Use indicating means for dental files
US6302691A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C5/44
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In general, the invention consists of an indicator means for indicating the usage of an endodontic instrument by providing a visual indication of the number of sterilizations of the instrument. The indicator includes a modified "stop" or "washer" which is used with each endodontic instrument. The "stop" includes a dye compatible base which is impregnated with a diffusible dye composition. The base is made of a dye compatible material which enables the diffusible dye to migrate or diffuse as a result of a specific number of sterilizations at a specific temperature from an interior portion in the base where the dye is not visible to an exterior position where the dye is visible. Since the "stop" is also sterilized along with the instrument, the "stop" will change color after a specified number of sterilizations of the instrument has occurred. Since each endodontic instrument is sterilized after each use, the change in color of the "stop" will also provide a visual indicator of the number of times the endodontic instrument has been used. More specifically, the base is of pure polymer composition, essentially free of additives, and the dye is any of various known polymer compatible dye…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.