Abstract: An improved dental tool coupling apparatus for coupling disposable tool heads to drive housings. A tubular nose of the housing receives a tool head shaft, which extends within a tubular output shaft coupled to a drive means. The output shaft includes a plurality of radially disposed sockets containing balls, the balls being biased into an interior space of the tubular output shaft. Upon axial coupling of the disposable tool head to the housing, the tool head shaft inserts within the tubular output shaft so that the balls create a series of axial grooves in the tool head shaft. A circular spring retainer surrounding the output shaft biases the balls into the axial grooves to maintain a certain level of rotational coupling therebetween.

Abstract: A coupling for the drive shaft of prophy angles includes an upper drive shaft with a finger-type clutch, and a lower drive shaft having a main drive shaft with a clutch receptacle, and having a drive shaft clamp. The main drive shaft has an expansion slot extending from side to side through the center of the main drive shaft and substantially along the length of the clutch receptacle. The drive shaft clamp also has an expansion slot extending from side to side through the center and substantially along the length of the drive shaft clamp. The drive shaft clamp fits over the clutch receptacle end of the main drive shaft with the expansion slots oriented perpendicular to each other allowing the finger-type clutch of the upper drive shaft assembly to be pressure fitted into the clutch receptacle.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool comprises a motor element including a body in which a pneumatic motor is housed. The body is connected at one end to a compressed air supply hose together with a device for controlling the entry of compressed air into the motor. At the other end is a head provided with a bayonet coupling and a tool-holder having a tubular member guiding a shaft coupled to the motor. The tool-holder is provided at one end with a complementary bayonet coupling and at the other end with an angular part provided with a member adapted to support a tool. This member is coupled by a kinematic coupling to the shaft. The tubular member guiding the shaft is mounted to pivot relative to the shaft on the complementary bayonet coupling. The tubular member can be locked in any appropriate angular position.

Abstract: A dental handpiece includes an end grip member having a configuration and shape to be gripped by an operator, such as a dentist, during use. The end grip member has a first end to be connected to a supply and a second end having therein a recess. At least one coolant line to receive coolant when the end grip member is connected to the supply extends through the end grip member. A plurality of tool holders support respective different tools and are interchangeable selectively connectable to and detachable from the second end of the end grip member. Each tool holder has a first end to carry a respective tool and a second end having an extension extended into the recess in the second end of the end grip member when such tool holder is connected thereto. The extension is configured to block coolant passage or to allow coolant passage through a selected portion of the coolant line.

Abstract: An illumination system for use in combination with a fluid-driven, fiber optic dental handpiece having a proximal end with a light transmitting fiber optic rod and a plurality of fluid transmitting conduits extending therefrom in standardized configuration. The illumination system includes a control unit for supplying a regulated source of electric power, a air/water supply tube including a pair of electrical wires connected to the control unit for supplying fluid and electric power to the dental handpiece. Also included is a connector assembly for releaseably connecting the supply tube to the dental handpiece. The connector assembly includes a connector unit in the form of a generally cylindrical block of conductive material, preferably aluminum, which has a plurality of longitudinally oriented fluid transmitting channels extending therethrough and an axially aligned socket disposed along an outer periphery thereof which socket is sized for receiving a replaceable miniature halogen light bulb assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable, disposable dental prophy tool includes an elongated cylindrical grip end body component and an elongated cylindrical cup end body component. The cup end body component is mounted on the grip end body component so that their major longitudinal axes are offset in non-parallel alignment. A housing for a cleaning and polishing cup drive element is mounted at the outer end of the cup end body component. A drive element is mounted in the housing for rotation about an axis which extends laterally of the longitudinal axis of the elongated cup end body component. The cup end body component is fully rotatable for 360.degree. about its own longitudinal axis relative to the grip end body component. The tool also includes axial locking structure holding the body components together to prevent relative axial movement thereof. The tool also includes releasable angular locking structure selectively inhibiting relative rotation of the body components.

Abstract: The dental handpiece is removably coupled to the hose supplying air, water, etc. The coupling includes a bushing for interconnecting the conduits in the hose directly to the dental handpiece.

Abstract: A plastic, disposable, easy-to-assemble dental angle is provided. The angle includes a one-piece hollow body having a head at its front end which is angled with respect to the body. Both the head and the body have a bore therethrough. The head has an aperture which is centered with respect to the bore of the body to allow insertion of a drive gear through the head of the angle. A driven gear is inserted in the head from the above. A snap cap fits within the head over the driven gear to lock both the drive gear and the driven gear in the angle. A sheath on the cap covers the aperture. A latch on the cap is received in the aperture to lock the cap to the head to hold the angle together. An elongated slot in the body permits the body to be force-fit on a dental handpiece.

Abstract: A dental prophy angle handpiece used for teeth cleaning with its components made of plastic so as to be disposable after use including a front casing which comprises: foldable two sections to make a receptacle when folded, each one of the sections including a front cell, a shaft support and a cone portion formed in succession; a rotary member with a driven pinion at the middle and a metal ball at one end and installed in the front cells of the front casing; a drive shaft with a drive pinion that engages with the driven pinion of the rotary member and installed in the shaft supports of the front casing; a front cover covering the front casing to combine the front casing, the rotary member and the drive shaft into a single unit; and a cleaning cap attached to the rotary member. When the rotary member is rotated by the drive shaft that is connected to the rotary member via the pinion, the cleaning cap is rotated so as to clean the teeth.

Abstract: A quick disconnect multi-line utility connector including a first body member configured and sized to permit passage, end to end, through the hollow interior of an upstanding tubular mounting post. The first body member is connected to a second body member associated with primary utility support conduits at a junction box.

Abstract: A disposable attachment for reciprocably mounting a dental tool and being mounted to a conventional handpiece which provides the drive for the tool. The attachment includes a plastic housing having a neck and sleeve to rotatably mount a shaft which is driven by a dental handpiece and a head which mounts a plastic socket to be reciprocated by a shaft eccentric extended into an annular groove in the socket. A rotational restrainer is provided in the socket groove to permit rotation of the tool which is friction fitted in the socket while a force external to the attachment is exerted on the tool but otherwise retain the tool in a fixed angular relationship relative to the head as the socket is reciprocated. The attachment housing, socket and rotational restrainer are made of plastic while in one embodiment the attachment shaft is also made of plastic.

Abstract: A dental handpiece comprises a handle section and a detachable head section. The head section to which a burr is mounted is made entirely of plastic except for ball bearings so that vibrations are absorbed via its own elasticity. The head section is disposed after use, thus avoiding the secondary infections of, for example, AIDS and hepatitis. A burr exchanging device for the handpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental handpiece comprises a handle section and a detachable head section. The head section to which a burr is mounted is made entirely of plastic except for ball bearings so that vibrations are absorbed via its own elasticity. The head section is disposed after use, thus avoiding the secondary infections of, for example, AIDS and hepatitis.

Abstract: A dental handpiece includes a handle portion having at a first end thereof a holder for a driven tool and which at a second end thereof is rotatably connected to a connecting portion which provides connection to a supply hose for supply media. Light supplied to the region of the tool is provided from an incandescent lamp arranged in a recess in the connecting portion. The recess may accommodate the incandescent lamp or a light guide and is arranged at an end of the connecting portion to be directed toward the hose and opens at such end.

Abstract: A plastic, disposable, easy-to-assemble dental angle is provided. The angle includes a one-piece hollow body having a head at its front end which is angled with respect to the body. Both the head and the body have a bore therethrough. The head has an aperture which is centered with respect to the bore of the body to allow insertion of a drive gear through the head of the angle. A driven gear is inserted in the head from above. A snap cap fits within the head over the driven gear to lock both the drive gear and the driven gear in the angle. A sheath on the cap covers the aperture. A latch on the cap is received in the aperture to lock the cap to the head to hold the angle together. An elongated slot in the body permits the body to be force-fit on a dental handpiece.

Abstract: A medical treatment device, in particular for surgical purposes, having at least one treatment instrument in the form of a hand piece which can be connected to a control unit by means of a flexible supply line, there being associated with the treatment device, preferably with the control unit, a source of treatment agent, in particular for cooling fluid, to which it is possible to connect a treatment agent line, which extends at least in part through the supply line to the front end of the hand piece, in the form of a hose, the treatment agent line having a hose section which extends with radial play for movement in the supply line as far as the hand piece and is there connected to a plug-in spigot which is plugged in a releasable manner in an axial plug-in socket in the hand piece and has an axial and a radial channel section, of which the axial channel section issues from the hose connection and the radial channel section is connected to the continuing treatment agent line.

Abstract: A disposable hand tool of the compressed air drive type is disclosed for use in performing dental procedures on a workpiece. 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. A plurality 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 contains bearings attached to a supporting shaft. The shaft includes a turbine impeller and a clamping hole for removable attachment of a dental bur to the shaft. The air stream drives the impeller at a high speed for rotating the bur about a rotational axis.

Abstract: A syringe tip is locked into a three-way dental handpiece body by means of a syringe tip locking assembly that screws into a threaded receiver in the body of the handpiece. The locking assembly comprises an adaptor that has a central tapered male member that receives one end of the syringe tip, a gripping member that fits over the tapered male member and a locking cap that screws onto the adaptor and over the gripping member. The gripping member includes a plurality of gripping fingers that engage the syringe tip and the locking cap effects the tightening of the gripping fingers into the syringe tip. The locking assembly both applies a positive gripping action to the syringe tip and also pulls the syringe tip onto the tapered male member to securely hold the syringe tip in the adaptor during use by the dentist. The gripping member is captivated inside the locking cap to prevent inadvertent separation of the pieces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handpiece for dental medical treatment in which a head portion encasing therein an air turbine is detachably mounted on a handpiece body whereby the handpiece body capable of being subjected to high temperature sterilization by boiling is repeatedly used whereas the head portion is discarded after use to maintain the aseptic state of the whole handpiece and positively prevent secondary infection such as AIDS, hepatitis, etc. in an actual medical site. Furthermore, the construction of the air turbine and molding of various parts are simplified so that the head portion can be provided at extremely low cost to effectively prevent infection of AIDS, hepatitis, etc. as mentioned above.

Abstract: A cartridge type dental handpiece contains a handpiece main body, a head housing provided at a distal end of the handpiece main body, and a cartridge detachably adapted within the head housing. The cartridge has a cartridge casing and a rotatable sleeve rotatably mounted within the cartridge casing and adapted for detachably holding a dental burr. The dental handpiece further contains a fluid passage defined between an inner surface of the head housing and an outer surface of the cartridge casing when the cartridge is mounted within the head housing, a fluid spraying port formed in a lower surface of the cartridge casing in communication with the fluid passage for spraying the fluid from the fluid passage onto a tooth being treated, and a communication port for supplying the fluid from a fluid supply duct within the handpiece main body into the fluid supply passage.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a dental tool having a hand-piece comprising first and second fluid conduits for delivering first and second fluids to a discharge end of the hand-piece. The nozzle is releasably engageable with the discharge end of the hand-piece and comprises an inner tube and an outer tube each having an intake end and a discharge end. The tubes define first and second fluid passages having coaxial intake ports for fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits and coaxial discharge ports for pressurized delivery of the first and second fluids to the teeth of the patient. The intake end of the inner tube extends axially from the intake end of the outer tube and is connected to the first conduit when the nozzle is engaged with the hand-piece so that fluid discharged from the first conduit flows through the first passage.

Abstract: A dental syringe is constructed as an assembly of which the handle, head and tip components, which together include substantially all of the exterior surfaces of the syringe, can be quickly detached from an internal cartridge, which is connected to the utility conduits. The cartridge is constructed to close off the utility lines when it is detached from and to open the utility lines when it is connected to the remainder of the assembly.

Abstract: A dental appliance having an elongated hollow body including a tubular handle and a tubular extension. The extension has at its forward end a recessed forward end formation defining a forwardly opening recess. A closure mates with the forward end formation on the recess on a mating plane generally transverse to the axis of the bore in the extension. The recessed forward end formation of the extension and the closure define a chamber at the forward end of the extension when the closure is applied. The bore in the extension is accessible from the forward end of the extension when the closure is away from the forward end of the extension for assembly of the appliance.

Abstract: A disposable right angle dental handpiece comprises a disposable plastic outer housing having an elongated opening therein for receiving a drive shaft mechanism which is preferably made of metal. The drive shaft mechanism is connected to the disposable outer plastic housing by means of a quick connect-quick disconnect mechanism. The outer housing also contains a gear which is engaged with a gear at the end of the drive shaft mechanism, a working member being connected to the gear for being driven by the drive shaft member. The drive shaft member is connectable to the dental tool for being driven thereby. Also disclosed are embodiments wherein the drive shaft mechanism is connected to the dental drive tool, and wherein the outer housing is independently connected to the dental drive tool by means of a quick connect-quick disconnect mechanism, which locks the outer housing relative to the dental drive tool in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions.

Abstract: A support for a dentistry handpiece or contra-angle is connected to a dental unit, such as a motor, including apparatus for the supply of water and air for spraying the working point of the supported handpiece of contra-angle and, if desired, apparatus for supplying electric current to bulbs situated in the head of the handpiece or contra-angle for lighting in the working point and/or fibre optics. The rear face of the support is provided with a projecting ring of insulating material and the motor includes an annular hollow form for receiving the ring when the support is mounted to the motor.

Abstract: Various adaptors are used for securing a replaceable syringe tip in operative relationship to a handpiece body. The syringe tip is mounted on a tapered male connector set in the hollow interior of the adaptor. O ring seals and a metal flange member are used to prevent the leakage of air or water passing from the handpiece into the interior of the adaptor and then into the syringe tip. A captivated thumb nut is utilized to prevent the thumb nut from accidently disengaging completely from the adaptor. When the thumb nut is loosened to replace a syringe tip, the thumb nut will remain captivated on the adapter, only loosening enough to allow removal and insertion of a syringe tip.

Abstract: A disposable right angle dental handpiece comprises a disposable plastic outer housing having an elongated opening therein for receiving a drive shaft mechanism which is preferably made of metal. The drive shaft mechanism is connected to the disposable outer plastic housing by means of a quick connect-quick disconnect mechanism. The outer housing also contains a gear which is engaged with a gear at the end of the drive shaft mechanism, a working member being connected to the gear for being driven by the drive shaft member. The drive shaft member is connectable to the dental tool for being driven thereby.

Abstract: A plastic, disposable, easy-to-assemble dental angle is provided. The angle includes a one-piece hollow body having a head at its front end which is angled with respect to the body. Both the head and the body have a bore therethrough. The head has an aperture which is centered with respect to the bore of the body to allow insertion of a drive gear through the head of the angle. A driven gear is inserted in the head from above. A snap cap fits within the head over the driven gear to lock both the drive gear and the driven gear in the angle. A sheath on the cap covers the aperture. A latch on the cap is received in the aperture to lock the cap to the head to hold the angle together. An elongated slot in the body permits the body to be force-fit on a dental handpiece.

Abstract: A dental fiberoptic handpiece hose assembly comprises a flexible aspetic outer tubing that contains internally a plurality of conduits and wires for the drive air, exhaust air, coolant water and "chip" air, as well as a fiberoptic bundle and a sensing cable. The outer surface of the tubing is quite smooth and regular without any crevices that would trap bacteria. The outer surface tubing is made from an oil resistant material to discourage cracking and to improve the useful life of the hose assembly. The fiberoptic bundle comprises an acrylic material that is lightweight and flexible. The connection between the handpiece and the hose assembly is a swivelable construction that is quite simple to fabricate. A specially designed adapter is mounted inside the swivel connection and is utilized to connect the conduits of the drive air, exhaust air, chip and and coolant water as well as the fiberoptic bundle and the sensing cable to the handpiece.

Abstract: A sleeve that has the shape seen in the longitudinal direction that deviates in cross section and/or has an outside diameter that changes from a shape with a rotational symmetry to a shape with a non-rotational symmetry and has a ridge extending at least a portion of the length of the sleeve to form ledges between the ridge and adjacent curved surfaces. A method for manufacturing the sleeve includes inserting a workpiece in a die having the desired contour for the outer surface of the sleeve, heating the material and subjecting the material to internal pressure to deform the workpiece into the contour of the die to form the sleeve.

Abstract: A device which fits onto a dental hand piece providing a spinning polishing cup at an angle to a long axis of the hand piece. A dental practitioner may use the device to effectively clean and polish teeth and prosthodontic structures within a patient's mouth. The device is disposable for greater sanitation. The device rotates in a direction in conformity with other fittings for dental hand pieces. The device is designed for easy manufacture by snapping a long gear and a short gear into contact with each other within a housing. Low friction secure interfaces between the short gear, the long gear and the housing allow the device to operate effectively at high speeds.

Abstract: The cutting shank of an instrument to be received in the head of a contra-angle of a dentistry handpiece is clamped in position with a pushed-button control device which is displacable counter to a tensioning spring. The control device generally takes the form of at least one reversal element for receiving pressures responsive to movements of the push-button and for converting such movements into a traction movement exerted by the reversal element on the pusher which is used to control the collet chuck which receives the shank of the instrument.

Abstract: A fiberoptic dental headpiece hose assembly has a smooth-walled, aseptic outer tubing that contains a plurality of internal components to provide drive air, an exhaust line, chip air and coolant water to the dental handpiece. The fiberoptic handpiece hose assembly is field-serviceable due to the rearend release connection of the outer tubing to the swivel assembly. This permits access to the internal components to allow repairs to be made in the dentist's office. The fiber-optic bundle is made from an acrylic material and the adapter is made generally from plastic to reduce the overall weight of the assembly and to improve the reliability and service life of the assembly.

Abstract: A chucking device for a dental handpiece includes a cutting tool, a collet having a plurality of slits to permit the cutting tool to be received and attached in position in the collet, a rotational sleeve for transmitting rotation to the collet, a locking member adapted to permit the diameter of the collet to be changed, and a coil spring thrusting the locking member along the inserting direction of the cutting tool. The outer periphery of the collet has a tapered surface adapted to be enlarged in diameter along the inserting direction of the cutting tool. The locking member is shifted along the tapered surface under the thrusting force of the coil spring to change the diameter of the collet to hold the cutting tool therein. When the locking member is pressed down against the coil spring, the locking member is then moved along the tapered surface in a direction opposite to the inserting direction of the cutting tool to release the cutting tool to permit the tool to be detached from the collet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coupling for connecting dental angle pieces with handpieces. In so doing, an outlet point for the light guide 14 is provided in the angle piece near the tool holder in order to illuminate the work place in the mouth of the patient. The corresponding light source is provided either in the angle piece or in the handpiece, wherein the light is arranged on a slip ring on the coupling side when this light is on the angle piece side. The slip ring which carries the light source when the latter is contained in the angle piece is exchangeable for a ring which has a continuous light guide in place of the light, and a nose is likewise provided in this ring at the same location of the nose on the angle pieces which do not have a light.

Abstract: A dental handpiece which can be adapted to different types of rotatable joints without great structural changes comprises a handpiece design having a sleeve-shaped end section which receives an insert part. The insert part has an outer shape that is matched to the interior of the sleeve-shaped section of the handpiece but will have an inner contour which is matched to a particular plug member of a particular type of rotatable joint. Thus, by changing the sleeve insert parts, the handpiece can be modified to receive a different type of plug member of a different type of rotatable joint.

Abstract: A handpiece with a detachable or removable handpiece sleeve for worktools or dental implements which are releasably inserted with the assistance of a clamping jaw which is rotatable through the intermediary of a drive shaft. The collet is maintained in a clamped position through the action of a spring, wherein the collet has an external conically-tapered end thereof facing towards the implement contacting against a conformingly conically-tapered end of a spindle sleeve facing towards the implement and which is arranged within the handpiece, includes an arresting device.

Abstract: A prophy angle having a single snap-in retention mechanism that is integral with the housing for retaining the prophy cup rotating member in permanent field position and providing good smooth rotation performance and a detent drive shaft snap-in retention mechanism that locks in position when the dental handpiece is connected.

Abstract: A handpiece with a removable handpiece sleeve for worktools or dental implements which are releasably insertable therein with the assistance of a collet which is rotatable through the intermediary of a drive shaft. The collet is conically configured on its exterior at the thereof facing towards the dental implement and cooperates with the end correspondingly conically configured end of a spindle sleeve facing towards the implement, and in which the contact between the two conically-configured ends facing towards the implement is produced by a spring which is inserted intermediate an annular shoulder on the spindle sleeve and a clamping sleeve, and wherein the collet is releasable through a twisting turning motion imparted to the handpiece sleeve.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling for dental handpieces that includes a pair of telescoping coupling sleeves equipped with a plurality of bayonet slots and lugs for detachably connecting the sleeves together. In one sleeve is a spring-loaded connector body having a plurality of axially extending passages communicating with the fluid (air and water) conduits of a supply hose, the connector having a hard-surface planar end face exposed at the distal end of the sleeve. The other sleeve is a proximal extension of a handpiece and contains a plurality of tubes arranged and dimensioned to be received in the passages of the connector body when the two sleeves are coupled together. A resilient gasket, confined by a rigid support ring, surrounds the tubes and includes frusto-conical ring portions about such tubes for sealingly engaging the end face of the connector body.

Abstract: A connector for attaching a supply hose to a dental handpiece, the connector including a generally cylindrical body having a longitudinally-extending socket containing a lamp for directing light towards a fiberoptic light conductor of the handpiece during operation. The body also includes an exhaust air passage that extends alongside the socket and communicates with that socket through a slot extending substantially the full length of the socket. The lamp includes bulb and base portions with the base portion having a lug projecting radially outwardly through the slot into the exhaust air passage. A tool has stem and head portions insertable into the exhaust air passage for engaging the lug when extraction of the lamp is desired.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis angle formed of molded plastic parts is provided, which includes two accurately supported rotors extending at right angles to each other in an easily manufactured construction. The prophylaxis angle includes an elbow-shaped forward housing member (54, FIG. 2) which surrounds the output rotor (18) and the forward portion of the input rotor (14), and a rearward housing member (60) which snaps into arrangement with the rear of the forward housing member. The rearward housing member has a rotor-engaging shoulder (72) that can abut the shoulder (44) at the rear end of the input rotor forward portion.

Abstract: A disposable right angle dental handpiece comprises a disposable plastic outer housing having an elongated opening therein for receiving a drive shaft mechanism which is preferably made of metal. The drive shaft mechanism is connected to the disposable outer plastic housing by means of a quick connect-quick disconnect mechanism. The outer housing also contains a gear which is engaged with a gear at the end of the drive shaft mechanism, a working member being connected to the gear for being driven by the drive shaft member. The drive shaft member is connectable to the dental tool for being driven thereby.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is provided with a gripping sleeve, which receives a base member arrangement composed of either a single piece or multi-pieces. The base member having bearing arrangements for supporting a drive shaft section, which is engageable with the drive shaft of a motor and has an arrangement for guiding various agent lines, such as water, air or light or electrical power on the outer surface of the base member within the interior of the sleeve. The outer sleeve is free of holding and guide elements for the agent lines and the gripping sleeve can be firmly clamped onto the base member or can be clamped to the base member with interposed elastic vibration-dampening elements.

Abstract: A dental handpiece device comprises a housing handle with a water supply line which extends through the interior of the handle or along the outside of the handle. An auxiliary chamber is formed in or is connected to the handle housing. The auxiliary chamber communicates with the water supply line and may receive an additive in tablet form. The additive slowly dissolves as water passes through the auxiliary chamber. The water supply line terminates at a nozzle for spraying water near the head end of the handle housing which carries a rotating tool such as a bur or a brush. The additive is advantageously a disinfectant for disinfecting the operative area and the mist and aerosol generated by the handpiece.

Abstract: A fiberoptic dental handpiece hose assembly has a smooth-walled, aseptic outer tubing that contains a plurality of internal components to provide drive air, an exhaust line, chip air and coolant water to the dental handpiece. The fiberoptic handpiece hose assembly is field-serviceable due to the rearend release connection of the outer tubing to the swivel assembly. This permits access to the internal components to allow repairs to be made in the dentist's office. The fiberoptic bundle is made from an acrylic material and the adapter is made generally from plastic to reduce the overall weight of the assembly and to improve the reliability and service life of the assembly.

Abstract: A dental tool adapted to deliver a mixed stream of two fluids to teeth of a patient. It comprises a nozzle, a hand-piece, and a resiliently flexible clip adapted to releasably retain the nozzle in the hand-piece. The nozzle has an elongate body portion, a proximal end, a distal end, and first and second conduits through the body portion. The conduits define first and second fluid passages. The hand-piece is adapted for delivering a first fluid stream and a second fluid stream through a downstream end of the hand-piece to the proximal end of the nozzle and through the fluid passages and distal end of the nozzle. The clip has a base portion secured to the hand-piece and a contact portion adapted for engaging a contact region of the nozzle's body portion. The clip is adapted for being deflected to disengage the contact portion from the contact region to enable a user to readily remove the nozzle from or insert the nozzle into the hand-piece.

Abstract: A long life vacuum for use primarily by a dental assistant for evacuating debris from the mouth of a patient during dental operations. The instrument takes the form of an open-ended tube having a quick disconnect coupler at one end to enable the tube to be coupled to a vacuum line. The other end of the tube is intended to be inserted into the mouth of the patient. The instrument is formed entirely of plastic so that it may be conveniently sterilized in a high temperature autoclave. Specifically, plastic seals are used instead of O-rings since O-rings are incapable of withstanding high temperatures and/or chemicals used during the sterilizing operations. In addition, there are no metal parts which would be subject to corrosive attach by the bonding materals currently used by many dentists. The instrument includes a valve which is operated by the dental assistant, and which is sealed to the tube by integral plastic seals.

Abstract: A sterilizable medical/dental syringe having a handle with a nozzle at one end is provided with means for releasably coupling the other end of the handle to a flexible supply hoses providing compressible gases and/or noncompressible liquids. When disconnected from the flexible hose supply line, automatic sealing valves prevent the contents of the supply line form escaping. A readily repairable flow control valve for the nozzle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental appliance having an elongated hollow body including a tubular handle and a tubular extension. The extension has at its forward end a recessed forward end formation defining a forwardly opening recess. A closure mates with the forward end formation on the recess on a mating plane generally transverse to the axis of the bore in the extension. The recessed forward end formation of the extension and the closure define a chamber at the forward end of the extension when the closure is applied. The bore in the extension is accessible from the forward end of the extension when the closure is away from the forward end of the extension for assembly of the appliance.