Abstract: A medication injection method and related device with a hollow drill bit for delivery of anesthetic or other medication through the hollow drill bit are disclosed. The device preferably includes a hollow drill bit, a disposable fluid dispenser, a handpiece, a handle, and a foot control pedal. The device can deliver anesthetic or other medication before, during and/or after drilling of a tooth or bone structure without removing the drill bit. The invention relates to an intraosseous and/or hard tissue drug delivery system that combines perforating and drug delivering functions in one device and one operation.

Abstract: A dental syringe tip handpiece assembly includes a clear, plastic syringe tip mounted in an adaptor for connection to the handpiece. On the interior of the adaptor at a location adjacent the end of the syringe tip, a source of light, preferably a fiberoptic ringlight, is provided. Light from the light source will be transmitted down the length of the syringe tip and emitted from the end thereof. By positioning the end of the syringe tip in the patient's oral cavity, the dentist can provide illumination in the oral cavity so that various dental functions can be more easily and accurately performed. The source of light may also be a light bulb positioned at the rear of the adaptor. The adaptor is made from clear, or at least translucent, material so that light from the light bulb will be transmitted through the adaptor and then into the syringe tip. A special handpiece body formed of a handpiece inner unit and an outer cover is provided to receive the adaptor and syringe tip assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides for the incorporation of dentifrice preparations, which are commonly accessed from a container on a tray during teeth cleaning, internally within the housing of a disposable prophy angle. Auger, baffle or piston members are used to move the preparations from the housing through passages in the head of the prophy angle to a moving prophy cup. If a reusable autoclavable prophy angle is being used, the invention provides for an annular chamber containing the dentifrice preparation that interfits as a sleeve over the prophy angle body. In such case, the prophy angle head is enlarged and includes an inlet connection with the annular chamber. Passageways in the head direct the dentifrice preparation to the prophy cup and a piston ring is used to move the dentifrice preparation from the chamber through the passageways. Alternatively, an external pressurized supply of the dentifrice preparation may be connected to a conduit which is attached to the body in place of the annular chamber.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an operative assembly (1) and a supply assembly (3). The back of the operative assembly (1) and the front of the supply assembly (3) have complementary connectors forming a sealed connection between the assemblies. The supply assembly (3) comprises at least one duct (43) for feeding a first fluid as far as the connectors. The surgical instrument is characterized in that it comprises a member (31) for sealing the fluid duct (43) when the operative assembly (1) is connected to the supply assembly (3), and the operative assembly (1) includes a member (25) for feeding at least one second fluid.

Abstract: A method for incorporating concurrrent delivery of a bactericidal agent into water intended for supply to a dental unit. A reservoir adapted to contain a liquid bactericidal agent is connected to a variable rate pump having an inlet line extending from the reservoir to the inlet of the pump. An outlet line extends from the pump outlet and provides a bactericide supply line. A water supply line is adapted to be connected to a source of water under pressure which provides a flow path through the system to a suitable outlet adapted to be connected to a dental unit. A mixing junction interconnects the water supply line and the bactericide supply line so that bactericide can be mixed into the water supply line. A flow sensing unit is responsive to fluid flow in the water supply line and generates an output parameter representative of this flow rate. A flow control system responds to this measured parameter to vary the pumping rate of the pump.

Abstract: Dental apparatus includes a handpiece graspable at one end by a user, and a head at the opposite end of the handpiece including a single nozzle, or a pair of nozzles, connectible to a source of a liquid, a gas, and/or powder. An electrical oscillating drive within the handpiece oscillates the head; and a manual fluid selector device manually selects the liquid, gas, and/or powder for conduction to the single nozzle or to the pair of nozzles.

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: A dental handpiece has a coupling member in which a passage for delivering a coolant to a discharge nozzle at the head part is provided. In order to prevent a flow-back of contaminated fluid with bacteria past the handpiece, a check valve is provided and comprises a check valve member disposed in a recess that extends radially inward from an outer surface of the coupling member and receives a flexible portion for closing a portion of the passage. The flexible portion is such that when the fluid is turned off, a suction in the fluid line will cause the flexible member to be pressed against the base of the recess and to prevent dripping from the exit nozzle.

Abstract: A transparent dental tube unit contains a transparent turbine gas supply passage for allowing a pressurized gas supplied from a pressurized fluid supply source to be passed to a dental handpiece for driving a turbine provided in the handpiece, a transparent liquid supply passage for allowing a pressurized liquid from the pressurized fluid source to be passed to the dental handpiece for dissipating the heat generated by friction, a transparent enclosure tube for enclosing the transparent turbine gas supply passage and the transparent liquid supply passage therein, and a fixing device for fixing the transparent turbine gas supply passage and the transparent liquid supply passage.

Abstract: A medical treatment device, in particular for surgical purposes, consisting of a treatment instrument in the form of a handpiece which is connected to a control unit through a supply line. Operatively associated therewith, and preferably with the control unit, is a media source which supplies cooling fluid and to which the supply line is connected with a flexible line extending either thereon or within. Associated therewith is a rinsing device possessing a rinsing agent source and a collecting container, which device can be selectively connected to the flexible line. Also disclosed is a method for cleaning the flexible line.

Abstract: A dental handpiece provided with a handle and a head on one end thereof in which a turbine rotates at high speeds and accommodates a cutting bur having an axial through opening to direct a preferably hygienic coolant directly through the cutting end of the bur, while the opposite end of the bur, on the interior of the head, is highly polished and absolutely flat for rotating engagement with one surface of a rotary liquid seal including a seal member of very hard substance in combination with a pliable compressible member engaging the opposite surface of the seal member, the combination being housed within a recess extending upwardly in a push button on the head or other finger-operated bur release mechanism on the head and having coaxial fluid openings communicating axially with the through opening in the bur and fluid passage in the push button leading from a fluid supply conduit in the handle.

Abstract: A coolant delivery system for a high speed dental cutting handpiece. The system includes a coolant reservoir, a selectively operable pressurized gas source, and a pressurized-gas distribution structure. The distribution structure has a gas entry chamber, a first passage having a reduced cross-section dimension leading from the entry chamber to the reservoir, a second passage leading from the reservoir to the entry chamber, and a third passage leading from the entry chamber to the exterior. Within the entry chamber is disposed a closure member, preferably a flexible membrane, which is situated to close the second and third passages when pressurized gas, en route from the gas source to the first passage for pressurization of the reservoir and ultimate coolant delivery to the handpiece, strikes the closure member.

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: The subject matter of the disclosed invention relates generally to dental cleaning processes and apparatus. A "wet foam sandblasting" system is described below in which a bubble foam laden with abrasive particles is propelled through a small nozzle by gas pressure. The system has very specific applications in the dental industry for 1) general cleaning of teeth such as removal of tobacco, tea and other stains; 2) for selectively abrading away carious enamel, 3) cleaning prosthodontic restorations, 4) abrading various tooth and restorative materials in preparation for bonding, and 5) periodontal pocket cleaning with osteophylic abrasives; 6) cleaning of occlusal pits and fissures for sealing. In addition, the system has numerous applications in cleaning and etching materials in the jewelry, semi-conductor, automotive and other industries.

Abstract: A control unit for an air-polisher is provided, wherein a bleed air line and an air/abrasive line both communicate with a diaphragm valve which in turn communicates with an air polisher handpiece which is stored in a bracket or other holder. The diaphragm valve is closed when the handpiece is in an idle mode and not in its bracket. This blocks pressurized container air and bleed air from carrying water and abrasive out of the nozzle immediately after the handpiece is deactivated, without allowing soluble abrasive within the handpiece to form a plug therein.

Abstract: A vacuum instrument for dental hygiene and dental treatment which is intended to permit parodontological treatment of the tooth pockets. The instrument has an elastic suction cap which can produce a sealed vacuum over the gum pockets and interdental crevices. A treatment liquid is supplied to the suction cap and removed by the suction. Intermittent application of the vacuum produces a pumping action, which through likewise intermittent rinsing results in optimal cleaning of the interdental crevices as far as the base of the pocket.

Abstract: An air-turbine type dental handpiece in which the handle has separate passages for air and water under pressure respectively to drive the turbine to rotate a bur and furnish cooling water to the bur which has an axial passage entirely therethrough to direct the cooling water where the cutting end of the bur contacts tooth material for producing a dental preparation to receive filling material and the like. The head of the handpiece has a chamber within which the turbine and bearings are mounted and also includes a rotary coupling to direct cooling water to the inner end of the axial passage of said bur and prevents escape of the cooling water to the interior of the chamber for the turbine and bearings. The coupling is bipartite and one of the parts comprises the innermost end of the bur when mounted within the shaft of the turbine.

Abstract: Atomizing process and device for dentistry handpieces or angle pieces, characterized in that it involves generating, in the region of the receptacle of the tool in the handpiece or angle piece, a suction effect putting the vicinity of the cutter receptacle under a slight vacuum under the effect of an air cone of which the apex is situated at the point where the tool is working, the other function of this air cone being to direct the cooling fluid by means of an effect of the COANDA type, thereby reducing the consequences of turbulences attributable to the rotation of the tool or instrument.

Abstract: A dental handpiece includes an arm, and a hollow head formed on a distal end of the arm. The head has a nozzle projecting from an inner surface thereof. Cooling water, fed via a main coolant passageway of the arm, is injected from the nozzle. A generally cylindrical holder for supporting a dental burr is rotatably supported within the head. The cooling water injected from the nozzle passes through an auxiliary coolant passageway, formed axially through the dental burr, and is injected from a grinding portion of the dental burr. The dental handpiece also includes a pump mechanism for feeding the cooling water. Injected from the nozzle, into the auxiliary coolant passageway of the dental burr. The pump mechanism includes a screw mounted on the outer periphery of the nozzle, and a pump housing which is mounted on one end portion of the holder disposed close to the nozzle and surrounds the screw.

Abstract: The device consists in a variable restriction installed in conjunction with a chip blower, located between the warm water inlet and the return line connecting the relative handpiece to the main waste outlet, which is made to open continuously or intermittently, at least while the apparatus is in operation, so as to allow a moderate trickle of water through to the waste outlet and ensure that no stagnation occurs; the particular method of installing the restriction also permits of keeping the handpiece at a temperature near to that of the water supplied through the inlet, even when the blower is not actually in use.

Abstract: The device makes use of at least one plenum for each instrument, connected to the water circuit immediately upstream of the relative handpiece. Best results are obtained by connecting two such plenums to the water circuit in parallel, the one charged by the spray air circuit, the other by the power air circuit, as independent operation ensures greater reliability.

Abstract: A medical handpiece, and especially a dental handpiece, including a drivable worktool or implement which is rotatably supported with its shaft at one end of the handpiece and which projects from this handpiece end with its operating end. The implement possesses an elongate blind bore-like passageway which communicates with the outside at the work end of the implement through the intermediary of a discharge opening, and with which there is associated a supply line arranged within the handpiece for the infeed of cooling media to at least one radial through-opening of the implement which stands in communication with the elongate passageway; whereby the at least one radial through-opening is sealed with respect to the interior of the handpiece through the intermediary of a seal which encompassing the shaft of the implement and contacts against a wall portion of the handpiece.

Abstract: A dental spray handpiece, consisting of a gripping sleeve having a media inlet connection at one end thereof and a media discharge outlet at its other end, the gripping sleeve having media conduits arranged therein which extend from the media inlet connection to the media discharge outlet and discharge media outwardly therefrom. The media conduit has an electrical heating installation associated therewith for heating the medium, as well as a shutoff valve which is adapted to be brought into an open position through finger-actuation.

Abstract: A system is implemented to isolate the patient and dentist from the breakdown products of tooth drilling including toxic mercury vapor generated during amalgam removal. The system includes a tooth isolation assembly, a fiber optic illumination and viewing system, a gas and water evacuation method and a compressed air optical surface clearing system.

Abstract: A hand-held suction-irrigator, particularly for surgical use, has a handle and two inlet bores extending through the handle and connected respectively to a suction source and a source of irrigating fluid. A valve assembly connects one or the other of the bores to a single outlet port so that the outlet port can be used to apply suction or irrigating fluid. A probe is removably coupled to the outlet port by cooperating luer fittings. The two inlet bores are parallel with one another, the outlet port being located intermediate the inlet bores on the opposite side of the valve assembly. A valve member is mounted in the valve assembly and can be displaced transversely of the bores by pushing down on the valve member with a finger or thumb.

Abstract: In a dental apparatus, in which each of a number of instruments is controlled by a control circuit common to the instruments, which are connected with a common operator unit having a control member which is movable in planar directions out of a home position, auxiliary functions not related to the instrument operation may be carried out by means of the common operator unit by switching the apparatus to a second mode of operation, when all the instruments assume respective resting positions in an instrument carrier. Moreover, also auxiliary functions directly related to the instrument operation may be carried out by the common operator unit in a first mode of operation by actuating the control member thereof with a movement different from the instrument energizing movement. The movement for energizing such an auxiliary function may have another direction and/or a shorter duration than the instrument energizing movement.

Abstract: A dental handpiece includes two hollow casings arranged to swivel with respect to each other about an axis. A hub connected to one casing has a carefully finished exterior surface that has a close fit with a surrounding interior surface on the other casing. Various grooves around the hub are supplied with turbine drive air, with water and with auxiliary air. Registering ports in the other casing conduct these fluids to the vicinity of an air turbine at the end of the other casing. No O-rings or comparable seals are used between the fluid connections at the hub, but the positioning of the several grooves and ports and the relative pressures of the fluids are arranged so that any minor leakage is not harmful.

Abstract: A microsurgery system comprising an instrument including a source of vacuum and control means, a remotely connected handpiece adapted to be disposed in the vicinity of the situs of the surgery and including an inlet and suction conduit means coupled to the inlet and to the vacuum source for carrying material away from the surgery situs. The system also includes a cassette assembly arranged for releasable securement to the instrument. The control means of the instrument includes an interrupter bar which cooperates with the cassette assembly for selectively isolating the vacuum source from the suction conduit means. The cassette assembly comprises a body portion, a collection vessel, a first port communicating with the suction conduit and a second port communicating with the vacuum source. Occludable conduit means are coupled between the first and second ports and are arranged to be engaged by the interrupter bar in response to a first signal to isolate the vacuum source from the suction means.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a driving and water pouring control device for dental air-drive handpiece. According to the control device, there is incorporated a water pouring on-and-off valve means into an air feed passageway for driving a turbine so as to close and open the valve means by using part of air inside the passageway and to concurrently provide the valve means with a function of preventing water from dropping when pouring of water is stopped. The disclosure also relates to a device capable of compactly assembling therein device members.

Abstract: This air-water mixer for the atomizer of a dental hand piece comprises a body formed with a circular chamber into which open an air supply conduit, a water supply conduit and an outlet conduit for the fluids. One wall of this chamber consists of the inner face of a selector ring mounted for free rotation in the chamber, the inner face of the ring comprising a flat sector adapted to close the inlet port of one and/or the other supply conduits in predetermined positions of the ring, and an inclined sector permitting the free passage of fluid between one and/or the other of the supply conduits and the outlet conduit in other predetermined positions of the ring, this mixer being particularly suited for a dental hand piece provided with an air-water atomizing conduit.

Abstract: A system for concurrently supplying a liquid and drive gas to a gas-driven tool includes a drive gas source and conduit means connecting the drive gas source to the tool. Exhaust conduit means connect the tool to exhaust sensor means. A liquid source is connected to the tool by liquid conduit means. Means for causing liquid to flow from the liquid source to the tool is activated by means responsive to pressure of over a predetermined value at the exahust gas sensor.