Trap and separator for denial vacuum systems
US5017135A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C17/065
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dental vacuum system includes a sludge trap and liquid separator between dental operatories and a vacuum source (vacuum pump). The sludge trap separates out metals, such as silver, gold, and mercury, and other large particles from the fluid flow between the operatories and the vacuum source. By utilizing a static structure including a sanitary tee, a plastic pipe extending downwardly from the tee, and a slide valve, the metals may be easily collected, and periodically capped and sent to salvage, for the recovery of the metals. The liquid separator comprises a number of plastic pipes extending downwardly from a linear flow path of the fluid slurry to the vacuum pump. A number of sanitary tees are provided connected to the pipes, the pipes each having a larger cross-sectional area (diameter) than the fluid conduit connected to the vacuum pump. At their bottoms, the pipes are connected to a common drain valve. No-hub (quick release) couplings may be used for easy removal of components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.