Dentistry – Apparatus – Having motor or means to transmit motion from motor to tool
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-07
2001-12-11
Lewis, Ralph A. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Apparatus
Having motor or means to transmit motion from motor to tool
C310S026000, C318S118000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328566
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to ultrasonic dental inserts for dental handpieces, and more particularly to a system for color-coding the inserts to facilitate identification thereof.
Ultrasonic dental tools are commonly used in hygienics, periodontal and other dental procedures. These tools, especially the insert portions thereof that come in contact with the patient, need to be sterilized, usually by autoclaving between procedures. For example, ultrasonic dental tools usually come with a handgrip connected by a cable to water and electrical controls, and a replaceable insert having a magnetostrictive element, a velocity transducer, and a tip. The insert is typically removed from the handpiece for autoclaving between procedures. Depending on the model, the tip and/or magnetostrictive element may be removable from the velocity transducer.
Many different patients may receive treatment from one dental care practitioner in the same day, and there is not usually time to autoclave the tools between procedures, so the practitioner must have several of the same type of tool ready for use. In addition, different ultrasonic dental tools may be used during the same procedure. Often, one set of tools may be used for one type of procedure, whereas a similar set may used for another. Furthermore, in some offices, there may be several practitioners, each having his or her own preference for types of tools for particular procedures.
Frequently, the tools are similar in appearance and difficult to tell apart at a glance, and may require careful inspection. For example, different tools from the same manufacturer may especially have a similar appearance, even though the tools may have subtle differences, e.g. operating frequency. The tools are regularly autoclaved en masse with other tools, or even parts of tools if the tips and/or magnetostrictive elements are removed from the velocity transducers, so quickly identifying ultrasonic dental tools becomes problematic.
The prior art has followed the practice of using colored tape or heat-shrink bands to identify different instruments or parts of instruments. For example, the tools may be marked with the same color adhesive tape or heat shrink band to indicate that they belong to a particular practitioner or operating room, or to indicate that they are for a particular type of procedure. Because the tape and bands serve no mechanical function, it may be difficult to place them on the tools where they will not interfere with the operation of the tools. And since the tape and bands are semi-permanent, it is difficult to remove or alter the color coding, once assigned. Another problem may be that the tape and bands can trap moisture underneath by capillary action, contributing to advanced corrosion or discoloration of the tool and contamination problems.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems noted above by providing a color-coded cap that functions to lock a handgrip into place on the velocity transducer. No additional part or tooling is required, other than coloring the cap, since the cap is already used in the assembly of the ultrasonic dental insert. The cap can be removable by the practitioner so as to allow the color coding of the insert to be readily changed. The ability to remove the cap also serves to prevent the accumulation and/or retention of moisture against metal surfaces to inhibit corrosion and discoloration. For example, the cap can be replaced at very low cost.
The present invention provides a color coding method and system for ultrasonic dental tool inserts by employing a cap that is used to secure an interference-fit handgrip to the insert. The caps of different inserts have different colors to visually distinguish one insert or type of insert from another.
Briefly, the present invention provides a method for identifying ultrasonic dental inserts for use in a dental handpiece. The method comprises the steps of:
(a) selecting an annular cap from a set comprising a plurality of annular caps having differently colored exterior surfaces;
(b) positioning an annular handgrip over an elongated velocity transducer having a proximal end coupled to a magnetostrictive element or provided with a coupling element for removably securing a magnetostrictive element, and a distal end to which an ultrasonic tip is attached or attachable; and
(c) engaging the selected cap on an end of the handgrip to form an assembled insert comprising an interference fit between the handgrip and the transducer.
Alternatively, the method can comprise the steps of:
(a) selecting an annular handgrip from a set comprising a plurality of annular handgrips having differently colored exterior surfaces;
(b) positioning the selected annular handgrip over an elongated velocity transducer having a proximal end coupled to a magnetostrictive element or provided with a coupling element for removably securing a magnetostrictive element, and a distal end to which an ultrasonic tip is attached or attachable; and
(c) engaging an annular cap on an end of the handgrip to form an assembled insert comprising an interference fit between the handgrip and the transducer.
If necessary, where the proximal end of the velocity transducer includes the coupling element in step (b), the methods can also include the further step of securing a magnetostrictive element to the coupling element. Similarly, where necessary, the methods can also include the further step of securing the tip to the distal end of the velocity transducer. Preferably, the methods further comprise repeating the steps (a), (b) and (c), wherein the caps or handgrips selected in each step (a) comprise at least one respective cap or handgrip differently colored with respect to another cap or handgrip. The differently colored caps and handgrips can be advantageously used to visually distinguish one insert from another. The methods also allow the step of autoclaving the inserts.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a color coding system for ultrasonic dental inserts for use in a dental handpiece. The system includes an insert comprising a magnetostrictive element and a tip operatively coupled to opposite ends of a longitudinal velocity transducer, wherein the magnetostrictive element is adapted to be received in a well in the handpiece. An annular handgrip is disposed about the velocity transducer. An annular cap is provided for concentrically engaging an end of the handgrip and forming an interference fit between the handgrip and the transducer. A colored exterior surface on the cap, the handgrip or a combination thereof, visually distinguishes the insert from a similar insert having a cap, handgrip or combination thereof with a differently colored exterior surface.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention comprising either the system or method, the velocity transducer has opposing ears on either side thereof, the handgrip has opposing recesses formed on inside surfaces of the handgrip for engaging the ears of the velocity transducer, the inside surfaces are movable apart from each other to allow the ears to be inserted into the recesses when the handgrip is positioned over the velocity transducer, and the engagement of the cap prevents the inside surfaces from moving apart to keep the ears in the recesses. The handgrip and the velocity transducer preferably have matching opposing flat surfaces on respective inside and outside surfaces to inhibit rotation of the handgrip with respect to the velocity transducer. The cap preferably has a tapered inside diameter matching an outside diameter of the handgrip. The cap is preferably anodized aluminum.
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patent: 5928154 (1999-07-01), Silb
Lewis Ralph A.
Lundeen Daniel N.
Lundeen & Arismendi L.L.P.
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