Abstract: A dental instrument hanger has the body of a reader/writer, or an antenna connected to the body, arranged in a hanger unit so as to read identification information from a wireless tag, in a state that an instrument having the wireless tag preliminarily attached thereto is placed in the hanger unit. The hanger includes: an identification information storage that stores the read identification information in a database; a reading history detector that, in response to a driving instruction having been inputted, detects the latest reading history and a reading history read before the instrument displaced from the hanger unit has been displaced with reference to said storage; an identification information specifier that determines a difference between the two reading histories to specify a wireless tag attached to the instrument which has been instructed to drive; and a usage information generator that generates usage information of the instrument.

Abstract: A modular dental system, methods for controlling a modular dental tool, a dental system, a control module, and a treatment unit. In one embodiment, the modular dental system includes a modular dental system including a control module and a battery module. The control module includes a first end, a second end, a control sub-system, and a charging sub-system. The control sub-system is configured to communicatively couple to an attachment, detect an attachment identifier associated with the attachment when the attachment is removably attached to the first end of the control module, and control the attachment based on the attachment identifier. The battery module is configured to removably attach to the second end of the control module.

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

Abstract: A hand-held, ergonomic instrument with an LED that emits actinic light in visible wavelengths mounts a replaceable applicator cup with a reservoir for a tooth whitening composition held in place against a user's tooth during a whitening procedure. Actinic light is directed onto the tooth surface through a window in the cup and the tooth whitening composition substantially without attenuation, delivering at least about 100 milliwatts per square centimeter of light energy to the tooth surface. The cup includes a rigid body for mounting the cup to the instrument and an opaque flexible sleeve molded in place over the outside of the body to form a seal with the tooth surface and prevent exposure of soft mouth surfaces to the actinic radiation during a whitening procedure. A safety switch disables the LED when the applicator cup is not in contact with a tooth surface.

Abstract: An analyte test strip vial having a restrictor to dispense analyte test strips in a controlled manner. In general, the restrictor includes one or more openings (e.g., central and/or arc-shaped openings) that are appropriately sized to facilitate the dispensing of a manageable number of analyte test strips from the vial container. The restrictor may also include one or more surface features (e.g., tabs, cavities, and/or tapered surfaces) to facilitate in the removal of analyte test strips, and the matting and/or removal of the restrictor from the vial container.

Abstract: An intelligent dental handpiece control system is disclosed. The handpiece includes a sensor which detects a vibration, sound, force or torque frequency/time signal produced by the handpiece in use and signal processor which produces or determines secondary signal characteristics such as the handpiece torque, force or angular velocity. A controller analyzes the secondary signal characteristics and produces a control signal which controls or stops the angular velocity of the dental handpiece in order to avoid overdrilling of healthy tooth material or damaging the nerves in the jaw during dental implant operations. The controller may also provide a warning signal to the user and/or control the angular velocity of the handpiece.

Abstract: An object is to provide a control device of a dental handpiece that is able to prevent giving a shock to the operator having the dental handpiece and the patient of treatment subject and also that is able to reduce the load onto the motor and to suppress heat generation thereof. The rotational direction of a motor 20 of a dental handpiece is switched at every certain time. At this time, before the rotational direction of the motor 20 is switched through switching of a relay 17, voltage to be applied to the motor 20 is reduced. It is thereby prevented that a large current flows into the motor 20 when the relay 17 is switched, and also that a large rotation torque is applied to a cutting tool rotationally driven by the motor 20.

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.

Abstract: A dental piezoelectric ultrasonic magnetic switching scaler handpiece is activated by magnetic means. The dental piezoelectric scaler handpiece includes a housing that contains a fixed magnet and a magnetically activated switch. An activation magnet longitudinally slides along the outside of the housing from a de-energized position to an energized position. The activation magnet is biased to the de-energized position by the fixed magnet. When a user moves the activation magnet away from the fixed magnet and toward the magnetically activated switch, the magnetic field of the activation magnet activates the magnetically activated switch and turns the dental scaler handpiece on.

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.

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.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a manual instrument provided with a rotary motor for driving a tool and at least one sensor for determining at least one operating parameter of the motor (1). The device further includes an electronic servo-control module of the motor, and a flexible connection for electrically connecting the instrument to the electronic module. The instrument includes a digital electronic circuit for processing output signals of the sensor and transmitting them to the electronic module through the flexible connection.

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.

Abstract: A control arrangement and a method for controlling a computer comprised in a dental apparatus, said dental apparatus (100) comprising at least a computer (101) and its display (111) functionally connected to each other, a dental unit (102, 104) and a control arrangement which comprises control means (112, 116, 117) for controlling the functions of at least said computer and dental unit, wherein at least some of the control means (116) used to control said computer (101) are arranged in connection with said dental unit (102, 104) so as to allow the computer (101) to be controlled via the control means (116) arranged in connection with the dental unit (102, 104).

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

Abstract: 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 relates to a medical or dental-medical instrument (2) having a memory element (10p) for identification and/or operational parameter data. IN order to extend the range of possible applications of the instrument, the memory element (10p) is constituted for the overwriting of the data by other data.

Abstract: A dental equipment for cutting teeth, forming root canals and so on. The dental apparatus includes: an actuator for actuating a cutting tool; a load sensor for sensing a load worked in the cutting tool; and a load indicator for making an operator know the load sensed by the load sensor visually, aurally and/or tactily.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical instrument (2) having a memory element (10p) for identification and/or operational parameter data. IN order to extend the range of possible applications of the instrument, the memory element (10p) is constituted for the overwriting of the data by other data.

Abstract: A rotary dental instrument for rotating a cutting tool at a repair site of a patient's tooth and providing an irrigating liquid to the repair site. The instrument includes a handpiece having a rotating file coupled to a motor and an irrigating port coupled to a pump. A control associated with the instrument automatically starts discharge of the irrigating liquid from the port at a predetermined time after starting the motor. This provides an automatic delay between rotation of the rotatable element holding the file and discharge of irrigating liquid from the port. A corresponding method involves providing a starting input to the motor, waiting a predetermined amount of time after the cutting tool or rotatable element begins rotating, and automatically discharging the irrigating liquid after the predetermined amount of time has elasped.

Abstract: It is to easily form a fixed image, especially a full color image, that exhibits a small difference in gloss depending on the fixing conditions of the toner, is excellent in smoothness, exhibits small unevenness of gloss, and has high image quality and high reliability. A toner for developing a static image to be fixed by heat on a fixing substrate, wherein a fixed image has a gloss Gm of about 20% or more, and a maximum value of a degree of change Gs of the gloss per 1° C. of a difference of a surface temperature within a range of about from 140 to 170° C. of a fixing member as a heating and fixing unit is 1.8% or less per 1° C.; and a developer for a static image and a process for producing an image using the toner are provided.

Abstract: A dental treatment is performed in accordance with examination of a patient and determination of a required sequence of treatments by a computer, based on the examination results.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an appliance for oral hygiene, in particular an oral irrigating apparatus 10, comprising a hand-held unit 12 and a base unit 14 interconnected by a fluid conducting hose 19 and electrical conductors 21, 23. By means of an operating means 33 arranged on the handle section 28 of the hand-held unit 12, two operating parameters, particularly the On/Off state and the jet pressure of the oral irrigating apparatus 10, can be varied.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device for a cordless dental instrument including a motor housing which has a pair of semi-annular projections integrally provided at a rear end thereof with a pair of arc-shaped recesses formed between the coupling projections and semi-annular slot provided around the inner peripheries of the semi-annular projections. A battery housing has a pair of semi-annular around an outer periphery adjacent its front end, a pair of arc-shaped projections coinciding with the arc-shaped recesses of the motor housing and a pair of semi-annular flanges coinciding with the pair of semi-annular projections of the motor housing so as to form a rotational coupling between the motor housing and the battery housing. An insulating disc having a pair of contacts connected to a motor fits into a rear opening of the motor housing.

Abstract: A hand held power tool, particularly of the type of a dental handpiece or the like is provided with power shut-off means disposed directly within the handle. The shut-off means is mechanically connected with a suspension means for suspending the hand piece or the like power tool such that the weight of the tool shuts off power supply to the tool. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a dental handpiece is disclosed wherein the suspension means is a magnet, whereby the handpiece can be suspended on any ferromagnetic surface without having to reach to a suspension fork which, in the known devices, is itself associated with a shut-off valve. The basic idea of the invention has broad application in many different fields of technology.

Abstract: A tool holder having a bent handle and having first and second ends. The holder comprises a head comprising means for receiving the tool. The head is arranged at the first end of the tool holder. The holder further comprises an operating knob arranged intermediate the first and second ends of the holder and securing means for securing the head to the holder. An auxiliary operating knob is arranged at the second end of the holder on the handle. A multiplier system provides for the desired magnitude of movement of the tool in response to movement of the operating knob.

Abstract: A dental handpiece, which has a drive motor part with a drive shaft for rotation in a housing, and a grip section connected to the housing and having a head part with a socket for receiving and mounting a tool for rotation, and a drive train coupled to the drive shaft to transfer rotary motion from the motor to the socket, characterized by a sleeve surrounding the housing and being axially removeable from the housing and the grip section so that parts of the handpiece can be individually sterilized as necessary without subjecting the motor to sterilization.

Abstract: A system controls the flow of a drive fluid for driving a tool on a handpiece. The system comprises a drive fluid line communicating with the handpiece and a drive fluid control motor for controlling the flow of the drive fluid in the line. Control means is operatively associated with the fluid drive motor control, and responsive actuation means on the handpiece which is manually engaged by the finger of the user. Upon actuation, the control means controls the drive fluid control to provide initially a flow of the drive fluid such that the handpiece is powered at an initial level, the fluid motor then being continuously responsive for a time interval substantially coinciding with the operation of the actuation means by the finger of the user for altering the level of drive fluid flow to vary the power availabile in the handpiece. The level of flow when the finger releases the actuation means is then maintained until the actuation means is again actuated whereupon drive fluid flow is stopped.

Abstract: A dental hand engine for driving a reamer for widening root canals, which is characterized in the provision of a control device which electrically senses the time when a forward end of the reamer reaches a radical apex for automatically stopping the engine and consequently the reamer.

Abstract: An improved control system for hand-held appliances, in particular but not exclusively dental instruments is disclosed. The basic features of the improved control system are a closed or sealed enclosure or container to be mounted on a part of the appliance, preferably on the exterior surface of a handle portion thereof. The enclosure contains a deformable working medium body such as a fluid body which is adapted to effect actuation, operation or control of an actuatable device associated with the appliance. The actuatable device may be a regulator, a transducer or a motor. The control system is an indirectly acting type in which the working medium is displaced by locally compressing the enclosure. This displacement is used to move or operate a movable wall part of the enclosure which, in turn, operates a transducer or regulator unit in response to the degree of compression of the enclosure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tooth cleaning device especially designed and adapted for home use by the general public. The device employs an electric motor coupled by a direct gear drive to a shaft to which may be attached a variety of cleaning, polishing and massaging tips. The housing of the device is shaped to fit in the palm of the hand and is provided with an easily accessible switch. The device is so designed that it cannot be used to reach areas of the teeth and gums that must be treated professionally.