Ultrasonically driven low-speed rotary motor
US4490114A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1980 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/10
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for rotating a member at relatively low rotational speeds is particularly useful for rotating a brush-type tooth polisher on an insert for an ultrasonic dental prophylaxis unit. The device comprises a vibrator which ultrasonically vibrates longitudinally and has a driving tip end portion which converts the longitudinal vibrations into elliptical motion. The elliptically moving driving tip tangentially engages at least one rotatable roller during an arc of the elliptical motion to rotate the roller. A speed reduction device couples the roller to a rotary polisher to rotate the polisher at a reduced speed. Preferably, the speed reduction device also isolates the axial and radial thrust applied, in use, to the polisher from the roller which receives some radial thrust from the vibrator. This reduces the bearing requirements for the polisher and roller. Also preferably, the roller, speed reduction and polisher elements are assembled as a unit separable from the vibrator for ready replacement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.