Nozzle assembly for liquid droplet based interproximal cleaner
US8573974B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C17/0217
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The cleaning apparatus includes a source of gas under pressure (12) and a source of fluid (14), along with associated gas (26) and fluid (34) chambers, adapted for successive single uses. A user-operated metered valve (22) connects the gas reservoir to the gas chamber, while a liquid pump (30) and a one-way valve (32) connects the liquid reservoir to the liquid chamber. When gas is released from the gas reservoir, it expands rapidly from the valve into the gas chamber, resulting in pressure therein sufficient to open a one-way valve (38) connecting the gas chamber to the liquid chamber. The gas in the liquid chamber forces liquid therein through a liquid line (15) to a connecting point with a gas stream line (13) from the gas chamber. The interaction of the fluid with the gas stream results in a spray of liquid droplets (17) which are directed out of the gas stream line exit orifice (16) to the teeth for cleaning.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.