Hand-held Implement With Material Supply Patents (Class 433/89)
  • Publication number: 20110143310
    Abstract: A method of surface treatment includes sensing a surface condition and controlling ejection of a fluid jet against the surface to treat the surface based on the sensed condition. The fluid may be a liquid and may be carried in a self-contained reservoir in a handle of a fluid ejection device. The liquid can be a cleansing solution and may contain cleaning particles. The ejection can be controlled to clean a part of the surface at high pressure and to reduce pressure applied to another part of the surface, for example, to clean the surface. The method may further include automatically scanning the fluid jet relative to a handle of an injection device. In an embodiment, the fluid is ejected by means of a fluid ejector comprising a stationary magnet assembly providing a magnetic field and a coil assembly, slidably disposed with respect to the magnet assembly, the coil assembly driving ejection of the fluid jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Ian W. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20110117518
    Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering precise metered amounts of dental material during a dental procedure. The invention provides devices and methods for restricting the delivery area of the exit of a dental compule or capsule, thereby providing a specific amount of dental material. The devices include applicator tips having a smaller fluid exit than that of the compule or capsule that can be mated externally with a dental compule or capsule to reduce the amount of instant dental material being delivered from the capsule or compule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: GARY J. POND
  • Patent number: 7922486
    Abstract: A capsule for storage, mixing, and dispensing of dental material, including an indicator for indicating proper activation of the capsule. The indicator may indicate that a minimum required displacement of an applicator member or of an activator member, or both, has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Helmut Pauser, Sebastian Guggenmos
  • Publication number: 20110076640
    Abstract: An apparatus for intrasosseous injection of medication to the medullary cavity of a jawbone and for the extraction of medullary bone contents is disclosed. It comprises an implant housing component, a drill bit component and a seal plug component. The implant housing component is implanted into the cortical bone of the mandible. The drill bit component produces a hole within the mandible that initiates the implanting of the implant housing component. The seal plug component that is removably attached to the distal end of the implant housing component allows for repeated access of a hypodermic needle into the mandible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Allan C. Jones
  • Publication number: 20110027750
    Abstract: A device for providing a dental material, which comprises a compartment formed by first and second interconnected layers, and a well adjacent the compartment in the first layer. The second layer partially overlaps the well. The device helps the dental material to be used in a convenient manner, and may be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas J. Boehm, Marc Peuker, Dieter Poschmann
  • Patent number: 7857623
    Abstract: The stem portion of a toothbrush body has a set of bristles on a bristle plate at one end thereof, the stem portion including a shell or stem body having a longitudinal opening therethrough. A core member is configured to fit within the stem body, having two opposed grooves in the exterior surface thereof along the length thereof. The stem body has two grooves in the interior surface thereof, such that the grooves in the core member and the grooves in the stem body can align to form separate fluid channels along the length of the stem portion. The stem portion receives fluid from a reservoir and delivers the fluid to the bristle plate, which includes exit openings for the fluid. The core member and the stem body also include fluid-tight connections therebetween, separating the two channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Joseph Grez
  • Patent number: 7857621
    Abstract: A dental handgrip for delivering filling compound into a tooth cavity is described, the handgrip being provided with a connection device to which a container for the filling compound can be connected. In some embodiments, the handgrip includes a light emission device via which radiation having a wavelength and radiant power for hardening of filling material can be provided. The dental handgrip can include a safety device to prevent a premature or inadvertent light emission onto the filling compound. In some embodiments, the handgrip includes a fluid-operated feeding device for feeding the filling compound from the filling compound container. A vibration generator operable to cause vibrations in the filling compound and to assist in feeding of the compound can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Teufelberger, Hannes Wagner
  • Publication number: 20100323321
    Abstract: A portable teeth-cleansing and purging device is disclosed. The device comprises a manual-operated pump, and a ejecting tube module. The manual-operated pump is a reciprocating pump which possesses a body and a pressing rod. The body is in communication externally with a suction tube having a water outlet. The ejecting tube module is a resilient tube having the ends mounted with a connector head and a purging head. The connector head is connected to the outer surrounding of the water outlet, and the purging head is a hollow tubing element. The end of the water outlet is a nozzle. By pressing and releasing of the pressing rod, the manual-operated pump is triggered to deliver a fixed amount of water supply via the water outlet, and as a result of restriction by the nozzle, a pressurized water stream for cleansing the gaps between the teeth is obtained. The device mitigates the requirement of current supply and water source in cleansing teeth. The device is portable and simple in structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Seijin Liao
  • Publication number: 20100273127
    Abstract: The protective system includes a nozzle portion (20) of the appliance which has a flange (24) at a proximal end thereof which releasably fits into a body portion (12) of the appliance. A cap member (30, 40) which is secured or securable to the appliance has an opening (32, 50) which is configured relative to the flange such that the nozzle can extend therethrough, but not the flange, so that when the cap member is operatively secured to the appliance, the nozzle is prevented from separating and propelling away from the appliance under the force of compressed gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Bart Gottenbos
  • Publication number: 20100273126
    Abstract: The interproximal cleaning appliance includes a housing (12) and a spray applicator (16) extending therefrom for directing a spray of fluid droplets to the interproximal area. Within the housing is a spray-generating assembly (14) which includes a chamber, a movable piston (26) mounted therein, one-way inlets (42, 40) for gas and fluid and an outlet (44). A system (54) for moving the piston, such as a motor, operatively compresses a spring (32) which creates a partial vacuum in the chamber, allowing gas to flow into the chamber through the gas inlet. Release of the spring produces a stream of fluid droplets which flows out of the chamber through the applicator to the interproximal area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Bart Gottenbos, Mariska Hendriks - Van Rijsbergen
  • Publication number: 20100266981
    Abstract: Dispenser that dispenses a substance onto a substrate, such as a tooth treatment compound onto teeth, includes a vial including a cavity containing the substance and a projecting portion extending outward from the base. An applicator tip is engaged with the conduit and includes an internal passage communicating with the cavity, and an applicator portion situated forward of the conduit and that includes a plurality of spaced-apart projections at a distal application surface, preferably crenellated fingers. A cap is removably attachable to the vial and when attached, the applicator portion of the applicator tip is accommodated in a cavity of the cap and a sealing stopper extends into the internal passage to thereby seal it. When the cap is removed from the vial and the base is squeezed, the substance is urged out of the cavity through the passage of the applicator tip and onto the projections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Jonathan B. LEVINE
  • Patent number: 7806689
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable dental instrument used by dental professionals to polish a patient's teeth. The dental instrument can be connected to a hand motor used to rotate a prophy cup with a plurality of grinding wings that rub against the patient's teeth as a predetermined amount of tooth cleaning fluid is discharged directly on the patient's teeth through a drain hole within the prophy cup. The tooth cleaning fluid is discharged from a tube that is assembled in a tube room of the dental instrument. The tube is a flexible bladder similar in function and form to a tube of toothpaste. The tube is made of a flexible polymer material that allows it to be squeezed when pressure is applied to it. A roller is assembled within the tube room and on top of the tube. As the roller is pushed forward with a finger, the tube is squeezed to discharge the tooth cleaning fluid directly on the patient's teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Kwang S. Lee, Duke K. Ghim
  • Publication number: 20100240013
    Abstract: A squeezable hermetically sealed vessel contains a whitening compound and an elongated applicator tip extending outwardly from the vessel. A cap closed and seals the applicator tip and the vessel, but may be removed under manual force. Once the cap is removed, the walls of the vessel may be squeezed together to urges the contents of the vessel to flow through a fluid passage through the elongated applicator tip to reach an accommodating surface. The accommodating surface may either be impregnated with a different material that reacts with the contents of the vessel upon contact or covers a chamber that in turn contains such a different material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jonathan B. LEVINE
  • Publication number: 20100233646
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous substance is described having a gun-shaped body with a grip part and a barrel part; a mouth piece arranged at an output end of the barrel part; a reception space at the output end for receiving a cartridge with the substance; a plunger accommodated displaceably in the barrel part for pressing the substance outwards out of the cartridge through the mouth piece; an actuator accommodated displaceably in the barrel part for displacing the plunger; an operating mechanism for operating the displacement of the actuator by a user; a vibration motor coupled to the plunger or to the actuator, which can be supplied by a battery to be placed in the grip; and a switch for switching the motor ON.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Petrus Johannes Wouter Brokx
  • Publication number: 20100209869
    Abstract: A bone substitute packing funnel includes a large diameter opening portion having a plane surface area which allows insertion of a spoon on which a bone substitute is placed, a connecting portion connecting a small diameter opening portion and the large diameter opening portion continuously and being formed in such a manner that an inner wall surface is inclined with respect to a line connecting a center portion of the small diameter opening portion and a center portion of the large diameter opening portion, and the small diameter opening portion to be inserted into a hole formed on maxilla of a patient from the side where a dental-implant is to be embedded, the small diameter opening portion introducing the bone substitute being moved from the large diameter opening portion and the connecting portion into the hole, when being inserted into the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Hideaki Ueda
  • Publication number: 20100209870
    Abstract: An oral irrigator has a pump, a discharge nozzle and a pressure control. The pump has a generally constant operating speed and feeds the discharge nozzle. The pressure control is adapted to modify a discharge pressure at the nozzle without a significant change in pump speed. The pressure control modifies a level of fluid flow restriction between the pump and the nozzle. The modification of the level of fluid flow restriction is accomplished by modifying aspects of a fluid flow path extending through the pressure control. The aspects modified include the diameter, length and/or number of direction changes of the fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenda Lee Thomas, Kurt Michael Taylor
  • Patent number: 7766656
    Abstract: A single use cartridge 10 is disclosed for dispensing a medicament or other substance for dental, medical, or veterinarian applications. A motive fluid can contact the medicament to mix and dispense from reservoir 12, or the motive fluid can act on a plunger 21 to dispense the medicament. A handpiece 15 can sealably connect the cartridge 10 to a source of the motive fluid. The cartridge 10 can be easily replaced to facilitate the use of multiple cartridges with a single handpiece 15. An ultrasonic cleaning element 30 with a channel for fluid flow can be used in a handpiece 25 with a single use medicament cartridge 28 to dispense medicament during ultrasonic dental procedures. A cartridge 72 can contain a mixing element 70 to mix the motive fluid and abrasive particles for tooth surface polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James Feine
  • Publication number: 20100183999
    Abstract: The invention relates to a curable dental retraction composition for reacting gingiva from a prepared tooth structure. The composition comprises an alginate, a di- and/or trivalent ion source, water, a retarder and a filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Klettke, Ruediger Hampe
  • Publication number: 20100173262
    Abstract: A tip (10) for the dispensing of materials includes a housing (11) having first and second chambers (12, 13) contained therein. The chambers (12, 13) communicate with a mixing reservoir (19) and a hollow barrel (21). The hollow barrel (21) has an output orifice (51) and is in fluid communication with the mixing reservoir (19). Disposed within hollow barrel (21) is a static mixing device (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Richard Pierson
  • Patent number: 7748980
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing specifically metered doses of at least two flowable dental materials in desired ratios to one another. In particular, the present invention allows for controlled metering and dispensing of two or more flowable dental substances which when subsequently mixed form a dental bonding composition, dental adhesive, dental cement, or other dental restorative or preparative materials. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a multi-rack system as well as a drive spring action to provide a substantial mechanical advantage to the user such that a relatively long throw of the dispensing button creates a relatively short, metered distance of movement of the multiple racks and corresponding pistons in the each lumen of a cartridge containing the component of the desired dental composition, allowing for small, metered doses of each flowable dental component to be dispensed from the apparatus in the proper proportions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III, David Czarnecki, Richard Nagel
  • Publication number: 20100167236
    Abstract: The appliance (10, FIG. 1) includes a body portion (27) and a nozzle portion (30) through which a spray of liquid droplets exits from a distal end thereof for cleaning of dental regions. The nozzle includes an orifice (36) at a proximal end thereof adjacent the body portion, as well as a pump (38) for moving liquid into an area of the nozzle just forward of the orifice. A mechanical system (12, 13, 14) is provided for moving a plunger or piston element (16) first away from the orifice under tension, such as a compression spring(24), and then controllably releasing the plunger or piston toward the orifice, the plunger/piston moving with sufficient force that atmospheric air which has been drawn into the appliance between the plunger or piston is forced through the orifice at a sufficiently high rate of speed to produce a spray of fluid droplets for dental cleaning when the moving air comes into contact with the liquid in the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: DAINIA EDWARDS, TYLER G. KLOSTER, WOLTER F. BENNING
  • Patent number: 7740479
    Abstract: A brush tipped applicator includes an applicator tip having a body defining an external surface and an internal conduit. The applicator tip body can have a proximal end defining a proximal opening of the internal conduit and a distal end. The proximal end of the applicator tip body can have a first fastener that is configured for being coupled to a fastener (i.e., second fastener) of a member containing the dental bleaching composition such that the internal conduit of the applicator tip body is capable of being fluidly coupled with the dental bleaching composition. Additionally, the brush tip includes at least one filament disposed on the external surface of the applicator tip body. A dental bleach activator disposed within the filament in an amount sufficient for activating the dental bleaching composition for whitening the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Allred, David Q. Vu
  • Publication number: 20100143864
    Abstract: This invention is about squeezing gun for two-part medical viscous fluid that squeezes two different kinds of medical viscous fluid simultaneously that are contained in double cartridge where two tubes are combined in one body and when explained in more detail, this invention is to squeeze simultaneously two kinds of medical viscous fluid that are contained in double cartridge while two horizontal scroll bars are moving horizontally as driving power of driving motor is being reduced when push button of squeezing gun which has the shape of pistol is pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: SEIL GLOBAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Im Jun AN
  • Publication number: 20100136502
    Abstract: The invention includes a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, and a cartridge for containing the medicament within the device, where the cartridge includes a housing, a retractable chamber for containing medicament disposed within the housing, and a substantially stationary member disposed within the barrel of the retractable chamber, where upon activation of the device, the retractable chamber is retracted about the substantially stationary member, thereby depositing medicament within the body cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Zhangwen WU, Michael J. Rello, James F. Hooper, JR., James R. Lawter
  • Publication number: 20100105003
    Abstract: Device for ejecting a liquid or pasty product, comprising a body (2) that has a portion (2a) designed to contain the product to be ejected and that has a hole (13) for ejecting the product, a rack (3) that moves in a bore (20) in the body (2) and causes the volume of the portion (2a) designed to contain the product to vary, and a rack (3) movement mechanism comprising a pivoting lever (1) and a pawl (4) for acting on the rack (3), which device is characterized in that the pawl (4) and the lever (1) form a one-piece plastics structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: David Weill, Pierre-Yves Chassot
  • Publication number: 20100075276
    Abstract: There is provided a storage container for a dental adhesive that allows a stable dropping operation during use of a dental adhesive and smooth fine dropping work such as strict control of an amount of drops with high reproducibility, and can prevent expansion of an adhesive stored in the storage container caused by a temperature increase. A storage container for a dental adhesive is used, including a cylindrical container portion that can store a liquid such as an adhesive therein, wherein one end surface of the container portion has a discharge port communicating with an outside, the other end surface of the container portion is closed by a bottom wall, and a tail portion is formed protruding from the bottom wall to the side opposite from the discharge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicants: SHOFU INC., HANSHINKASEIKOGYO CO., LTD
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakatsuka, Yusei Kadobayashi, Masaru Ito
  • Publication number: 20100036535
    Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: James Feine, Mohammad Ali Jamnia, William L. Bollig
  • Publication number: 20100015567
    Abstract: A dental hygiene tool particularly adapted for cleaning and treating dental spaces, surfaces and other areas including interproximal surfaces, orthodontic appliances, bridgework, crowns, surgical sites, implants and periodontal pockets and for gently massaging and compressing gingival tissues and to help reduce inflamation and pocket depth, in a single device. The tool comprises a conical, hollow, compressible and expansive tip made of elastomeric material and having a pointed end dimensioned to penetrate interproximal spaces. Rows of pointed spicules of the same material project radially from the outer surface of the tip in progressively diminishing sizes from the base of the conical tip to its apex. The tip is mounted to the distal end of a handle upon a reinforcing prong to limit the collapsibility of the tip, and provide better ability to guide the tip to a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Elbaz, Roger J. Malcolm
  • Publication number: 20100003636
    Abstract: Medical handpieces for dispensing filling material are disclosed. Some handpieces comprise a connection device for a filling material container, a vibration unit for the generation and transmission of vibrations to the filling material and a conveying device for conveying filling material from the container. The vibration unit comprises a vibration exciter and a sonotrode, wherein the sonotrode and the connection device are movable relatively to each other for conveying filling material from the filling material container. In addition handpieces are described for dispensing filling material, the vibration unit of which is operable in an automated operating mode for pulsed power output on the filling material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Hannes Wagner
  • Publication number: 20090298010
    Abstract: A capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce R. Broyles, Marc Peuker, Sebastian Guggenmos, Andreas J. Boehm, Hubert Schloegl, Michael Knee, Werner Fichtl, John W. Dubbe, Arno Hohmann, Darin J. Meyertholen, Dean K. Reidt, Steven J. Maxa, Urs Mahnel
  • Patent number: 7597556
    Abstract: A tabbed carrier for a dental restoration composite and a pre-packaged unit of composite for performing an aesthetic restoration. The unit is mounted on a polymeric film carrier material and is covered and sealed with the same or otherwise suitable covering film. The carrier film may be an elongated strip containing serially placed units of composite, each readily separable from the strip for individual usage. This packaging is in light restrictive outer packaging since the preferred unit of composite is of a light-cured material such as bis-GMA. In preferred packaging, the unit dose is singular and applicable to the tooth surface with the film carrier which is adapted with tabs to facilitate handling and the draping or damming of the subject tooth from adjacent teeth to facilitate application of the composite. The tabbed carrier enables the composite to be worked, i.e., shaped or formed on the tooth with the film intermediate the composite and the customary forming tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Louie V Harrison, III
  • Publication number: 20090224004
    Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator for the application of liquid or pasty media, containing a housing for receiving a dosing unit and an adapter for fastening a container, for the medium to be applied, to the applicator; a dose setting means; a lever for the application of the apportioned amount, the lever interacting mechanically with the dosing unit and with the dose setting means. The lever is mounted moveably at its proximal end within the housing. The distal end of the lever spreads apart from the housing, with the distance of the distal end of the lever from the housing being dependent on the dose set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: BAYER ANIMAL HEALTH GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Müller, Venkata-Rangarao Kanikanti, Gerald Beddies, Joy Olsen, Ernst Böttcher, Georg Schulte, Bernhard Saalfeld, Nikolaus Kowollik, Herbert Argauer, Michael Kloiber
  • Publication number: 20090197220
    Abstract: An oral cleaning device is described. The oral cleaning device includes a brush head, a stem, a suction adapter, and a supply reservoir. The brush head includes a cleaning surface and defines an internal cavity. The stem is coupled to the brush head. The stem includes a fluid channel for bi-directional fluid flow to dispense fluid out of the brush head and to suction fluid into the brush head. The suction adapter is to the stem. The suction adapter couples a suction device to the stem for providing a suction flow within the stem in response to control by a user. The supply reservoir includes an integrated supply adapter to couple the supply reservoir to the suction adapter. The supply reservoir contains a water-based cleaning solution with less than a prescription amount of a cleaning agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Chris Cindrich
  • Publication number: 20090142728
    Abstract: The invention includes an actuator for actuating a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, the actuator including a handle case having a proximal portion for gripping and a distal portion including means for attaching the actuator to a cartridge for containing medicament, and means for creating a proximal to distal linear motion with respect to the handle case, wherein the cartridge includes a retractable chamber for containing the medicament disposed therein, a substantially stationary member and means for retracting the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member while maintaining the substantially stationary member in a substantially stationary position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: James R. Lawter, Zhangwen Wu, Michael J. Rello, Charles D. Faust, Erik deBrun
  • Patent number: 7530808
    Abstract: The present invention is a switch-closeable double barrel syringe and methods for bleaching teeth using it. The syringe comprises two separately contained barrels, each containing one component of a dental bleach, and a rotatable tip with orifices to match, when open, orifices in the barrels, and a mixing chamber. The tip rotates between open and closed positions in order to dispense bleaching compositions for use in dental hygene. Various formulations of bleaching compositions may be contained within the barrels, however the invention is ideally suited for those which require separate storage of active ingredients before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: CAO Group, Inc
    Inventors: Densen Cao, Calvin D. Ostler, Robert K. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20090092563
    Abstract: A brush tipped applicator includes an applicator tip having a body defining an external surface and an internal conduit. The applicator tip body can have a proximal end defining a proximal opening of the internal conduit and a distal end. The proximal end of the applicator tip body can have a first fastener that is configured for being coupled to a fastener (i.e., second fastener) of a member containing the dental bleaching composition such that the internal conduit of the applicator tip body is capable of being fluidly coupled with the dental bleaching composition. Additionally, the brush tip includes at least one filament disposed on the external surface of the applicator tip body. A dental bleach activator disposed within the filament in an amount sufficient for activating the dental bleaching composition for whitening the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Allred, David Q. Vu
  • Publication number: 20090087813
    Abstract: An oral care instrument, such as a motorized toothbrush, which activates upon exposure to the oral environment of the user, is described. The electrical conductivity of saliva, optionally mixed with toothpaste and water, may be utilized to complete an electrical circuit that powers a motorized device within the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Heng Cai, Thomas James Boyd
  • Patent number: 7510396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand tool used by dental professionals to polish a patient's tooth. The hand tool can be connected to a hand motor used to rotate a wheel cup with a plurality of grinding wings that rub against the patient's tooth as a predetermined amount of dentifrice material is discharged directly on the patient's tooth through a drain hole within the wheel cup. The dentifrice material is discharged from a tube that is assembled in the housing of the hand tool. The tube has a plurality of folds formed on the tube body in such a manner as to be folded by a given distance while being compressed to discharge the dentifrice material therefrom. The tube is compressed by a link with a push button that is guided in the forward direction as it is pushed by a finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Kwang S. Lee, Duke K. Ghim
  • Publication number: 20090065067
    Abstract: A backflow-prevention system that substantially prevents contaminant backflow at a treatment site. The system includes a fluid ejector tube for insertion into the patient's mouth and a backflow prevention device that receives fluid from the fluid ejector tube. The backflow prevention device includes an internally positioned valve member. The valve member limits contaminant backflow. The valve member is movable between open and closed positions based on a vacuum pressure condition in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: RJC PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Richard Paul Bushman, Jerry Schueller
  • Publication number: 20090017423
    Abstract: The system includes a reservoir for fluid; a droplet generator for creating a stream of fluid droplets from the fluid wherein the velocity of the stream of droplets is within a range of 20 meters per second to 200 meters per second and the size of the droplets is within a range of 5 microns to 200 microns. A nozzle or nozzles direct the stream of droplets to safely clean a selected tooth or teeth surface area. The specific momentum of effective fluid droplets within the stream of fluid droplets is important in safe and effective cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Gottenbos, Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Marinus Karel Johannes De Jager, Adriaan Willem Cense, Paulus Cornelis Duineveld, Jon W. Hayenga, William E. Bryant, Martijn Jeroen Dekker
  • Publication number: 20090011380
    Abstract: A dental medical tool comprises a coupler and a hollow grip correspondingly connected with each other, wherein the coupler contains a groove for receiving a dynamo therein, and includes an air inlet and an air outlet both communicating with the groove, and the dynamo couples with a light emitting element and includes a fan pivotally secured at the distal end thereof for utilizing the air inlet and the air outlet to generate an inclined interaction during air flowing, such that the dynamo is actuated to let a power connector output voltage for activating the light emitting element; the grip includes a treatment tool pivotally disposed thereon, and in the predetermined position thereof corresponding to the treatment tool is provided with a window, the grip further includes a light guiding element arranged thereon and extendedly coupling with the window and the light emitting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: I Roou Wang
  • Patent number: 7458962
    Abstract: A device for injecting fluid from a pre-filled cartridge is provided. The device includes a needle for piercing a patient. After an injection, the needle can be retracted to prevent inadvertent contact with the contaminated needle. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in the retracted position. The needle can subsequently be re-extended to administer a subsequent injection. After the cartridge is emptied, the cartridge can be removed, if desired, and replaced with another cartridge for additional injections. Alternatively, the needle can be substantially permanently retracted into the device and safely disposed of in a sharps container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. McWethy, John Barker, Michael J. Botich, Thor R. Halseth
  • Patent number: 7448868
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool holder (1) which is intended to receive a flexibly-deformable tool (12), such as an injection needle or a cutting tool. The operating direction (15) of the tool is not parallel to the axis (14) of the tool holder (1) . The inventive tool holder (1) is characterised in that it ends in a part (4) of a channel that opens out onto the outside of the body (2) of the tool holder, comprising a surface having generatrices that are essentially parallel to the axis of the body and enabling the tool (12) to be introduced by moving same in relation to the axis (14) of the body of the tool holder. Said tool holder (1) comprises forms that enable the safe introduction of the needle, simple cleaning, inexpensive manufacture and a quality connection between the needle and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventors: Alain Delval, Yannic Rosset, Jean-Claude Volckmann
  • Publication number: 20080274066
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, devices, and kits for maintaining or enhancing tooth whitening in a subject are disclosed. The methods include applying a first tooth whitening composition to the teeth of the subject for a predetermined period of time and applying a second tooth whitening composition to the teeth of the subject in predetermined intervals, wherein at least one of the first and second tooth whitening compositions are dispensed from a dental delivery device. The kits include a first tooth whitening composition and a second tooth whitening composition, each including an oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent of the first tooth whitening composition is present in a higher amount than the second tooth whitening composition, which maintains or enhances the tooth whitening effect of the first tooth whitening composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Eric Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20080233536
    Abstract: The invention relates to dental machining device (1) having at least one shaft (2) which projects into a machining chamber (4) and is displaceable in both axial and radial directions, and having a sealing element (7) for sealing the shaft (2), wherein the sealing element (7) exhibits at least two axially spaced sealing lips (8, 9) bearing against the shaft (2) in its peripheral direction and enclosing an annular chamber (10) with the shaft (2), at least one fluid conduit (11) opening into the annular chamber (10) to supply a fluid (16) thereto, and means (14) for detecting a state variable of the fluid. The invention further relates to a method for monitoring such sealing elements, by means of which a state variable of the fluid (16) is detected and held ready for transmission to a control unit (14?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Hasenzahl
  • Publication number: 20080227052
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unit dose delivery system for flowable substances. The delivery system or applicator of the present invention allows storage, mixing and well controlled dispensing of multi-material component substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Peuker, Arno Hohmann, Helmut Pauser
  • Patent number: 7422012
    Abstract: A method of controlling unpleasant human breath odor. The method includes the steps of: providing a breath treatment unit that is configured to be hand-holdable by a user; through the hand-holdable breath treatment unit, directing into the user's mouth a quantity of a breath treating substance; and discharging the breath treating substance through the hand-holdable breath treatment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Gary Pinns
  • Publication number: 20080187883
    Abstract: A complete melting type cordless filling instrument for endodontic treatment is disclosed which uses a switching circuit, to be operable using a miniature dry battery for supplying DC power. The filling instrument includes a body with a battery for supplying DC power, a heater at a front end of the body to heat and melt gutta-percha, an injector mounted to the body in front of the heater to discharge the melted gutta-percha, a charging part provided at the body to charge the gutta-percha in the body, a feeding member which feeds the gutta-percha charged in the body, a filling switch which turns on the heater, and a control circuit installed in the body, to control a temperature of the heating core and an operation of the heating core. The control circuit includes the filling switch, and a switching circuit adapted to efficiently maintain electrical energy supplied from the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: B & L BIOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In-Whan Lee, Cheol-Su Kim, Seung-Ho Baek
  • Publication number: 20080145814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical handset with a nozzle having at least one nozzle line for supplying a medically active medium, such as for example an air-powder mixture and/or a fluid, in particular for the prophylactic treatment of teeth, wherein the handset has a head part with a connecting part on the head for the exchangeable connection of the handset to the nozzle, wherein at least one supply line of the handset is connected to the at least one nozzle line of the nozzle by producing a sealing-tight interference fit of a sealing face on the nozzle with a sealing face on the handle, in particular in that a tongue-and-groove connection is produced between the nozzle and the connecting part, e.g. in that a T-groove on the nozzle is inserted into a T-tongue on the handle, the axis of insertion lying roughly at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the handset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick Pichat, Marcel Donnet
  • Publication number: 20080138765
    Abstract: A tip (10) for the dispensing of materials includes a housing (11) having first and second chambers (12, 13) contained therein. The chambers (12, 13) communicate with a mixing reservoir (19) and a hollow barrel (21). The hollow barrel (21) has an output orifice (51) and is in fluid communication with the mixing reservoir (19). Disposed within hollow barrel (21) is a static mixing device (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Paul R. Pierson