Abstract: In combination, a syringe tip and a dental syringe fitting for releasably connecting the syringe tip to a hand piece for delivering a fluid to a mouth of a patient. The hand piece has a passageway for delivering the fluid to a discharge end of the hand piece. The tip includes an interior passage for transporting the fluid to the patient and an exterior surface having a circumferential groove extending around the exterior surface of the tip. The fitting includes a body adapted to attach to the hand piece adjacent the discharge end, the body having a central opening sized and shaped for receiving the tip. A gripping mechanism is mounted in the opening and has a plurality of locking fingers disposed around the opening adapted to releasably engage the groove when the tip is received in the opening thereby to secure the tip to the hand piece.

Abstract: Warm water, (preferably 110° F.) in a reservoir is delivered under pressure to teeth and gums in a spray or mist that is emitted from the bristle-carrying base of a toothbrush. The spray loosens food particles and plaque deposits from tooth surfaces and facilitates their removal by the physical action of the bristles. An inlet conduit has a free end positioned within the reservoir, above the water level, and an outlet conduit has a free end immersed within the water contained in the reservoir. A pump in fluid communication with the inlet conduit pumps air into the container and the pressure in the container drives the water into the outlet conduit and to the toothbrush. A closure member in the container is apertured to accommodate the inlet and outlet conduits.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece or the like to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.

Abstract: An oral hygiene system comprising a hand-held instrument attached to a mobile cart by an accessory hose. The instrument has two main components: a pistol-grip hand-piece, and an individualized patient attachment. The pistol-grip hand-piece includes irrigation, suction and brush speed controls, as well as an adjustable swivel piece for changing the orientation of the attachment. Inside the hand-piece is a light source with fiberoptic tubing which channels light to the attachment, and a two speed electric motor which powers a rotary brush. The attachment itself is a relatively inexpensive component, one of which is assigned to each patient. It is cylindrical with a right angle curve at the distal end, to which is attached a disposable rotary brush. An orifice for the suction, and irrigation portal, and the fiberoptic lighting are also located at the distal end of the attachment.

Abstract: An electrically operated toothbrush and method for cleaning teeth and stimulating gums is provided. The toothbrush includes a handle, a brushhead connected to the handle having a plurality of hollow filament bristles, passageways through the handle and brushhead for transporting fluid such as water into and through the hollow filament bristles, an electrical energy source in the handle and a vibratory element for imparting a pulsation to the fluid being transported.

Abstract: A jet water teeth cleaning apparatus comprises a shower head for releasably attaching the apparatus to the inlet pipe of a shower. A valve coupled to the shower head selectably diverts water through a flexible tube to a handheld unit. The hand unit includes a housing with a nozzle and a pistol-grip style handle. The handle includes a trigger for regulating the velocity of water allowed to flow through the housing and for actuating a battery powered vibration unit. The vibration unit includes a reciprocating piston which maintains optimal water pressure by stirring the water flow to reduce friction between the water and the channel. The housing further includes a refillable reservoir of dentifrice which communicates a quantity of dentifrice into the water stream channel according to a siphoning or Venturi effect. The water stream with dentifrice is expelled through the nozzle for cleaning or flossing a user's teeth while showering.

Abstract: A dental syringe for dentists, especially a holding means thereof for holding a nozzle, is disclosed. The holding means has a rear tube threadingly engaging with a head of the dental syringe, and a front tube threadingly engaging with the rear tube. An inner barrel is slidably contained in the front and the rear tube, and an outer barrel slidably covers the tubes. A nozzle can be inserted into the inner tube and after a nib thereof, whose diameter is smaller than the nozzle itself, extends through a central opening defined in the bottom of the inner tube. A plurality of balls, formerly blocked by the outer surface of the inner tube, falls and engages with a circular groove defined in the nozzle thus securely fixing the nozzle there. At this time the outer barrel is pushed forward by a spring to press the balls. By pulling the outer barrel backward, the pressing will be released and the balls will be pushed back by the front rim of the inner barrel under the force of another spring.

Abstract: A pressurized water supply system for a dental unit-chair comprising a water purifier purifying or sterilizing water from a water supply source, and supplying the water to which a given pressure is applied to a medical instrument instrument. A pressurized water supply device for a dental unit-chair includes a case, an inflow tube provided to the case and connected to a water supply source, a pump installed within the case and connected to the inflow tube to jet out the water from the water supply source under a given pressure, a water purifier provided to the case in multi-stage and removing various alien substances, chemical substances, heavy metals, ions, germs, etc. from the water supplied from the pump, and A pressurized water supply tube provided to the case, connected with the water purifier, and connected to a medical instrument installed on the dental unit-chair, thus providing the compressed water thereto.

Abstract: An improved tooth cleaning system comprising a pump, at least one container of fluid containing ferromagnetic particles having diameters of the order of 10 microns, a hollow generally U-shaped mouthpiece formed of abrasion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, containing four U-shaped electromagnetic plates spaced about the interior of the mouthpiece, a hose communicating the interior of the mouthpiece with the pump, a selector for controlling the input to the pump and connecting the output from the pump to discharge pipe, an ultrasonic generator for pulsing the output of the pump, and an electronic device for controlling the energization of the electromagnetic plates.

Abstract: A fluid delivery powered toothbrush utilizes a removable/disposable neck assembly that contains a fluid reservoir, a fluid delivery system and a fluid path therein leading to a brush receptacle. No fluid is used in or passes through the toothbrush handle. Preferably a pump is located in the neck assembly and activated at the same time as the brush drive such that fluid is delivered during brushing. In one embodiment of the invention, the brush is replaced with a nozzle for providing fluid prior to or after brushing. The components for the neck assembly are disposable to minimize cross-contamination while enhancing fluid delivery to the teeth during brushing.

Abstract: A method and device for the high speed fluid (preferably water) jet removal of dental caries. The water jet is of a controlled upper and lower speed and pressure with a low speed and pressure being of at least 5 to 10 kpsi, sufficient to pierce and flush decayed tissue of a caries with a small beam fluid jet diameter. A pulsed or continuous fluid jet is used to remove and completely flush caries material from a tooth in a time period of under a second with a maximum stagnation pressure of about 30 kpsi, at which point healthy dentin is affected. A coherent or pseudo-coherent water jet operating at high stagnation pressure (range 10,000 to 20,000-psi and no more than 30-kpsi), in a brief burst (.apprxeq.1 second) and small beam diameter (30 to 100-.mu.m) will cleanly remove caries without damage to the tooth structure in particular the sound dentin at the boundary of the caries. No anaesthetic is accordingly required in the absence of a possible exposed nerve.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable oral irrigator that is made up of a housing, a pump within the housing, a tube adapted to bring liquid to the pump, and an outlet for discharging a pulsating stream of liquid from the pump. The outlet includes a tip adapted for insertion into an oral cavity, and the tube has a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the housing and the second end being free, thus enabling the second end to be placed by a user in a container of liquid.

Abstract: A detachable autoclaveable dental unit water line and pre-filter having a water line made of a thermoplastic fluoropolymer tubing that connects to standard dental handset or tools. The fluoropolymer tubing is suitable for sterilization in the typical autoclave units that are used in dental facilities due to the tubing's ability to withstand the high temperatures used in the autoclave. Use of the autoclave facilitates sterilization of active biofilm, which biofilm provides a mechanism for the growth and distribution of bacteria, that has a tendency to accumulate in the water line tubing. The pre-filter is connected at the opposite end of the fluoropolymer tubing from the dental handset or tool and is releasably connected to the water supply to filter out bacteria and other materials in the water supply to prevent recolonization of the biofilm.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to clean surfaces and to recycle the cleaning solution including a hand-holdable housing, a tube having a lumen through which cleaning solution may be impelled, a pump for both impelling and urging solution back through a return path. Piston-based, in particular a ganged pump using a stepped piston, as well as membrane-based pumps are disclosed. Methods of cleaning surfaces using such apparatuses as well as a system for periodically cleaning a plurality of surfaces are disclosed as additional embodiments.

Abstract: An automated hands-free personalized cleansing device for oral hygiene is described in which a robotic cleansing head is mounted for reciprocatable movement on a mounting base and is powered and controlled by a computer module to provide multiple movements of the brush portion thereof in and out, up and down and all about the user's oral cavity to provide ultimate cleansing of the teeth and gums and any openings found therein. In addition, the cleansing head is provided with a device to deliver fluid, with or without dentifrice, to preprogrammed locations within the oral cavity to treat and rinse the teeth and gums and a device to withdraw spent fluids from the oral cavity for delivery to suitable waste drain. Especially unique is the bite block which extends from the mounting base including a first portion for engagement between the rear-most teeth (upper and lower) of the user, and a second portion for engagement between the user's front teeth when bit upon.

Abstract: An adaptor for a dental syringe handpiece has a central bore forming two chambers one of which receives a disposable syringe tip and the other selectively applied pressurized water and/or air from the handpiece. The adapter in one embodiment has a shoulder in the central bore acting as a stop for the tip to form the two chambers. In another embodiment, a tube attached to the adaptor in the adaptor bore serves as a stop for the tip. In another embodiment the tube has a sharp edge which engages the tip in the adaptor bore. The tip is urged against the edge by a gripping member and nut as the nut is tightened over the adaptor. The tip has several embodiments wherein a central passageway is surrounded by a plurality of outer passageways, the outer passages being arranged in arrays on different diameter circles. The outer passageways may be of different diameters and shapes.

Abstract: A dental tray for delivery medication to oral structure is custom-made to closely match the configuration of the oral structure. A lingual wall of the tray includes a lingual edge section having an outer edge that is spaced in a gingival direction from the patient's gingival margin a certain distance in order to reduce the possibility of adverse effects as might be caused by movement of the patient's tongue. A buccolabial wall of the tray has an outer edge that is closely adjacent the patient's gingival margin in order to increase patient comfort, reduce gingival irritation and improve patient compliance during the course of treatment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a jet nozzle (1) for a handpiece of an oral irrigator, which has a nozzle head (2) in which a feed line (4) runs. The feed line (4) opens into an outlet orifice (5) from which a liquid can emerge in the form of a single jet. A constriction (6) is provided in the feed line (4). The constriction (6) acts to produce a large number of microfine gas bubbles. The microfine gas bubbles are better suited to penetrate deep into subcrestal pockets in order to kill anaerobic bacteria which have settled there by the supply of oxygen, hence treating and curing inflammations of the gums.

Abstract: An apparatus for intraosseous injection for dental application comprising a hollow drill (1) having a perforation or perforations (2) along its length and a beveled cutting end (3), fitted into a hub (4) of partly circular and partly hexagonal external cross-section and provided with a circumferential lip (5) and a funnel-shaped orifice (6) giving access to the open end of the said hollow drill at its end remote from the said cutting end, and an adapter (7) removably mated with the said hub by means of a matching orifice of substantially hexagonal cross-section and having at its end remote from said orifice a shank (8) shaped to fit into the chuck of a standard contra-angle dental handpiece, and a protective cap (9) fitted over the said hollow drill.

Abstract: An oral care system includes a universal handle which is configured to hold any of a plurality of oral hygiene instruments, and a lavage source to apply lavage solution through the oral hygiene instruments to facilitate complete cleaning of a patient's mouth. Preferably, the universal handle and lavage source are configured to be held in the user's hand with both suction and lavage being controlled manually. The orally hygiene instruments attachable to the universal handle typically include a lavage toothbrush, at least one catheter and at least one swab, to thereby enable cleaning of the teeth, gums, soft tissue and crevices therebetween.

Abstract: A medication delivery tray provides a controlled release of medication to target dental structures in the mouth, such as the teeth and/or gingiva, while maintaining a high concentration of the active chemical over an extended period of time. The medication delivery tray includes a dental tray having a base, a buccal wall and a lingual wall defining an inner surface. At least one medication reservoir is located on the dental tray. Each medication reservoir includes a plurality of discrete support members projecting away from the medication reservoir to engage the dental structure of the patient. The support members are arranged to resist the flow of medication from the medication reservoir in a gingival direction. Each medication reservoir extends over the teeth and/or gum tissue of the patient when the medication delivery tray is placed over the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A dental syringe tip for use with a hand-piece of an air-water syringe to deliver air and water to a mouth of patient. The syringe has air and water conduits for delivering air and water to a discharge end of the hand-piece. The dental syringe tip includes a single unitary tube releasably engageable with the discharge end of the hand-piece. The tube has a fluid passageway extending from an intake port at an intake end of the tube for fluid communication with the air and water conduits of the hand-piece. In addition, the tube has a discharge port at a discharge end of the tube for delivering at least one of the air and water through the passageway to the mouth of the patient. The intake end of the tube is shaped and constructed to enable air and water flow through the air and water conduits when at least a portion of the intake end of the tube engages the discharge end of the hand-piece.

Abstract: A dental loop for delivering Coenzyme Q10 to the periodontium by direct physical contact therewith, and a method using such loop. The loop is a loop of plain gut defining a series of pockets for carrying a medicament. Coenzyme Q10 is placed within the pockets, so that it is available directly at the site to which said loop is applied. The loop is slipped over a tooth and placed against the periodontium, and left in place for sufficient time for the Q10 to dissolve and act, and the loop dissolve.

Abstract: A filter system for coupling of dental handpiece is contemplated for use within a coupling system supplying air and water to a dental handpiece. The coupling system includes a swivel coupling including a series of axially and radially spaced annular couplings on an adapter, each of which supplies one of water, air supply, tool drive air supply or conveys exhaust air. The adapter permits use with standard handpieces. The filter consists of a small filter plate mounted under a cap at the proximal end of the coupling at the distal end of a chamber that receives water from the water source. Water from the water source is conveyed into the chamber, passes through the filter plate, and is conveyed through the coupling to the handpiece where it may be sprayed in the patient's mouth. A cap is threadably mounted on the coupling to close the chamber and the cap may be removed to either clean or replace the filter. The entire assembly may be autoclaved as a unit.

Abstract: A method of applying a dental composition to tooth structure of a dental patient includes the act of providing an applicator having an empty chamber at least partially surrounded by flexible wall portions. A tip portion of the applicator is placed into a bulk container having a quantity of dental composition, and the wall portions are squeezed together. When the wall portions are released, a portion of the dental composition is drawn into the chamber by suction. The wall portions are then squeezed together once the tip portion of the applicator has been placed next to tooth structure of a dental patient in order to dispense at least a portion of the dental composition directly onto the tooth structure. Since a sufficient amount of composition is drawn from the bulk container before the applicator is placed in the patient's oral cavity, the likelihood of cross-contamination between dental patients is substantially reduced.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasably connecting a disposable dental tool to the discharge end of a dental handpiece. The connection includes a plug and socket configuration in which one member includes at least one detent portion arranged to snap fit with an indent portion on the remaining member.

Abstract: Low-density polyethylene dental whitening or bleaching trays are molded to a dental impression cast of a patient, typically by vacuum or pressure thermoforming techniques. In a typical application, a low-density polyethylene plate or sheet is molded on a dental impression cast by operation of a vacuum or pressure thermoforming machine to produce bleaching trays of high quality and extended use for whitening the teeth of patients. The low-density polyethylene material so molded has superior memory for repetitive clinging fit on the teeth and is comfortable and virtually transparent while in place.

Abstract: A device for applying cleaning and/or irrigating liquid directly to the base of the tongue includes a plurality of rigid mechanical fingers which gently part the taste buds when they are moved across the surface of the tongue. The fingers have openings in the ends through which liquid passes while the taste buds are parted whereby the liquid is applied directly to the portion of the tongue under the taste buds. The device is connected to a source of liquid which may be a liquid reservoir or a pulsating water irrigation system. The device may take the form of a hollow unitary structure of high impact injection molded plastic. A tongue scraper blade may be attached to the device.

Abstract: A plastic dental article, including an outer container made up of an outer shell and a tubular insert. It also includes a stem having an interdental pick and a brush near the pick but spaced slightly therefrom. The container is non-spill, when turned over, either when the stem is in place therein, or removed therefrom.

Abstract: A flavored and medicated therapeutic mouthpiece for causing a mouth to salivate and for dispensing medicine to heal wounds and sores within the mouth. The flavored and medicated therapeutic mouthpiece includes a pliable U-shaped member insertable into a mouth of a user. A first flavored coating is disposed on the U-shaped member. A second flavored coating or a layer of medicine may also be applied to the U-shaped member. The U-shaped member may be hollow and have a cold temperature storage medium stored therein.

Abstract: A dental container type applicator in the form of a capsule, dental tip or squeeze bottle having a body portion terminating in a discharge nozzle having a discharge orifice upon which minute fibers or flocking is adhered about the external surface of the discharge nozzle in the vicinity of the discharge orifice to permit the user to spread, burnish or distribute the dental material onto a tooth as it is being expressed from the dental capsule, tip or squeeze bottle without obstructing the flow of dental material therefrom as the dental material is being expressed.

Abstract: A disposable nozzle for a dental syringe is disclosed comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The outer tube is constructed with depressions for inner tube retention. The depressions also serve as indicia. The proximal end of the outer tube has at least one indentation across its radius to prevent blockage of media flows.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device (10) for delivering a viscous fluid. The device features a housing (14), pistons (58,60) which act on containers (22,24) having the viscous fluid therein, a rotational drive unit (12) which moves the pistons (58,60) in a translational sense in the direction of a flow channel open towards the containers (22,24). The drive unit is arranged in a motor housing (81) separate from the housing (14). A gear assembly (68,70,72,76) converts the rotational drive motion into a translational motion of the pistons (58,60) towards a flow channel (52) which connects to a nozzle (30) and the delivery opening in the container (22,24). A coupling (82) is provided by which the rotational drive unit (12) can be decoupled from the gear assembly (68,70,72,76).

Abstract: A device and method are provided for local application of a medicament to a gingiva. The device includes (a) at least one absorbent body for absorbing the medicament; and (b) a biasing structure engaging the at least one absorbent body and being sized and so constructed so as to serve as a clip engagable over a tooth or several adjacent teeth of a maxilla or mandibula for biasing the at least one absorbent body against a portion of a maxillary gingiva or a mandibulary gingiva, respectively.

Abstract: A stacking system includes a reservoir housing, a base housing and a handpiece. The reservoir housing supports a readily removable container. The reservoir housing has feet and a pivotable cover, which in closed position encloses two containers which are connected by conduits to a valve. Each container has a cap with a first and a second cap connector. Each cap connector is connected to a housing connector. The handpiece is connected by conduits through the base housing to the containers. The cover is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The cover, in closed position, prevents the cap from moving sufficiently for the cap connector to disengage from the housing connectors. The reservoir housing is supported by and positioned above the base housing. The base housing has an upper face. The upper face has grooves. The feet are positioned in the grooves.

Abstract: The dental device comprises an elongated inflatable balloon for placement around a matrix band in part surrounding relationship with a decayed tooth. Upon inflation, the balloon evenly applies the matrix band against the tooth.

Abstract: An intraoral administration device having an elongated, substantially plate-like arcuate oral screen designed to conform to the teeth and intended to be accommodated in the space between the teeth and the lips. The oral screen includes containers for the agent to be administered intraorally, which containers have provision for allowing the free entrance of saliva into the container and its exit therefrom. An administration system using the administration device and an active agent, such as for example an agent against caries or otitis media is also contemplated.

Abstract: A dental appliance being adaptable to fit a range of variously sized dental arches composed of a polymeric material that preferably comprises a hydrophilic foam, in which a medicinal agent such as, for example, carbamide peroxide, in dry or hydrated form, may be incorporated or predispensed. In one embodiment of the invention, the appliance may be provided in packaging, or medicinal agent may be provided in a separate dispenser that minimizes or prevents permeation by water.

Abstract: A filter unit that minimizes the exposure of patients to pathogens found in the dental unit water supply lines (DUWL) while promoting frequent replacement of DUWL filters by providing a disposable microfiltration filter that is easily replaced at low cost. A disk or membrane type filter is placed in an autoclavable filter unit that attaches to the handle of an existing design dental instrument such that the form and function of the dental instrument are not adversely affected. The filter unit, which fits in-line between the dental instrument and the DUWL, includes two portions that are detachably connected by an annular sleeve. When connected, a recess between the portions forms a recess that holds a microfiltration disk filter for filtering water that flows through the dental instrument before it reaches a patient's mouth. The filter unit is easily sterilized after the disk filter is removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental treatment instrument with which a dental handpiece (1), at its instrument end and/or at its hose end, is provided with unlocking planes (4a, 4b) which cooperate with correspondingly complementarily formed unlocking planes (5a, 5b) of a dental treatment instrument (2) or of a hose connection (3) of a supply hose. The treatment instrument (2) or the supply hose (3) can, because of the cooperating unlocking planes (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b), be released by simple turning of the treatment instrument (2) or of the supply hose (3) relative to the dental treatment instrument.

Abstract: A filter and one-way valve for protecting a dental patient from contamination by bacteria that may be picked up by water flowing through a supply line and to prevent cross contamination of patients from the reflux of fluid from inside a patient's mouth. Several different embodiments of the invention are disclosed, including a filter/one-way valve (38) that combines a filter (42) with a one-way valve (46) in an integral assembly. This assembly is installed in a water line (34) supplying water to an air/water syringe (20), or other dental instrument, such as a dental hand piece (160), or an ultrasonic scalar. Alternatively, a separate filter is installed in the water (and/or air) line upstream of the dental instrument, and a one-way valve (140) is installed between the head of the dental instrument and a tip through which water is injected into the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: A dental treatment apparatus having a sterilized water producing unit placed in a water circuit of a dental chair unit. The sterilized water producing unit electrolyzes water mixed with sodium chloride and hydrochloric acid in a diaphragmless electrolytic cell to produce sterilized water having a residual free chlorine concentration adjusted in the range of from 1.0 ppm to 200 ppm and a pH adjusted in the range of from 3 to 7. The dental treatment apparatus further has a water circuit switching controller that alternately switches between raw water and feed water from the sterilized water producing unit.

Abstract: A device for oral cleaning consists of an elongate handle carrying a resilient pad, for example of polyester foam, with flock adhering directly to its surface. Preferably the pad surrounds an underlying support portion of the handle so that this does not contact the interior of the mouth in use. The handle support portion may have a series of projections to enhance the cleaning action. The pad may be pre-impregnated with an oral cleaning agent.

Abstract: A handpiece for a dental instrument includes a solid body having internally reamed passageways through which a fluid is carried. The handpiece may be a dental air-abrading tool for etching hard surfaces to enhance bond strength of adhesives, which includes a solid body having internally reamed passageways through which a gaseous fluid and an abrasive material are carried. A connector is mounted on one end of the body for connecting one of the body's internal passageways to a supply of gaseous fluid and a nozzle is mounted on the other end of the body for directing the gaseous fluid to a surface. A supply of an abrasive material is coupled to another internal passageways of the body. The nozzle includes an internal mixing chamber for mixing the gaseous fluid and abrasive material entering therein from the body's internal passageways. A switch is mounted on the body for activating the flow of gaseous fluid and abrasive material through the body.

Abstract: A dental applicator of the present invention is provided for applying a dental compound to a tooth surface. The applicator includes an applicator body having a handle and a neck extending forwardly from the handle. The neck has a forwardly facing socket or socket is formed at the end of the neck to receive an absorbent sponge. The sponge is slidingly received in the socket so that its position in the socket can be selectively changed. The sponge, when prepared for insertion into the socket, has an overall cross-sectional dimension greater than the diameter of the socket. The sponge thus has to be compressed when it is inserted in the socket. Thus, when the sponge is inserted in the socket, the sponge forms an enlarged, ball-shaped or bulbous tip. By selectively altering the amount the sponge extends from the end of the neck, the enlarged sponge tip can be made larger or smaller, to hold larger or smaller amounts of liquid.

Abstract: The oral cleansing device assembly is an oral hygiene tool which relies upon weak strength and small sized magnets in order to effect a change in the resonance and/or polarity of the water molecules such that the water is effective for cleaning debris, scale, and plaque from the teeth, gums, tongue, and oral cavity in general. The oral cleansing device assembly has a non-metallic housing which contains the magnets and tubing through which water passes when the device is in operation; the housing also doubles as a handle. The oral cleansing device assembly has jet-tips for discharging the water into an oral cavity; the jet-tips are attachable to a quick-connector within the housing of the oral cleansing device assembly. The oral cleansing device assembly is ideal and safe to use for any adult or child who seeks to avoid exposure to electromagnetic fields and who wishes to avoid use of high water pressure in their mouth care routine.

Abstract: An integrated filtration and sterilization apparatus including an ultraviolet lamp disposed within an ultraviolet radiation permeable sleeve such that a gas conduit is formed between an outer surface of the ultraviolet lamp and an inner surface of the sleeve; a filtration member disposed about the sleeve such that a permeate chamber is formed between an outer surface of the sleeve and an inner surface of the filtration member; a feed chamber disposed about an outer surface of the filtration member; a liquid feed for feeding a liquid to the feed chamber and a liquid removal line for removing liquid from the permeate chamber; a gas feed for feeding an oxygen-containing gas to the gas conduit and a gas removal line for removing an ozone-containing gas from the gas conduit; and a mixing device for mixing liquid removed from the permeate chamber and ozone-containing gas from the gas conduit downstream from the permeate chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water purification and dispensing apparatus which receives power through induction to eliminate the presence of exposed electrical contacts terminals. The water dispenser includes a motor driven pump, a water storage area, a rechargeable battery and a nozzle, such that water is pumped from the water storage area out through the nozzle. Two electrodes are provided in either the water storage area or a separate tank for purifying water placed therein. When the dispenser and/or purifying tank is mounted on a base, inductors in the base, the dispenser, and the tank connect via mutual inductance such that power supplied by the base is received by the dispenser and tank. Since power transfers magnetically, there are no exposed contact points which could corrode and/or short if water is accidentally spilled thereon.

Abstract: A dental scaling system includes a scaling instrument with a handpiece and a scaling tip at the end of the handpiece. An ultrasonic transducer is connected to the scaling tip, and there is an irrigant outlet in the scaling tip. A cable is attachable to the handpiece and includes an irrigant passage and two lead wires for supplying irrigant and electrical energy to the handpiece. An irrigant supply bottle is releasably attachable on a housing, and the cable is attachable on the housing. The housing includes an air pump to pressurize and transfer irrigant liquid from the irrigant supply bottle through the cable to the handpiece. The housing also includes electronics to power and control the ultrasonic transducer. Each irrigant supply bottle includes a mounting member with a pair of wings, received in a forked docking assembly on the housing, with the mounting member lockable in the docking assembly.

Abstract: A fitting for releasably and sealingly connecting a conduit to a medical instrument. The fitting comprises a body having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the ends. The body has a recess extending on the axis, a bottom adjacent its proximal end and is open at its distal end. The bottom of the body includes first and second passages for flow of first and second fluids. The fitting further includes a quick-connect device mounted in the recess and having a gripping mechanism. The conduit is receivable in the gripping mechanism for movement of the conduit in proximal and distal directions with respect to the body. The gripping mechanism permits one end of the conduit to be pushed through an opening of the quick-connect device to a position in which a tubular connector provides a sealing connection between a central passageway in the conduit and the first passage in the bottom of the body.