Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to ultrasonic dental tools, and more
particularly to an ultrasonic dental tool capable of enhanced operation
efficiency.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Dental practitioners use ultrasonic dental tools (instruments) for
dental treatments and procedures, such as scaling, periodontal treatments,
root canal
therapy, and the like.
[0003] An ultrasonic dental tool typically includes a handpiece coupled at
one end (i.e., a proximal end) to an electrical energy source and a fluid
source via a
cable. The cable includes a hose to provide a fluid (e.g., water), and
conductors to
provide electrical energy. The other end (i.e., a distal end) of the handpiece
has an
opening intended to receive a replaceable insert with a transducer (e.g., a
magnetostrictive transducer) carried on the insert. The transducer extends
from a
proximal end of the insert into a hollow interior of the handpiece. An
ultrasonically
vibrated tip extends from a distal end of the insert.
[0004] When using a typical ultrasonic insert during a cleaning procedure,
the dental practitioner will need to repeatedly re-orient the location of the
insert tip
with respect to tooth surface. In making this re-orientation, the practitioner
will
typically take the insert out of the patient's mouth, rotate the insert inside
the
handpiece to re-orient the tip and re-insert the insert in the patient's
mouth. This is
done because the handpiece is tethered to a power and fluid supply source, so
that
rotation of the handpiece is limited.
[0005] Both hands are typically used for this rotation as the frictional
forces
that produce a tight fit of the insert in the handpiece needs to be overcome.
During a
typical treatment process, an insert is reoriented numerous times. This is not
only time
consuming but also interrupts the ease and smooth flow of work.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic dental tool having an
insert that is rotatable about a handpiece when the insert is disposed inside
the
handpiece, such rotation may be effected about a longitudinal axis of the
insert by
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applying a force only to the insert. The rotation may be effected single
handed, for
example, or a two finger rotation is also possible. The dental tool utilizes
existing
components to effect this rotation. The handpiece may be any generally
available
handpiece or, if desired, a specially designed handpiece. Additional parts to
facilitate
rotation may also be present.
[0007] The insert includes a motor, a work tip, and a coupling member
disposed between said motor and said work tip. The coupling member is adapted
to
receive mechanical energy from said motor. The handpiece includes a
substantially
hollow interior, and open at both ends. The dental insert is rotatably
received in an
opening at one end of the handpiece, and the other end (i.e., a proximal end)
of the
handpiece is typically coupled to an electrical energy source and a fluid
source via a
cable. The cable includes a hose to provide a fluid (e.g., water), and
conductors to
provide electrical energy. The energy supply serves to operate the motor on
the insert.
[0008] During operation, water is circulated in the handpiece to, for
example, keep the motor from overheating. To seal the motor portion of the
handpiece
where water is circulated, to lavage the motor and keep it from over-heating,
as well
as to keep the water from the tip portion, an O-ring is generally used. The O-
ring
generally sits in a groove disposed somewhere on the coupling member, such as
the
connecting body, of the insert. In one embodiment, the O-ring may be disposed
on a
retaining ring or collet present on the connecting body. The retaining ring
has a
groove to accommodate the O-ring. In another embodiment, there may not be a
collet
or retaining ring and the groove may be on the coupling member or connecting
body.
[0009] Typically, because of the sealing action of the O-ring, rotation of the
insert about the O-ring is difficult, and generally requires both hands with
some force.
In the present invention, the O-ring and the groove the O-ring may be seated
collaboratively to both seal and facilitate freer rotation of the insert
within the
handpiece, for example, about the O-ring. The groove may be on the connecting
body
in one embodiment. In another embodiment, a retaining ring or collet may be
disposed on the connecting body, in which case, the groove may be present on
the
retaining ring or collet.
[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the structure of the O-ring is the
same or substantially the same as that of the traditional O-ring, but the
surface of the
groove it is seated or in contact with, either on the connecting body or the
retaining
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ring, has a reduced frictional force to enable the insert to rotate easily
while still
maintaining a proper seal.
[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the O-ring and the surface
of contact in the groove on the insert both may have reduced frictional
forces. In one
aspect, the frictional force between the O-ring and the handpiece is high, and
the
frictional force between the O-ring and the groove on the insert is low. This
reduced
frictional force between the O-ring and the contact surface of the groove
enables freer
rotation of the insert, while at the same time, there is sufficient axial
friction between
the insert, i.e., the outer peripheral of the O-ring, and the handpiece to
substantially
prevent the insert from popping out of the handpiece due to water pressure
within the
handpiece and/or drag by the handpiece cable during use. In another aspect,
the
frictional force between the O-ring and the handpiece and the frictional force
between
the O-ring and the groove on the insert may both be low, and the O-ring may
fit into a
groove in the handpiece, or the outer peripheral of the O-ring maybe notched
or
grooved to mate with a protrusion in the wall of the handpiece, so that the
insert is
likewise not likely to pop out of the handpiece.
[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the surface of the groove on the
connecting body or retaining ring, when present, for seating the O-ring, may
have a
low coefficient of friction. In one aspect, the surface of the groove may be
coated with
a material having a low coefficient of friction. In another aspect, the
surface of the
groove may be made to have a low coefficient of friction. In yet another
aspect, both
surfaces of contact (in the O-ring and the groove of the insert) may be made
of or
coated with a material or a coating of a material having a low coefficient of
friction.
In yet a further aspect, both surfaces of contact may be made to substantially
eliminate irregularities to reduce the coefficient of friction.
[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, the O-ring may be made of a
material having a low coefficient of friction about the inner peripheral and a
high
coefficient of friction about the outer peripheral to enable this freer
rotation and
secure placement.
[0014] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the O-ring may have a
coating made of a material having a low coefficient of friction about the
inner
circumference to enable this freer rotation.
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[0015] In yet a further exemplary embodiment, a dual hardness o-ring
having a different hardness/material in the bulk of the O-ring from that of
the outer
peripheral portion of the o-ring is contemplated. In one aspect, a lower
hardness
material on the outer peripheral portion may enable the outside surface of the
o-ring to
grip the wall of the handpiece (cylinder) while the higher hardness material
on the
inner peripheral portion of the O-ring may allow the insert (piston) to rotate
more
freely.
[0016] When a coating is used, material for the coating may be any that is
capable of producing a surface with low coefficient of friction.
[0017] In other embodiments of the invention, an additional O-ring may be
included so as to create a more uniform rotational interface and improving the
sealing
characteristics.
[0018] With a low coefficient of friction in the contact region, the torque
needed to overcome the coefficient to cause rotation of the insert inside the
handpiece
is smaller enough so that the rotation may be effected with one hand for any
of the
above noted embodiments. In general, the torque may be in the range of less
than
about 500 g.cm, more for example, in the range of less than about 400 g.cm,
even
more for example, in the range of 10 g.cm - 300 g.cm, and still more for
example, in
the range of 45 g.cm - 200 g.cm.
[0019] The dental insert of the present invention may have a 360 degrees
rotation, without any limitations. This may enable a dental practitioner to
position the
insert, and the work tip, at any angular orientation without having to take
the insert
out of the patient's mouth. Therefore, time associated with re-orienting the
tip a
number of times during the dental treatment is reduced, and the flow of work
is not
interrupted as much, thereby resulting in a smooth work flow and a reduction
of time.
[0020] In one embodiment, the motor may be a magneto strictive transducer.
In another embodiment, the motor may be a piezoelectric transducer.
[0021] In one aspect, the present invention also relates to an ultrasonic
dental insert having at least one light source. The dental insert includes a
first motor,
for example, a transducer, for generating ultrasonic vibrations and a coupling
member
such as a connecting body, having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal
end
includes a work tip thereon. The proximal end is attached to the first
transducer so as
to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic
vibrations
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toward the work tip at the distal end. The ultrasonic dental insert may also
include a
hand grip portion and may be inserted into a handpiece for providing
electromagnetic
energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations, to form
an
ultrasonic dental tool having a light source.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, an electrical generator, for example, a
second transducer may be disposed on the insert, for example, proximate to the
connecting body, and generates a voltage signal in response to movement of a
portion
of the connecting body according to the ultrasonic vibrations. At least one
light
source, substantially proximate to the tip, may be connected to and receives
the
voltage signal from the second transducer to generate light. The second
transducer
circuitry may also include a form of rectification circuitry that may improve
utilization of the alternating current of the voltage signal.
[0023] In one embodiment, the second transducer may include a bobbin
having an illumination coil thereon. In one aspect, the bobbin may be formed
separately from the retaining ring. In another aspect, the retaining ring may
be made
integral, for example, in one piece, with the bobbin. In this latter aspect,
the unitary
structure may be made from a high temperature material.
[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, the dental insert and/or handpiece
may include a magnetic material or a magnetic source in close proximity to the
first
transducer, light source, or the second transducer, for initiating, re-
establishing,
increasing and/or maintaining the brightness of the output light from the
light source
when in use. In one aspect, the light source may be proximate the work tip. In
another
aspect, the light source may be away from the work tip. The light from the
light
source may be transmitted towards the tip using a light guide or light pipe.
[0025] In yet another exemplary embodiment, an ultrasonic dental tool may
include at least one attachable light source. The attachable light source may
utilize the
existing energy source already present. In one embodiment, the light source is
adapted
to connect to the electrical energy source already available in the existing
ultrasonic
dental unit, using at least one connector. The at least one connector may be,
for
example, two wire leads, or at least one contact structure, that are adapted
to be
connected to respective connectors in the handpiece. In one aspect, the wire
leads, for
example, are situated in, for example, male or female plug type pins that may
protrude
from the housing of the insert. In another aspect, the contact structures, for
example,
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may be formed onto and towards the proximal end of the connecting body and may
be
protruding also from the housing.
[0026] In a further exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic dental tool may
have an integral sheath and at least one light source adapted to utilize the
electromagnetic energy already available in the existing ultrasonic dental
unit. In one
embodiment, the handpiece includes a substantially hollow housing having a
primary
power source that may include a primary coil and the insert may include the
sheath.
The primary coil of the handpiece may be inductively coupled to an
illumination
energy coil, either in the insert or handpiece, such that the illumination
energy coil
may draw energy from the electromagnetic field of the primary coil to power at
least
one light source.
[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, an ultrasonic dental tool that
includes one of the ultrasonic dental inserts discussed above may be inserted
into a
handpiece having a hand grip portion. The insert maybe freely rotatable inside
the
handpiece, as discussed above.
[0028] In another aspect, the present invention relates to ultrasonic dental
tools having an insert that includes monitoring mechanism(s) for monitoring
insert
usage and performance as well as an indication mechanism(s) for indicating
timing
for insert replacement. The insert may be any of those discussed above.
[0029] The advantages of the present invention are that rotation can be
effected with any handpiece, and are realizable without having to redesign the
insert
or additional parts to break down or complicate the instrument, or reducing
reliability.
[0030] The present invention together with the above and other advantages
may best be understood from the following detailed description of the
embodiments
of the invention illustrated in the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] These and other aspects of the invention may be understood by
reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0032] FIG. 1 or IA illustrates an ultrasonic dental unit (or system)
including an ultrasonic dental tool attached to an electrical energy & fluid
source;
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[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dental tool insert in an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 2A is a top view of a dental tool insert in an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2B shows an enlarge perspective view of a handgrip portion of
the insert;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a side view of the dental tool insert of FIG. 2;
[0037] FIG. 3A is a side view of another embodiment of FIG. 3, having a
light source;
[0038] FIG. 4A is a side view of a dental tool insert having an external flow
tube for delivering water to the tip in an alternative embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 4B illustrates the distal portion of a dental tool insert, having
more than one LED and connectors;
[0040] FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of a dental tool insert having a sleeve
covering portions of the insert;
[0041] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4C;
[0042] FIG. 4E illustrates an embodiment of a light source having more than
one LEDs;
[0043] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic insert of
FIG. 3 taken along the A-A line, and showing the O-ring;
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates the top view of the ultrasonic dental insert of FIG.
2, which has been rotated by approximately 90 degrees from the side view
depicted in
FIG. 3, showing the O-ring;
[0045] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert of FIG. 6
taken along the B-B line, showing the O-ring, the groove and a light source;
[0046] FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the dental tool, handpiece
and insert, showing an O-ring and the groove;
[0047] FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of the dental tool insert of
FIG. 3, showing an O-ring and the groove;
[0048] FIG. 6D is a partial cross-sectional view of the dental tool, showing
another embodiment of the O-ring;
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[0049] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dental tool insert of
FIG. 3A;
[0050] FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional view of the dental tool insert of
FIG. 4A, including an external flow tube for delivering water to the tip in an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIGs. 7B, 7B1, 7B2, 7B3 and 7B4 each illustrates an internal flow
channel in the tip of the dental tool insert of FIG. 2 in an alternative
embodiment of
the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 7C is an exploded perspective view of the dental tool insert of
FIG. 3A;
[0053] FIGs. 7D1, 7D2, 7D3, 7D4, and 7D5 each illustrates the inclusion of
a light source, a transducer and magnetic elements to a portion of the dental
tool insert
of FIG. 3A in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 7E illustrates the inclusion of a light source, a transducer and a
full bridge rectification circuit;
[0055] FIG. 7F illustrates the inclusion of a light source, a transducer and a
center-tapped dual diode rectification circuit;
[0056] FIGs. 8 and 9 illustrate light emitting circuitry of the integrated
light
source in exemplary embodiments of the present invention;
[0057] FIGs. 10, 10A and 10B illustrate light emitting circuitry of the
integrated light source utilizing voltage smoothing circuits;
[0058] FIGs. IOC and 1OD illustrate light emitting circuitry of the integrated
light source utilizing rectification circuits in exemplary embodiments of the
present
invention;
[0059] FIG. 11 is a side view of an ultrasonic dental handpiece that can be
used with the ultrasonic dental insert of FIG. 2 to form an ultrasonic dental
tool,
having an optional handgrip;
[0060] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic dental
handpiece of FIG. 11, including an optional handgrip;
[0061] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another example of an ultrasonic dental
unit (or system) including a piezoelectric generator;
[0062] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of another ultrasonic dental unit (or
system) including a triboluminescent material;
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[0063] FIGs. 15, 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D each illustrates another
embodiment of the ultrasonic dental tool of the present invention, including
monitoring and indication functions;
[0064] FIG. 15E is a block diagram of an embodiment of an ultrasonic unit
control system of the ultrasonic dental tool of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic dental insert having a
light source and a bobbin that includes a light transmitting material in an
exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0066] FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic dental
insert of FIG. 16;
[0067] FIG. 16B illustrates the bobbin and light source of the ultrasonic
dental insert of FIG. 16;
[0068] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic dental insert having a
light source and a bobbin that includes a light transmitting conduit in an
exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0069] FIG. 17A is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic dental
insert of FIG. 17;
[0070] FIG. 17B illustrates the bobbin and light source of the ultrasonic
dental insert of FIG. 17;
[0071] FIG. 18 illustrates an ultrasonic dental insert with a light emitting
port;
[0072] FIG. 18A illustrates an ultrasonic dental insert with a light pipe
extending from the insert body;
[0073] FIG. 19 illustrates a partial exploded view of an embodiment of an
ultrasonic dental insert with an integral sheath;
[0074] FIG. 20 shows a partial see-through perspective view of an insert with
an integral sheath, illumination energy coil and a light source inserted into
a
handpiece;
[0075] FIGs. 21 and 21A illustrate inserting an insert with an integral sheath
into a handpiece;
[0076] FIG. 21B illustrates an embodiment of an insert having an integral
sheath with one length; and
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[0077] FIGs. 22A and 22B show partial see-through perspective views of
inserts with light sources and light transports away from the distal ends.
[0078] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of an insert with a one-piece
bobbin in one embodiment of the present invention
[0079] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a one-piece bobbin design in one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0080] FIG. 25 shows a cross sectional view of a one- piece bobbin design in
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 26a shows a top and bottom isometic view of one-half of a saddle
in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 26b shows a perspective view of a saddle assembly in one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 27 shows a motor assembly that includes a one-piece bobbin in
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] FIGs. 28 and 28a each shows a cross sectional view of a motor
assembly that includes a one-piece bobbin in one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0085] FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of a rotatable insert with a one-piece
bobbin in one embodiment of the present invention
[0086] FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of a one-piece bobbin design in
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 31 shows a cross sectional view of a one- piece bobbin design in
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] FIG. 32 shows an isometric view of a one-half of a saddle in one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0089] FIG. 33 shows an isometric view of a motor assembly that includes a
one-piece bobbin in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0090] FIG. 34 and 34a show a top and side cross sectional views of a motor
assembly, respectively, that includes a one-piece bobbin in one embodiment of
the
present invention.
[0091] FIGs. 35 and 35a depict the top and bottom isometric views of lens
assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.
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[0092] FIG. 36 depicts a cross sectional isometric view of a lens assembly in
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0093] FIG. 37 depicts a top isometric view of a lens base in one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0094] FIG. 38 shows a top view of a lens base in one embodiment of the
present invention, showing a grip material filling a gap between the lens
assembly and
the one-piece bobbin.
[0095] FIG. 39 shows various forms in consecutive assembly steps for making
an insert in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0096] FIG. 40 shows various forms in consecutive assembly steps for
finishing an insert in one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0097] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description
of the presently exemplified embodiment in accordance with aspects of the
present
invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present
invention may be prepared or utilized. It is to be understood, however, that
the same
or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different
embodiments
that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0098] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill
in the
art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices and
materials
similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or
testing
of the invention, the exemplified methods, devices and materials are now
described.
[0099] It is desirable to provide a dental tool having an insert that is
rotatable about a handpiece when the insert is disposed inside the handpiece.
The
rotation may be effected about a longitudinal axis of the insert by applying a
force
only to the insert.
[00100] Typically, during a dental procedure, the dental practitioner will
need
to repeatedly re-orient the location of the insert work tip with respect to
the tooth
surface. In making this re-orientation, the practitioner will typically take
the insert out
of the patient's mouth, rotate the insert inside the handpiece to re-orient
the work tip
and re-insert the insert in the patient's mouth. This is done because the
insert is not
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easily rotatable inside the handpiece and the handpiece is tethered to a power
and
fluid supply source, so that rotation of the handpiece is limited.
[00101] A dental tool having a rotatable insert so that rotation may be
effected single handed, for example, or a two finger rotation, is desirable.
This is
especially desirable if rotation may be effected by utilizing existing
components
without adding additional parts or complicating the construction of the dental
instrument.
[00102] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, FIGs. 1 and IA
each illustrates an ultrasonic dental unit including an ultrasonic dental tool
10 attached
to an electrical energy & fluid source 14 via a cable 12 at its proximal end.
The cable
12 includes a conduit for carrying fluid as well as wires for carrying
electrical signals
from the electrical energy & fluid source 14 to the ultrasonic dental tool 10.
In FIGs.
2, 3, 3A, 6A and 7C exemplify some of the embodiments of exit points for the
fluid to
exit the insert 100.
[00103] The ultrasonic dental tool 10 includes a handpiece 200 and an insert
100 received within the handpiece 200. FIG. la also includes a built-in light
source
101. The insert 100 includes a work tip 102 extending from its distal end. In
other
embodiments, no light source is present. In still other embodiments, an
attachable
light source may be used.
[00104] FIGS. 2, 2A, 3 and 3A each illustrates an ultrasonic dental insert 100
in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of
the
dental insert 100, which has been rotated approximately 90 degrees from the
side
view depicted in FIG. 3. In these embodiments, the dental insert 100 includes
a work
tip 102 at its distal end and a motor, such as an ultrasonic transducer 108,
at its
proximal end. The work tip 102 may be coupled to the transducer 108 via a
coupling
member, such as a connecting body 103, which may, for example, take the form
of a
shaft. The connecting body 103 may be made of any material that is suitable
for
transmitting ultrasonic vibrations such as stainless steel or other metals and
is used to
deliver ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer 108 to the work tip
102 and
for example, may be attached to the connecting body 103 by soldering, welding,
laser
welding and/or any other suitable method. For example, the joint between the
connecting body 103 and the transducer 108 may be a brazed joint formed using
a
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brazing compound, which may include cadmium free silver solder and high
temperature brazing flux.
[00105] In some embodiments, the connecting body 103 is also used to
generate voltage in an illumination energy coil 99, as discussed later with
reference
to, for example, FIG. 7C, or 7D3, surrounding at least a portion of the
connecting
body 103. In such instances, the connecting body 103 may be, for example, made
of a
material having magnetic permeability, and further for example, good magnetic
permeability. By way of example, 17-4 PH stainless steel, and 420 stainless
steel,
while suitable for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, are also mildly
magnetic.
Therefore, the connecting body 103 formed from 17-4 PH stainless steel may
generate
an ac voltage on the illumination energy coil 99 by moving rapidly (e.g., 25
kHz or
faster) within the illumination energy coil 99 (not shown in FIGs. 2 and 3,
but in FIG.
7C.)
[00106] The connecting body 103 may have mounted thereon a bobbin, or a
ring, such as an annular retaining ring or collet 111, as shown in FIGs. 2,
2A, 3, 3A,
4A, 4C, 5, 6, 6A, 6B and 6C, which may also be made of a metal such as
stainless
steel.
[00107] The retaining ring 111 has a generally cylindrical shape and may
have formed thereon a connecting portion 113, which defines also a generally
cylindrical cavity therein for receiving a corresponding portion of the
connecting
body 103, in a force fit relationship, for example, or any other types of
connections
such as threaded connections, bayonet connections, and so on. The retaining
ring 111
may be fixedly attached (e.g., snapped on as described below in reference to
FIG. 5)
to the connecting body 103 so that it does not substantially moves or rotates
laterally
along the axis of the connecting body 103.
[00108] Referring to FIG. 6A, 6B or 6C, the retaining ring or collet 111 may
envelop a portion of the connecting body 103. At its distal end, the retaining
ring 111
has formed thereon a pair of gripping elements 132 that face each other, as
shown in
FIG. 6A or 7C. Each gripping element 132 has an end portion that protrudes
inwardly
toward the end portion of the other gripping element 132. The connecting body
103
has a corresponding pair of indentations 139, as shown in FIG. 7C, formed
thereon for
receiving the protruding end portions of the gripping elements 132 such that
the
gripping elements 132 are snapped into the indentations 139. Thus engaged, the
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retaining ring 111 of the illustrated embodiment is locked to the connecting
body 103,
and neither rotates nor moves laterally with respect to the same. The
retaining ring
111 has also formed thereon circular flanges 121, 124 and a circular groove
122. The
circular groove 122 is for seating an O-ring 134, as shown in FIG. 6A or 7C.
[00109] The retaining ring 111 may have an opening or two openings 112
formed thereon for receiving fluid from the handpiece 200, as shown in FIG.
7C. The
opening 112 for receiving fluid may be formed on the side of the connecting
portion
113. When two openings are present, they are formed on opposite sides of the
connecting portion 113. The fluid may exit, for example, via any other mode,
as
shown in FIGs. 4A and 4C, discussed above and more below.
[00110] More details of the retaining ring may be found in U.S. patent no.
7,044,736, entitled "Ultrasonic Dental Insert Having A Hand Grip Fitted To A
Retaining Ring", the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[00111] In other embodiments, the retaining ring 111 may not be present and
the groove may be present on the connecting body 103.
[00112] To seal the motor portion, for example, transducer 108, of the insert
100 and the handpiece 200 where water is circulated, so that water may lavage
the
motor 108 and keep it from overheating, as well as to keep the water from the
work
tip 102 except where desired, as discussed below, an O-ring 106 is generally
used.
The O-ring 106 generally sits in a groove 120 disposed somewhere on the
connecting
body 103 of the insert 100.
[00113] In one embodiment, the retaining ring 111 may have formed thereon,
adjacent to the connecting portion 113, a circular groove 120 for seating the
external
O-ring 106, as exemplified in FIGs. 5, 6A, 6B and 6C.
[00114] When the insert 100 is disposed inside the hollow cavity 228 of the
handpiece 200, the O-ring 106 may serve to retain the insert 100 within the
handpiece
200 by, in one embodiment, gripping the inside wall of the handpiece 200
(cylinder),
to be held securely inside the handpiece 200.
[00115] Typically, because of this sealing action of the O-ring 106, when the
insert is inside the handpiece 200, rotation of the insert 100 inside the
handpiece about
the O-ring 106 is difficult, and generally requires both hands with some
force. In the
present invention, the O-ring 106 serves both to seal and to facilitate freer
rotation of
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the insert 100 within the handpiece 200. More specifically, the rotation of
the insert
maybe effected between the O-ring and the rest of the insert.
[00116] The structure of the O-ring 106 is the same or substantially the same
as that of a traditional O-ring, as is clearly shown in FIGs. 5, 6A, 6B and
6C. The 0-
ring 106 has an outer peripheral 106a and an inner peripheral 106b, as also
shown in
FIGs. 6B and 6C. The groove 120 on the retaining ring 111, as shown in FIG. 6B
or
6C, includes a surface 120a that is in contact with one portion of the inner
peripheral
106b of the O-ring 106. In one embodiment, the frictional force between the
inner
peripheral 106b of the O-ring 106 and the surface 120a of the groove 120 is
relatively
low to allow rotation of the insert 100 about the O-ring 106 with minimal
resistance;
while at the same time, the outer peripheral 106a of the O-ring 106 which is
in contact
with at least a portion of the inside of the handpiece 200 serves the sealing
effect
noted above.
[00117] The relatively low frictional force generated between the contacting
surfaces may be due to the interaction of the materials used for these
contacting
surfaces, i.e., the two surfaces may include materials that have low or no
adhesive
interactions.
[00118] In one embodiment, the contacting surfaces may be constructed of
low frictional materials. In one aspect, the exposed surface 120a of the
groove 120
may be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction. In another
aspect, the
exposed surface 120a of the groove 120 may be coated with a low frictional
material.
In a further aspect, the inner peripheral 106b of the O-ring may be made of a
material
with a low coefficient of friction. In yet a further aspect, both the exposed
surface
120a and the inner peripheral 106b of the O-ring 106 may be made of a low
frictional
material. In yet another aspect, both surfaces of contact, i.e. 106b and 120a,
may be
coated with a material having a relatively low frictional material.
[00119] When a coating is used, the coating of the exposed surfaces of the
other areas of the retaining ring 111 may occasionally encountered wear
problems for
some coating materials, as this part of the insert has to endure harsh
environments, for
example, having constant water flow. At the same time, the coating on the
surface
120a of the groove 120 is somewhat protected by the O-ring and may not
encounter
similar wear problems and thus, if a coating is performed on the surface 120a,
more
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materials may be suitable for this coating. Thus, same, similar or different
coating
materials may be used for the different surfaces.
[00120] Examples of low frictional material may include polymeric or
metallic materials. Polymeric materials may include nylon (condensation
copolymers
formed by reacting equal parts of a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid, examples
of
which incldues nylon 6,6; nylon 5, 10; etc.), POM, (polyoxymethylene) HDPE
(high
density polyethylene), UHMW (Ultra high molecular weight high density
polyethylene) fluoro-polyethylenes such as PTFE (poly(tetrafluoroethene) or
poly(tetrafluoroethylene), for example, Teflon material and similar and a
variety of
polyxylylene polymers known as parylene. Metallic materials may include
stainless
steel, copper, titanium, magnesium, silver, zinc, a combination alloy thereof
and
similar low frictional materials. These materials may be coated onto the
contacting
surfaces 120a of the groove, the inner peripheral 106b of the O-ring 106, or
both, if a
coating is used. On the other hand, the contacting surfaces 120a or portions
encompassing the inner peripheral 106b of the O-ring 106 may also be made of
these
low coefficient materials.
[00121] In another embodiment, the relatively low frictional surfaces of
contact may also be made to have relatively smooth surfaces that may or may
not be
of relatively low frictional material. For example, by substantially
eliminating
irregularities on both surfaces of contact, on 106b and 120a, the coefficient
of friction
of the contacting surfaces may be reduced accordingly.
[00122] In yet another embodiment, a dual hardness O-ring 106 having a
different hardness/material in the bulk or inner peripheral 106b of the O-ring
106
from that of the outside peripheral 106a of the O-ring 106 is contemplated. In
one
aspect, a higher hardness material in the bulk or the inner peripheral 106b
may enable
the contact surface of the O-ring 106 and the contact surface 120a of the
groove 120
to have little or minimal adhesive interaction. Thus, instead of coefficient
of friction,
the property of the O-ring 106 may also be expressed in terms of its hardness
and a
lower hardness material on the outer peripheral 106a of the O-ring 106, may
have a
good sealing effect and better adhesion, while a higher hardness material on
the inner
peripheral 106b of the O-ring 106 may allow the insert 100 to rotate more
freely
inside the handpiece.
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[00123] As noted above, the lower resistance, due to lower frictional
interactions between the inner peripheral 106b of the O-ring 106 and the
contact
surface 120a of the groove 120 enables freer rotation of the insert 100 inside
the
handpiece 200 about the O-ring. In this embodiment, when the coefficient of
friction
on the outer peripheral 106a is high, there is sufficient axial friction
between the insert
100 and the inside wall of the handpiece 200 to substantially prevent the
insert 100
from popping out of the handpiece 200 due to water pressure within the
handpiece
200 and/or drag by the handpiece cable.
[00124] In another embodiment, the frictional force between the outer
peripheral 106a of the O-ring 106 and the inside of the handpiece 200 and the
frictional force between inner peripheral 106b of the O-ring 106 and the
contact
surface 120a of the groove 120 on the insert 100 may both be low, as long as
the
sealing action is not compromised. In this instance, the inside wall of the
handpiece
200 may include a groove 120b, as shown in FIG. 6B, similar to the groove 120
in the
insert 100, for seating the O-ring 106 and contacting its outer peripheral
106a. In this
embodiment, the O-ring 106 may fit into the groove such that the insert 100 is
not
likely to pop out of the handpiece 200. In other instances, the O-ring 106 may
have a
notch or more about its outer peripheral 106a and the inside wall of the
handpiece 200
may include a corresponding protrusion or more, so that the notch may mate
with the
protrusion to keep the insert 100 from popping out of the handpiece 200, as
exemplified in FIG. 6D. The notch or protrusion maybe, for example, of low
profile
so that the insert 100 may still fit relatively snuggly in the handpiece 200.
In other
embodiments, more than one O-ring is used, as is also shown in FIG. 6D, and
the
insert 100 may be further stabilized inside the handpiece 200.
[00125] In a further embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the outer
peripheral 106a of the O-ring 106 may be high even when a groove 120b or
notch, as
noted above, is present.
[00126] The groove 120b on the inside of the handpiece 200 may be of a high
or low coefficient of friction as long as the sealing action it provides is
not
compromised.
[00127] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the handpiece 200, without an
insert
100, that may receive the insert 100 as seen, for example, in FIG. 1. The
interconnect
206 located at a proximal end of the handpiece 200 is coupled to a cable
(e.g., the
17
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cable 12 of FIG. 1) for providing electrical energy as well as fluid (e.g.,
water) to the
handpiece 200. The interconnect 206 may have a strain reliever 207 formed
thereon
to relieve strain between the interconnect 206 and the cable 12.
[00128] A handgrip 212 may optionally be present on the handpiece 200, as
also exemplified in FIG. 11. The body 202 of the handpiece 200 has formed
thereon a
pair of grooves 203 that are substantially equidistant from the top and
traverse
substantially the whole length of the body 202. The grooves 203 may be used to
mount the hand grip 212 on the handpiece 200. The body 202 may also have
formed
thereon at its bottom near the distal end of the body 202 a plurality of
substantially
evenly spaced slots 208 that may serve to lock the handgrip 212 to keep it
from
moving in the direction of the axis of the handpiece 200. The body 202 may
also
have formed thereon at its bottom near the proximal end a groove 205 that is
co-linear
to the slots 208. The groove 205 may engage the hand grip 212 together with
the
grooves 203 to keep the hand grip 212 from rotating about the central axis of
the
handpiece 200. In other embodiments, the grooves 203 or 205 may not be used.
[00129] The hand grip 212 has an engagement portion 214, which has a
generally cylindrical shape and a hollow interior. The engagement portion 214
may
be slipped onto the body 202 similar to a sleeve, and engages the body 202
such that
the engagement portion envelops a portion of the body 202. The engagement
portion
may have formed thereon a resilient cantilever portion 218, which may be used
to
engage one of the slots 208 on the body 202. The engagement portion 214 may
also
have attached to its bottom surface a handle 216, which may be used by a
dental
practitioner to hold the handpiece 200 during dental procedures. The handle
216 may
have formed on its back surface a plurality of indentations or protrusions
2200, which
may be used to facilitate grasping by a dental practitioner. More detail of
the handgrip
may be found in U.S. publication no. U.S. 2005/0142515 Al, entitled "Dental
Tool
Having A Hand Grip", the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[00130] The handpiece 200 may include at least one coil 238 which may be
mounted on a bobbin 236 (shown in exploded form in FIG. 12) for providing the
energy to the motor or transducer 108, which may include a stack of nickel
plates
such that the nickel plates 108 may vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The
coil 238
receives energy from the electrical energy & fluid source 14 through the cable
12 as
shown in FIG. 1 or IA.
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[00131] The insert 100 may also have a grip portion 104 towards its distal
end, enveloping the connecting body 103, as shown in FIGs. 1, IA, 2, 2A, 3,
3A, 4A,
4C, 4D, 5, 6, 6A, 6B, 6C and 7C. The grip 104 may be made of high temperature
resin. For example, the hand grip 212 and the grip portion 104 may each be
fabricated using thermoplastic elastomer such as SANTOPRENE available from
the
Monsanto Company, a polyvinylchloride polymer, a polyurethane foam or
elastomer,
a polyamide, silicon, natural or synthetic rubber, for example, elastomeric
materials
and may include, but not limited to, various copolymers or block copolymers
(Kratons ) available from Kraton Polymers and include styrene-butadiene rubber
or
styrene isoprene rubber, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber,
nitrile
rubber (acrylonitrile butadiene), and the like, or those used in the
construction of
some work tips 102, discussed below, or any other suitable material that are
moldable.
[00132] Also, additives may be added and/or blended into the aforementioned
material to impart antimicrobial properties into the grip portion.
Antimicrobial
polymer additives may be categorized into two broad categories: organic or
inorganic.
These two categories have different attributes and may produce different
desirable
end-applications. While many antimicrobial additives are referred to as
biocides, they
have in fact two different effects: biocidal (killing of the organism) and
biostatic
(preventing reproduction). Organic additives are generally biostatic, and
inorganic
additives generally combine biocidal and biostatic properties.
[00133] Inorganic antimicrobials generally utilize metal ions as their active
biocidal agent, and once incorporated into a polymer matrix insitu, they
remain with
the matrix. The most commonly used metal ion is silver; others include copper
and
zinc. Silver ions are believed to disable bacterial cells by acting on them in
several
ways, and this multiplicity of action results in a strong biocidal effect. In
the primary
mode of attack, silver ions bind to the cell membrane, affecting its ability
to regulate
the diffusion and transport of molecules in and out of the cell. Similarly,
once inside
the cell, the ions target thiol groups on the proteins, which function as
enzymes in
their critical metabolic pathways. This denatures the enzymes, bringing about
a loss of
cell functional ability, and leads to cell death. Inorganic delivery systems
on the
market today may include those relying on ceramic glasses, doped titanium
dioxides,
and even zeolites as their carrier and release mechanisms. Inorganic systems
tend to
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be much more thermally stable than organic ones. The thermal stability of the
organic
system means there is a wide range of polymers that can benefit from these
additives.
[00134] For example, an inorganic ceramic crystal may be added to the
polymer to impart the natural protection of silver into the polymer matrix,
and thus
the corresponding molded material prior to molding. In addition, non-metal-
containing isothiazalone family of biocides, and other types, such as
triclosan
(chlorinated diphenyl ether), and Microban may also provide antimicrobial
protection.
[00135] Portions of or the entire handgrip may also be made of natural plant
materials, natural material coating or blends thereof, that have inherent
antimicrobial
effects. Such materials include materials like bamboo, believes to possess
antimicrobial activity due to some novel chitin-binding peptides.
[00136] In one embodiment, the grip portion 104 may be in one piece. In
another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the grip portion 104 may be in
multiple
sections, for example, three sections, a proximal end section 104a and distal
end
section 104c of one material separated by a mid-section 104b of a different
material.
In one aspect, the three sections may only differ in color. In another aspect,
the three
sections may differ in hardness or softness. In yet another aspect, the three
sections
may differ in diameter or circumferential span. The sections may be co-molded
or
over-molded, or may be attached after forming. By way of example, a two-piece
grip
portion 104 may be over-molded or ultrasonically welded together over the
illumination energy bobbin 126.
[00137] In one embodiment, the grip portion 104 may be formed through
injection molding after mounting an illumination energy coil 99 (to be
discussed
further below) and the light source 101 on the connecting body 103.
[00138] In another embodiment, the grip portion 104 may be overmolded
onto the connecting body 103, as shown in FIG. 6C.
[00139] The grip portion 104 may have a generally cylindrical shape in one
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2b, to be fitted over the illumination energy
bobbin
126 and connecting body 103, for securing the light source 101 in place (e.g.,
through
injection molding directly on the illumination energy bobbin 126), if present,
as
shown in FIG. 7c. The grip portion may also have a slightly protruding portion
98 on
one side at the end of which the light source 101 (e.g., LED) is disposed, in
one
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embodiment. In other embodiments, such as exemplified in FIG. 6B or 6C, there
is no
protruding portion 98 and the insert with a light source 101 is substantially
of the
same shape as one without a light source. In still other embodiments, the
retaining
ring 111 may not be used. Other embodiments of the grip portion 104 are also
further
described in detail below.
[00140] In one embodiment, along its outer surface, as shown in FIG. 2, 2A
or 2B, the grip portion 104 has a contour and has a slightly concave area 107,
enabling it to be easily grasped by a dental practitioner. The grip portion
104 may
also have formed thereon a plurality of bumps 105 (i.e., rounded or striped
protrusions
as shown in FIG. 2, 2A and 2B) on its external surface to further facilitate
grasping of
the device by a dental practitioner. Some may even be ergonomically designed.
[00141] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the retaining ring 111 also
has formed thereon circular flanges 121, 124 and a circular groove 122. The
circular
groove 122 is for seating the O-ring 134, as discussed above. The grip portion
104 has
an undercut 1260 formed therein for fitting over the distal end of the
retaining ring
111, and engaging the flange 121. The undercut 1260, for example, is circular
in
shape.
[00142] The grip portion 104 has also formed thereon a depressed region 128
below the undercut 1260 on its inner surface, which is used to engage the
flange 124
and further prevent the retaining ring 111 from moving into the grip portion
104. The
depressed region 128, for example, is also circular in shape, wherein the
depressed
region 128 has a radius larger than that of the undercut 1260. The undercut
1260 and
the depressed region 128 fit tightly with the flanges 121 and 124,
respectively.
[00143] A tip O-ring 136 may also be present, as shown in FIG. 6C, and
serves to seal the work tip 102 against the grip portion 104. This O-ring 136
may also
be seated in a groove 138.
[00144] The work tip 102 may be permanently or removably attached to the
connecting body 103. When removably attached, the tips 102 may be interchanged
depending on the desired application. Further, the tip 102 may be disposed of,
or
steam autoclaved, or otherwise sterilized, after detaching it from the rest of
the
ultrasonic dental insert 100. For example, the tip 102 may be made using high
temperature plastic such as a polyetherimide like ULTEM ; Polysulfone,
Polyphenylene Sulfide, Polyarylate, Epoxy, phenolic, polyurethane, melamine, a
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polymeric alloy such as Xenoy resin, which is a composite of polycarbonate
and
polybutyleneterephthalate or Lexan plastic, which is a copolymer of
polycarbonate
and isophthalate terephthalate resorcinol resin (all available from GE
Plastics),
polycarbonate, acetal, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), liquid crystal polymers,
such as
an aromatic polyester or an aromatic polyester amide containing, as a
constituent, at
least one compound selected from the group consisting of an aromatic
hydroxycarboxylic acid (such as hydroxybenzoate (rigid monomer),
hydroxynaphthoate (flexible monomer), an aromatic hydroxyamine and an aromatic
diamine, (exemplified in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,242,063, 6,274,242, 6,643,552 and
6,797,198, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference),
polyesterimide
anhydrides with terminal anhydride group or lateral anhydrides (exemplified in
U.S.
Patent No. 6,730,377, the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference)or
combinations thereof. The term "plastic" is used herein to generally designate
synthetic polymeric material, such as resin.
[00145] The work tip 102 may also be made of metal or metallic alloys such
as stainless steel, which is particularly suitable when the work tip 102 is
permanently
attached to the insert 100. The attachment method may include any non-
removable
attachment such as soldering, welding, brazing, or the tip 102 may also be
integrally
formed as part of the connecting body 103.
[00146] The body 202 of the handpiece 200 has an inner surface which
defines a substantially hollow interior or cavity 228 formed therethrough,
into which
the bobbin 236 is received, as exemplified in FIG. 12. During a typical
ultrasonic
dental tool operation, fluid is pumped through the cable and the handpiece 200
to the
tip 102 of the insert 100. Water is also circulated in the handpiece 200 to,
for
example, keep the motor or transducer 108 from overheating. The vibrating tip
102 of
the insert 100 breaks the fluid stream into a spray. The spray not only keeps
the tip
102 cool, but also keeps the surface of the tooth cool and provides protection
against
tissue damage. The fluid path through the handpiece 200 (through the bobbin
236) is
sealed such that no leakage occurs until the fluid stream exits from the
insert 100 at
the distal end through a fluid delivery channel, for example, 117, as
discussed below.
In some embodiments, the hollow cavity 228 may have more than one compartment
through which air and water may be delivered, respectively. In an exemplary
embodiment, the compartments may be stacked one above the other. The air is
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delivered via the lower compartment and water is delivered via the upper
compartment so that instead of a stream, the air/water mixture becomes a fine
mist
which can be gentler on the teeth.
[00147] The bobbin 236, if present, has also formed thereon a pair of
substantially circular flanges 256 and 258. The long coil 238 may be mounted
on the
bobbin 236 between the flanges 256 and 258. The bobbin 236 has also formed
thereon a pair of substantially circular flanges 260 and 262 near its proximal
end. A
short coil 240 is mounted on the bobbin 236 between the circular flanges 260
and 262.
The coils, 238, 240, for example, are made from insulated wires. In other
embodiments, the coils, 238, 240, may have substantially the same length, or
the
longer coil may be mounted near the proximal end of the bobbin 236.
[00148] Near its proximal end, the bobbin 236 has formed thereon a circular
groove 272 for seating an O-ring 242. By seating the O-ring 242 in the groove
272, a
water tight seal is formed between the bobbin 236 and the inner surface of the
body
202 such that the fluid does not leak from the handpiece 200.
[00149] The bobbin 236 has an inner surface, which defines a generally
cylindrical cavity for transmitting fluid from the proximal end to the distal
end, and
has an opening 264 at its proximal end for receiving fluid into the
cylindrical cavity.
The bobbin 236 has also formed at its proximal end a plurality (e.g., three)
of
openings 266, which are used to receive plug pins 248 in the bobbin 236. The
plug
pins 248 are made of electrically conductive material such as copper. The
bobbin
236, the body 202, the hand grip 212 and the casing for the interconnect 206
are made
of a suitable synthetic polymeric material, such as those mentioned above.
[00150] The bobbin 236 has also formed thereon a plurality of linear grooves
268 that are aligned with and extend from the respective openings 266 to the
coils 238
and/or 240. The pins 248 installed, respectively, in the openings 266 and the
grooves
268 are soldered and/or otherwise electrically connected to the coils 238
and/or 240,
and are used to transmit electrical signals from the electrical energy & fluid
and/or air
source via the cable through the interconnect 206.
[00151] The interconnect 206 has also formed thereon a plurality (e.g., three)
of elongated sockets 246 that engage the openings 266, respectively. The
elongated
sockets 246, for example, are formed on a connector portion 244 of the
interconnect
206. The elongated sockets 246 have formed therein electrical contacts for
making
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electrical connections with the plug pins 248, respectively. The electrical
contacts are
electrically connected at the other end with the wires in the cable 12, for
example, to
supply electrical energy to the coils 238 and 240, thereby energizing them.
[00152] Referring now to FIG. 7B, the tip has an elongated tapered portion
115, and a cylindrical interface portion 1140 ("base"). The interface portion
1140 may
be adapted for removably connecting or disconnecting the tip 102 to the insert
100, as
discussed below. It can be seen in FIG. 7B that the tapered portion 115 is
curved to a
certain degree. The tapered portion 115 has a circular cross section whose
diameter
decreases gradually from the end abutting the interface portion 1140 ("the
proximal
end") to the other end of the tip ("the distal end"). The distal end is
applied to the
gum/teeth of the patient during the dental procedures. The degree of curve of
the
tapered portion 115 is chosen to better facilitate the functioning of the tip
102 on the
tooth during operation of the dental tool 10 in a dental procedure.
[00153] In one embodiment, the curve in the tapered portion 115 may be
towards the light source 101, i.e., towards the right side of the insert 100,
if one is
present. In another embodiment, the curve in the tapered portion 115 may be
away
from the light source 101, i.e., towards the left side of the insert 100.
[00154] In another embodiment, as exemplified in FIG. 7A, the insert 100
may include an external flow tube or pipe 102a, for example, in the form of a
separate
tube or pipe, for delivering water to the tip 102. The tube 102a may be
disposed in
such a way as to reduce spattering and produce an adhering coat of fluid on
the tip
102. The external flow tube 102a may be supplied with water via an internal
flow
channel 102b, which interfaces with the fluid chamber inside the insert 100.
[00155] In other embodiments, the tip 102 may have an opening towards the
distal end for enabling fluid to exit the insert 100, an example of this is
shown in FIG.
4A or 7B. In this embodiment, the tip 102 may have a small passageway 117
therethrough for supplying water or other fluid to the region in the mouth
being
operated on.
[00156] In other embodiments, a fluid passageway 117 may be internal of the
tip 102, as exemplified in FIG. 4, 4A or 7B. In this embodiment, the tip 102
may have
a small passageway 117 therethrough for supplying water or other fluid to the
region
in the mouth being operated on. The exit or orifice, for example, 119, maybe
situated
at different portions of the tip 102, depending on the type or function of the
tip 102.
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[00157] In FIG. 7B, the insert tip 102 may utilize an internal flow channel
117, such as a small lumen or passage way 117 through a substantial length of
its
interior, which receives water from the internal fluid chamber within the
insert 100
about the interface portion 1140 and exits the tip 102 at the aperture 119 to
deliver it
to the working area.
[00158] The aperture 119 may be eccentrically offset from the center axis of
the tip 102 such that the passageway 117 is substantially parallel to the
center axis of
the tip 102 but displaced from said axis towards the distal end. In other
examples, the
insert 100 may have an opening at the end of its tip 102 which may have a
small
passage way 117 extending throughout the entire length such that water or any
other
liquid may exit the tip 102 at its distal point, depending on the type or
function of the
tip 102.
[00159] In one aspect, the passageway 117 may be formed generally along
the longitudinal axis of the tip 102 and may be offset such that a fluid
discharge
orifice 119 may be formed displaced away from the tip 102, such as exemplified
in
FIG. 7B 1 or 7B2. The aperture or orifice 119 may be eccentrically offset from
the
center axis of the tip 102 such that the passageway 117 is substantially
parallel to the
center axis of the tip 102 but displaced from said axis towards the distal
end.
[00160] In one example, a fluid passageway 117 maybe bored through the
body of the tip 102, with an angular offset from the longitudinal center axis
of the tip
body 102 such that fluid discharge orifice 119 is formed in a side wall of the
tip body
102, located a selected distance from the distal end of the tip 102, as shown
in FIG.
7B1.
[00161] According to FIG. 7B1, the internal fluid passageway 117 may
emerge from the shaped tip 102 as a fluid discharge orifice 119 at or very
near the
first node of vibration, if misting desired. At 25 kHz and 30 kHz, the FIG. 7B
1 tip
design may have its first node at from about 4 to 5 mm from the tip 102. The
second
loop, after the loop at the tip end, occurs between 7 and 9 mm from the tip
end, where
the flexural motion is still great enough to cause complete misting of the
fluid flowing
towards the tip 102. If misting is not desired, the orifice 119 may break out
of the tip
wall between about 5.5 and 6.5 mm from the tip end. The supply of fluid
emerging
from the discharge orifice 102f may exit at a point adjacent to a vibrational
node of
relatively low motion, which may minimize or will not cause spray and mist
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formation. The exact location of the fluid discharge orifice 119 and, hence,
the angle
offset employed in boring the passageway 117 may be determined by the ultimate
final shape of the tip and the flexural motion desired.
[00162] While spraying occurs, the spray is at the work surface and will
properly flush and cool the surface of the tooth.
[00163] The fluid passageway 117 maybe formed in the tip body 102 by
means of a number of techniques including drilling and boring. A boring method
maybe of electric discharge machining, a method of removing metal material
using a
series of rapidly recurring electric arcing discharges between an electrode
(the cutting
tool) and a work piece. The EDM cutting tool is guided along a cutting path
very
close to but, not touching, the work piece. Consecutive sparks produce a
series of
micro-craters in the work piece by melting and vaporizing the workpiece
material.
The resulting particles are washed away by a continuous flow of dielectric
fluid.
Utilizing this method may ensure that there is no bending of the hole being
drilled,
and that the passageway 117 maybe angled to break out on a wall surface of the
tip
102, as shown in FIG. 7B 1, on the convex side of the existing or intended
bend, 5 to 8
mm from the end of the tip 102, as discussed below in relation to FIG. 7B 1 or
B2.
Typically, after forming the passageway 117, the tip 102 is machined, formed
or bent
to its useful finished shape and configuration. This is discussed more below.
[00164] Alternatively, the passageway 117 may be bored into the tip body or
cylinder using a lathe that is equipped with a tail stock that can be offset.
The offset is
adjusted, for example, sufficiently to produce an angle of 1 to 1.6 degrees
from the
centerline of the tip body cylinder 102. This is equivalent to an offset
distance of 0.4
to 0.6 mm at the end of the cylinder 102. The passageway 117 is drilled and
the offset
tailstock of the lathe is returned to its centering position, aligned with the
live or
driven center of the lathe. The blank is then machined, for example, to
provide
tapering, to its final design dimensions. The result is a tip blank that has
its internal
fluid passageway 117 centered at the large end of the blank and exiting at a
cylindrical wall displaced from but near the small end of the tip 102. This
process
produces a blank that is of uniform cross-section, tapering near the end of
the tip 102,
where vibrational stresses are greatest and maximum material within the design
parameter is needed for strength. Maximum strength may be achieved by this
method
because the machine tip blank 102 may remain concentric to its maximum
strength
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orientation formed along its longitudinal axis during drawing. The resulting
tip 102
has a fluid outlet 119 located 2 to 8 mm from the end of the tip 102.
[00165] To produce the passageway 117 exemplified in FIG. 7B1, as another
example, if the tip 102 is separate from the connecting body 103, the
passageway 117
maybe bore using any suitable boring tool, from the connecting end of the tip
102 to
the connecting body 103 prior to connecting to the connecting body 103. The
tip 102
may then be bent to any configuration, but typically to an arc of about 60-70
degrees,
and typically made after the passageway 117 has been bored, as shown in FIG.
7B2.
[00166] In another example, if the tip 102 is connected to the connecting boy,
an electric discharge (EDM) method may be used to create the passageway, as
shown
in FIG. 7B3 and B4. In this example, a short "cross hole" 102f, as shown in
FIG. 7B3
is first made in the connecting body 103. The cross hole allows fluid
supplying to the
inside of the handpiece 200 to feed into the passageway 117. The tip 102 is
also first
bent to a'Contrabend Geometry' as shown in FIG. 7B3. The long passage 117 is
substantially parallel to the axis of the connecting body 103 and
substantially
coincident with the central axis of the connecting body 103. The passageway
117
maybe then cleaned and/or deburred. At the completion of the process, the tip
102 is
then bent to a 'Final Bend Geometry' as shown in FIG. 7B4.
[00167] In all the examples, care is undertaken to insure that the bend does
not restrict the flow of fluid through the tip 102. The exact shape of the tip
may be
determined by the work piece surfaces upon which the tool is to be utilized.
[00168] In another aspect, the tip 102 may have an opening at the distal end
for enabling fluid to exit the insert 100, an example of this is shown in FIG.
4D. In
this embodiment, the tip 102 may have a small passageway 117 therethrough for
supplying water or other fluid to the region in the mouth being operated on.
[00169] In a further aspect, the passageway 117 may be formed generally
along the longitudinal center axis of the tip 102, but without bending the tip
102 prior
to the drilling or EDM process, as shown in FIG. 7B 1, except that the axis of
the
passageway 117 makes a substantially right-angled turn towards the exit point
or
orifice 119 in the wall of the tip 102 instead of angling along the length of
the
passageway.
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[00170] In yet a further aspect, a tube internal of the tip 102 may be used to
carry the fluid towards the bent portion of the tip, as shown in FIG. 4A. The
tube
maybe inserted through the passageway 117.
[00171] In yet another aspect, the tube internal of the tip 102 may exit in an
area of the tip 102 where there is a groove in the tip so that the tube may
rest in the
groove (not shown) for a distance and thus is barely visible. In this
embodiment, the
flow tube 102a as shown in FIG. 7A may be situated closer to the tip portion
102 for
it to rest in a groove of the tip portion 102.
[00172] In yet another embodiment, as exemplified in FIG. 4C, a sleeve 102C
may substantially surround a portion of the connecting body 103 of the insert
100.
The connecting body 103 includes an elongated region of reduced diameter
proximal
to the tip 102, and the sleeve 102C, may be positioned around and
substantially filling
the reduced diameter region of the connecting body 103, and covering at least
portions of the tip 102, may be fitted over the tip 102 in such a manner that
a small
channel exits for water to pass through and guide towards the tip 102.
[00173] The sleeve 102C, may be in the form of, for example, an elongated
elastomeric tube portion, and may also act to dampen noise generated by
operation of
the insert 100. The elastomeric material may include an acrylic acid/acrylic
ester
copolymer such as iso-octylacrylate, having good vibration damping properties,
or
any of the materials described below for the handgrip 104. Some of these
materials
are also described in U.S. 5,118,562, the content of which is hereby
incorporated by
reference.
[00174] Further, an opening for applying the fluid to the mouth may instead
be formed on the bobbin 126, as noted above, or the grip portion 104.
[00175] The tip 102 may be in the form of a scaler, an endodontic dental file,
a dental drill, or those useful for other periodontal treatments. Some of them
can also
have a capability of delivering fluid and/or air.
[00176] The tip 102 may be formed as a single integrated piece with the
connecting body 103. In other embodiments, the tip 102 may have attached to
the
interface portion 1140, a threaded portion for engaging a threaded opening
formed on
the connecting body 103. This is illustrated in FIG. 7B.
[00177] What is being described for FIG. 7B also applies to the embodiment
where the tip 102' is integral with the connection body 103', as shown in FIG.
7.
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Using such threaded engagement 119', the tip 102' may be made removable. Such
removability may allow the tip to be a disposable tip 102' that is replaced
after a
single patient use. In still other embodiments, the removable tips may also be
pressure fit into a corresponding opening on the connecting body 103'.
[00178] The replaceable tip 102', as shown in FIG. 7 may be made of metal
(e.g., stainless steel) or plastic (e.g., ULTEM ), as noted above. Since the
tip 102'
has a very small diameter, it may be subject to breakage if too much
ultrasonic
vibrations are applied to it. On the other hand, if insufficient vibrations
are applied,
the ultrasonic dental tool may not work effectively. Therefore, the connecting
body
103' and the tip 102' may be designed such that a proper level of vibration is
applied
to the tip. Since a plastic tip is more likely to break than the metal tip, a
shock
absorbing mechanism may be used on the connecting body 103' to reduce the
shock to
the plastic tip 102', such as the elastomeric sleeve 102c described above in
relationship to FIG. 4C, or the O-rings 140' and 142', to be described below.
[00179] In one embodiment, the connecting body 103' has formed thereon the
threaded tap 119' for screwing in the tip 102', as is shown in FIG. 7. The
word "tap"
will refer hereinafter to a threaded opening formed at the distal end of the
connecting
body 103' for engaging the threaded portion 109'. The threaded portion 109'
engages
a corresponding thread on the inner surface of the threaded tap 119' such that
the tip
102' is received by the connecting body 103'.
[00180] The connecting body 103' has formed surrounding the threaded tap
119' a pair of grooves 141' and 143' for seating O-rings 140' and 142',
respectively.
The O-rings absorb shock such that the vibrations "felt" by the tip 102 are
reduced
(i.e., dampened), thereby reducing the chance of breaking the plastic tip 102.
In other
embodiments, the connecting body may have only one or two or more O-rings
mounted thereon for such shock absorption purposes. In still other
embodiments, the
threaded portion 109' may have a diameter that is substantially the same as
the
diameter of the interface portion 114', and the diameter of the threaded tap
portion
119' may be correspondingly larger to receive the threaded portion 109'.
[00181] The transducer 108, as shown in FIGs. 2 and 2A may, for example,
include a stack of thin nickel plates arranged in parallel with respect to one
another.
Since the transducer 108 generates ultrasonic vibrations in the dental tool,
the
transducer 108 may also be referred to as a motor. In one embodiment the thin
nickel
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plates may include 16 laminated nickel alloy strips, which are 90 % nickel
manganese
(NiMn). The nickel plates may be joined together at both ends at a brazed
joint using,
for example, a brazing compound including cadmium free silver solder and high
temperature brazing flux. The illustrated insert 100 is a magnetostrictive
type insert
100 in which the nickel plates 108 can vibrate ultrasonically when a coil
(e.g., coil
238, as shown in FIG. 12) in the handpiece 200 is energized using the
electrical
signals from the cable 12.
[00182] During operation, the stack of thin nickel plates 108, for example,
vibrates at a frequency equal to the stack's natural frequency responsive to
excitation
induced by coils 268 of the handpiece 200. After the insert 100 is placed in
the
handpiece 200 and the electrical energy source 14 is powered on, the operator
may
manually tune the frequency of the electrical energy source until it reaches
the
resonance frequency, i.e., the natural frequency of the insert. Alternatively,
auto-tune
units may automatically lock on the insert resonance frequency once powered
on. At
this time, the stack begins vibrating. This vibration of the stack is
amplified and
transmitted to the tip 102 through the connecting body 103. Any means of
amplification are contemplated. Ultrasonic inserts 100 may vibrate at
frequencies of
from about 20 KHz to about 50 KHz in general, and those used in the United
States
are typically designed to vibrate at frequencies of about 25 kHz or about 30
kHz. In
response to the ultrasonic vibration of the stack of thin nickel plates 108,
the tip 102
and the connecting body 103 vibrates (e.g., rapid back and forth motion in the
direction of the axis of the connecting body 103). By way of example, the
motion in
the direction of the axis may be between about .00 125 centimeter (cm) to
about
.00375 cm depending on such factors as the vibration frequency, material used
for the
connecting body 103, the length of the connecting body 103, and the like.
[00183] In one embodiment, the light source 101 is energized by the already
available ultrasonic vibrational energy such that an additional source of
energy is not
needed. By way of example, a transducer 108, such as and/or including, an
illumination energy coil 238, is provided and attached to the light source 101
such
that the light source 101 is energized using vibrational energy converted by
the
transducer 108. By way of example, a first transducer 108 is used to generate
ultrasonic vibrations. This causes the connecting body 103 to move rapidly to
generate an electromagnetic field during operation of the insert 100. As the
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connecting body 103 of the dental insert 100 moves, an alternating current
(ac)
voltage is generated in the illumination energy coil 238, which is connected
in series
with the light source 101 (e.g., light emitting diode (LED)) to provide energy
for light
emission. In other embodiments, any other suitable transducer for converting
vibrational energy to energy for light emission may be used. The word "light
source"
as used herein may include one or more than one light source(s).
[00184] In other embodiments, the ultrasonic dental insert 308 may use a
piezoelectric transducer 306, as is common in Europe, as exemplified in FIG.
13. A
piezoelectric transducer may also generate ultrasonic vibrations for a dental
tool 300.
During operation of such a dental tool 300, an electrical signal of an
appropriate
frequency is applied to a piezoelectric crystal. This electrical signal
impresses a
voltage across the crystal. In response to this voltage, the crystal expands
and/or
contracts and the expansion and/or contraction may be used to drive a tool tip
316.
[00185] As is known by one of skill in the art, the piezoelectric effect is
reversible. Applying an appropriate stress to a piezoelectric crystal may
cause a
voltage to appear across the crystal. This voltage, in turn, may be used to
drive an
electric current through an electrical load, such as a light emitting diode.
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 13, a
piezoelectric
generator 312 is mechanically coupled to a connecting body 311 adapted to
support a
tool tip 316 of a dental tool 300.
[00186] In FIG. 13, the dental tool 300 includes a handpiece 304 and a dental
insert 308. The handpiece 304 includes a transducer 306, which may be or
includes a
coil for energizing an ultrasonic generator 314 in the ultrasonic dental
insert 308. The
handpiece 304 receives electrical energy and fluid and/or gas (e.g., water)
from an
electrical energy, fluid and/or gas source 302. The handpiece 300, by way of
example, may be substantially the same as the handpiece 200 of FIGs. 11 and
12. The
dental insert 308 includes a light source 310 coupled to the piezoelectric
generator
312. The electrical energy source 302 supplies an electrical signal to the
transducer
306. The transducer 306 receives the electrical signal and generates an
alternating
magnetic field.
[00187] In operation, the ultrasonic generator 314 is disposed within the
magnetic field and vibrates in response to the alternation of the magnetic
field, as
noted above. The vibrations of the ultrasonic generator 314 are mechanically
coupled
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to the tip 316 and to the piezoelectric generator 312. The piezoelectric
generator 312
generates an electrical current which is received by the light source 310. The
light
source 310 may be integrated with the dental insert 308, and may include two
or more
light sources, similar to that discussed before.
[00188] In one aspect, the piezoelectric member 312 may be disposed
anywhere it may readily access the mechanical or vibrational energy of the
first
transducer 314. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric member 312 may be
disposed
proximate to the connecting body 311. In another embodiment, the piezoelectric
member 312 may be disposed proximate to the first transducer 314. In yet
another
embodiment, the piezoelectric member 312 may be combined with the first
transducer
314. In one aspect, a piezoelectric member 312 may be used in place of one of
the
nickel plates in the first transducer 314. In another aspect, a piezoelectric
member 312
may surround at least a portion of the first transducer 314, for example, as a
coating
on at least a portion of the first transducer 314.
[00189] The piezoelectric generator 312 may include a piezoelectric body
such as a quartz crystal, a Rochelle salt crystal, a lead-zirconate-titanate
(PZT)
ceramic, polymers including polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), or similar.
Vibration
of the tool tip 316 and/or a connecting body 311 induces an electrical voltage
across
the piezoelectric body. The electrical voltage drives a current through the
light source
310, such as a light emitting diode, supported on the dental insert 308 of the
dental
tool 300. According to one aspect of the invention, light from the light
source 310
may be used to illuminate a work region near the tip 316 of the dental tool
300, as
shown in FIG. 13.
[00190] FIG. 14 illustrates a dental tool 300'having a handpiece 304' and a
dental insert 308'. The dental tool 300' is coupled to an electrical energy,
fluid and/or
gas source 302', and operates in a similar manner as the dental tool 300 of
FIG. 13,
discussed above, except that the dental tool insert 308' includes a
triboluminescent
material 312'located near a tip 316' for providing illumination of the work
region. A
separate light source may not be needed as the triboluminescent material 312'
emits
light when stressed/deformed, e.g., by the vibrational energy generated by an
ultrasonic generator 314' and transmitted via a connecting body 311'. The
energy for
the ultrasonic generator 314' is provided by a transducer 306' in the
handpiece 304'.
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[00191] Surprisingly, it is found that when the connecting body 103, or 103'
or portions of the insert 100 is effectively magnetized, the output of the
light source
such as an LED 101 is sufficiently bright to be used on a workpiece,
particularly when
the energy for powering the light source 101 comes from the vibrational
energy. In
one embodiment, when such mildly magnetic material is used for the connecting
body
103, or 103', a magnetic source, such as a permanent magnet, a rare-earth
magnet, or
a magnetic field, may be used to initiate and/or also to re-establish proper
magnetization of the metal connecting body 103 or 103' after autoclaving or
exposure
to unsuitable environment such as shock. When this re-magnetizing is done, the
brightness of the light source, such as the LED 101, is increased by more
than, for
example, about 50% over that of a non-magnetized connecting body, or even over
that
of a mildly magnetized connecting body. The magnetic source 410 may be placed
in
close proximity to the connecting body 103 or the insert 100. For example, the
magnetic source 410 may be embedded in the housing of the insert, as shown in
FIG.
7. In another exemplary embodiment, the magnetic source 410 may be removably
coupled to the connecting body 103'.
[00192] In a further exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the
connecting body 103, or 103' and/or insert 100 may include a magnetic material
or
source 410, such as a permanent magnet, or a rare-earth magnet. A rare-earth
metal,
such as Neodymium-Boron, or Samarium-Cobalt, may be formed one at least a
portion of the connecting body 103 or 103' towards the tip 102.
[00193] According to one embodiment, a ring-shaped holder 147 may be
used to hold the magnetic source. In one embodiment, the ring-shaped holder
147
may be integrally formed on the bobbin 126, as exemplified in FIG. 7D 1 and
D2. In
one embodiment, the magnetic source 410 may be of arcuate shape. The arcuate
shape
may be of a small arc. In another embodiment, the magnetic source 149 may be
of a
rectangular block, as exemplified in FIGs. 7D1 and 7D2. The thicknesses and
lengths
of the blocks may vary. A thinner and longer block may reduce the protrusion
of the
magnetic source material 149, and thus the protrusion on the handgrip may be
reduced, while at the same time, a thicker and shorter block may aid in space
management of the insert in other respects.
[00194] In addition, one of skill in the art would recognize that the shapes
and locations of the magnetic materials or sources shown in FIG. 7 is merely
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exemplary, and that many alternative locations would also fall within the
invention
scope, as long as the magnetic material or source is close to the tip 102 or
102', or
other parts of the connecting body 103'.
[00195] In one embodiment, the magnetic material or source 149 may be
placed inside an appropriate holder, as exemplified in FIG. 7D1, 7D2, 7D3, 7D4
or
7D5 (to be further discussed below), to magnetize or to re-magnetize the
insert 100 or
100' and tip 102 to allow the connecting body 103 or 103' to generate an
electromagnetic field during operation of the insert 100 to power an attached
light
source 101 such as an LED. The holder may be in close proximity to the coil
99'
inside the grip portion 104, such as shown in FIG. 7, to be used to generate
the
electromagnetic field that generates power to light the LED 101 connected to
the
insert 100. The presence of this magnetic material or source 410 may allow the
connecting body 103 or 103' to retain its magnetic properties in an optimal
manner
even after exposure to heat or physical shock.
[00196] In another embodiment, the magnetic material or source 410, may be
placed inside the grip portion 104, as shown in FIG. 7C, of the insert 100,
and thus is
in close proximity to the coil 99 inside the grip portion 104 that is used to
generate the
electromagnetic field, with one pole, for example, the north pole, of the
magnetic
source oriented in such a manner as to maximize that effect. This allows the
connecting body 103 to retain its magnetic properties in an optimal manner
even after
exposure to heat or physical shock.
[00197] As noted, the connecting body 103 is used to transfer ultrasonic
energy from an attached ultrasonic transducer 108 to the tip 102 of the
connecting
body 103, which may or may not be a detachable piece of the connecting body
103.
[00198] In the present invention, the magnetic materials or sources such as
permanent magnets and rare earth magnets may be used. Iron, nickel, cobalt and
some
of the rare earths (gadolinium, dysprosium) exhibit a unique magnetic behavior
which
is called ferromagnetism because iron (ferric) is the most common and most
dramatic
example. Samarium and neodymium in alloys with cobalt or boron have also been
used to fabricate very strong rare-earth magnets.
[00199] Ferromagnetic materials exhibit a long range ordering phenomenon
at the atomic level which causes the unpaired electron spins to line up
parallel with
each other in a region called a domain. Within the domain, the magnetic field
is
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intense, but in a bulk sample, the material may usually be unmagnetized
because the
many domains may themselves be randomly oriented with respect to one another.
Ferromagnetism manifests itself in the fact that a small externally imposed
magnetic
field, say from a solenoid, may cause the magnetic domains to line up with
each other
and the material is said to be magnetized. The driving magnetic field is then
increased
by a large factor which is usually expressed as a relative permeability for
the material.
[00200] Without wishing to be bound by a theory, it is surmised that some
magnetic materials, for example those having low susceptibility or
permeability (low
tendency to become magnetized), low hysteresis, (low tendency to "remember
their
magnetic history"), or low remanence (the fraction of the saturation
magnetization
which is retained when the driving field is removed), may lose what little
magnetic
properties they have due to autoclaving, repeated cycling, and/or physical
shock. This
loss may also lead to loss in the ability of the device to convert mechanical
energy to
electrical energy, and hence, reduced brightness of the light source 102.
[00201] On the other hand, those materials having good susceptibility or
permeability, good hysteresis, and high remanence, such as permanent magnets,
some
rare earth magnets, or ferromagnets, may be effective in initiating,
maintaining,
regenerating and/or increasing proper magnetization of the connecting body 103
or
103', and hence the brightness of the light source 102.
[00202] At the same time, all ferromagnets may also have a maximum
temperature where the ferromagnetic property disappears as a result of thermal
agitation. This temperature is called the Curie temperature. As long as the
autoclaving
temperature stays below this temperature, the magnetic properties may be
maintained
and the light source brightness is probably not affected. However, even below
the
Curie temperature, continual use and autoclaving may gradually reduce the
magnetic
property of the magnetic source 410, though the brightness of the light source
102
may remain in the useful range.
[00203] Autoclave in general is done above about 120 c. Therefore any
magnetic source having a Curie temperature above that temperature is not
likely to be
affected by autoclaving.
[00204] Some rare earths, for example, gadolinium, have unusual
superconductive properties. As little as 1 percent gadolinium may improve the
workability and resistance of iron, chromium, and related alloys to high
temperatures
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and oxidation. However, gadolinium has a Curie temperature at about room
temperature, and thus may not be suitable for use as a portion of the
connecting body
103, if autoclaving of such is to be customarily performed.
[00205] In one embodiment, if the magnetic material or source 410 used
includes gadolinium or others having a low Curie temperature, it may be
removable
prior to autoclaving. The magnet, as long as it is in sufficiently close
proximity to the
connecting body 103, 103' and/or the insert 100 during use, has value in
initiating, re-
magnetizing and maintaining proper magnetization of the connecting body 103 or
103'.
[00206] In one aspect, the magnetic source may also be coated with a coating
material for durability and/or corrosion resistance. The coating may include a
polymeric material, a metallic coating, a non-metallic inorganic coating or
combinations thereof. Examples of suitable polymeric material may be any that
can
be film forming either from solution, melt extruded or cast and may include
those that
are suitable for the tip 102 construction mentioned above. Examples of
metallic
coatings may include metallic nitride and carbide coatings such as titanium
nitride,
titanium carbide and so on. Examples of inorganic coatings may include ceramic
coatings, diamond-like carbon coatings and the like.
[00207] Referring now to FIG. 7C, the connecting body 103 may also have
formed thereon a circular groove 138 near its distal end and close to the tip
portion
102. An O-ring 136 is seated in the groove 138, as noted before in connection
with
FIG. 6C. When the illumination energy bobbin 126 is mounted on the connecting
body 103, the O-ring 136 provides a seal between the connecting body 103 and
the
illumination energy bobbin 126, when present, so as to prevent undesired fluid
leakage. The illumination energy bobbin 126 may be formed as one-piece, and
may
be slid onto and snap/pressure fit to the connecting body and/or the retaining
ring 111.
[00208] As also shown here in FIG. 7C, the O-ring 106 is disposed over the
groove 120 on the retaining ring 111.
[00209] In one embodiment, the bobbin 126' may be a light transmitting
cylinder or tube that may act as a light guide or light pipe lOla for
transmitting light
from the light source 10lb located away from the tip 102', as exemplified in
FIG. 7.
In one aspect, the light guide or light pipe lOla may be configured from a
material
having internal reflective surfaces, or the internal surfaces may be coated
with a
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material having total internal reflection. In another embodiment, the bobbin
126' may
be configured from a fiber optic bundle. In other embodiments, the bobbin may
be
configured of any suitable material.
[00210] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22A, an insert 300" may
include a light source 310a, which may be disposed distal to the tip 302, and
a light
transport 3110, such as a light guide or light pipe exit point may be used.
The light
transport 3110 may in general carry light from the light source 310a to a
light exit 313
which may be disposed such that light may be directed to the field of work.
The light
source 310a and the light transport 311 may in general be enclosed by the grip
portion
3080.
[00211] In other embodiments, a plurality of light ports 313, with their
respective light sources 310a and light transports 3110, as shown in FIG. 22B,
may be
integrated with the insert 300". The plurality of light sources 310a can also
have one
light port 3110. In still other embodiments, the light transports 3110 may not
be
integrated with the insert 300", but may instead be non-integrally attached to
the
insert 300" and/or the grip portion 3080, or only one light transport 3110 is
integrated
with the insert 300" and additional ones are not.
[00212] The light transports 311, as shown in FIGs. 22A and 22B, such as the
light exit ends of fiber optic bundles, may be individual elements running
from the
light source 310a to the light exits 313 or they may form part of illumination
energy
coil 314 (not shown), the grip portion 3080 or the connecting body 304.
[00213] It can be seen in FIGs. 7C and 7D1, that the illumination energy coil
99 is wound around the illumination energy bobbin 126, which is mounted in a
surrounding relationship with the connecting body 103. The bobbin 126, for
example,
may be made of high temperature plastic such as ULTEM or any other suitable
material mentioned above for the construction of the tip 102. The amount of
voltage
generated in the illumination energy coil 99 depends on such factors as the
number of
coil turns, the location of the illumination energy coil 99 with respect to
the
connecting body 103, the speed and frequency of the connecting body movement,
the
material used for the connecting body, and the like.
[00214] By way of example, when the illumination energy coil 99 may be
made of, for example, an 18 gauge copper wire and have multiple turns and the
connecting body 103 is, for example, made of 17-4 PH stainless steel, or 420
stainless
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steel, as mentioned above, the voltage signal having between about, for
example, 1
and about 10 volts, more for example, about 1 to about 5 volts, peak-to-peak,
may be
generated with the vibration frequency of 25 kHz. Those skilled in the art
would
appreciate that the magnitude of the voltage generated will generally increase
as the
number of turns and/or the vibration frequency increase.
[00215] In addition to the use of wires as an exemplary embodiment, a coil
99 may include any appropriate structure that may define at least a part of
closed
electrical pathway that may be induced by an appropriate changing magnetic
flux.
Such structures may include a single wire coil, multiple wire coils, wire flat
spirals,
wire conical coils and/or any other appropriate conductive structure that may
properly
be induced by a changing magnetic flux. Wire structures may be wound about a
structurally defining element, formed and retained by their own rigidity,
formed and
retained within a structural material such as resin, and/or by any other
appropriate
method. In some embodiments, wire structures may be disposed on or within a
[00215] flexible substrate and may be formed into an appropriate shape,
orientation and/or form. For example, wire segments and/or structures may be
disposed within a tape or other appropriate strip-like material. Such tape may
then be
wrapped around structurally defining elements to define wire structures such
as coils.
Electrical contacts may be disposed on the tape such that the embedded wires
may be
connected to other electrical elements. Examples of appropriate materials for
embedding wire structures may include any substantially flexible and non-
conductive
materials, such as, for example, polyimide films such as Kapton produced by
DuPont.
[00216] Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the voltage may increase as
the illumination energy bobbin 126 (and the illumination energy coil 99) is
mounted
closer to the nodal point on the connecting body 103 than to the distal end
where the
tip 102 is attached to. The nodal point is where the magnitude of the
longitudinal
waves on the connecting body 103 is close to zero, and the longitudinal stress
is at the
maximum, and may, in FIG. 7C, be the location where the gripping elements 132
are
attached to the connecting body 103 (i.e., the indentations 139), as noted
above.
[00217] Surprisingly, the presence of the magnetic material increases the
brightness of the light source to an extent that it render the location of
mounting of the
illumination bobbin 126 irrelevant, thus increasing the flexibility and
robustness of
manufacturing.
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[00218] It can be seen in FIG. 7C that the illumination energy bobbin 126
may have formed thereon, for example, a bracket 141 and a seat 142 for
mounting the
LED 101 thereon. Further, the illumination energy bobbin 126 has formed
thereon a
flange 143 and a generally cylindrical chamber 144, between which the
illumination
energy coil 99 is mounted. The generally cylindrical chamber 144 has formed
thereon
a flange 145. The illumination energy bobbin 126 also includes a ring section
146
attached to the chamber 144. The ring section 146 abuts the flange 121 of the
retaining ring 111 when the ultrasonic dental insert 100 has been assembled.
[00219] FIGs. 7D1, 7D2, 7D3, 7D4 and 7D5 each illustrates an exemplary
embodiment of the illumination energy bobbin 126 of FIG. 7, showing the
possible
location of the magnetic material or source 149. As seen in the exploded view
in FIG.
7D1 or D2, the illumination energy bobbin 126 has formed thereon away from the
ring section 146 a tube portion 140 which envelops the portion of the
connecting body
103 near the tip 102 (not shown). In the described embodiment, the fluid
enters the
illumination energy bobbin 126 through the ring section 146, and exits the
illumination energy bobbin 126 through the tube portion 140. The illumination
energy
coil 99 interfaces with the pins or electrodes lOla, 10lb (FIG. 7D1), or 10lbl
and
101b2 (FIG.7D2) of the light source 101 (FIG. 7D1) or 10lb (FIG. 7D2) through
the
ends of the coil 99a, 99b respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 7D5, such that
electrical
energy may be passed from the illumination energy coil 99 to the light source
101.
The illumination energy coil 99 may further have tape or other holding
material 97,
for example, disposed over at least a portion of the coil to maintain proper
positioning
and to prevent unwinding of the coil 99.
[00220] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
bobbin 126 further includes slots or other holding features 147 disposed near
the light
emitting circuitry, including the light source 101 and the illumination energy
coil 99,
as shown in FIGs. 7D1 and D5, or 7D2, D3 and D4. In the present embodiment,
the
slots or holding features 147 may be for example, of a box-like shape, and may
be
adapted to receive and retain magnets or magnetic source 410 or elements 149
in
proximity to the light emitting circuitry so as to initiate, increase,
maintain or re-
magnetize the insert 100 and tip 102 to allow the connecting body 103 or 103'
to
generate an electromagnetic field during operation of the insert 100 to power
an
attached light source 101 such as an LED. The holder 147 may be in close
proximity
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to the coil 99 (not shown here) inside the grip 104 that is used to generate
the
electromagnetic field that generates power to light the LED 101 connected to
the
insert 100 or 100'. The presence of this magnetic material or source 410 may
allow
the connecting body 103 or 103' to retain its magnetic properties in an
optimal
manner even after exposure to heat or physical shock, as described above.
[00221] In one embodiment, the illumination coil 99 may be wound about an
illumination bobbin 126, as shown in FIG. 7D3. For the energy generated to be
used
to light up the light source 101, the bobbin 126 may be made from a non-
magnetic
material, for example 303 & 316L stainless steel and other non-magnetic
metals,
polymers, cellulose, minerals, ceramics or a combination thereof.
[00222] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the retaining ring
111 and the bobbin 126 may be in a one-piece unitary structure 2303, as shown
in
FIG. 23. The unitary structure may be made from a high temperature material.
Initial
machining or forming of the high temperature material may or may not cause
stress
and or magnetism to occur in the unitary structure 2303. If this unwanted
stress and or
magnetism occurs, annealing of the part may be necessary to relieve any stress
and or
magnetism. Annealing is a process that produces conditions by heating and
maintaining a suitable temperature, and then cooling. Annealing is used to
induce
ductility, relieve internal stresses, refine the structure, and improve cold
working
properties. One of the advantages of having a one piece combined bobbin 126
and the
retaining ring 111 structure, for example, 2303 and 2403, may eliminate the
need for a
threaded connection between the bobbin 126 and retaining ring 111 and/or the
use of
an O-ring, such as o-ring 134, as shown in FIG. 7c, thus eliminating a
potential leak
path, reducing the amount of assembly time, and allowing for the reduction of
parts.
When the high temperature material, for example, is used to produce the
unitary
structures 2303 and 2403, the structures 2303 and 2403 may be assembled to the
connecting body 2305 prior to the tip 2306 being bent and heat treated. Once
the tip
2306 is bent into a desired orientation, the high temperature one-piece
unitary
structures 2303 and 2403 allow for the working tip to be heat treated with the
unitary
structures 2303 and 2403 loosely attached. The unitary structures 2303 and
2403 may
also be pre-treated with Teflon or other low friction surface treatments in
the grove
location 2312 and 2412, as shown in FIGs 25 and 31, respectively, for seating
an o-
ring 106, as discussed before, or 2301, as shown in FIG. 23.
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[00223] In one aspect, heat treatment may be utilized to strengthen the
working tip 2306 after bending to minimize the potential for breaking during
use,
especially prolong use. It may also be more advantageous to heat treat the
working tip
after it is bent and not before. After heat treatment, a distal O-ring 2800
may be
inserted prior to the coupling of the unitary structure 2303 or 2403 to the
working tip
by means of a pin, for example, 2328, as shown in FIGs. 28a and 34a. Once the
pin
2328 is secure, the winding of the illumination coil 2322 about the bobbin
2303 or
2403 may commence to create part of the transducer or motor 2326 or 2425, as
shown
in FIGs. 27 and 33 respectively.
[00224] In Figure 28, hole 2311 is shown as the location where pin 2328 may
be inserted. Magnet 2201 that is part of saddle half 2200 and saddle assembly
2321 is
also shown in the cross section. Bobbin 2303, connecting body 2305, lens
assembly
2600, O-ring 2301, illumination coil 2322, distal O-ring 2800 are also shown
in cross
section in figure 28. Magnets 2325 are shown in the cross-sectional view in
Figure
28a.
[00225] To complete the assembly of motor or transducer 2326 or 2425, a
lens assembly 2600, as shown in FIGs. 35 and 35a, may be attached to the
distal end
of the motor or transducer 2326 or 2425. The light sources may be connected to
the
illumination coil 99, as discussed previously when referring to FIG. 7D1, or
illumination coil 2322, as shown in FIG. 27.
[00226] In one embodiment, the unitary structure 2303 or 2403 may be made
by machining, such as computer numerical control (CNC) machining. In another
embodiment, it may be created by investment casting or lost-wax casting, the
oldest
known metal-forming technique. In a further embodiment, a powdered metal
sintering
process or by a thixomolding process. In yet another embodiment, it may be
created
by metal injection molding (MIM). This latter embodiment presents a more cost
effective way to create more complex geometries in higher volumes and allows
for a
multitude of material choices.
[00227] Metal injection molding is an effective way to produce complex and
precision-shaped parts from a variety of materials. It is common for this
process to
produce parts for about 50% less than the cost of CNC machining or investment
casting. At the same time the true value of MIM comes from its ability to
produce
parts with complex shapes, superior strength, and excellent surface finish in
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combination with high volume manufacturing capability. The total cost savings
results from the combination of shape complexity, production volumes, size of
part
and material used. The sizes of parts currently typical of MIM are generally
between
about 10 grams to about 250 grams, for example; more for example, about 30
grams
to about 150 grams per piece.
[00228] Referring to FIGs. 35, 35a and 36, the lens assembly 3600 may be
made from, for example, a transparent polymer. In one embodiment, the lens
assembly 3600 may be made from two halves: a lens half 2601 and a base half
2602.
The two halves may be ultrasonically welded together or glued together
utilizing a
structural adhesive, such as an epoxy, a UV curable epoxy or a solvent based
adhesive. At the bottom of the lens base, there may be attachment features
2604, as
shown in FIG 35a, that may allow the base 2602 and thus the entire lens
assembly to
attach itself to the bobbin/motor assembly 2425 and 2326, respectively. In
addition, at
the bottom of the base 2602, there is for example, an opening 2606 or 2605
that may
allow for the pumping of, for example, uncured epoxy or other uncured
structural
adhesive into the lens assembly 3600. One opening 2606 or 2605 may be utilized
for
pumping in the epoxy and at the opposite end, another opening 2606 or 2605 may
be
used for allowing any trapped air to escape and overflow of any epoxy to
occur. One
advantage of filling the lens with epoxy is to minimize or prevent any trapped
gas
inside the lens from creating condensation inside the lens, and also any
trapped air
from super heating during sterilization, which may cause premature failures if
the
hermetic seal between lens 2601 and base 2602 is compromised.
[00229] In FIG. 23 is shown yet another version of the rotatable ultrasonic
dental insert 2300 in which a one piece bobbin 2303 is utilized. A tip 2306 is
utilized
as the surface that would interface with a patient's tooth. Member 2305 is the
ultrasonic transducer body that is attached to stack 2302. An O-ring 2301 is
shown
that may easily rotate around the one piece bobbin 2303 when inserted into
handpiece
200.
[00230] FIG. 38 shows a top view of a lens base 2602 in one embodiment of
the present invention, showing a grip material filling a gap between the lens
assembly
and the one-piece bobbin. Lens 2611 and tip 2306 are also depicted. A grip
portion
2307 may be made by overmolding the subassembly with a soft-grip like
material.
This material may also flow easily into all remaining cavities and crevices as
shown
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in Fig 38 in section 2612 during manufacture. When the material flows into
region
2612, it thereby provides a gap filling material that keeps unwanted bacteria
and
debris from getting into this region during normal use. Without material
flowing into
the region, there may leave an undesirable space to allow unwanted debris to
collect
there.
[00231] Referring to FIG. 24, yet another one piece bobbin 2303 is shown.
Section 2342 may be utilized in one instance to allow for the placement of a
magnet
or magnets. Region 2340 may be utilized as a region for snap fit 2604 on lens
assembly 2600, as shown in FIG. 27, to grip and hold it to bobbin 2303.
Section 2310,
as exemplified in FIG. 25, may be utilized as the winding area for wire 2322,
as
shown in FIG. 27. An O-Ring groove 2309, as shown in FIG. 25, is utilized to
hold an
O-ring 2800, as shown in FIG. 34, against ultrasonic transducer body 2305, as
shown
in FIG. 25.
[00232] Referring again to FIG. 25, a hole 2311 may be utilized to allow for
an anti-rotation element 2328, as shown in FIG. 28a, to be placed into the
hole 2311,
thus mounting the bobbin 2303 to the ultrasonic transducer body 2305, as shown
in
FIG. 28. A flange 2308 may be utilized as a shutoff for lens assembly 2600 at
flange
2609. This may keep overmolded grip handle material 2307, if present, as shown
in
FIG. 29, from flowing where it is not supposed to. Fluid flow path 2313 and
coating
O-ring groove 2312 are also shown in Figure 25.
[00233] In FIG. 26a, the saddle half 2200 is shown. The saddle half 2200
may be made by insert molding and/or assembling magnet 2201 into the design.
As
shown in Figure 26b, saddle half 2200 is to be attached to itself to create
saddle 2321
over top of bobbin 2303 as shown in Figure 27. Magnets 2325, as shown in FIG.
27,
may be placed on either side of bobbin 2303 in symmetrical locations 2342, as
shown
in FIG. 24. Figure 28 shows a cross sectional view of rotatable ultrasonic
dental insert
2300 prior to it being overmolded with grip 2307, as shown in FIG. 29.
[00234] In Figure 29, another one-piece bobbin 2403 to create rotatable
ultrasonic dental insert 2400 is shown. The difference and advantage of bobbin
2403
over bobbin 2303 is that bobbin 2403 allows a one or two piece saddle that may
hold
4 magnets to be assembled onto bobbin 2403 by reducing the height of flange
2415,
as shown in figure 31. Symmetrical location 2441, as shown in FIG. 31, may be
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utilized to hold saddle assembly 2500 of FIG. 32, by means of snap fits 2501
or by
other means such as glue, pin, so on, as shown in FIG. 34.
[00235] Referring to FIG. 29, region 2440 may be utilized to attach lens
assembly 2600. O-Ring section 2412 of FIG. 30 may be coated with low friction
material 8100 shown in step 2702 in figure 39 to allow O-Ring 2424, as shown
in
FIG. 33, to rotate easily about bobbin 2403. Flanges 2415 and 2416 as shown in
FIG.
31 may be utilized to help illumination coil 2422 (as shown in FIG. 33) during
winding and from moving out of its trough, the area between flanges 2415 and
2416.
[00236] Referring to FIG. 31, a front O-ring groove 2409 may hold an O-ring
2800 (as shown in FIG. 28) in place that provides a seal to ultrasonic
transducer body
2405, as shown in FIG. 34. Flange 2408, as shown in FIG. 31 may be utilized as
a
shutoff for Lens assembly 2600 at flange 2609, as shown in FIG. 36. This may
again
keep overmolded grip handle material 2307 (as shown in FIG. 29) from flowing
past
the intersection of flange 2609 and flange 2408 and thus allow the material in
region
2610 to freeze off quickly during molding. Fluid flow path 2413 and coating O-
ring
groove 2412 are also shown in Figure 31.
[00237] FIG. 33 depicts a motor 2425 with bobbin 2403 assembled. An o-
ring 2424 sits in a groove to allow for rotation when the groove is coated
with low
frictional material 8100 shown in step 2702 in figure 39.
[00238] FIGs. 34 and 34a show a side and top cross sectional views of
rotatable ultrasonic dental insert 2400 prior to it being overmolded with grip
2307. In
Figure 34, hole 2411 is the location where pin 2328 may be inserted. Magnet
2201, a
part of saddle 2500, is also shown in the cross sectional view in FIG. 34a.
Bobbin
2403, connecting body 2405, lens assembly 2600, O-ring 2401, illumination coil
2422, distal O-ring 2800 are also shown in cross section in FIG. 34, depicting
all of
the components that make up motor assembly 2425.
[00239] FIG. 35 shows a top and bottom isometric view of lens assembly
2600. Lens 2601 and lens 2602 may be bonded together with two LEDs 2611
inside.
Contact wires 2603 protrude from Lens assembly 2600. Curable epoxy, either
with
light, heat, catalyst, or moisture, is pumped into lens assembly through hole
2606. Air
is allowed to escape and epoxy to overflow through hole 2605. Curable epoxy is
then
cured with either UV light, white light or cures due to a chemical reaction.
Curable
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epoxy fills gap 2608. Region 2610 is later filled with grip overmold material
2307 in
both 2300 and 2400 devices. Region 2610 is part of gap 2612.
[00240] There may be many other acceptable methods for assembling
together all of the components as the following is only one example. FIGs. 39
and 40
depict one possible order of assembly to create device 2300. First ultrasonic
transducer body 2305 is welded to stack 2302 in step 2700. The, one piece
bobbin
2303 is loosely placed over the body and stack assembly in step 2701. Tip 2306
may
be made by bending an end of ultrasonic transducer body 2305 and the
subassembly is
heat treated to strengthen the bent tip 2306 in step 2702. The bobbin 2303 may
be
treated in O-Ring gasket region 2312 with a lubricous coating 8100 such as,
for
example, the low frictional material discussed above, such as Teflon , as
shown in
step 2702. O-Ring 2800 is placed into O-Ring recess 2309 and O-ring 2301 into
0-
Ring recess 2312, as shown in step 2703. A pin 2328 is then inserted into a
hole 2311
in order to keep bobbin 2303 from rotating. In step 2704, bobbin 2303 is wound
with
copper wire 2322. In step 2705, saddle half 2200 is assembled to itself around
bobbin
2303 to form saddle assembly 2321. In step 2706, two magnets 2325 are
assembled
symmetrically about bobbin 2303. In step 2707, Lens assembly 2600 is attached
to the
end of bobbin 2303. Illumination coil 2322 may be attached to four wire leads
2603 in
parallel. Wiring the two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in anti-parallel or in
parallel
with reversed polarity from one another allows the LEDs to pulsate and toggle
on and
off due to the alternating current created in the illumination coil. Wiring
the two
LEDs in reversed polarity allows both positive and negative amplitude of the
alternating current to be utilized. Finally subassembly 2707 is inserted into
an
injection molding tool to be inserted with grip 2307, as shown in step 2708,
to form
rotatable ultrasonic dental insert 2300.
[00241] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, an ultrasonic dental insert
1600 may include a tip 1602 which may be connected to a connecting body 1608
and
a magnetostrictive stack 1606. The insert 1600 may also include an
illumination
bobbin 1610 and a light source 1620. The illumination bobbin 1610 may include
an
illumination energy coil 1604 which may substantially surround the
illumination
bobbin 1610 and may provide electrical energy to light source 1620. The
illumination
bobbin 1610 may be made of any light transmitting material so that it may
carry light
from light source 1620 towards the tip 1602.
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[00242] As seen in FIG. 16A, which shows an exploded view of the
ultrasonic dental insert of FIG. 16, a light source 1620 may include a ring-
shaped
body 1622 which may include one or multiple light sources, in arrays of a ring
or in
arrays of concentric rings (not shown). The light source 1620 may be
electrically
connected to the illumination energy coil 1604 via electrodes 1624, 1626 and
electrodes 1604b, 1604c on the coil 1604. The windings 1604a of the coil 1604
may
run substantially the entire length of the bobbin 1610 such that it may
provide the
maximum amount of energy to the light source 1620. The bobbin 1610 and light
source body 1622 may be constructed to include axial channels 1610b, 1620a,
respectively to accommodate the insert tip 1602.
[00243] As illustrated in FIG. 16B, light from light source 1620 may be
emitted and carried through the light transmitting material(s) of bobbin body
1610a.
[00244] In some aspects, the bobbin body 1610a may be internally reflective,
as discussed above, such that it may transmit the majority of the light from
the light
source 1620 to its distal end through airspace and/or by reflective from its
walls rather
than through the side walls. In other aspects, the bobbin body 1610a may allow
transmission of light through its side walls and as such may provide a greater
field of
illumination.
[00245] In another embodiment, as exemplified in FIG. 17, an ultrasonic
dental insert 1700 may include a tip 1702 which may be connected to a
connecting
body 1708 and a magnetostrictive stack 1706. The insert 1700 may also include
an
illumination bobbin 1710 and a light source 1720. The illumination bobbin 1710
may
include an illumination energy coil 1704 which may substantially surround the
illumination bobbin 1710 and may provide electrical energy to light source
1720. The
illumination bobbin 1710 may include a light transmitting region 1710b that
may
transmit light from the light source 1720 by way of an internal light guide.
The light
guide may be solid and made of any light transmitting material so that it may
carry
light from light source 1720 towards the tip 1702. In another embodiment, the
light
guide 1710 may be hollow having internal reflective walls.
[00246] As seen in FIG. 17A, which shows an exploded view of the
ultrasonic dental insert of FIG. 17, a light source 1720 may include at least
one light
emitting element 1724 and a body 1722. The light source 1720 may be
electrically
connected to the illumination energy coil 1704 via electrodes 1726, 1728 and
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electrodes 1704b, 1704c on the coil 1704. The windings 1704a of the coil 1604
may
run substantially the entire length of the bobbin 1710 such that it may
provide the
maximum amount of energy to the light source 1720.
[00247] In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 17B, the bobbin 1710 may
include a channel 1711 that may accommodate the insert tip 1702 and an
internal light
guide path 1712. The light source 1720 may interface with the light guide path
1712
at the end distal to the tip 1702, whereby the light guide path 1712 may
transmit the
emitted light toward the light emitting region 1710b at the end proximal to
the tip
1702. The light guide path 1712 may be any form of conduit capable of carrying
light
from the light source 1720 to the light emitting region 1710b. In one
embodiment, the
light guide path 1712 may be, for example, a light transmitting member that
may run
the length of the bobbin 1710 from the light source 1720 to the light emitting
region
1710b. The light transmitting member may be, for example, a fiber optic member
that
may be a single fiber or a bundle of fibers, a solid light guide such as glass
or any
suitable transparent/translucent polymer, and/or any other solid light
transmitting
material. In another embodiment, the fiber optic bundle may be bundled
together at
the light source 1720 and the exit port or ports 1710a or 1710b, but may be
unbundled
to fit through any available space in its path 1712. In other embodiments, the
light
guide path 1712 may be a hollow gas-filled, fluid-filled or vacuum space.
[00248] In some embodiments, the light guide path 1712 may feature
reflective walls and/or be internally reflective such that it may better
conduct light
from the light source 1720 to the light emitting region 1710b.
[00249] In other embodiments, the light guide path 1712 may also include
optically active features that may include, but are not limited to, focusing
means,
collimating means, diffusing means, polarizing means, filtering means and/or
any
other desired optically active features.
[00250] In another aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 18, an ultrasonic dental
insert
1800 may feature an interfacing port 1804. The interfacing port 1804 may emit
light
in any of the manners discussed above and may provide features for coupling an
additional light guide member and/or other appropriate attachment.
[00251] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18A, a light pipe 1808 may
be interfaced to the interfacing port 1804. The light pipe 1808 may be adapted
to
direct light in any desirable direction in the field of work.
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[00252] In some embodiments, the light pipe 1808 may allow light emission
from only the tip 1802. In other embodiments, the light pipe 1808 may allow
light
emission from its walls.
[00253] In another embodiment, the light pipe 1808 may be constructed from
an elastic and/or flexible light transmitting material such that it may be
deformed to
adjust the direction of the output light.
[00254] Suitable light transmitting materials may include, but are not limited
to, glass, silica, transparent alumina and/or other inorganic transparent or
translucent
crystalline materials, acrylic polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate
(PMMA),
polycarbonate, polyethylene, polystyrene, combinations thereof and/or any
other
appropriate material that may substantially transmit light.
[00255] Internal reflection may be accomplished by a variety of methods,
such as, but not limited to, engineering a boundary that creates a higher
refractive
index within the light-carrying material than in the surroundings, coating a
light-
carrying material with a reflective material, such as reflective metals
including
aluminum, copper and/or silver, liquid-crystal polymers, cholesteric polymers
and/or
any other suitable material that may substantially reflect light.
[00256] In another embodiment of the invention, to minimize the bulge in the
grip portion 104, thinner and longer magnetic sources may also be used.
[00257] In a further embodiment of the invention, arcuate-shaped holders
may be used, as disclosed above in connection with FIG. 4E, so as to conform
more to
the shape of the connecting body 103 and thus again minimize the bulge in the
grip
area 104, for example.
[00258] In FIG. 4E, an arcuate-shaped holder 400 is in the shape of a donut,
having a through hole 401 in the middle through which the connecting body 103
passes. The holder 400 may be made in two-parts, a cover 4000 and a mounting
part
4001. Two LEDs 151 and 161, or any number of LEDs, are mounted on a platform
4002. The cover 4000 is sized to fit over the mounting part 4001 to protect
the LEDs
and circuit board components. The cover 4000 may be formed separately and then
welded onto the mounting part 4001, or it may be overmolded onto the mounting
part
4001. However formed, the cover 4000 is transparent, translucent or is of any
light
transmitting material as discussed below, so as to not to obstruct light
coming from
the LEDs 151, 161.
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[00259] In some embodiments, the circuitry of the illumination energy coil 99
and light source 101 may include a source of rectification, as exemplified in
FIG. 7E.
In particular, the circuitry of the illumination energy coil 99 and light
source 101 may
include the use of a full-wave circuit that may increase the utilization of
the energy
provided by the ac current of the voltage signal generated by the illumination
energy
coil 99. The use of full-wave rectification circuitry may, for example,
increase the
utilization of the ac current voltage signal generated by the illumination
energy coil
99 by allowing both the positive and negative phases of the ac current to
contribute to
the powering of a light source. Such full-wave rectification circuitry may,
for
example, substantially pass the positive phase of an ac current voltage signal
to a light
source while inverting the negative phase of the same ac current voltage
signal before
passing to a light source. The use of full-wave rectification circuitry may
generate a
substantially direct current voltage signal from the ac current generated by
the
illumination energy coil 99 when viewed from the light source 101.
[00260] In particular, this may be useful in powering LED light sources as
such devices are only active when current is polarized in a particular
direction and are
not able to utilize both phases of an ac current voltage signal. Further, the
generation
of a more constant direct current voltage signal may aid in increasing the
effective
lifetime of a light source such as an LED, as a direct current voltage signal
presents a
steady current to the device rather than effectively turning the device on and
off, as is
the case with an ac current voltage signal.
[00261] A full bridge rectifier, such as the element 600 shown in FIG. 7E,
may include 4 diodes 501, 503, 505, 507 that may be connected in such a way as
to
produce a full-wave rectified direct current voltage signal at the light
source 101 from
the ac current voltage signal generated by the illumination energy coil 99, as
illustrated in FIG. IOC. The various circuit connections and one possible
polarity
arrangement of the diodes 501, 503, 505, 507 the illumination energy coil 99
and the
light source 101. It is also conceived that an opposite polarity arrangement
may also
be utilized while producing identical physical arrangement and performance.
[00262] FIG. 7E illustrates an embodiment of the illumination energy bobbin
126 of FIG. 7C. As shown, the bobbin 126 may include a full-wave rectification
circuit that may include a full bridge rectifier element 600. The bridge
rectifier 600
may include four diodes in an arrangement that may generate a full-wave
rectified
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voltage signal from the ac current voltage signal generated by the
illumination energy
coil 99. The bridge rectifier 600 may be electrically interfaced to the
illumination
energy coil 99 through the ends of the coil 99a, 99b. The bridge rectifier 600
may
further output a rectified voltage signal to the light source 101 through
output
electrodes 600a, 600b to electrodes 101a, 101b, respectively, of the light
source 101.
[00263] A center-tapped configuration may generate a full-wave rectified
direct current voltage signal at the light source 101 from the ac current
voltage signal
generated by the illumination energy coil 99. The circuit diagram shown in
FIG. IOD
illustrates the various circuit connections and one possible polarity
arrangement of the
diodes 500, 502, the illumination energy coil 99 and the light source 101. It
is also
conceived that an opposite polarity arrangement may also be utilized while
producing
identical physical arrangement and performance.
[00264] FIG. 7F illustrates another embodiment of the illumination energy
bobbin 126 of FIG. 7C. As shown, the bobbin 126 may include a full-wave
rectification circuit that may include a pair of diodes 500, 502. The pair of
diodes 500,
502 may be connected to the illumination energy coil 99 and to the light
source 101.
The illumination energy coil 99 may, in an exemplary embodiment, be center-
tapped
by wire 99c that may lead to one of the electrodes 10lb of the light source
101. The
pair of diodes 500, 502 may also interface with the illumination energy coil
99 by
joining two common polarity ends of the diodes 500, 502 to the ends of the
coil 99a,
99b, respectively. The pair of diodes 500, 502 may further interface with the
light
source 101 at one electrode 101a by way of wire 504 that may join two common
polarity ends of the diodes 500, 502.
[00265] In the light emitting circuitry of FIG. 8, the light source may be an
LED 151 connected in series with the illumination energy coil 99. Since the
LED 151
emits light in response only to a voltage having single polarity, it emits
light only half
the time since the illumination energy coil 99 generates an ac voltage signal.
However, since the LED 151 switches off and on at ultrasonic frequency (e.g.,
25
kHz), such rapid switching of the LED is generally imperceptible to human
eyes, and
the LED 151 would appear to be continuously on. In other embodiments, the
light
source 101 may be any other suitable light emitting device such as an
incandescent
lamp (e.g., halogen light bulb). With this embodiment, only half of the sc
voltage is
utilized and the other half is wasted. With the rectification circuitry
discussed above,
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such switching is minimized or eliminated and the full-wave utilization of the
ac
voltage is substantially realized.
[00266] In the light emitting circuitry of FIG. 9, a zener diode 150 is
connected in parallel to the LED 151 of the light source 101. A resistor 152
is
connected between the illumination energy coil 99 and the zener diode 150, and
a
resistor 154 is connected between the zener diode 150 and the LED 151. The
zener
diode 150 clamps the voltage such that the voltage differential seen by the
LED 151
does not rise over a certain predetermined voltage. This way, the brightness
of the
LED 151 may be kept substantially uniform even if the energy illumination coil
99
begins to generate higher voltage due to any fluctuation of the energy source
14 or
other environmental conditions. By way of example, the zener diode 150 may
clamp
the voltage at 5 volts(V), such that the voltage seen by the LED 151 is no
greater than
5V. This voltage smoothing circuitry may be used in conjunction with the
rectification circuitry discussed above.
[00267] As noted, a light source 101 may be a single light source or a
plurality of light sources. Each light source may also be a single LED,
multiple LEDs
or arrays, as exemplified in FIG. 10. The multiple LEDs 151, 161, may be
arranged in
any manner, for example, in a compact arrangement to minimize the overall size
of
the light source 101, as shown in FIG. 4E. Concentric arrays of LEDs (not
specifically
shown, but may be arranged as shown in FIG. 4E) may also be used with
arrangements, for example, controlled by a microprocessor, such that the areas
of
illumination may be varied as needed. A light transport apparatus 311, as
shown in
FIG. 22B, may also be used so that the LEDs 151 may be located inside the
connecting body to minimize the size of the protrusion of the tip 102, in one
embodiment of the invention. The transport apparatus 311, if the light source
101 is
mounted distal to the tip 102, may also include filters or reflectors to vary
the size of
the area of illumination. Light source 101 as used herein FIGs. 8, 9, 10, 10A,
10B,
1OC and 1OD, denotes the source of illumination such as the LED(s) 151, or the
light
transport apparatus, or combinations thereof.
[00268] In FIG. 10, an LED 161 is connected in anti-parallel relationship
with the LED 151, i.e., they are connected in parallel but in opposite
directions, as
discussed above, so that the LEDs 151 and 161 are alternately turned on in
response
to the ac voltage generated by the illumination energy coil 99. Since the ac
voltage
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has an ultrasonic frequency (e.g., 25 kHz), the switching on and off of the
LEDs 151
and 161 is imperceptible to human eyes, and therefore, both the LEDs 151 and
161
would appear to be on continuously. This exemplifies another form of full-wave
utilization of the ac voltage. In other embodiments, again, the zener diode
150 may be
used in parallel with each of the LEDs 151 and 161 in FIG. 9 so as to clamp
the
voltage for both the LEDs 151 and 161.
[00269] In further embodiments, the light emitting circuitry may include
voltage smoothing means. Voltage smoothing means may, for example, include a
reservoir capacitor, a capacitor-input filter and/or any other circuit
elements that may
substantially smooth or lessen the variance in output voltage signal generated
by the
illumination energy coil 99. Such voltage smoothing means may operate in
general by
utilizing variations in the potential of an input voltage signal and may store
energy
during at least a part of the voltage signal while releasing stored energy
during at least
another part of the voltage signal. Voltage smoothing circuitry may include
capacitors, inductors and/or any other appropriate circuit elements that may
aid in
responding to varying electrical potentials and/or storing electrical energy.
[00270] FIGs. 10A and 10B show circuit diagrams of light emitting circuitry
featuring examples of voltage smoothing means between illumination energy coil
99
and light source 101. FIG. IOA illustrates the use of a reservoir capacitor,
which may
substantially lessen the variation of the voltage signal observed at the light
source
101. FIG. IOB illustrates the use of a capacitor-input filter, which may
include a
reservoir capacitor as well as a filter capacitor and an inductor choke. The
embodiments illustrated may also feature other circuitry, such as
rectification means
and may continue to function with voltage smoothing by preserving the proper
electrical interactions between the components of the circuit.
[00271] Reductions in voltage variance at the light source may, for example,
aid in increasing the effective lifespan of the light source by minimizing
electrical
stress due to input variance or "on/off' stress. Reducing voltage variance may
also
generate a more steady light output and may increase the overall light output
over
time.
[00272] The rectification circuitry discussed above is also effective in
realizing full-utilization of the ac voltage generated. A magnetic source may
also be
used to increase the brightness of the light source.
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[00273] In one aspect, the ultrasonic dental tool 10 includes monitoring
systems for tool usage and condition. The dental tool 10 may include, for
example,
usage time monitoring circuitry, wear usage circuitry, electromagnetic
monitoring
circuitry and/or any other appropriate monitoring systems.
[00274] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic dental insert 100 includes a
monitoring circuit 1200, as shown in FIG. 15. The monitoring circuit 1200 may
generally include, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) chip (not
specifically
shown). The IC chip may be, for example, a memory chip, an electromechanical
sensor and/or any other appropriate monitoring device. In general, the IC chip
may
monitor a characteristic(s) of the insert 100, such as its duration of use,
usage
frequency, power level, stroke amplitude, and/or any other appropriate
characteristic.
The monitoring circuit 1200 may be disposed on or in the housing 104 of the
insert
100. In some embodiments, the monitoring circuit 1200 may be substantially
self-
contained within the housing 104 such that it may be isolated from outside
contamination or conditions, such as the moist or wet environment during use
of the
insert 100, or the wet, high temperature environment of autoclave
sterilization. In
other embodiments, the monitoring system 130 or portions thereof, as shown in
Fig.
15a and Fig. 15b, may be in the handpiece 200. In general, the monitoring
circuit
1200 may be disposed such that the IC chip may properly monitor a given
characteristic of the insert 100. This may include, for example, being in
close
proximity to the tool tip 102 or connecting body 103 to monitor
electromechanical
characteristics during use.
[00275] The monitoring circuit 1200 may be connected to a monitoring
system 130, as shown in FIGs. 15A and 15B. The monitoring system 130 may
generally be disposed on or in the ultrasonic unit 14 and it may also have
portions
disposed on or in the handpiece 200, as noted above. The monitoring system 130
may
be, for example, part of the monitoring circuit 1200 of the insert 100 or it
may be a
control or indicator system for the monitoring circuit 1200.
[00276] The monitoring circuit 1200 may be connected for communication to
the system 130 by any appropriate system, which may include, but are not
limited to,
electrical conductors, such as electrical wires 122, 123 in FIG. 15a, magnetic
or
physical contacts, such as, for example, actuators (not shown),or wireless
communication, such as, for example, radio frequency transmission (RF),
infrared
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transmission, Bluetooth wireless, and/or any other appropriate system, as
illustrated
with wireless communication line 124 in FIG. 15B. The monitoring circuit 1200
may
include an antenna 1261 to send and/or receive transmissions.
[00277] In general, the monitoring circuit 1200 may be powered by any
appropriate power source, such as, for example, a battery, a capacitor, a
transducer, an
external source and/or any other appropriate source.
[00278] In one embodiment, monitoring circuit 1200 of FIGs. 15, 15A and
15B is a time monitoring circuit. The time monitoring circuit may record the
usage
time of an ultrasonic dental insert 100. The time monitoring circuit may
include an
integrated circuit (IC) chip 1200 and monitoring system 130 which may be an
electrical signal source. The electrical signal source 130 may supply the IC
chip of the
monitoring circuit 1200 with a duration signal. The duration signal may be
supplied
by the electrical signal source 130 when the ultrasonic dental insert 100 is
in use. The
IC chip of the monitoring circuit 1200 may then record the length of time of
the signal
and thus may record the duration of use of an ultrasonic dental insert 100.
The IC chip
of the monitoring circuit 1200 may further generate a return signal which may
indicate the total recorded time. The ultrasonic unit 14 may also include a
notification
or indication system for informing a user of the state of the insert 100,
which may, for
example, include a suggestion for replacing the insert.
[00279] In another embodiment, monitoring system 130 of the ultrasonic unit
14 may be a time monitoring circuit which may record the duration of use of
the unit
14. In particular, the time monitoring circuit 1200 may record the duration of
a usage
cycle (e.g. the time between activating the insert 100 and deactivating the
insert 100).
The time monitoring circuit 1200 may then transmit the duration information to
an IC
chip of the monitoring circuit 1200 on the insert 100, which may record an
integrated
time duration of the usage of insert 100 by summing the usage times
transmitted by
the time monitoring circuit 1200.
[00280] In some embodiments, the IC chip of the monitoring circuit 1200
may provide a predetermined maximum usage time that may limit the duration of
use
of the ultrasonic dental insert 100. The IC chip of the monitoring circuit
1200 may,
for example, generate a control signal which may prevent the usage of the
ultrasonic
dental insert 100 by an ultrasonic unit or handpiece when the maximum usage
time
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has been reached, or it may cause the unit 14 to indicate that the insert 100
may need
replacement via an at least one indicator 15, as shown in FIG. 1.
[00281] In another embodiment, the monitoring circuit 1200 includes a
sensor(s) which may detect electromechanical characteristics of the insert
100.
Measured electromechanical characteristics may include, but are not limited
to, power
level, stroke amplitude, vibration frequency, and/or any other appropriate
characteristic. Alternatively, the monitoring system 130 in the ultrasonic
unit 14 may
include a sensor(s).
[00282] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic dental unit 14 may include
systems for storing established reference values for insert electromechanical
characteristics and comparing them to the detected values from the insert 100.
The
unit 14 may then determine whether the insert 100 is performing within or
outside a
predetermined acceptable range of performance and may indicate via an at least
one
indicator 15 to a user the status of the insert 100. This detection may be
performed on
either a new or used insert 100.
[00283] In still another embodiment, the monitoring circuit 1200 may include
a coil 160, as shown in FIG. 15C. The coil 160 may be disposed in proximity to
the
insert 100 and may in general be utilized to detect electrical characteristics
of the
insert 100. The coil 160 may, for example, exhibit an electric current in
response to
the electromagnetic field of the coil in the handpiece 200 and/or to the
ultrasonic
vibrations of ferromagnetic components of the insert 100, which may include
the tool
tip 102 and/or the connecting body 103. The electric current in the coil 160
may be
analyzed by the monitoring circuit 1200 and/or the monitoring system 130 of
the unit
14 to determine electrical characteristics of the insert 100. The electric
current may
also power the monitoring circuit 1200.
[00284] In another aspect, the monitoring circuit 1200 of the insert 100 may
be externally powered. Ultrasonic inserts are typically autoclaved for
sterilization and
the harsh environment of the autoclave may be detrimental to an internal power
source, such as a battery. The monitoring circuit 1200 of the insert 100 may,
for
example, draw power from the ultrasonic unit 14 via electrical conductors 122,
123,
as shown in FIG. 15A.
[00285] In some embodiments, the monitoring circuit 1200 may be wireless
and may be externally powered by a wireless power source. A wireless power
source
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may include, for example, an electromagnetic field. A wireless monitoring
circuit
1200 may generally include an antenna 1261, as shown in FIG. 15b. The antenna
1261 may be utilized for transmitting and/or receiving communication signals
with a
monitoring system 130. The antenna 1261 may further be utilized to power the
wireless monitoring circuit 1200 by converting an electromagnetic field, such
as a
wireless communication signal, into electric current.
[00286] In one embodiment, a coil 160 may be utilized as an antenna and a
power source, as described above in regard to FIG. 15C.
[00287] In another embodiment, the monitoring circuit 1200 may include an
energy dissipating system. IC chips may be subject to overpowering and/or
electric
shorting from an excess of electric current. This may be particularly
problematic in
systems such as IC chips that are wirelessly powered by antennas and/or coils.
An
energy dissipating system may be included to consume at least a portion of the
electric current that would be provided to a monitoring circuit 1200. This may
aid in
preventing overpowering and/or shorting of components of the monitoring
circuit,
such as, for example, an IC chip. An energy dissipating system may include,
but is not
limited to, resistors, inductors, capacitors, combinations thereof, and/or any
other
appropriate system.
[00288] In still another embodiment, the insert 100 includes a light source
101 as shown in FIG. 15D. The light source 101 may share a power source with a
monitoring circuit 1200 and may further act as an energy dissipating system by
consuming electric current and converting the energy into light. The light
source 101
may in general be disposed on the insert 100 such that it may direct light
onto the
field of work. In an exemplary embodiment, a light source 101 may be located
proximal to the tool tip 102, as shown in FIG. 15D.
[00289] In one aspect, the power source may be, for example, a coil 112. The
coil 112 may draw power in a manner similar or identical to the coil 160
discussed
above and may provide power to the light source 101 and the monitoring circuit
1200
via conductors 1110, 125, respectively.
[00290] FIG. 15E is a block diagram of an embodiment of the ultrasonic unit
control system 690 of the ultrasonic dental tool 10 of the present invention.
In one
embodiment, the microelectronics of the control system 690 are located in the
ultrasonic unit 14, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the
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microelectronics of the control system 690 are located in the handpiece 200.
Other
locations for the control system electronics are possible within the scope of
the
invention.
[00291] The control system 690 includes a CPU 700, program memory logic
702, an 1/0 logic device 704, a data bus 706 and system indicators 708. The
CPU 700,
program memory logic 702, and the 1/0 logic device 704 are connected to the
data
bus 706. The 1/0 logic device 704 is further connected to system indicators
708. In
one embodiment of the invention, the 1/0 logic device 704 further includes
device
drivers. The 1/0 logic device 704 is further connected to the memory
integrated
circuit 212, which may be disposed on an ultrasonic insert 100. Ultrasonic
unit
controls 710 are connected to the 1/0 device 704. A power source 712 provides
power to the CPU 700, program memory logic 702, the 1/0 logic device 704 and
the
memory integrated circuit 212.
[00292] The CPU 700, program memory logic 702 and the 1/0 logic device
704 are for example, microelectronic devices, located in the ultrasonic unit
14. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic unit controls 710 and
power
source 712 are also located in the ultrasonic unit 14. In an alternative
embodiment of
the invention, the CPU 700, program memory logic 702, 1/0 logic device 704,
ultrasonic unit controls 710, and power 712 are, for example, located in the
handpiece
200. The ultrasonic unit controls 710 are, for example, at least one
transistor device
or electronic or electro-mechanical relay device for controlling the on/off
function of
the ultrasonic unit 14. The system indicators 708 are, for example, the
lighted
indicators on the ultrasonic unit 14 or, for example, the handpiece 200.
[00293] In FIG. 19, an ultrasonic dental insert 100 having a grip portion or
housing 104 and a connecting body 103 (not specifically shown) having a
proximal
end and a distal end having a tip 102 attached thereto or formed thereon is
exemplified. The proximal end of the connecting body 103 is attached to a
transducer
108 so as to generate the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the
ultrasonic
vibrations toward the tip 102 attached to the distal end. The insert 100 may
also
include a light source 101. The insert 100 may include a sheath 220.
[00294] In one aspect, the illumination energy coil 330 may be supported by
a sheath 220 integral to the ultrasonic dental insert 100, as shown in FIG.
20. In one
embodiment, the illumination energy coil 330 may be contained within the
sheath
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220, which may position the coil 330 for inductive coupling to the primary
coil 88 of
the handpiece 200 when the insert 300 is inserted into the handpiece 200. In
another
embodiment, the coil 330 may be disposed on the inner surface of the sheath
220. The
sheath 220 may, for example, be overmolded over the coil 330. The sheath 220
may
also be partially molded onto the insert 100 and the coil 330 may then be
wound onto
the partially molded sheath 220. The remainder of the sheath 220 may then be
overmolded over the coil 330 such that it may be embedded in the material of
the
sheath 220. In general, the coil 330 may be disposed between the handpiece 200
and
at least a portion of the sheath 220 and/or otherwise supported by the sheath
220.
[00295] In one aspect, the sheath 220 may be formed such that it may cover
at least part of a handpiece housing 82 when inserted into a handpiece 200. In
general,
the sheath 220 may serve as a barrier such that it may reduce cross-
contamination to
and from the patient's mouth. The insert 100 may, for example, be sterilized
prior to
use by methods such as autoclaving, alcohol sterilization, and/or any other
appropriate
method such that when the sheath covers the handpiece 200, it may provide a
sterile
surface that may be inserted into the patient's mouth, as noted before. The
ultrasonic
dental tool may then be used without sterilizing of the handpiece 100. The
sheath 220
may also help to prevent contaminants from one patient's mouth from being
transferred to another patient or to the work area by the handpiece 200.
[00296] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGs. 21 and 21A, the
sheath 220 may be integrally formed onto the insert 200 about the transducer
206 such
that when the insert 200 is inserted into the handpiece 200, the sheath 220
may
simultaneously cover at least a portion of the handpiece housing 82 while the
transducer 108 is inserted into aperture 84 the handpiece 200. The sheath 220
may be
formed as part of a handgrip portion of the insert housing 104. The sheath 220
may
also be supported by other portions of the insert 200.
[00297] In some embodiments, the sheath 220 may have a generally
cylindrical section 222 with a hollow interior 224 which may fit over the
handpiece
housing 82, as exemplified in FIG. 19. The sheath 220 may generally include an
expansion section 221 which may span the size difference between the insert
housing
104 and the section 222 (which may be larger than the handpiece housing 82).
The
sheath 220 may be of any desirable length and may cover only a portion of the
proximal end of the handpiece housing 82, as shown in FIG. 21a. The sheath 220
may
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also be of a length sufficient to cover substantially the entire length of the
handpiece
housing 82, as shown in FIG. 21B.
[00298] The sheath 220 may generally be constructed of any appropriate
material. In some embodiments, the material of the sheath 220 may be the same
as the
insert housing 104, as discussed above. In other embodiments, it may be a
different
material. In general, it may be desirable for the sheath 220 to have
sufficient rigidity
such that it may consistently fit over a handpiece 200 and may not collapse
between
uses. The sheath 220 may also generally be constructed to withstand multiple
sterilization procedures, such as by autoclave. Examples of appropriate
materials may
include, but are not limited to, for example, a polymer that may be molded or
cast.
Suitable polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene,
polystyrene,
polyester, acrylic polymers, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, or other high
temperature
polymers such as those useful in the construction of tips, mentioned above.
[00299] Of course, the insert 100 having a sheath 220 may also have an
illumination energy coil 99, for example, proximal to the connecting body 103,
and
generates a voltage signal in response to movement of a portion of the
connecting
body 103 according to the ultrasonic vibrations, and optionally, having a
magnetic
material or source 99, as discussed above and exemplified in FIGs. 7D1, 7D2,
7D3,
7D4 and 7D5.
[00300] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the
spirit or essential character hereof. The present description is therefore
considered in
all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present
invention is
indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning
and
range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.
59
