Patent · US Expired

Ultrasonic probe

US4169984A · kind A · utility

178Cited by
6References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 30, 1976
Grant dateOct 2, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 30, 1996

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M3/0279
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An ultrasonic, surgical and dental probe comprises a piezoelectric crystal transducer assembly positioned in compression between a pair of body members in a housing. Each body member along with the transducer assembly is mounted on a hollow connecting rod. An interchangeable operative tip, disposed within the hollow connecting rod, is releasably secured to the housing. In a first embodiment, one end of the tip contains a keyhole slot that snap fits to a transverse pin in the housing. In another embodiment, the body of the tip contains a set of threads which engages a corresponding set of threads formed on the inner wall of the connecting rod. Also disclosed is a unique dental descaling tip used in conjunction with the ultrasonic probe. The working end of the tip which contacts the surface of the teeth contains a first orifice. The orifice discharges fluid for irrigation as the working end of the tip cuts into accretions formed on the teeth during ultrasonic vibration. A second orifice, spaced apart from the end of the tip, also discharges fluid for more gently bathing the teeth. Another tip disclosed for removing cataract tissue from the eye contains a single orifice at the working…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.