Abstract: A fluid-driven medical or dental handheld device includes a head, the head including a housing and a impeller rotatably mounted in the housing. The housing defines a receiving chamber for receiving the impeller, a main air inlet and an air outlet being defined in the housing and communicating with the receiving chamber. An inner surface of the housing surrounding the receiving chamber defines a plurality of grooves, the grooves being arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction of the housing. The grooves reflect rotating airflows directed to the grooves to change directions and speeds of the airflows to form interference airflows, which can effectively reduce the rotation speed of the head at idling, while ensuring the torque output of the head during grinding teeth.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a head bearing assembly for a dental or surgical handpiece, comprising an outer sleeve, in which at least four radial bearings are arranged, which enclose an axis of rotation and each have their own bearing outer ring or a common bearing outer rings, wherein the bearing outer rings are surrounded radially on the outside by the outer sleeve in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation, and each radial bearing has at least one or exactly one rolling element row with rolling elements which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and rolling in the respective bearing outer ring. The head bearing assembly according to the disclosure is characterized in that the at least four radial bearings have a common, integral bearing inner ring on which the rolling elements are arranged in rolling contact.

Abstract: An oral irrigator handle including a housing and a first fitting, the first fitting including a first fitting inlet in fluid communication with a handle inlet in fluid communication with a fluid source and a first fitting outlet in fluid communication with the first fitting inlet. The handle includes a seal positioned around the first fitting and between the first fitting inlet and the first fitting outlet. A second fitting includes a second fitting inlet in fluid communication with the first fitting outlet and a second fitting outlet in fluid communication with the second fitting inlet. A bottom portion of the second fitting seats on a portion of the first fitting so that the seal engages an interior surface of the second fitting, a flow passage is coupled to the second fitting and in fluid communication with the second fitting outlet.

Abstract: A dental hand piece has: a hand piece head provided at the front end section thereof; and a connection section provided at the rear end section thereof, and the dental hand piece is used by connecting the connection section to a dental unit. The dental hand piece is provided with: a plurality of metallic pipes for providing communication between the hand piece head and the connection section; and an elastic resin member mounted so as to cover a portion extending at least from the rear end section of the hand piece head to the front end section of the connection section. The outer peripheries of the metallic pipes are embedded within the elastic resin member so as to be in close contact with the inside thereof.

Abstract: A periodontal endoscope includes an imaging handle having an imaging end that supports a camera sensor and an introducer including an introducer blade such that the introducer blade is selectively rotatable about the camera sensor for engaging gingival tissue in the field of view for any rotational orientation of the introducer blade relative to the camera while illuminated by an optical fiber bundle. An automatic illuminance controller controls an illumination light source at least within each frame as the frame is scanned based on dynamic range of the camera sensor such that high intensity areas of the frame receive a reduced amount of illumination light by reducing the illumination drive signal as compared to low intensity areas of the frame which receive an increased amount of illumination light by increasing the illumination drive signal relative to the high intensity areas.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (1) having a drive (3) of a tool (4), which drive is located in a head housing (2), has at least one media-conducting line arranged in the head housing, which media-conducting line has an outlet opening to the tool, and a tool receptacle (16) arranged in a drive chamber, which tool receptacle is rotatably supported by means of a rolling bearing (11) in a support (14) of the head housing (2) on a side of the drive chamber facing the tool. The rolling bearing has an outer race (13), which is supported against the head housing (2) radially in the support (14) in the area of a raceway (22) and which has a sub-area (21), the outside diameter D2 of which is reduced compared to the outside diameter D1 in the area of the raceway (22). The head housing has a housing projection (23), which extends into the area of the reduced outside diameter D2, and the media-conducting line (17) runs at least partially through said housing projection (23).

Abstract: A turbine dental drill mechanism, which includes a turbine and a turbine shaft. A balancing chamber is provided on the mechanism and includes an automatic balancing component provided therein. The automatic balancing component is a metal ball, sand grains or a flexible body. The metal ball in the balancing chamber can enhance the balance. The sand grains in the balancing chamber can reduce noise while also enhancing balance. The flexible body in the balancing chamber can eliminate noise and provide weight adjustment, thereby achieving automatic balancing.

Abstract: A medical or dental handle for driving a medical instrument, comprises a housing with a drive device accommodated therein and/or a supply line for a drive device, a first connection device for detachably connecting a medical or dental instrument and a second connection device for detachably connecting the handle to a media source and/or a drive unit, at least one electric component preferably comprising a light-emitting diode, at least one electric contact and an electric connecting device, which connect electrically the at least one electric component and the at least one electric contact, wherein the electric connecting device comprises a flexible circuit board in the interior of the handle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for perforating dense tissue of a human or animal body and for injecting a pharmaceutical product behind the tissue. The instrument includes a hand-piece with a housing for a pharmaceutical product container. The hand-piece has two opposite ends, one of which includes an axial throughway leading into the housing for passing a perforator injection needle inserted in the container. The other end is used to drive the container and needle in rotation. The surgical instrument further includes a member that, during perforation, can exert pressure on the pharmaceutical product in the container inserted in the housing to prevent perforation debris from entering into the needle.

Abstract: A dentists' preparation instrument (1) comprises a turbine (4) for driving a tool (3) using compressed air, and a rotor (6) that is arranged in a turbine compartment (5), rotates about a longitudinal axis (7), and has blades (11) extending to a face (13) of the rotor (6). The turbine compartment (5) has a discharge port (12) for the compressed air towards a returning air duct (8). Said discharge port (12) is disposed in such a way that both the face (13) of the rotor (6) and parts of the blades (11) sweep past the discharge port (12) as the rotor rotates about the longitudinal axis (7). For deceleration purposes, the rotor (6) has a deceleration contour (9) on the face (13), said deceleration contour being formed by projections (14), and the turbine compartment (5) has a deceleration contour chamber (15) inside which the deceleration contour (9) is accommodated. The discharge port (12) in part also extends across the deceleration contour chamber (15).

Abstract: A hand piece includes a main body, an impeller, an air supplier, an exhauster and an exhaust controller. The impeller is received by the main body and is rotated in the main body. The air supplier is disposed at the main body and supplies an air to the impeller. The exhauster is disposed at the main body and exhausts the air supplied to the impeller. The exhaust controller is inserted into the exhauster and controls the exhaust of the air based on an air pressure exhausted from the exhauster.

Abstract: A micro-machine powered by an electric motor and/or a gas turbine drive and capable of rotation speeds to 1,500,000 rpm is disclosed. The micro-machine may include a rotating spindle which is constructed, balanced and arranged to provide a tool holder function and may incorporate a portion of the drive system. The other portion of the drive system is incorporated in a machine housing. The housing locates and supports at least one foil thrust bearing and at least one foil journal bearing to support the spindle. The housing and the bearings may be split into at least two parts and reassembled and the housing incorporates a gas reservoir and gas distribution channels for forced gas cooling of the bearings. In one embodiment of a foil journal bearing, a plurality of overlapping top foil segments supported by individual bump foil segments consisting of generally uniformly-spaced ridges and flats are secured within a housing.

Abstract: A turbine dental drill mechanism, which includes a turbine and a turbine shaft. A balancing chamber is provided on the mechanism and includes an automatic balancing component provided therein. The automatic balancing component is a metal ball, sand grains or a flexible body. The metal ball in the balancing chamber can enhance the balance. The sand grains in the balancing chamber can reduce noise while also enhancing balance. The flexible body in the balancing chamber can eliminate noise and provide weight adjustment, thereby achieving automatic balancing.

Abstract: Fluid-operated dynamoelectric converters for medical or dental devices are described. The dynamoelectric converters have: a fluid line which is designed in one piece with an outer sleeve of the dynamoelectric converter and protrudes at its end which faces away from the dynamoelectric converter beyond a connecting end of the medical or dental device; a fluid-operated impeller which is designed in one piece with a rotor sleeve receiving the magnetic element; a one-piece, sleeve-shaped magnetic return element which surrounds the rotor and the electric winding of the stator and has a magnetically conductive material.

Abstract: An air-driven rotary cutting tool including a grip part, a head part provided at a distal end of the grip portion, and a rotor of double-wheel type rotatably installed in a hollow portion formed in the head part. The rotor has a first turbine blade portion provided with a plurality of first turbine vanes surrounding the rotary axis and a second turbine blade portion integrally formed with the first turbine blade and having a plurality of second turbine vanes surrounding the rotary axis. The first turbine vane has, on its side when seen in a direction into the rotary axis, a concave shape concaved in a direction of rotation of the rotor, and the second turbine vane has, on its side, a concave shape concaving in a direction opposite from the first turbine vane.

Abstract: Methods for controlling and/or regulating of a compressed-gas-operable medical or dental drive device and a control and/or regulating device for performing such methods are described. In one method according to a first embodiment, a rotor of the drive device is operated at an essentially constant rotational speed (n1) by adjusting the gas pressure and/or the flow rate of the compressed gas through a valve and the rotational speed is reduced on reaching a pressure value (p2) of the compressed gas which is lower than the maximum gas pressure (pmax) of the compressed gas. In the case of a method according to a second embodiment, the gas pressure of the compressed gas and the rotational speed of the rotor are altered on reaching a rotational speed limit value (n2, n3) of the rotor by adjusting the valve.

Abstract: A dental drill head, constituted of a head housing, a wind wheel, and bearings, the head housing being constituted of a head housing cover and a head housing cavity, and the wind wheel being constituted of a wind wheel shaft and wind wheel blades. An anti-suck-back device is configured between the head housing cover and a wind wheel shaft end part to which the wind wheel shaft corresponds. The present invention, which adopts the aforementioned technical scheme, firstly makes it possible to reduce the intake in of contaminants when suck-back is taking place as the impeller is braked; and secondly, while there is still a positive pressure inside the head, the rubber head covering uses elastic force to brake the impeller and completely prevents the intake of contaminants. Moreover, the structure is simple and costs are low.

Abstract: A dental handpiece uses a single airflow input to drive both a rotor and provide a hydrostatic bearing. The fluid flow in the form of compressed air is applied first to the hydrostatic bearings and then subsequently to the turbine blades of the rotor without the use of any moving mechanical parts by the design of the air passageway being more direct for the hydrostatic bearing. This passageway is the form of a manifold insert which may be mounted within the handpiece. The handpiece includes a pair of frusto-conical cages separated by a C-shaped spacer which enables precise fabrication. The frusto-conical ends of the rotor and the mating frusto-conical inner surfaces of the cages are provided with a diamond like carbon coating.

Abstract: A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.

Abstract: A dental handpiece having a head comprising a headshell and an arm portion comprising an upper body and a lower body is presented. The head rotatably couples to the upper body, and the upper body pivotally couples to the lower body. An air turbine or a gear assembly may be included in the headshell whereby a dental bur attached to the air turbine or gear assembly protrudes from the headshell. In the case of using an air turbine, flexible tubing provides fluid to spin the air turbine, thereby rotating the bur. Alternatively, a flexible shaft may connect the gear assembly to a rotary source to communicate rotary motion to the bur.

Abstract: A fluid-operated medical or dental handle with a device for limiting the rotational speed to a maximum rotational speed value is disclosed. The handle comprises a rotating part that can be induced to rotation by a driving fluid for driving a tool connectable to the rotating part, an electrodynamic transducer driven by the rotating part for induction of an electric voltage, wherein the electrodynamic transducer has at least one coil and a magnetic element and at least one switch element for optional opening and closing of a circuit between the two ends of the at least one coil, so that with the circuit closed, an electric current and an induced magnetic field that decelerates the rotational speed of the rotating part and the tool connectable thereto can be induced in the coil of the electrodynamic transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical turbine handpiece, in particular a dental turbine handpiece, having a drive shaft rotatably mounted in the front end region of the handpiece and to which a tool can be connected, as well as a turbine wheel arranged so as to be non-rotatable on the drive shaft and is arranged in a turbine chamber realized in the end region, into which turbine chamber a supply line for a flowing pressure medium for driving the turbine wheel opens out at an inlet opening and from which turbine chamber a removal line extends at an outlet opening, wherein at least one cross connecting channel for the pressure medium is realized in the wall of the turbine chamber, the cross connecting channel connecting the axially remote edge region of the turbine chamber to a region of the turbine chamber that is axially close to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A dental handpiece of the type having a bearing supporting a turbine. At least one of the bearings is an air-foil type.

Abstract: A turbine wheel for a gas operated medical handpiece includes a plurality of blades which extend in radial direction from a hub and extend in axial direction from a side ring web of the turbine wheel, and the front side of which is substantially concavely curved about an approximately radially running first axis of curvature. In order to increase the drive power or to better exploit the drive power at least one blade has at least in an axial end region an inclination surface which is inclined in the axial direction towards the front side.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fluid-operated medical or dental handheld element is disclosed, having a connecting device for connecting the handheld element to a fluid source so that a first impeller can be induced to rotate by a fluid stream to cause a tool to execute a driving motion, a fluid conducting device arranged between the connecting device and the first impeller for conveying a fluid stream away from or toward the first impeller, and a generator for generating electric power. The generator includes a second rotatable impeller that can be driven by at least a substream of the fluid stream conveyable in the first fluid conducting device. One result is more constant generation and output of power by the generator independent of the rotational speed of the first impeller, thereby insuring a more constant power supply to a power consuming device connected to the generator.

Abstract: A fluid-operated medical or dental handheld element is disclosed, having a connecting device for connecting the handheld element to a fluid source so that a first impeller can be induced to rotate by a fluid stream to cause a tool to execute a driving motion, a fluid conducting device arranged between the connecting device and the first impeller for conveying a fluid stream away from or toward the first impeller, and a generator for generating electric power. The generator includes a second rotatable impeller that can be driven by at least a substream of the fluid stream conveyable in the first fluid conducting device. One result is more constant generation and output of power by the generator independent of the rotational speed of the first impeller, thereby insuring a more constant power supply to a power consuming device connected to the generator.

Abstract: A high-speed turbine dental drill handpiece has a drilling needle, a wind wheel axle, a head housing having an annular opening with a two-step profile shape, and a suckback prevention device. The suckback prevention device includes an elastic bowl-shaped axle shroud coupled to an annular skeleton that are buckled in an inner step of the head housing and an annular screw connected to the outer step of the head housing (or retaining of the elastic bowl-shaped axle shroud. An eyelet for the drilling needle is set at the center of the elastic bowl-shaped axle shroud, the diameter of the eyelet being slightly larger than that of the drilling needle.

Abstract: A dental handpiece uses a single airflow input to drive both a rotor and provide a hydrostatic bearing. The fluid flow in the form of compressed air is applied first to the hydrostatic bearings and then subsequently to the turbine blades of the rotor without the use of any moving mechanical parts by the design of the air passageway being more direct for the hydrostatic bearing. This passageway is the form of a manifold insert which may be mounted within the handpiece. The handpiece includes a pair of frusto-conical cages separated by a C-shaped spacer which enables precise fabrication. The frusto-conical ends of the rotor and the mating frusto-conical inner surfaces of the cages are provided with a diamond like carbon coating.

Abstract: The air-driven rotary cutting tool comprising a grip part, a head part provided at a distal end of the grip portion; and a rotor of double-wheel type rotatably supported to a hollow portion formed in the head part around its rotary axis with a bearing, in which the rotor has a first turbine blade portion provided with a plurality of first turbine vanes surrounding the rotary axis and a second turbine blade portion integrally formed with the first turbine blade and having a plurality of second turbine vanes surrounding the rotary axis; the cutting tool is characterized by the first turbine vane having such a concave shape on its side seen in a direction into the rotary axis as to fall from upstream into downstream of its rotational direction of the rotor, and the second turbine vane having such a concave shape on its side as to fall into its opposite direction of the first turbine vane.

Abstract: A handpiece and a method for driving the handpiece are provided in which a sucking-back problem can be prevented with a simple structure. The handpiece 10 has a gripping portion 11 to be gripped by an operator, a head 15 mounted at a distal end of the gripping portion; and a wheel 55 rotatably mounted in an interior of the head. The head has an inlet 25 from which air is supplied to the wheel and an outlet 28 from which the air is discharged, the inlet and outlet being defined in the head, at least one buffer chamber 47 defined in the head, where the air is forced in due to a centrifugal force applied thereto by rotations thereof with the wheel and then accumulated under positive pressure, passages 66, 67, 68, and 34 for guiding the accumulated air from a neighborhood of the rotating wheel to an atmosphere, and a circumferential wall 44 mounted between the outlet and the wheel for providing a resistance to the air moving from the wheel toward the outlet.

Abstract: A turbine wheel for a gas operated medical handpiece includes a plurality of blades which extend in radial direction from a hub and extend in axial direction from a side ring web of the turbine wheel, and the front side of which is substantially concavely curved about an approximately radially running first axis of curvature. In order to increase the drive power or to better exploit the drive power at least one blade has at least in an axial end region an inclination surface which is inclined in the axial direction towards the front side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine wheel (7) for a gas operated medical, in particular dental-medical, handpiece (3), having a plurality of blades (2) which extend in radial direction from a hub (7c) and extend in axial direction from a side ring web (29) of the turbine wheel (7), and the front side (22a) of which is substantially concavely curved about an approximately radially running first axis of curvature (23). In order to increase the drive power or to better exploit the drive power the rear side (22b) of the blades (22) has at least in an axial end region an inclination surface (35) which is inclined in the axial direction towards the front side (22a).

Abstract: A single use, reciprocal reverse rotation, endodontic file includes a plurality of spaced apart helical flutes with spiraled lands therebetween. The lands have an edge with a positive cutting angle when the file is rotated in one direction and a scraping angle when rotated in the opposite direction. The file provides for sequential rotation of a selected angle in a forward direction followed by rotation of a slightly less angle in a reverse direction. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flutes is concave polygonal-shaped at a proximal end of the file and square-shaped at the distal end. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flutes is convex arcuate-shaped, the lands lying normal to the central longitudinal axis of the file. The handle portion of the file may be configured for use in a rotary handpiece or for manual rotation.

Abstract: A handheld pneumatic medical device, such as a dentist handpiece, is provided for rotating a bur about an axis. Importantly, the device utilizes the boundary layer effect to transfer energy from the fluid flow to rotation of the bur. As a result, the device is operated without creating high decibel noise. Structurally, the device includes a housing defining a chamber, and a hub mounted for rotation in the chamber. When engaged with the hub, the bur passes through a distal aperture in the housing. The housing is further provided with a port for introducing a fluid into the chamber substantially tangential to the axis. Also, the device includes disks connected to the hub and substantially perpendicular to the axis. Operationally, boundary layer effect forces between the fluid flow and the disks cause the hub and the bur to rotate about the axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric motor for the drive of a dental or medical instrument, with a rotor magnet mounted on a shaft, as well as with a stator and media conduits for leading through media to the dental instrument. A Gramme stator winding is provided in the electric motor, wherein at least regionally, media conduits run within the stator winding or between individual sections of the stator winding. The electric motor according to the invention is distinguished by a very compact constructional manner, by which the operator may work without getting tired, even over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible-tubing motor for coupling dental instruments, containing a motor with a stator, with a rotor as well as with a coupling for coupling dental instruments, as well as a flexible tubing, wherein media conduits are led through the flexible tubing for the supply of media to the dental instrument, and the flexible tubing at the end which is distant to the motor may be connected to a drive and control unit for supplying and regulating media. The flexible-tubing motor according to the invention is distinguished by a very compact constructional manner, by which the operator is permitted to work without tiring, even over a long period of time.

Abstract: A single use high-speed turbine dental drill handpiece, comprising: a head (1), a drilling needle (2), a front handle (3), a back handle (4), and a quick disconnect water and air adapter (13). The front end of the back handle (4) is connected with the front handle (3), the back end is connected with the quick disconnect water and air adapter (13). The back handle (4) has a solid monolithic structure with an inner through channel and is made of engineering plastics formed by single stage moulding. A water pipe passage (41) is set at the axle center of the front portion of the back handle (4), an air pipe passage (42) and an air return passage (43) are set at the eccentric position along the axial direction. An air pipe (5) and a water pipe (6) from the head (1) are inserted into the air pipe passage (42) and the water pipe passage (41), respectively, the clearance space is sealed by a sealing ring.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A handpiece and a method for driving the handpiece are provided in which a sucking-back problem can be prevented with a simple structure. The handpiece 10 has a gripping portion 11 to be gripped by an operator, a head 15 mounted at a distal end of the gripping portion; and a wheel 55 rotatably mounted in an interior of the head. The head has an inlet 25 from which air is supplied to the wheel and an outlet 28 from which the air is discharged, the inlet and outlet being defined in the head, at least one buffer chamber 47 defined in the head, where the air is forced in due to a centrifugal force applied thereto by rotations thereof with the wheel and then accumulated under positive pressure, passages 66, 67, 68, and 34 for guiding the accumulated air from a neighborhood of the rotating wheel to an atmosphere, and a circumferential wall 44 mounted between the outlet and the wheel for providing a resistance to the air moving from the wheel toward the outlet.

Abstract: A suckback prevention device for single use high-speed turbine dental drill handpiece, installed at the side assembled with the drilling needle of the head housing of the high-speed turbine dental drill handpiece which comprises a head, a drilling needle (3), a front handle (1), and a back handle (2). A powered wind wheel (7) and a wind wheel axle (15) driving the rotation of the drilling needle (3) are installed in the clearance space between the head housing (4) and the head cover (8). The wind wheel axle (15) is supported by the bearing (6). An O-shaped vibration reduction ring is disposed between the bearing (6) and the head housing (4). The upper end of the wind wheel axle (15) is connected orderly to the button cap spring (10) and the button cap (9). A water passage (19), an air passage (20), and a driving wind wheel air passage (12) are set at the neck portion of the head. The compressed air inlet (11) of the driving wind wheel is located in the powered wind wheel (7).

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed which comprises a grip section having a head section in which a treatment tool is detachably attached, and a drive section detachably connected thereto. The grip section comprises a casing having front and rear casing portions, with the front casing portion being continuous to the rear casing portion at an angle; a first rotary shaft rotatably supported in the rear casing portion, a cylindrical jacket extending from the head section and arranged and fixed in the front casing portion toward the first rotary shaft, and a second rotary shaft rotatably supported in the jacket, and operatively connected to the treatment tool at one end and to the first rotary shaft at the other end via a gear. The driving force from the drive section is transmitted by means of the first and second rotary shafts to the head section to drive the treatment tool. The jacket is provided with an engagement groove on its circumferential surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held instrument, for dental or surgical use, intended to rotate a rectilinear detachable tool (13). It comprises: a tubular sheath (1); a hollow shaft (3) rotatably mounted inside the sheath and consisting of an upstream portion (5) and a downstream portion (6) which in turn comprises an upstream portion (11) partially clamped around the upstream portion (5) of the shaft and a downstream portion (12) of which the inside diameter substantially matches the outside diameter of the tool (13); a clamp (14) rigidly rotationally connected to the shaft (3) but movable along the axis thereof, which clamp is placed inside and concentric with the upstream portion (5) of the shaft; and means for moving the clamp (14) longitudinally so that the jaws (17) thereof penetrate under the upstream portion (5) of the shaft (3) thereby gripping the tool.

Abstract: A fluid-operated medical or dental handheld element is disclosed, having a connecting device for connecting the handheld element to a fluid source so that a first impeller can be induced to rotate by a fluid stream to cause a tool to execute a driving motion, a fluid conducting device arranged between the connecting device and the first impeller for conveying a fluid stream away from or toward the first impeller, and a generator for generating electric power. The generator includes a second rotatable impeller that can be driven by at least a substream of the fluid stream conveyable in the first fluid conducting device. One result is more constant generation and output of power by the generator independent of the rotational speed of the first impeller, thereby insuring a more constant power supply to a power consuming device connected to the generator.

Abstract: An inventive medical/dental handpiece is characterized by including: a head part 2 that rotatably holds a rotor 24 for detachably holding a tool 91; and a gripped part 3 that supports, at its front end, the head part 2, and that is gripped by an operator, wherein the gripped part 3 includes a shank portion 31 extending from the head part 2, and a body portion 32 extending from a rear end of the shank portion 31 in the direction of an obtuse angle, wherein the axial flow turbine 5 is contained in the body portion 32, and wherein the handpiece further includes a rotation transmission mechanism for transmitting a rotation of the axial flow turbine 5 to rotate the rotor 24 of the head part 2.

Abstract: A water spray intensity system for providing water to a dental workpiece based on dynamic conditions experienced by the handpiece. The dental workpiece is a dental structure, typically in the mouth of a patient. A periodic function of the handpiece may include a motion such as a periodic motion of a tool of the handpiece, the speed of the rotating tip or some measurable parameter such as the torque experienced by a rotating tip assembled to the handpiece. Instead of providing water at a constant flow rate, the periodic function of the handpiece, such as torque or tip speed, is made by measuring a parameter associated with the handpiece. The water spray intensity system then automatically adjusts the flow of water from the handpiece based on the sensed parameter or periodic function to improve cutting efficiency.

Abstract: In a medical or dental-medical handpiece having a tool, a drive mechanism for the tool has at least one rotary part mounted rotatably by means of a bearing arrangement. The bearing arrangement includes at least one ball bearing with a plurality of balls arranged between an inner track and an outer track, wherein the inner track of the ball bearing is formed by means of the end face of a first bearing part rotatable with the rotary part, and the outer track is formed by means of the end face of a second bearing part fixed in relation to the rotary part.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fluid-driven rotary hand tool for rotating a bit is provided. The hand tool includes a handle and a head attached to the end of the handle. A shaft is rotatably secured within the head and configured to hold a bit at one end thereof. The fluid drive is operatively engaged with the shaft for rotation relative to the head. The speed transducer is operatively coupled to the shaft for creating a signal indicative of the speed of the shaft. A thrust transducer is also operatively coupled to the shaft. The thrust transducer creates a signal indicative of the axial thrust on the shaft as the hand tool is being used. A variable speed controller including a valve operatively coupled to the drive is provided. While the speed may be controlled by the variable speed controller, a control unit is provided and connected to the speed transducer and the valve to maintain the speed within a preset range.

Abstract: 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.