Dental prosthesis with controlled fluid dispensing means

US5090903A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Roy M. Taylor · Salt Lake City, US
• Leonard Ross · Decatur, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 18, 1991
• Grant date: Feb 25, 1992
• Expiry date: Jan 18, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61C19/06
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for automatically and progressively dispensing fluids into an individual's mouth comprises a dental prostheses such as a bridge having an interior cavity with a plurality of chambers defined therein. A first passageway communicates between the inner chamber and the interior of the mouth for progressive delivery of fluid from the chamber into the mouth. A second passageway communicates between the outer chamber and the outer surface of the bridge and functions as a vent. Spaced parallel walls within the cavity define the chambers therein and openings in the walls communicate between adjacent chambers. The walls, openings, and passageways are positioned and oriented such that fluid is dispensed into the mouth progressively from the inner chamber during waking hours when the wearer is in a standing or upright position and is not dispensed during the night time or sleeping hours when the wearer is in an inclined or lying position. The wall holes are positioned such that the inner chamber of the cavity is refilled during sleeping hours for subsequent dispensing when the wearer wakes and arises.