US006390815B1
`(10) Patent No:
`a2) United States Patent
`US 6,390,815 B1
`Pond
`(45) Date of Patent:
`May21, 2002
`
`
`(54) MULTIPLE SOLUTION DENTAL
`IRRIGATOR
`
`(76)
`
`.
`(*) Notice:
`
`Inventor: Gary J. Pond, 2816 N. Main St.,
`:
`Racine, WI (US) 53402
`:
`.
`.
`.
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/538,255
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 30, 2000
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/468,524,filed on
`Dec. 21, 1999.
`7
`(ST) Ute C1 eee
`ereeeeessesseerseeseeeeeeenttnentnnee A61C 17/00
`
`(52) U.S. Ch. cc cesencsetscseteneeetensees 433/80; 433/100
`(58) Field of Search oo...ee 433/80, 84, 85,
`433/99, 100, 32, 98, 27
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
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`4,106,198 A
`4,215,476 A
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`tages ‘
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`5,199,604 A *
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`5,289,919 A
`
`8/1978 Childress
`8/1980 Armstrong .......... 433/80
`10/1980 Lohn...........
`... 433/80
`
`
`+1080 pon. I .....
`80
`wee
`isanu ......
`10/1982. Pelerin........
`. 433/77
`
`... 604/33
`8/1983 Haug
`etal. ...
`7/1985 Lester etal...
`604/33
`
`1/1985 Martin .escccccccseeeseeseees 433/147
`
`
`3/1986 Fischer ....scecssesseeesseeeeee 604/2
`... 604/33
`7/1987 Weightmanet al.
`
`.........
`.. D24/15
`8/1989 Zogg et al.
`..........0.... 433/29
`10/1989 Issalene et al.
`9/1991 Sullivan oo... eee eeeeeeee 433/92
`10/1991 Discko, Jt. ecco 433/90
`10/1991 Wiele oo... 433/91
`2/1992 Castellini ........0..
`eee 433/80
`12/1992 GUerCd eee 433/81
`4/1993 Palmer etal. oe. 433/80
`
`. 210/651
`4/1993 Johnstonetal. ....
`7/1993 Mobergetal...
`604/34
`
`8/1993 Davis etal. .....
`+» 433/80
`
`3/1994 Fischer ........cceeeeeeseeeee 206/571
`
`
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`611,136 A
`9/1898 Mason qu... eee ece eee ee 606/538
`1,672,114 A
`6/1928 Crow o..eeeeeeeeeeeeceeeee ee 604/249
`RE21,187 E
`8/1939 Hooper vssessssssesssseseees 604/249
`2,214,230 A
`9/1940 Freeburg
`2,557,222 A
`6/1951 Goode
`2,711,586 A
`6/1955 GLOVES... eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 433/95
`2,756,740 A
`7/1956 Deane
`909°510 ‘
`ytoed potemire
`2,985,285 A
`5/1961 Riddle
`3,164,153 A
`1/1965 Zorzi
`3,208,145 A
`9/1965 Turner
`3,593,423 A
`7/1971 Jones etal.
`3,624,907 A
`12/1971 Brassetal.
`3,640,304 A
`2/1972 Fox et al. wees 433/80
`3,045,497 A
`2/1972 Nyboer.........
`w+ 251/148
`3,718,973 A *
`3/1973 Slater etal. we. 433/98
`3,727,310 A
`4/1973. Baker
`3,757,421 A *
`9/1973 Kraft oo... eeeeeeeeeeeeeee 433/98
`3,971,375 A *
`7/1976 Hill eee eee eeeeeeeteeee 433/98
`
`Kent Dental Spring / Summer 1984 Product Catalog—p.
`153-154.
`:
`.
`.
`Primary Examiner—Cary E. O’Connor
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Ryan Kromholz & Manion,
`S.C.
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Afluid dispensing assembly that may be usedto supply fluid
`for use in dental
`instrumentation including irrigation,
`application, and aeration for treating a patient’s mouth. The
`fluid dispensing assembly includesa fluid supply system that
`conveys fluid by pressurized air, and also includes a hand-
`piece to allow flow between the fluid supply system and the
`patient’s mouth. The fluid dispensing assembly further
`includes a separate handpiece for the delivery ofonly air into
`a
`patient’s mouth
`P
`
`29 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets
`
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`200 by g =pe |
`
`
`i Vi °
`
`
`o |
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`Sinclair Pharmaetal.
`EUNSUNG-1007
`
`Sinclair Pharma et al.
`EUNSUNG-1007
`
`1
`
`

`

`US 6,390,815 B1
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`Page 2
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`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,658,144 A
`................ 433/80
`8/1997 Tinderet al.
`5,716,210 A
`2/1998 Nowak vevcesescseessseessseeee 433/82
`5,378,149 A
`5,772,433 A
`1/1995 Stropko -seeeeeeeecees 433/80
`6/1998 Estock veceesceseeseesees 433/80
`oa A
`5,837,204 A
`viooe rel erencesoaad
`11/1998 Prevost et al. v..scesseeeee 433/80
`
`Ald,
`5,876,201 A
`»
`/
`eitz et al.
`604/
`3/1999 Wilsonet al.
`seeccssseeeeeeo 433/80
`5,468,148 A
`11/1995 Ricks veeeecseecssesssseeesseees 433/80
`,
`5,899,692 A
`... 433/80
`5/1999 Davis et al.
`...
`
`5,474,450 A
`12/1995 Chronister... 433/80
`5,927,977 A*7/1999 Sale et al. veces 433/80
`
`.. 137/15
`5,526,841 A
`6/1996 Detsch et al.
`.
`5.047729 A
`9/1999 Bell
`433/98
`9/1996. Van Halle ws. cessesssseeseee 433/82
`5,554,026 A
`eat;
`CIT
`seeeesseeeeeeeeeseeenseeeny
`5,556,279 A
`9/1996 Wolf et al. vecesecseeeee 433/82
`5,593,304 A
`1/1997 Ram o.eeeeecceeeeteeseeeeeee 433/82
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`2
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`US 6,390,815 B1
`
`1
`MULTIPLE SOLUTION DENTAL
`IRRIGATOR
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. appli-
`cation Ser. No. 09/468,524 filed Dec. 21, 1999, pending.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`This invention relates to systems and methods and meth-
`ods for systems for providing fluid to a hand tool and
`associated supply lines.
`2. Description of Related Art
`As a patient sits in a dental chair in a dentist’s office, the
`dentist or a hygienist ordinarily cleans the patient’s teeth
`with a variety of picks and brushes. Next, the dentist or a
`hygienist uses a hand held tool to supply rinse water or a
`variety of other medicament fluids from supply lines to a
`patient’s mouth. Also, during many endodontic procedures,
`the dentist or dentist’s assistant may be required to apply
`multiple medicaments to the operative site during a single
`procedure. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/468,524,filed
`on Dec. 21, 1999, commonly assigned to the assignee
`hereof, discloses a similar design, but it will be appreciated
`by those skilled in theart that the present invention includes
`numerous improvements.
`A single air supply is commonly utilized in each dental
`operatory. The air supply pressure in a particular dental
`office is unique to that office because some dentists may
`operate more or fewer air operated devices than other
`dentists operate from a single air supply.
`Some dental handpieces are able to supply a plurality of
`fluids to a patient’s mouth. One such example is US. Pat.
`No. 4,215,476 to Armstrong. However, such handpieces
`often involve complex solenoid valves and more expensive
`electrical controls to toggle between fluid sources. Further,
`such handpieces often physically toggle fluid sources at the
`fluid source, controlled by a toggling at the handpiece. It has
`been found that toggling fluid sources at the handpieceitself,
`rather than at the more remote fluid source, requires a much
`lesser volume offluid to be purged through the lines after
`fluid changes. Toggling at the handpieceitself results in less
`fluid waste, and reduces the risks that fluids may interact
`within a commonfluid line and lead to undesirable chemical
`reactions.
`
`The temperature of the fluids supplied by handpieces such
`as in the above-referenced Armstrong patent is generally
`equal to room temperature. Depending uponthe time of year
`and geographical climate, actual room temperature may vary
`somewhat and thus affect
`the temperature of the fluids
`supplied by such handpieces. It has been found that by
`heating the fluids supplied by the handpiece, the benefits are
`two-fold. First, the patient’s comfort is increased when the
`fluids supplied to the patient’s mouth have been warmed to
`a comfortable temperature. Second,the efficacy of many of
`the fluids is increased when the fluids are heated above
`
`ambient temperature.
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`To overcome the above-identified concerns, the present
`invention provides an inexpensive apparatus and method for
`a fluid supply system that is capable of supplying a selected
`one of a plurality of fluid sources to a patient’s mouth.
`The various components may be made using conventional
`molding and extrusion techniques from inexpensive
`materials, both relatively rigid and also very flexible when
`needed or required.
`
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`2
`A fluid dispensing assembly for dispensing a plurality of
`fluids is disclosed, the fluid dispensing assembly comprising
`a remote touch pad, a handpiece, a fluid discharge tip
`disposed on the handpiece, a manifold disposed within the
`handpiece, and a control mechanism disposed on the hand-
`piece. The control mechanism includes a pinch valve for
`dispensing fluid from the fluid dischargetip. Preferably, both
`the handpiece and the remote touch pad include a momen-
`tary operated switch which actuates a remotely located air
`valve for selectively pressurizing one of a plurality of
`reservoirs. Further,
`the remote touch pad may include a
`digital or similar visual display. The handpiece manifold
`comprises a plurality of fluid inlets and a single fluid outlet.
`The handpiece further comprises a detachable coupling
`enabling the operator to detach the handpiece from the fluid
`supply system so that the handpiece may be autoclaved. The
`fluid dispensing assembly further comprises a fluid supply
`system, a plurality of fluid outlet lines, the fluid outlet lines
`preferably surrounding a heating element, and the fluid
`outlet
`lines communicatively coupled between the fluid
`supply system and the fluid inlets.
`The fluid supply system comprises a plurality of
`reservoirs, a volumeoffluid contained within each reservoir,
`and a reservoir head detachably coupled to each reservoir. A
`source of pressurized air is used to pressurize each reservoir
`and, in turn, force fluid from each reservoir to the fluid inlet
`on the handpiece. An air pressure regulator can be used to
`adjust air pressure, and thus adjust fluid flow from the
`handpiece. As the fluid is forced from a reservoir, it may be
`heated by the previously mentioned optional heating ele-
`ment.
`
`Thefluid dispensing assembly further comprises a single-
`fluid dental handpiece for delivering a dedicated fluid, such
`as air, to a patient’s mouth. The single-fluid handpiece may
`include a control mechanism in the form of a valve for
`
`actuating between fluid discharge and no discharge.
`Further, the invention comprises a fluid dispensing assem-
`bly whereby the dentist can supply pre-selected fluids to
`irrigate the field of operation within a patient’s mouth. In
`addition, the invention includes a pressurized air supply and
`a single—fluid handpiece by which the dentist may deliver
`only a single fluid, such as pressurized dry air,
`to the
`patient’s mouth.
`Amethod for dispensing a selected fluid from a handpiece
`is also disclosed, the method comprising attaching a plural-
`ity of fluid-containing reservoirs to respective reservoir
`heads, coupling a plurality of fluid outlet lines between the
`fluid containing reservoirs and a handpiece, depressing a
`momentary switch disposed on the handpiece or disposed on
`a touch pad housing in order to select the desired fluid, the
`momentary switch being operable to select a particularfluid
`from among a plurality offluids, air pressure being supplied
`to the selected fluid-containing reservoir, the pressurized air
`forcing the fluid from the selected fluid-containing reservoir
`through the respective fluid outlet line to the handpiece, and
`actuating a control mechanism to allow thefluid to pass from
`the selected fluid outlet
`line through the handpiece and
`ultimately the tip.
`The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
`principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous
`modifications and changeswill readily occur to those skilled
`in theart, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
`construction and operation shown and described. While the
`preferred embodiment has been described, the details may
`be changed without departing from the invention, which is
`defined by the claims.
`18
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`US 6,390,815 B1
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`4
`FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along lines
`18—18 of FIG. 17.
`
`FIG. 19 is a top plan view similar to the view of FIG. 17,
`but showing the individual check valves in open operating
`position.
`FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a reservoir head.
`FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the reservoir head
`of FIG. 20.
`
`FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of an air-only handpiece
`of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to
`enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the
`physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify
`the invention which may be embodied in other specific
`structure. While the preferred embodiment has been
`described,
`the details may be changed without departing
`from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
`It is to be noted that like elements of the drawings are
`designated by like reference numbering.
`The term “fluid,” as used herein, shall be defined as a gas
`including air, a liquid, a substance which flows, or a sub-
`stance which differs from a solid in that it can offer no
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`permanent resistance to change of shape. It shall further
`include mixtures of gases, mixtures of liquids, and mixtures
`of gases and liquids.
`least one fluid
`The invention includes a housing, at
`reservoir, a fluid reservoir manifold, at least one handpiece,
`and a fluid pressurizing mechanism. The fluid pressurizing
`mechanism in one embodiment comprises at
`least one
`pressure regulator, at least one air valve, and a momentary
`switching means to pressurize at least one selected fluid
`reservoir. The fluid pressurizing mechanism in the preferred
`embodiment comprises at least one pressure regulator, a
`plurality of air valves, each air valve being in communica-
`tion with a respective fluid reservoir, and a momentary
`FIG. 7 is a longitudinal, sectional view of the handpiece
`switching meansto control each air valve.
`of FIGS. 4-6, inclusive.
`In one embodimentof the present invention, reference is
`FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8—8 of
`FIG. 7.
`made to the views of FIGS. 1-8, inclusive. Referring in
`particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shownafluid dispensing
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modified fluid dispensing
`assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 5,
`assembly, including a light emitting diode display and a
`capable of supplying irrigation from a fluid supply system,
`touch pad assembly used in connection with the fluid
`indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 to a dental
`dispensing assembly.
`handpiece 80. Delivery of dry air for aeration purposes or
`FIG. 10 is a rearward perspective view of the fluid
`anotherfluid is preferably supplied from a supply line 119 to
`dispensing assembly of FIG. 9.
`a single—fluid dental handpiece 120.
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the modified fluid
`The fluid dispensing assembly 5 includes at least one
`dispensing assembly,
`including an alternate display and
`reservoir 30 capable of containing fluid 32 (see FIG. 3). The
`touch pad assembly.
`reservoir 30 is carried by a housing 200. While it is apparent
`FIG. 12 is a rearward perspective view of the components
`that any numberofreservoirs could be utilized, the preferred
`of the fluid dispensing assembly with the housing removed.
`embodiment has six. The reservoir 30 can come in many
`FIG. 13 is a frontal perspective view of the components
`forms, including, for example, a bottle, a canister, a dual-
`of the fluid dispensing assembly with the housing removed.
`compartmentbottle or canister; and can range greatly in size.
`FIG. 14 is an alternate schematic view of the components
`Preferably, however, the reservoir 30 is an inexpensive clear
`of another embodimentof the fluid dispensing assembly of
`plastic bottle with an engageable neck 31, similar to a
`this invention.
`common water bottle with the cap removed. Reservoirs of
`this type are readily available from a variety of sources and
`manufacturers, and are most commonly available in a 10-20
`fluid ounce capacity size. The clear bottle allows for a
`determination of the amount of fluid 32 remaining in the
`reservoir 30, and a reservoir of this type is capable of
`withstanding internal pressure, though typically the resis-
`tance to pressure for this type of reservoir is limited to
`approximately 50 pounds per square inch (psi). Although a
`19
`
`3
`Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
`provide a system that minimizesor substantially eliminates
`the corrosive effects of fluids, such as sodium hypochlorite,
`on the components of the fluid supply system.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`system including check valve means for minimizing cross
`contamination of fluids.
`
`It is a further object of the present invention to provide
`means for minimizing cross-contamination of fluids in the
`event that the fluid dispensing assembly is jostled or tipped
`from its upright position.
`It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
`fluid heating meansfor both patient comfort and for increas-
`ing the efficacy of fluids delivered by the fluid supply
`system.
`It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide
`a separate handpiece for the delivery of a single fluid, such
`as dry air, to the patient’s mouth.
`in the
`These and other objects will become apparent
`following detailed description and the drawings take in
`conjunction therewith.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a fluid dispensing
`assembly.
`FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the fluid dispensing
`assembly of FIG. 1, with certain of the components being
`shown in exploded relationship.
`FIG. 3 is a schematic view ofa fluid supply system having
`application in the fluid dispensing assembly of FIGS. 1 and
`2.
`
`FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a
`handpiece used with the fluid dispensing assembly.
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary,
`top elevational view of the
`handpiece used with the fluid dispensing assembly.
`FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the handpiece of
`FIGS. 4 and 5.
`
`FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a modified
`handpiece of the fluid dispensing assembly.
`FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a manifold
`arranged to be located within the handpiece of the fluid
`dispensing assembly.
`FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the manifold of FIG. 16,
`showing the normally closed position of individual check
`valves located in the manifold.
`
`19
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`US 6,390,815 B1
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`5
`stronger reservoir is capable of use with the fluid supply
`system, such as a high density polyethylene reservoir, the
`polyethylene terephthalate elastomer (PETE) construction
`commonto plastic soda and water bottles provides sufficient
`rigidity, is easily available, and is inexpensive.
`Referring now to FIG. 3, the reservoir 30 is detachably
`coupled to a reservoir head 34 (hidden from view in FIG. 2).
`The reservoir head 34 is designed to provide the reservoir 30
`with an air-tight seal capable of containing pressures up to
`50 psi, but higher pressures are capable with different
`reservoir embodiments. The detachable coupling may be
`provided by a threaded neck 31 on the reservoir 30 and a
`female thread on the reservoir head 34. However,it is to be
`understood that a variety of means for removably coupling
`each reservoir to the reservoir head may be employed. The
`detachable coupling allows for quick and simple reservoir
`changes, should refills or different fluids be desired for use
`with the fluid dispensing assembly 5.
`The reservoir head 34 has two fluid passageways or two
`communicative conduits 44 and 69 indicated schematically
`on FIG. 3, between the reservoir 30 and the remainder of the
`fluid dispensing assembly 5 and fluid supply system 10. The
`first communicative conduit provides a pathway to the
`interior of the reservoir 30 for pressurized air through an air
`inletfitting 69. The second communicative conduit is a fluid
`outlet fitting 44, providing a fluid passage for fluid to leave
`the reservoir 30.
`
`It is conventional to supply sodium hypochlorite during
`certain dental procedures to either irrigate, debride and
`disinfect
`the mouth of a patient, or to destroy bacteria
`present in the dental unit water line. The components of the
`fluid supply system 10 that come into contact with the
`sodium hypochlorite are preferably constructed of material
`capable of withstanding the corrosive effects of the sodium
`hypochlorite. These components, as shown in FIGS. 1-7,
`inclusive, include a check valve 48, an air valve 47, a fluid
`draw line 36, a fluid outlet line 46, the fluid outlet fitting 44,
`the reservoir 30, the reservoir head 34, and the handpiece 80,
`and are preferably constructed of sodium hypochlorite resis-
`tant material. Because sodium hypochlorite is particularly
`corrosive with respect to metal, non-metal components are
`preferred. Plastic is a preferred construction material
`because of its resistance to sodium hypochlorite corrosion.
`The fluid outlet lines 46 preferably have an inner layer and
`an outer layer, the inner layer preferably being constructed
`of polyethylene (PE) and the outer layer preferably being
`constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
`Dental offices are often unique with respect to the air
`pressure in the air system. Dental offices operate at higher or
`lower pressures based on operator preference, the output of
`the air compressor, the number of components in the office
`using air, and the number of components in use at any one
`time. For this reason,the fluid supply system 10 is supplied
`with an adjustable air pressure regulator 64 and a fixed air
`pressure regulator 65. Adjustable air pressure regulator 64 is
`coupled with an air supply line 62 and the air valve 47
`between anair inlet 60 and the reservoir 30, as is best shown
`in FIG. 3. This arrangement avoids erratic and uncontrol-
`lable fluid flow from the fluid supply system 10 and ulti-
`mately the handpiece. One air pressure regulator that per-
`forms suitably is a CLIPPARD MAR-1, 0-27 psi air
`pressure regulator. Most dentists prefer a setting of approxi-
`mately 5-10 psi. Preferably, pressurein thefixed air pressure
`regulator 65 is fixed at 20 psi. Preferably, pressure in the
`adjustable air pressure regulator 64 is adjustable by opera-
`tion of an air pressure regulator adjuster 66, according to the
`operator’s preference, to an air pressure from 5 psi to 10 psi.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`The operator of the fluid supply system 10 thus has the
`capability to alter the air pressure to provide a consistent
`output of fluid.
`As previously stated and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
`pressurized air is conveyed from a conventional source of
`pressurized air common in dental offices, through the air
`supply line 60 coupled with the source of pressurized air by
`a coupling 70. The air supply line 60 is ultimately commu-
`nicatively coupled with the air valve 47 and its respective
`reservoir head 34. Each air supply line 115 leadsto the air
`inlet fitting 69 to supply pressurized air to the reservoir 30.
`The pressurized air is supplied to force fluid 32 from the
`reservoir 30 through a distal end 40 of the fluid draw line 36
`throughthe fluid outlet fitting 44 and through the fluid outlet
`lines 46, contained within an outlet line sheath 50, and
`ultimately to components of the handpiece 80.
`With reference to FIG. 3, actuation of the air valve 47 may
`be accomplished by conventional means, supplied from an
`electrical power source 100 via power supply line 104, and
`controlled by means such as a programmable logic control-
`ler (PLC) 102. As further disclosed in FIG. 3, a single
`electrically operated air valve 47 receives pressurized air
`from the air supply line 62 passing through the adjustable air
`pressure regulator 64 a to a tee-fitting 74, where one port
`supplies air to an air line 114. The other port ofthe tee-fitting
`74 being in communication with a pressure gauge 68. The
`pressurized air is delivered from the air valve 47 through
`hydrophobic filters 71 and to individualair inletfittings 69
`on the reservoir heads 34, thus pressurizing the fluid 32 and
`forcing the same through the fluid draw lines 36 to the fluid
`outlet lines 46 and through check valves 48. As will be
`described later, the fluid outlet lines 46 communicate with
`the handpiece 80. The hydrophobic filter 71, is disclosed
`schematically in FIG. 3, and a physical embodimentwill be
`later shown and described.
`
`the present embodiment further
`As shown in FIG. 3,
`contemplates the use of separate commontee-fittings 73 and
`74. Here, the air supply line 62 enters the fluid supply system
`10, and the air supply line 62 is split by a first commontee
`fitting 73 to split the air passage into two distinct pathways.
`One pathway 111 leads to the adjustable air pressure regu-
`lator 64 from the fixed air pressure regulator 65. Another
`pathway 112 for air travel leads to the fixed air pressure
`regulator 65. Preferably, the first commontee fitting 73 may
`be used to split the air flow into two distinct pathways.
`Air enters the fixed air pressure regulator 65 through air
`supply line 62. Leaving the adjustable air pressure regulator
`64, an air outlet line 67 is split by the second common
`tee-fitting 74 to split
`the air passage into two distinct
`pathways. As shownon FIG. 3, one pathway 113 leads to the
`pressure gauge 68. Another pathway 114 leads to the air
`valve 47.
`
`two
`If the first common tee fitting 73 is not utilized,
`separate pressurized air supply lines could be used with one
`air line directed to the air valve 47 and the other pressurized
`air supply line directed to the air-only handpiece 120.
`Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fluid draw line 36 is
`coupled to the apertured fluid outletfitting 44 located on the
`underside of reservoir head 34. The fluid draw line 36 is
`sized to extend from the top of the reservoir 30 to a point
`which is near the bottom of the reservoir, so that the fluid
`supply system 10 can operate until the reservoir 30 is nearly
`empty of fluid 32. The fluid outlet line 46 is communica-
`tively coupled with the fluid outlet fitting 44 on the upper
`side of the reservoir head 34, extending the pathwayfor fluid
`32 leaving the reservoir 30. The previously mentioned
`20
`
`20
`
`

`

`US 6,390,815 B1
`
`7
`hydrophobic filter 71 is seated within a through bore com-
`municating at the underside of reservoir head 34 as shown
`in FIG. 3.
`
`Alternatively, the fluid draw line 36 and the fluid outlet
`line 46 could be integrated into a single line serving the same
`purpose of providing a conduit for fluid 32 to leave the
`reservoir 30 and retain pressure within the reservoir 30, if an
`air-tight fitting around the line is used as opposed to fluid
`outlet fitting 44. However, the use of both the fluid draw line
`36 and the fluid outlet line 46 is preferred, mainly because
`this arrangementprovides a better pressure seal than a single
`line with an air-tight fitting around the line. Each fluid outlet
`line 46 includes the check valve 48 coupled with the fluid
`outlet line 46, in order to prevent fluid 32 from flowing back
`into the reservoir 30.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`A plurality of fluid outlet lines 46 emerge from the fluid
`supply system 10, (see FIG. 3) and enter a distal end of the
`outlet line sheath 50 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The sheath 50 is
`preferably flexible, allowing ease of mobility during treat-
`ment of the patient, but also rigid enough to withstand
`penetration, line puncture, and kinking. The sheath 50 may
`be detachably coupled to a distal end of a handpiece handle
`81 by a threaded couple, and the sheath 50 may be detach-
`ably coupled to a fluid reservoir manifold 39 by a similar
`threaded couple. After entering the distal end of the sheath
`50, the fluid outlet lines 46 extend a predetermined distance
`from the distal end of the sheath and exit a proximal end of
`the sheath 50. The length of the sheath 50 and fluid outlet
`lines 46 is primarily determined by the distance between the
`fluid supply system 10 and the patient. Subsequently, the
`fluid outlet lines 46 enter a handpiece manifold 83 disposed
`within the handpiece handle 81, and the fluid outlet lines 46
`are coupled with a plurality of respective fluid inlets 88
`within the handpiece manifold 83. Also disposed within the
`handpiece handle 81 is a single fluid discharge line 52,
`through which a selected fluid passes into before being
`delivered into the patient’s mouth.
`In FIGS. 7 and 8,
`the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8
`indicates the relationship of the fluid outlet lines 46 with
`respect
`to the sheath 50 and handpiece 80. As will be
`observed, it is preferable to arrange the fluid outlet lines 46
`in a semi-circular pattern around a heating element 87,
`heated by at least one resistance wire 85 of substantially the
`same length as the fluid outlet lines 46. Thus,
`the fluid
`contained in the fluid outlet lines 46 will be pre-heated prior
`to discharge into the mouth ofthe patient, the temperature of
`said fluid being at a temperature that is suitable both for
`optimal patient comfort and for improving the efficacy of
`certain selected fluids with respect to the dental procedure
`being performed onthe patient.
`Referring to FIGS. 4~7, in order for the operator to select
`which fluid 32 to use, a momentary switch 82, such as a
`membrane switch, is provided on the handpiece 80. The
`switch 82 is connected to the PLC 102 by way of conductors
`75, 76 as shown in FIGS. 3, 7 and 8. Pressure is delivered
`to the particular reservoir 30 containing the selected fluid 32,
`allowing the operator to quickly supply the desired fluid
`following a depression of the momentary switch 82, as
`opposed to having to wait for the air supply to re-pressurize
`the reservoir 30 with each alternation in fluid.
`In this
`
`arrangement, only one reservoir 30 is pressurized at a time.
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid supply system 10 is
`supplied with the housing 200, provided as a hub for simple
`instrumentation configuration changes, and as a hub for the
`fluid supply system 10 components. Carried by the housing
`200 face is a light emitting diode display 130, which display
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`8
`utilizes a plurality of individual indicators 131. The indi-
`vidual indicators 131 indicate the particular fluid selected by
`the operator. The housing 200 creates an attractive portal for
`quick connections and flexibility during instrumentation,
`and also provides an easily accessible outside surface for
`regulating the air pressure with the air pressure regulator
`switch 66.
`
`During instrumentation, an operator can configure the
`fluid supply system 10 to supply different fluids 32 and
`finger tip controlled irrigation, and aeration to a patient’s
`mouth. Referring now to FIGS. 4—7, the dental handpiece 80
`has a disposable tip 84, and the handpiece 80 may also have
`a disposable extension 79 for ease of accessing the patient’s
`mouth. The extension 79 may be coupled to the handpiece
`80 by a conventional LUER-LOK®-type fitting 78. The tip
`84 receives the selected fluid 32 through the fluid discharge
`line 52 regulated by the pinch valve 86. The tip 84 is
`selectively coupled to the handpiece 80 and the tip 84 is then
`used during instrumentation to direct the deposit of fluids or
`evacuation target site in a patient’s mouth.
`In this
`arrangement, only the relatively small amount of fluid 32
`contained within the discharge line 52 andthe tip 84 need be
`purged between fluid alternations.
`Referring to FIG. 2, if the operator desires to indepen-
`dently convey dry air to the patient’s mouth, an air-only
`dental handpiece 120 is supplied. The air outlet line 119 is
`provided betweenthe fluid supply system 10 andthe air-only
`handpiece 120. Preferably,
`the air-only handpiece 120 is
`autoclavable, and hasa tip 84, preferably disposable for use
`between different patients. The tip 84 receives the dry air
`through the air outlet
`line 119 coupled to the fixed air
`pressure regulator 65. The handpiece 120 is used during
`instrumentation to direc