Anti-microbial apparatus and method for dental handpieces
US5407354A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C1/16
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multiple stage anti-microbial apparatus and methods are disclosed, which provide capacity to process a handpiece between patients including soaking, de-overburdening via use of ultrasonic energy, treating with exposing to anti-microbial heat, accommodating coordinated though separate autoclaving, and accommodating contiguously packaging in a heat shrunk sheath after multiple anti-microbial treatment to prevent later contamination through the air. The distal portion of the heat shrunk sheath is initially removed along weakened paths to expose the operative head of the handpiece, accommodating grasping of the handpiece handle through the remainder of the sheath during use of the handpiece on the patient. After such use, the remainder of the sheath is removed along a weakened path and discarded. The anti-microbial apparatus comprises a portable casing with one or more exterior lids or covers. An ultrasonic basin provides a bath for soaking, liquid anti-microbial activity and removal of debris. A heat chamber accommodates facile manual introduction and movement therein of the distal end and a substantial portion of the handle of the handpiece, following the bath treatment, to dry and…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.