Adjustable tool drive arrangement
US7815433B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23B2260/0487
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to an improved dental tool drive arrangement for a handpiece with a drive head, the tool drive arrangement permitting length adjustment of the tool in the drive head by concentrically supporting the tool in the drive head at any position from a fully inserted position to a maximum retracted position. The tool drive arrangement preferably includes a tool and a rotatable tool supporting element for concentrically supporting the tool from the fully inserted to the maximum retracted position, the tool preferably including a maximum retraction indicator for indicating to a user when the tool has been retracted to the maximum retraction position. This provides a significant advantage over the prior art by allowing a user to adjust the exposed length of a rotatable tool, preferably a dental bur, without exceeding safe operating limits. The invention also relates to an improved drive spindle which allows depth adjustment of a tool in a dental handpiece while maintaining efficient torque transfer and concentricity during high speed rotation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.