Abstract: A method for removing a stone from a patient comprising the steps of: providing a suction evacuation assembly which includes a sheath and one or more side arms; inserting and positioning a distal end of the sheath into a lumen or cavity of a patient's body containing a stones; connecting a tube to one of the side arms and to a collection bottle; connecting another tube to the collection bottle and a negative pressure system; visualizing the stone or foreign body using a scope inserted through the assembly; activating the negative pressure system in order to remove the stone from the cavity if the diameter of the stone is narrower than an inside diameter of the sheath and the side arm, or performing a lithotripsy on the stone to create fragments with a decreased diameter which allow the passage through the assembly; and collecting the stone in the collection bottle.

Abstract: The present invention provides dental amalgam recycling systems, useful for recycling particles from a dental liquid effluent drawn, for example, from a suctioning device.

Abstract: A system for managing liquid waste includes a first liquid container that receives waste liquid, a liquid transfer pump fluidly connected to the first liquid container; and a second liquid container fluidly connectable to the liquid transfer pump. The liquid transfer pump is can be selectively activated to transfer liquid waste from the first liquid container to the second liquid container when the second liquid container is fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides dental amalgam recycling systems, useful for recycling particles from a dental liquid effluent drawn, for example, from a suctioning device.

Abstract: A method for removing a stone from a patient comprising the steps of: providing a suction evacuation assembly which includes a sheath and one or more side arms; inserting and positioning a distal end of the sheath into a lumen or cavity of a patient's body containing a stones; connecting a tube to one of the side arms and to a collection bottle; connecting another tube to the collection bottle and a negative pressure system; visualizing the stone or foreign body using a scope inserted through the assembly; activating the negative pressure system in order to remove the stone from the cavity if the diameter of the stone is narrower than an inside diameter of the sheath and the side arm, or performing a lithotripsy on the stone to create fragments with a decreased diameter which allow the passage through the assembly; and collecting the stone in the collection bottle.

Abstract: Dental restoration holding devices, dental restoration holding assemblies including the same, and associated methods. A dental restoration holding device includes a base portion and a cap portion, and is configured such that the base portion and/or the cap portion engages a flexible support sheet to define a support surface that supports a dental restoration relative to a suction tip. A dental restoration holding assembly for supporting a dental restoration includes the dental restoration holding device in combination with the flexible support sheet and the suction tip. A method of treating a dental restoration includes operatively engaging a flexible support sheet with a dental restoration holding device to define a support surface, placing a dental restoration upon the support surface, engaging a suction tip with the dental restoration holding device, and flowing a treatment fluid through the dental restoration holding device.

Abstract: The Bone Dust Trap for collecting bone dust during various surgical procedures for subsequent bone graft implantation. The device includes cylindrical housing unit covered with the lid, attached to the central pipe with the porous tip. The pipe connects the cyclone forming mechanism and filtrating membrane, located at the lower part of the central pipe. The membrane interlinks with the plurality of porous plates located along the walls of the cylinder. The cyclone forming mechanism, consisting of the inlet port with conical jet and the spiral helix, creates spiral movement of the incoming fluid. The liquid is further directed towards the 2-stage filtrating system with the said porous plates, where larger bone particles are accumulated, and then to the filtrating membrane, which collects smaller particles. The fluid is extracted through the central pipe. The lid can be removed to collect the bone particles from plates and membrane.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a surgical suction system. The filter assembly has a containment defining a filter chamber an intake fitting on an upstream end of the chamber, an output fitting on an opposite downstream end of the chamber, and a filter element in the filter chamber and made at least partially of a bioresorbable bone substitute so that autologous tissue components carried in a fluid flowing from the fitting through the filter element in the filter chamber are trapped by the filter element.

Abstract: The present invention provides dental amalgam recycling systems, useful for recycling particles from a dental liquid effluent drawn, for example, from a suctioning device.

Abstract: A dental waste containment system having a treatment stage to reduce the contaminant levels of the stored fluid. The treatment stage may include a settling canister disposed before the fluid storage reservoir to remove and contain at least some solid contaminants from the fluid waste before the fluid waste is moved into storage. The system may include a bypass subcircuit to allow fluid waste to selectively bypass the treatment stage. The present invention also provides a method of collecting, containing and transporting dental waste that includes separate containment of solid and fluid dental waste. The method includes at least partial separation and containment of solid contaminants in the treatment stage before the fluid dental waste is moved into separate storage. The accumulated fluid dental waste and accumulated solid waste may be separately collected from the system and separately transported to a remote facility for treatment, reclamation and/or disposal.

Abstract: A device for collecting a bone graft material comprises a canister extending defining a filter-receiving space therein, the canister including a connection for connecting to a vacuum source, a proximal end of the canister including a first locking feature and a filter element sized and shaped to be received within the filter-receiving space of the canister, the filter element including a channel extending therethrough, the channel defined via a mesh material and a proximal end of the filter element including a second locking feature releasably engageable with the first locking feature of the canister via a rotation of the filter element about a longitudinal axis thereof relative to the canister in combination with an extractor sized and shaped to be received within the channel of the filter element, the extractor defining a graft material receiving space therein and being releasably engageable with the extractor.

Abstract: A method for removing a stone from a patient comprising the steps of: providing a suction evacuation assembly which includes a sheath and one or more side arms; inserting and positioning a distal end of the sheath into a lumen or cavity of a patient's body containing a stones; connecting a tube to one of the side arms and to a collection bottle; connecting another tube to the collection bottle and a negative pressure system; visualizing the stone or foreign body using a scope inserted through the assembly; activating the negative pressure system in order to remove the stone from the cavity if the diameter of the stone is narrower than an inside diameter of the sheath and the side arm, or performing a lithotripsy on the stone to create fragments with a decreased diameter which allow the passage through the assembly; and collecting the stone in the collection bottle.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the fluid level in an ebb and flow watering system control bucket that is in fluid communication with at least one fluid holding apparatus such as a plant container with connecting water lines, causing hydraulic delays in changes in the fluid level in the control bucket when fluid is pumped to or from the control bucket, typically from a fluid reservoir. The method involves pumping fluid to or from the control bucket to achieve a target fluid level in the control bucket; upon the fluid reaching the target fluid level, starting a timer for a short period of time to allow for the hydraulic delays, and continuing to pump fluid while the timer runs; restarting the timer and continuing to pump fluid if the fluid level in the control bucket recedes from the target fluid level; and discontinuing pumping if the timer runs for the full period of time.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a hooded simple suction tray for dental extraoral operations which can be hooked to an upper surface of a table and which enables not only suction of solids and foul-smelling gases resulting from operations but also suction of used liquids during extraoral operations using liquids. The hooded simple suction tray includes: a tray main body with a bottom plate partly serving as a base hooking and mounting portion with a flat lower surface; a communication pipe attached to a portion of the bottom plate other than the base hooking and mounting portion and allowing the tray main body to communicate with a suction hose of a dental suction apparatus; and a fly prevention hood erected at an upper edge of a peripheral side plate of the tray main body to prevent flying substances resulting from an extraoral operation from flying around.

Abstract: An in-treatment room dental vacuum system includes a vacuum producer and an operator tool including an evacuator tip. A separator is coupled with the vacuum producer and is disposed between the vacuum producer and the operator tool. A hose assembly connects the operator tool and the separator. In use, the separator receives material from the operator tool via the hose assembly and separates the material into wet phase material and dry phase material.

Abstract: An intraoral biofilm control apparatus including a suction unit, a suction chamber positioned within and in communication with an inner space of the suction unit, a tubular connection member operably connected to and extending into the suction chamber, and an angular head member adjustably connected to an upper end of the tubular connection member is provided. The suction chamber, in communication with the suction unit, creates a negative air pressure in an inner space of the suction chamber. The angular head member in fluid communication with the suction chamber via the tubular connection member, contacts and suctions the intraoral biofilm from the intraoral areas into the inner space of the suction chamber when the negative air pressure is created. The angular head member having an angularly curved suction tip configurably accesses the intraoral areas. The angular head member having a suction plate suctions the intraoral biofilm from intraoral tongue areas.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A bone piece collector wherein a blade (4) coming into tight contact with the surface of a filter (2) under an appropriate pressure is provided in order to prevent lowering in the efficiency of suction work due to sampled bone chips adhering to the surface of the filter (2) in the bone piece collector provided in a suction line in order to sample a bone, i.e. a transplantation material in autologous bone transplantation, the blade (4) is rotated while being pressed against the surface of the filter (2) with a finger pressure or a motor drive force, and the sampled bone chips are moved in a certain direction so that clogging of the filter (2) is eliminated and the suction efficiency can be recovered at any time.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for settling particles from waters that come out of plants that produce waste waters with hazardous components, utilizing vacuum power generated by vacuum generator down the waist water draining line. The method comprising a device with separation and sedimentation chamber, that allows phase separation through a unique cyclone-generating design, which leads to a filtering-chamber equipped with a dual pore-size filter that allows significant segregation of particles by particle size and mass, and thus allows highly efficient separation of hazardous particles from the waste water, which could exit the apparatus of present invention with significantly low content of hazardous particles.

Abstract: A siphoning device suited for automatically removing fluid/blood from a surgical site is described, having a length of sterile flexible tubing that is configurable into a loop, the tubing having a first open end, a second open end, and a central portion. A plurality of holes punctuate the circumference of either the first open end or the central portion of the loop, the one or more sets of holes being distributed along a longitudinal direction of the tubing. A sterile absorbent covering encompasses the one or more sets of the plurality of holes, the covering being permeable to bodily fluids. The siphoning device is connected to a vacuum system that generates a negative pressure, causing fluids that have accumulated in the absorbent covering to be withdrawn into the vacuum system. Accordingly, a durable, simple non-gauze system for automatically clearing blood/fluid from a surgical site is described.

Abstract: An implement useful in dental and medical procedures, particularly aspiration, but that can also be readily adapted for irrigation or retraction, is described. In a preferred embodiment, the invention features a hollow handle portion 2 having a source end 2a for connecting to a vacuum line or pump, and a second end 2b; a hollow nozzle portion 1 having a contacting end 1a for engaging a patient surface to be suctioned and a second end 1b for functionally engaging, directly or indirectly, the second end of the handle 2b; and a hollow joint at least partially defined by the second end of the handle and the second end of the nozzle. In some embodiments, the joint may comprise an adaptor 3.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering dental solid waste has been developed. The apparatus includes a high volume evacuation (HVE) tip with one end that is connected to a suction line and another end that is inserted in a patient's mouth to remove dental waste. A filtration unit is located within the HVE tip that retains solid dental waste within the HVE tip.

Abstract: A high volume suction tube for use in dentistry to remove detritus during oral procedures, such as providing a tooth filling, including a cap that alleviates tissue obstruction without impeding efficient suction and removal of the detritus.

Abstract: An in-treatment room dental vacuum system includes a vacuum producer and an operator tool including an evacuator tip. A separator is coupled with the vacuum producer and is disposed between the vacuum producer and the operator tool. A hose assembly connects the operator tool and the separator. In use, the separator receives material from the operator tool via the hose assembly and separates the material into wet phase material and dry phase material.

Abstract: Devices for connection to a dental evacuation system and methods of manufacturing the same. In one example, a dental evacuation device for connection to a dental evacuation system includes an elongated body having a central passageway extending through the body, a protective tip disposed over and extending from an end of the body member, and a screening device positioned within the central passageway. The protective tip can define an aperture configured to provide access to the central passageway and can include a blunt ridge circumscribing the defined aperture. In one example, the screening device is offset from the protective tip to form a receiving space within the central passageway therebetween.

Abstract: A device for achieving high vacuum stability during phacoemulsification surgery includes a main aspiration line connected to a vacuum source which enables a fluid flow from a phacoemulsification handpiece tip to a drainage reservoir. A first tubing segment is provided in the main aspiration line along with a second tubing segment generally parallel to the first tubing section and a valve disposed in the second tubing segment regulates fluid flow through the second tubing segment in order to limit vacuum surge in the main aspiration line upon clearing of an occlusion in the phacoemulsification handpiece tip.

Abstract: Devices for connection to a dental evacuation system and methods of manufacturing the same. In one example, a dental evacuation device for connection to a dental evacuation system includes an elongated body having a central passageway extending through the body, a protective tip disposed over and extending from an end of the body member, and a screening device positioned within the central passageway. The protective tip can define an aperture configured to provide access to the central passageway and can include a blunt ridge circumscribing the defined aperture. In one example, the screening device is offset from the protective tip to form a receiving space within the central passageway therebetween.

Abstract: A collecting arrangement for collecting particles from oral fluid from the mouth of a patient during dental treatments, has a) a first particle separating device for separating particles from the oral fluid, wherein the first particle separating device is arrangeable in a flow path of the oral fluid, and b) a second particle separating device for separating particles from the oral fluid, wherein the second particle separating device is arrangeable in a flow path of the oral fluid, c) wherein the first particle separating device is activated or operative when particles not containing noble metal (and/or contain mercury) are present in the oral fluid and d) the second particle separating device is active or operative when particles that contain noble metal are present in the oral fluid and are deactivated or inoperative when particles that do not contain noble metal and/or contain mercury are present in the oral fluid.

Abstract: An instrumentation delivery unit which supports hand-held dental instruments. In one example first and second housing members form a sealed chamber. When the members are separated, access is permitted to the interior of the chamber, e.g., for maintenance purposes. A first portal suitable for connection to a vacuum line provides a partial vacuum in the chamber, and second portals provide connection via second vacuum lines between the chamber and dental devices to operate the devices. The housing includes hand piece holders each of an initial diametric size for receiving hand pieces up to a maximum diametric dimension, with one of the hand piece holders formed along two adjoining ones of the housing members. The adjoining housing members secure inserts between one another to provide a second diametric size smaller than the initial diametric size to thereby selectably accommodate hand pieces having a smaller diametric dimensions.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method of separating solid dental waste from liquid dental waste including capturing the solid dental waste in a permanently filtration unit while the liquid dental waste passes through the filtration unit, transferring the filtration unit to a central storage container; storing the central container until the central container is shipped to a handling facility; and separating the solid dental waste from the filtration unit.

Abstract: A compact suction and separation device is shown and described. The suction and separation device includes a pump and a separator. The pump includes a vertically oriented rotary vane pump comprising a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet. The separator includes a collector configured to receive combinations of solids, liquids and air. The separator separates solids and/or liquids from the air. Air from the separator is routed from an air discharge into the suction inlet of the pump. Solids and/or liquids are drained from a liquids/solids discharge of the separator. The separator may be gravity-based or centrifuge-type separator driven by the pump motor.

Abstract: An evacuation and/or irrigation device for use in connection with a vacuum source and used in a relatively localized surgical area. The evacuation device has a main body connected to a dental tool and a hook-like evacuation needle connected to the body. The needle has a plurality of spaced apart vacuum ports to provide irrigation circumferentially to sterilize and clean the surgical area.

Abstract: A strainer/filter unit for effectively collecting solid, liquid or gaseous substances at the source and the method of using the strainer/filter unit. The strainer/filter unit includes a housing, a one-way valve at one end of the housing, and a filter having a certain depth and thickness within the housing. The filter is formed from a plurality of layers of material with pores such that pores of one layer partially overlap pores of subsequent adjacent layers. Matters entering the strainer/filter unit are collected in the filter while travelling through filter via a tortuous path.

Abstract: A replaceable module for capturing amalgam and mercury from the waste water disposal system of a dental office, in which the waste water flows into a settling chamber, overflows from the settling chamber into a magnetically-assisted sluice, and then after being further cleaned by the sluice, flows on to a sewer connection.

Abstract: Devices for connection to a dental evacuation system and methods of manufacturing the same. In one example, a dental evacuation device for connection to a dental evacuation system includes an elongated body having a central passageway extending through the body, a protective tip disposed over and extending from an end of the body member, and a screening device positioned within the central passageway. The protective tip can define an aperture configured to provide access to the central passageway and can include a blunt ridge circumscribing the defined aperture. In one example, the screening device is offset from the protective tip to form a receiving space within the central passageway therebetween.

Abstract: A suction machine intended for a dental or surgical suction installation is specified that includes a separating unit, which contains a rotor and is used to separate liquid and if appropriate solid constituents from a suctioned mixture of air, liquid and if appropriate solids, and a suction fan, which is connected to an air outlet of the separating unit and has a housing and an impeller. The suction fan is designed as a radial fan whose impeller is driven by an electrically commuted electric motor, which drives the rotor of the separating unit via a gearing.

Abstract: A suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end that is connectable to a suction source. A collar is slidable along the suction tube from a retracted position to a deployed position. A sleeve is provided having a proximal end fixed relative to the proximal end of the suction tube, and a distal end configured with the collar so as to move therewith and cover the suction tube in the deployed position of the collar. A wiper seal is contained within collar in sliding frictional engagement around the suction tube.

Abstract: The invention teaches an apparatus used in dental care service for providing gaseous oxygen to a patient and removing dental impurities from the patient's mouth concurrently. The apparatus includes a first bendable nozzle for dispensing gaseous oxygen to a space near the patient's nose and a second bendable nozzle for sucking dental impurities from the patient's mouth.

Abstract: The control device for a separator includes: a drainage pump powered by a first electric motor and an aspiration pump powered by a second electric motor. It further includes: sensor elements of known type for detecting operating parameters of the separator, such as pressure of liquid in outlet, ambient temperature, motor temperature, and for providing command signals which are proportional to the operating parameters and which command the inverters which upon receiving the command signals modify a frequency of the electrical supply current to the first electric motor and to the second electric motor.

Abstract: A dental vacuum system for use in dental operatories wherein a dental aspirator tip and in the dental operatory is in fluid communication with a vacuum means for providing suction to the system, there being interposed between the aspirator tip and the vacuum means a separation chamber for the separation of effluent, and solids, including amalgam and other particulate matter from the air stream, the separation chamber being in communication with a collection chamber for the separation collection of solids, amalgam and other particulate matter, from the effluent which is discharged, the collection chamber being removably replaceable from the system for the recycling of the contents.

Abstract: A bone piece collecting device, wherein, when bone pieces are mixing agitated with the other substances while preventing the loss of the cut bone pieces collected on a filter and contamination thereof by saliva by a self-bone transplanting method, a filter part is installed in a filter holder with impermeability to eliminate the operation for transferring the bone pieces to the other container, a collected bone container for filling bones is prevented from being fallen down by stably fixing the container to a cuff for operation or an operation table with an adhesive tape or a magic tape installed at the bottom part of the filter holder so as to facilitate the removal of the collected bones, and a gradient is marked on the transparent or semi-transparent material of the filter holder so that the amount of collected bones can be weighed easily.

Abstract: An inline filter assembly to be used in conjunction with surgical or other procedures, near the patient or chairside in dental operations, that is capable of removing, by filtration, particulate matter from waste-water. The filter assembly is configured to permit easy and rapid changing of filters. The filter assembly also contains a series of stopcocks to permit easy and quick changing of filters while maintaining suction to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for removing a contaminant from dental effluents and includes transporting a three-phase effluent through a suction line into a particle collection vessel, introducing a suction line cleaning solution which includes a reagent into the suction line, and introducing the three phase effluent and the line cleaning solution into the collection vessel, wherein the effluent separates into solid. liquid, and gas phases in the collection vessel and the reagent includes a flocculant and/or a precipitant. and removing the gaseous and liquid phases from the collection vessel. The contaminant includes mercury. lead. and arsenic.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for withdrawing an exhaust stream including gas, liquids and solids from the dental operatory connected to the suction side of a vacuum pump wherein solids and liquids are sequentially removed such that compressed gas from the vacuum pump is passed through a heat exchanger for cooling, thus permitting the use of lightweight, less expensive conduit piping for a vent exhaust conduit.

Abstract: An instrumentation delivery unit which supports hand-held dental instruments. In one example first and second housing members form a sealed chamber. When the members are separated, access is permitted to the interior of the chamber, e.g., for maintenance purposes. A first portal suitable for connection to a vacuum line provides a partial vacuum in the chamber, and second portals provide connection via second vacuum lines between the chamber and dental devices to operate the devices. The housing includes hand piece holders each of an initial diametric size for receiving hand pieces up to a maximum diametric dimension, with one of the hand piece holders formed along two adjoining ones of the housing members. The adjoining housing members secure inserts between one another to provide a second diametric size smaller than the initial diametric size to thereby selectably accommodate hand pieces having a smaller diametric dimensions.