Catalytic dental water apparatus
US6267895A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F1/32
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The supply of water used in dental operations and other applications in a dental office, or other medical facility, wherein non-contaminated water is necessary to avoid transmission of microorganisms, is enriched with oxygen, whether from ambient air or a source of oxygen. The oxygenated water is passed through a silver containing catalyst cartridge. The water borne oxygen is attracted to the silver and forms a weak bond sufficient to permit dissociation to oxidize organic matter, including microorganisms. A small amount of silver dissolves in the water and flows downstream through the attendant conduits to and through dental handpieces and dental implements. A portion of the silver will adhere to the walls of the conduits, handpieces and implements where it is free to react with the oxygen dissolved in the water flowing therepast. The resulting oxidizing of the organic matter will destroy any biofilm present and prevent biofilm buildup. To enhance oxidizing of the organic matter, an ozone generator may be employed to introduce ozone into the water upstream of the silver catalyst cartridge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.