elastic shaft sealing casing, and a lip portion of the elastic shaft sealing casing fits a wind wheel shaft with a tapered end. On the cover side of the handpiece head and between a button housing and a head housing, an O-shaped sealing ring is installed, and a one-way ball valve is installed at the center of the button housing. Suckback prevention measures are adopted at both sides of the handpiece head, so matters sucked back can be controlled to be a very low level, nearly zero.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Beijing Dongbo Dental Handpiece Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fudong Zhang
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Patent number: 10537404Abstract: A directional guide for use with an air-water tip for a syringe includes an elongated member fixedly attached to a longitudinal section of the air-water tip. Extending outwardly from the elongated member is a position control member. The position control member is formed and positioned to rotate the elongated member and the air water tip together and to selectively activate air-water buttons on a syringe.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Inventor: Kristine J. Medin
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Patent number: 10485405Abstract: A coupling device for releasably connecting a handpiece to another component. One of a first coupling element and a second coupling element, is designed as a coupling cavity, into which a coupling protrusion on the other coupling element can be inserted. A positioning element is disposed on the first coupling element or the second coupling element and can be inserted into a first recess on the other coupling element to position the two coupling elements in a defined angular position about their common axis. A light source disposed in a second recess on the first or second coupling element can be coupled to an optical fiber on the other coupling element. A transfer element disposed on the first or second coupling element and inserted into a third recess on the other coupling element is configured to transfer data, signals and/or energy between the first and second coupling elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbHInventors: Michael Mangelberger, Christian Pruckner
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Patent number: 10368959Abstract: A dental handpiece comprises an outer sleeve (1), a tool-holding socket (2) for holding a treatment tool (3) arranged in the handpiece, wherein the tool-holding socket (2) has a central axis about which the tool-holding socket (2) can be rotated and/or oscillated and wherein the tool-holding socket (2) is arranged to be driven by a driveshaft of the handpiece driven by a motor (10) housed in the outer sleeve (1). At least one Peltier element (5) is received in the handpiece in thermal contact with the tool-holding socket (2), the Peltier element (5) having a cool face in thermal contact with the tool-holding socket (2) to cool a treatment tool (3) held therein when the tool (3) is driven in rotation or oscillation.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Inventors: Abuhaimed Hamad, Ivo Krejci
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Patent number: 10285779Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental and/or surgical instrument (1) comprising a motor that drives a tool by way of a tool holder (24, 25, 27) situated in the head of the dental and/or surgical instrument (1), the tool holder (24, 25, 27) being supported in the head of the dental and/or surgical instrument (1) by at least a first ball bearing (21) and a second ball bearing (22), in which the first ball bearing (21) and the second ball bearing (22) are positioned in a cartridge (10) which is inserted into the head of the dental and/or surgical instrument (1), and in which the cartridge (10) comprises a single bore (80) for the mounting and guiding of both the first ball bearing (21) and the second ball bearing (22). The present invention additionally relates to a cartridge (10) to be inserted into the head of such a dental and/or surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: BIEN-AIR HOLDING SAInventors: Sébastien Juillerat, Marc Schenk
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Patent number: 10201334Abstract: Coupling device between a drive shaft of a surgical instrument and a tool, characterized in that the coupling device includes a fluid feed element fed from outside the coupling device and communicating with a channel arranged in the tool and which emerges at a location along the length of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: BIEN-AIR HOLDING S.A.Inventor: David Gigon
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Patent number: 10123799Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, David Chowaniec, Ryan V. Williams, Anand Subramanian
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Patent number: 10117724Abstract: When compressed air does not act, a seal member is in contact with an outer periphery of an inner ring. When the compressed air acts, a contact area between the seal member and the outer periphery of the inner ring is reduced, as compared to when the compressed air does not act. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an air turbine bearing unit capable of promptly stopping rotation.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Toru Nakahara
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Patent number: 9937021Abstract: A dental instrument and method for imaging the three-dimensional topography of one or more teeth in the oral cavity of an individual is provided. The instrument includes a probe insertable into the oral cavity to receive the image of these surfaces which can then be processed. Combined with the probe is an auxiliary which projects an air stream toward the surface to be imaged by the probe and acts to evaporate and remove from these surfaces a liquid film coating formed by saliva and other fluids present in the oral cavity, to render these surfaces dry and to enhance their reflectivity and in doing so, provide clearer images.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Noam Babayoff, Eldad Taub, Avi Kopelman
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Patent number: 9937017Abstract: A dental handpiece and a dental cleaning procedure are disclosed. The dental handpiece includes an inner barrel for rotatably retaining an ultrasonic insert, the inner barrel configured for contacting the ultrasonic insert with a cooling fluid in the inner barrel, a coil unit arranged and disposed to apply an alternating magnetic field to the ultrasonic insert when positioned in the inner barrel, at least one contact retention clip that contacts a drive coil of the contact unit, an outer sheath extending around at least a portion of the coil unit. The dental handpiece includes flow regions permitting steam, chemicals, and heat to flow into the inner barrel and out of the inner barrel during a sterilization technique. The dental cleaning procedure includes operating the dental handpiece and autoclaving the dental handpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.Inventor: Kenneth R Guaragno
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Patent number: 9930294Abstract: A handpiece with a built-camera includes a micromotor-driven handpiece body which includes a cutting tool attached to a head portion thereof, a light receiving port at a position near the cutting tool, a grip portion detachably connected to the handpiece body and a color camera module which is stored inside the handpiece body. The handpiece with the built-in camera further includes an objective lens which faces the light receiving port and a rod fiber which is attached to an inner wall portion of the handpiece body with an incidence end of the rod fiber facing the objective lens and an exit end of the rod fiber facing a condensing lens unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: The Yoshida Dental Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Hasegawa, Michizo Yamanaka
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Patent number: 9849031Abstract: A laser instrument for therapy on the human eye, designed for surgery of the cornea, the sclera, the vitreous body or the crystalline lens, especially suitable for use in immediate succession with other instruments for eye diagnosis or eye therapy, in such a way that during the alternating use of the various instruments, the eye or at least the patient preferably remains in a predetermined position and alignment within one and the same treatment area.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AGInventors: Mark Bischoff, Gregor Stobrawa, Evangelos Papastathopoulos
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Patent number: 9839425Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Earl Zergiebel, David Chowaniec, Ryan Williams, Anand Subramanian, Paul Richard
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Patent number: 9592102Abstract: A dental hand tool including a main body having a main body proximate end, a main body distal end, at least one dental utility conduit associated with the main body proximate end, and a dental disinfection system associated with the main body that disinfects dental fluid at a point of use. The dental disinfection system includes a disinfection reactor associated with the main body, a collimated germicidal UV light source end, a disinfection reactor distal end, disinfection reactor walls, a disinfection reactor fluid inlet that receives the dental fluid from a dental fluid source, a disinfection reactor dental fluid outlet that delivers the dental fluid to the point of use, and a disinfection reactor inner chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: KaVo Dental Technologies, LLCInventors: Douglas Gordon Knight, Nathan Hemmer
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Patent number: 9579080Abstract: A device for internal ultrasound imaging including a micro-motor rotates a drive shaft and ultrasound transducer. Conductors attach between the transducer and slip ring assemblies. The slip ring assemblies conductively couple the transducer conductors to a set of conductors extending toward a console.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Neal E. Fearnot, Peter S. McKinnis, Sarah Robbins, Yun Zhou
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Patent number: 9532850Abstract: A process and also to a system for cleaning and maintaining a medical hand-held instrument, in particular a dental hand-held instrument, with an elongate grip sleeve in which elements are arranged which pertain to a drive arrangement and which are, in particular, rotatably supported, for example a shaft. For the purpose of cleaning and maintaining the hand-held instrument different media are conducted through it. In this connection a first medium, for example oil, is conducted merely through a power-transmission region surrounding the elements of the drive arrangement, whereas, on the other hand, a second medium, for example a cleaning agent, is conducted additionally also through at least one further cavity within the hand-held instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: KALTENBACH & VOIGT GMBHInventors: Bernhard Kuhn, Bernd Gugel, Thomas Braun
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Patent number: 9439742Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes an inner case, made up of an inner case main body and a motor holder, mounted with various components including a motor; an outer case which interiorly accommodates the inner case and which acts as a portion the user grips with hand when brushing teeth; an eccentric shaft, configured by a shaft main body and an eccentric member, which center of gravity is arranged at a position shifted from a shaft center and which rotates by a drive force of the motor; and a vibration transmitting component for transmitting the vibration generated with the rotation of the eccentric shaft to a brush portion; where the vibration transmitting component is positioned with respect to the outer case by point contacting the inner wall surface of the outer case at a plurality of locations.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Shimoyama, Yasutaka Murase, Tadashi Tone, Yuji Asada
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Patent number: 9423161Abstract: Arrangements for the use of energy harvested by adaptive cooling and energy harvesting arrangements for use in information technology and other heat-producing equipment are disclosed. The arrangements provide for cooling and energy harvesting subsystems, each of which can operate in isolation and can be interconnected with additional subsystems in peer and hierarchical relationships. Each subsystem comprises at least one thermoelectric device capable of acting as a thermoelectric cooler and as a thermoelectric generator, a control system, and electronics controlled to selectively configure the thermoelectric device in at least in a thermoelectric cooler operating mode and in a thermoelectric generation operating mode. The thermoelectric device can incorporate quantum-process and quantum-well materials for higher heat transfer and thermoelectric generation efficiencies.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
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Patent number: 9414871Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones with bone plates having movable locking elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2012Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Acumed LLCInventors: Randall J. Huebner, David G. Jensen
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Patent number: 9351801Abstract: A dental hand instrument having an elongate handle sleeve, at the front end of which there is disposed a tool holder for holding a treatment tool, for example a dental drill, there is disposed inside the handle sleeve a driving mechanism for driving the treatment tool, the driving mechanism having at least two rotatably mounted shafts that are coupled to each other, and a sealing element is disposed in the coupling region of the two shafts inside the handle sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: KALTENBACH & VOIGT GMBHInventors: Bernhard Kuhn, Thomas Classen
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Patent number: 9314563Abstract: A handle for a medical instrument having a handle housing and a connection adapter for hose and/or tube connections, which can be inserted into the handle housing. The connection adapter can be inserted fluid-tight into a corresponding support recess of the handle housing by at least one connection support and such that a surrounding ring groove for inserting a sealing element is positioned on the at least one connection support. It is proposed that at least two surrounding ring grooves, mounted one behind the other, should be configured on the connection support in the axial direction of the at least one connection support, such that the connection support has a constant outer diameter in the area of the at least two ring grooves and such that a sealing element, is positioned at least in the first ring groove, looking from the free end of the connection support.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rainer Hermle, Robin Merz
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Patent number: 9090450Abstract: A method and device to insure that a particular dispensing package (18) can only be engaged into an appropriate dispensing location (14). Specifically, the package and the dispenser have mating concentric rings (24, 30) (or portions thereof) to prevent engagement and dispensing of an inappropriate product. In one embodiment, the package (18) is provided with one or more concentric ring projections (24) (or portions thereof) and the dispenser (10) is provided with one or more matching concentric ring recesses (30). The projections and the recesses have similar diameters to define a mating set. In some embodiments, the concentric ring projections are placed on a closure (20), such as a cap, of the package. In alternative embodiments, the projections are placed on the dispenser and the recesses are placed on the package.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Diversey, Inc.Inventors: Kirk M. Reimann, William E. Simpson, Nancy D. Trafelet, Andy Swain, David Holden, Garry W. Crossdale, Brian D. Haworth, Bert Van Der Heijden, Shirley A. Webb
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Patent number: 9072571Abstract: A dental handpiece (1) includes a head (2) suitable for driving a tool, a body (3) having a proximal section (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (I-I) and intended to be connected, by a proximal end surface (5), to a distal surface of a drive motor, an indexing device (8) suitable for rotatably positioning the body (3) of the dental handpiece (1) about the longitudinal direction (I-I) relative to the drive motor, an electric device (9) for lighting the working area of the tool, and a device (10) for supplying electric power to the electric lighting device (9). The indexing device (8) is retractable or set back from the proximal end surface (5), and the electric supply device (10) includes a retractable electrical connection device (11).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: ANTHOGYRInventors: Cédric Lancieux, Hervé Richard
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Patent number: 8777615Abstract: The present invention is directed to dental prophylaxis devices that improve portability, maneuverability and aid in retaining clean conditions for use on dental patients, particularly to dental handpieces. The present invention is also directed prophylaxis or prophy angles for use with such handpieces. In general, a dental prophylaxis device includes a handpiece and a prophy angle which includes a driven shaft and a prophy cup attached for rotation thereto. The handpiece generally includes a body which houses a rotational source coupled to an output shaft which couples to the driven shaft in the prophy angle via angled gear interfaces on the output shaft and the driven shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: Robert Hayman, Rene Robert, Dave Pakula, Andy Marsella, Jorah Wyer, Christopher Quan
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Patent number: 8777616Abstract: A cordless dental handpiece, a system including a cordless dental handpiece, and a method of connecting a cordless dental handpiece are disclosed. The cordless dental handpiece includes a first module and a second module. The second module is configured to detachably engage the first module. The second module includes a battery compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Chronister, Jeremy Kile, Eugene J. Novak
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Patent number: 8641417Abstract: A system for enhanced sealing against intrusion of moisture and other contaminants for medical/dental handpieces having rotating or other moving elements driven by a motor within the handpiece. The enhanced sealing includes tandem seals on stepped diameters to provide additional flow pathway impediments. The tandem seals preferably include spring seals that are positioned in opposite directions to provide enhanced sealing against pressures in two different directions that occur during the pressurization and vacuum cycles of an autoclaving process. Additional enhancements include the use of annular sealing rings with x-shaped cross sections.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.Inventors: Ajay Kumar, Kevin J. Stanton
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Patent number: 8597022Abstract: A dental tool including a dental prophy angle and a dental prophy angle adapter is provided. A dental prophy angle includes a housing and a rotor. The dental prophy angle adapter can include a drive shaft with a tip. The drive shaft of the adapter can be coupled to a gear at the same end of the tip with the rotor of the prophy angle being configured to receive the tip. Further, a slidable sleeve can extend over a portion of the drift shaft so that the slidable sleeve becomes automatically retracted upon engaging a shoulder of the housing resulting in the gear of the drive shaft being positioned beyond the end of the slidable sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Angstrom Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Chris J. Carron, David G. Grither
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Patent number: 8591231Abstract: Air/gas driven prophylaxis preparation dispensing system coupled to a dental hand piece, the system comprising a hand piece connector receiving an air/gas pressure and adjustably diverting a portion of the air/gas pressure to drive a piston toward an open delivery end of a container containing a prophylaxis preparation for dispensing the prophylaxis preparation out of an open delivery end of the container, through a passageway surmounting a disposable prophy angle supporting a gear train, through a portion of the gear train supporting a prophy cup, through an opening in the prophy cup to an internal cavity of the prophy cup while simultaneously driving an air/gas driven rotational member of the dental hand piece coupled to the gear train with the remaining portion of the air/gas pressure to impart rotation of the prophy cup while simultaneously dispensing the prophylaxis preparation into the internal cavity thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventors: Edwin W. Wolske, Rick T. Cole
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Patent number: 8562342Abstract: A dental handpiece having a distal end including an attachment for assembly of a removable workpiece and a handpiece body intermediate a proximal end and the distal end. The handpiece extends in a substantially axial direction. A coupler is included having a cylinder portion and a supply-end portion, the cylinder portion being assembled into the handpiece extending in the axial direction toward the distal end. The cylinder portion includes at least one seal that interfaces with an interior of the body so as to isolate a portion of the body interior into at least one distinct chamber. The supply-end portion of the coupler extends from the proximal end of the handpiece body at an angle from the axis. The supply-end portion also includes a plurality of outlets, the at least one distinct chamber in fluid communication with one of the outlets of the plurality of outlets.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.Inventors: Tom Papanek, Gene Novak, Don Heil, Bret Beane
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Patent number: 8517731Abstract: A supply pipe for connecting an instrument for dental or surgical use to a control and supply unit contains fluid conduits and electric lines and includes at a front end a universal coupling for connecting different types of the instrument in a removable manner to part or all of the conduits and lines. The universal coupling includes fluid connectors coupled to conduits and electric connectors coupled to lines, wherein each of the connectors occupies a place on a front face of the universal coupling. The supply pipe contains at least one additional electric line including an additional conductor which is not coupled to one of the electric connectors, but to one of the fluid connectors of the universal coupling, wherein the dual function connector is arranged to provide a choice between a fluid connection, an electric connection or both.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Bien-Air Holding SAInventor: Vincent Mosimann
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Patent number: 8459992Abstract: A dental system comprises a dental prophy angle and an adapter. The prophy angle includes a housing and a latch mechanism. The adapter is configured to drive the prophy angle. The latch mechanism includes a lever and a first latch element, which are both defined by a pair of opposing U-shaped slots within the housing, such that free ends of one of the pair of opposing U-shaped slots are disposed between free ends of the other of the pair of opposing U-shaped slots. The adapter includes a nose having a second latch element and a depression proximate to the second latch element. Upon the first latch element mating with the second latch element, the depression is positioned adjacent the lever.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Angstrom Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Chris J. Carron, David G. Grither
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Patent number: 8356412Abstract: This patent relates to a machine that automatically assembles, inspects, and packages disposable prophylaxis angles. The machine includes a movable table including a plurality of fixtures on which angle components are assembled and the assembled angles are inspected. The movable table is surrounded by a number of stations, each of which performs a different operation of the assembly and inspection procedure. Feeders automatically supply the angle components to their respective stations for assembly. Angles that are incorrectly assembled are automatically rejected. Properly assembled angles are automatically sealed in individual bags. Individually bagged angles are counted into batches by the machine and automatically sealed into cartons.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Inventor: David G. Kraenzle
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Patent number: 8274795Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body, a circuit board in the main body, a rear cover, at least one first conductive member exposed through the rear cover and electrically connected to the circuit board, and a support assembly. The support assembly includes a hollow support detachably connected to the rear cover, at least one second conductive member connected to the hollow support and staying in contact with the at least one second conductive member, and at least one cable extending through the hollow support and comprising a first end electrically connected to the at least one second conductive member, and a second end extending out of the hollow support for connecting with a peripheral.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hou-Xin Sun
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Patent number: 8261748Abstract: A device for treating sleep apnea, the device comprising a tongue attachment member and a maxilla attachment subassembly. The tongue attachment member is fabricated having a sheath interlock member extending upward from a dorsal side of a sheath. The sheath is shaped to conform to a surface of an individual's tongue. A tongue receiving cavity is formed within the sheath, the cavity comprising an opening provided at a proximal end for receiving the individual's tongue. The sheath is referenced having a dorsal side and a ventral side. A sheath interlock member extends outward from the dorsal side. The maxilla tray is shaped to conform to and removably engage with an individual's upper dental arch. A tray interlock member extends from an interlock side of the maxilla tray and is positioned to interlock with the sheath interlock member, whereby the system extends an individual's tongue forward to treat sleep apnea.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: Howell Goldberg
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Patent number: 8210847Abstract: A sterile, substantially maintenance free disposable dental handpiece is constructed from two shells and a center core, the center core having a flow deflector on one end. The shells are joined around the core with mating protrusions and/or tapered walls to form the body and head of the handpiece. A base is integrally-formed with the center core. The base has conduits that allow entry of light and pressurized air and/or water into the body. The head at the opposite end of the body from the base rotatably mounts an impeller assembly having an impeller shaft. The impeller shaft includes blades driven by the pressurized air. The blades can have cavities to reduce weight.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Axenic Dental, Inc.Inventors: Eli Thomssen, Dirk Schipper, Kevin Turner
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Patent number: 8197253Abstract: Described herein is a medical or dental handpiece head having a head sleeve detachably connected by a screw or threaded connection to a closing cap, and a locking device for locking the closing cap with the head sleeve. The locking device between the closing cap and the head sleeve is formed by at least one spring element. The locking device is designed and arranged so that unintentional release of the screw connection between the closing cap and the head sleeve caused by vibrations during operation of the handpiece can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbHInventors: Norbert Schatz, Alois Gollackner
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Patent number: 8123523Abstract: A dental prophy angle includes a housing and a rotor. The housing defines a first bore and a second bore in communication with the first bore, and rotor is disposed within the second bore. The rotor includes a gearing system, and rotor includes a lock having a lock channel configured to receive a tip of a drive shaft. The housing includes a lock receiver for receiving the lock receiver permits rotation of the lock within the lock receiver and restrains linear movement of the lock in a direction substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Angstrom Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Chris J. Carron, David G. Grither
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Patent number: 8118594Abstract: A dental handpiece (1) includes mechanical components, in particular, a tool-holder assembly for the attachment and for the rotational driving of a dental instrument about a drive axis (6) and an assembly for the transmission of such movement. The mechanical components are mounted in the interior of a body (2) having a head (4) and a handle (3). The mechanical components of the handle and the head of the handpiece are electrically connected by an elastic and electrically conducting connecting device.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Micro-Mega International ManufacturesInventors: Jacques Pernot, Jean-Claude Boinot
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Patent number: 8099305Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed providing a database comprising a compendium of at least one of patient treatment history; orthodontic therapies, orthodontic information and diagnostics; employing a data mining technique for interrogating said database for generating an output data stream, the output data stream correlating a patient malocclusion with an orthodontic treatment; and applying the output data stream to improve a dental appliance or a dental appliance usage.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Eric E. Kuo, Philippe De Smedt, Cuong Van Nguyen, Christopher W. Overton
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Patent number: 8095383Abstract: Method and system for providing an orthodontic profile indexing and treatment plan including comparing an initial patient condition in each of a plurality of dentition categories with one or more reference conditions in each of the plurality of dentition categories, wherein each of the one or more reference conditions has a corresponding representation, selecting at least one reference condition in one or more of the plurality of dentition categories, where each selected reference condition is similar to the initial patient condition in a same dentition category, and generating a patient identifier based on the corresponding representations of each selected reference condition is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert Arnone, Eric Kuo, Doug Bukaty
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DENTAL DEVICE ADAPTER SYSTEM, DENTAL HYGIENE SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF OPERATING A DENTAL HYGIENE SYSTEM
Publication number: 20110306010Abstract: Provided is a dental handpiece adapter connection system, dental handpiece adapter connection method, and a dental handpiece adapter. The dental handpiece adapter includes a first portion configured to engage a dental device having a first geometry and a second portion configured to engage a dental handpiece having a second geometry. The first portion being engaged with the adapter and the second portion being engaged with the adapter permits the dental handpiece to rotate a rotatable portion of the dental device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: DENTSPLY International Inc.Inventors: Benjamin CHRONISTER, JEREMY KILE