U.S. patent application number 11/173371 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-09 for support system for dentistry.
This patent application is currently assigned to Discus Dental Impressions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Randall Danta, Douglas H. Grambush, Robert Hayman, Brian Kennedy, Marc Orloff, Christopher N. Quan, Nancy N. Quan, Eric P. Rose, Kenneth Rosenblood, Dac Vu.
Application Number | 20060029904 11/173371 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35613193 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060029904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rose; Eric P. ; et
al. |
February 9, 2006 |
Support system for dentistry
Abstract
A dental lamp boom hinge includes a pivot supporting a dental
lamp head and a base supporting the pivot where the pivot may be
rotated about a substantially vertical axis with respect to the
base. The rotational movement between the pivot and the base is
damped with a damping device. The damping device in one embodiment
is adjustable to provide a variable level of damping.
Inventors: |
Rose; Eric P.; (Tarzana,
CA) ; Hayman; Robert; (Los Angeles, CA) ;
Grambush; Douglas H.; (Corona del Mar, CA) ; Orloff;
Marc; (Altadena, CA) ; Quan; Nancy N.; (North
Hills, CA) ; Rosenblood; Kenneth; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; Kennedy; Brian; (Claremont, CA) ; Vu;
Dac; (Tustin, CA) ; Danta; Randall; (Tustin,
CA) ; Quan; Christopher N.; (Quincy, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bergman Kuta LLP
P.O. Box 400167
Cambridge
MA
02140
US
|
Assignee: |
Discus Dental Impressions,
Inc.
Culver City
CA
|
Family ID: |
35613193 |
Appl. No.: |
11/173371 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29220642 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
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11173371 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
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29220680 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
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11173371 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
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29220679 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
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11173371 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
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29220712 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
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11173371 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
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29232670 |
Jun 22, 2005 |
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11173371 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
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29232671 |
Jun 22, 2005 |
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11173371 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
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60585224 |
Jul 2, 2004 |
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60641462 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
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60647725 |
Jan 26, 2005 |
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60647723 |
Jan 26, 2005 |
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60658517 |
Mar 3, 2005 |
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60641469 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
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60647580 |
Jan 26, 2005 |
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60641461 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
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60641468 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
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60647612 |
Jan 26, 2005 |
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60647593 |
Jan 26, 2005 |
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60604577 |
Aug 25, 2004 |
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60594297 |
Mar 25, 2005 |
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60631267 |
Nov 26, 2004 |
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60594327 |
Mar 30, 2005 |
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60664696 |
Mar 22, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/49 ; 433/29;
433/77 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/2078 20130101;
H05B 47/20 20200101; F16M 11/2064 20130101; A61C 19/066 20130101;
A61C 19/00 20130101; F16M 11/42 20130101; G02B 6/0096 20130101;
A61C 19/004 20130101; F21L 14/04 20130101; F21W 2131/20 20130101;
F16M 11/10 20130101; F21V 21/06 20130101; F16M 11/041 20130101;
A61G 15/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/049 ;
433/029; 433/077 |
International
Class: |
A61C 1/14 20060101
A61C001/14 |
Claims
1. A dental support system comprising: a pivot member comprising at
least first and at least second formations, said at least first
formation is adapted for inter-engaging at least one corresponding
formation of at least a portion of dental instrument, to support
said dental instrument when the pivot member and the at least a
portion of the dental equipment are apposed; and a base member
comprising at least one formation adapted for inter-engaging said
at least second formation of the pivot member; wherein said pivot
member is adapted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis
with respect to said base member.
2. The dental support system of claim 1 wherein said pivot member
comprises: a boom comprising at least one formation about a section
spaced away from its ends; and a mast comprising at least one
formation towards one end; wherein said formation of said boom is
adapted for inter-engaging said formation of said mast such that
the boom is in a substantially perpendicular direction to the
mast.
3. The dental support system of claim 1 wherein said formation on
said base member comprises a pin, and said first formation
comprises an arcuate slot adapted to receive said pin, said pin
constrains movement of said pivot member about said axis.
4. The support system of claim 2 wherein said formation of said
boom comprises a yoke and said formation of said mast comprises a
shaft, said shaft being adapted to be substantially fixedly coupled
to said mast.
5. The support system of claim 4 wherein said yoke comprising a
first braking surface, said shaft comprising a second braking
surface, said first and second braking surfaces being adapted to
mutually engage a friction member.
6. The support system of claim 5 wherein said friction member
comprises a friction washer, said friction washer including an
internal surface defining a through-hole, said through-hole being
adapted to receive a portion of said shaft therethrough.
7. The support system of claim 6 wherein said washer comprises an
anti-rotation feature, said anti-rotation feature being adapted to
minimize a rotational motion of said washer about a longitudinal
axis of said shaft, whereby said washer is substantially
rotationally fixed with respect to said mast.
8. The support structure of claim 6 wherein said anti-rotation
feature comprises a first substantially flat region of said
internal surface, and said shaft comprises an external surface
including a second substantially flat region, said first
substantially flat region being adapted to engage said second
substantially flat surface.
9. The support system of claim 1, wherein said pivot member
comprises: a shaft, said shaft being mechanically coupled to said
base; said shaft being substantially rotationally fixed with
respect to said base, said shaft including a first plurality of
threads on an external surface thereof, said shaft being adapted to
support a yoke, said yoke being adapted to rotate about a
longitudinal axis of said shaft, said yoke including a first
braking surface; a washer, said washer being adapted to be
supported by said shaft such that said washer is substantially
rotationally fixed with respect to said shaft, said washer
including a second braking surface; a friction member, said
friction member being adapted to be disposed between said first and
second braking surfaces; and a knob, said knob including a second
plurality of threads on an internal surface thereof, said first and
second pluralties of threads being adapted to mutually engage one
another; whereby upon rotation of said knob about said longitudinal
axis of said shaft in a given direction, said knob urges said first
and second braking surfaces towards one another so as to mutually
engage said first and second braking surfaces with said friction
member.
10. A support system comprising: a base comprising at least one
formation; a mast comprising at least first and at least second
formations spaced apart from each other, said at least first
formation is adapted for removably inter-engaging the formation of
the base such that the mast is in a substantially perpendicular
direction to the base; and a boom having first and second ends and
a central portion, said central portion comprising at least one
formation adapted for inter-engaging said at least second formation
of the mast for removably attaching to the mast in a substantially
perpendicular direction to the mast.
11. The support system of claim 10 wherein said formation on said
base member comprises a pin, and said first formation comprises an
arcuate slot adapted to receive said pin, said pin constrains
movement of said pivot member about said axis.
12. The support system of claim 10 wherein said mast comprises at
least third formation spaced away from the first and second
formations, said at least third formation is adapted to
inter-engage at least one corresponding formation of a power
pack.
13. The support system of claim 12 wherein said first end of the
boom comprises at least one formation adapted for removably
inter-engaging at least one corresponding formation of a dental
instrument.
14. The support system of claim 12 wherein said first end of the
boom comprises at least one formation adapted for removably
inter-engaging at least one corresponding formation of a dental
instrument.
15. The dental support system of claim 14 further comprising
input/output cables to provide an electrical connection between the
dental instrument and the power pack, said cables are substantially
contained in the mast and the boom, and said cables in the boom are
removably attached to the dental instrument and to the cables in
the mast.
16. The support system of claim 10 wherein said formation of said
boom comprises a yoke and said formation of said mast comprises a
shaft, said shaft being adapted to be substantially fixedly coupled
to said mast.
17. The support system of claim 16 wherein said yoke comprising a
first braking surface, said shaft comprising a second braking
surface, said first and second braking surfaces being adapted to
mutually engage a friction member.
18. The support system of claim 17 wherein said friction member
comprises a friction washer, said friction washer including an
internal surface defining a through-hole, said through-hole being
adapted to receive a portion of said shaft therethrough.
19. The support system of claim 18 wherein said washer comprises an
anti-rotation feature, said anti-rotation feature being adapted to
minimize a rotational motion of said washer about a longitudinal
axis of said shaft, whereby said washer is substantially
rotationally fixed with respect to said mast.
20. The support structure of claim 18 wherein said anti-rotation
feature comprises a first substantially flat region of said
internal surface, and said shaft comprises an external surface
including a second substantially flat region, said first
substantially flat region being adapted to engage said second
substantially flat surface.
21. A dental support system for a dental illumination system
comprises: a rolling base for supporting the illumination system on
a surface, the rolling base is adapted to position the illumination
system proximate to a workpiece in a wide range of angles, and
comprises a locking mechanism to substantially restricted the
movement of the illumination system; a mast attached to the rolling
base; a boom attached substantially perpendicular to the mast, said
boom having rotational and tilt movement with respect to the mast;
and at least one illumination system attached to an end of the
boom, said illumination system having rotational and tilt freedom
of movement with respect to the end of the boom to facilitate tooth
whitening procedure.
22. The dental support system of claim 21 wherein said system may
be adapted to be positioned at the right or the left side of any
workpiece.
23. The dental support system of claim 22 wherein the boom is
curved.
24. The dental support system of claim 21 further comprising at
least one power pack attached to the mast.
25. A dental support system comprising: a pivot member, said pivot
member being adapted to support a dental instrument; a base member,
said base member being adapted to support said pivot member,
whereby said pivot member may be rotated about a substantially
vertical axis with respect to said base member.
26. The dental support system of claim 25 wherein the base member
comprises a braking device, said braking device dampens the
movement of said pivot member about said axis.
27. The dental support system of claim 25 wherein said pivot member
comprises a boom and a mast.
28. The dental support system of claim 27 wherein said boom
comprises a boom hinge positioning device for angularly positioning
the mast with respect to the base member.
29. The dental support system of claim 28 wherein said boom hinge
positioning device can be locked to hold the boom in position.
30. The dental support system of claim 29 wherein said boom hinge
in a locked position is adapted to withstand a static load of about
fifty pounds against a distal end of a boom connected to said boom
hinge.
31. The dental support system of claim 29 wherein said boom hinge
positioning device is adapted to withstand the force of gravity
when a dental instrument is coupled to the boom at its distal
end.
32. A dental support system comprises: a pivot; at least one
substantially horizontal shaft supported by said pivot; a yoke
member pivotally supported by said shaft, such that said yoke
member is adapted to pivot on a substantially horizontal axis; a
substantially vertical shaft coupled to said pivot; and a plug
member having a bore adapted to receive said substantially vertical
shaft and an upper surface adapted to support said pivot.
33. The dental support system of claim 32 further comprising a
friction member disposed between a surface of the pivot that moves
with respect to a surface of the plug member.
34. The boom hinge of claim 32 wherein the friction member
comprises a washer disposed between an upper substantially flat
surface of the plug member and a lower substantially flat surface
of the pivot, said flat surfaces are substantially parallel to each
other and substantially perpendicular to the vertical shaft and are
adapted to rotate with respect to each other about a vertical axis
of the vertical shaft.
35. The dental support system of claim 32 further comprising a
friction device disposed between the pivot and the plug member, the
friction device being adapted to damp rotational movement of the
pivot with regard to the plug member.
36. The dental support system of claim 35 wherein the friction
device is adapted for providing a variable amount of damping.
37. The dental support system of claim 35 wherein the friction
device comprises: a friction pad; and a compression device to
compress a rotational surface of the pivot against the friction
pad.
38. The dental support of claim 32 further comprising a friction
member disposed between the shaft and the plug member.
39. The dental support system of claim 38 wherein the friction
member comprises of a rubber ring disposed on the shaft.
40. A dental support system comprising: a first bearing adapted to
pivot about a substantially horizontal axis of a yoke; a second
bearing adapted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis of a
pivot member; and a damper adapted to retard pivotal motion about
said substantially vertical axis.
41. The dental support system of claim 40 wherein said yoke
comprises a boom.
42. The dental support system of claim 40 wherein said pivot member
comprises a mast.
43. The dental support system of claim 41 wherein said boom
comprises at least one formation adapted to inter-engage a
corresponding formation on the yoke.
44. The support system of claim 40 wherein said yoke comprising a
first braking surface, said shaft comprising a second braking
surface, said first and second braking surfaces being adapted to
mutually engage a friction member.
45. The support system of claim 44 wherein said friction member
comprises a friction washer, said friction washer including an
internal surface defining a through-hole, said through-hole being
adapted to receive a portion of said shaft therethrough.
46. The support system of claim 45 wherein said washer comprises an
anti-rotation feature, said anti-rotation feature being adapted to
minimize a rotational motion of said washer about a longitudinal
axis of said shaft, whereby said washer is substantially
rotationally fixed with respect to said mast.
47. The support structure of claim 45 wherein said anti-rotation
feature comprises a first substantially flat region of said
internal surface, and said shaft comprises an external surface
including a second substantially flat region, said first
substantially flat region being adapted to engage said second
substantially flat surface.
48. A dental support system comprising: a substantially horizontal
shaft rotatably supporting a yoke member; a substantially vertical
shaft rotatably positioning a pivot member; and a brake device
adapted to damp a rotation of said pivot member about said
substantially vertical shaft.
49. The dental support system of claim 48 wherein said brake device
comprises a frictional member.
50. The dental support system of claim 49 wherein said frictional
member comprises material selected from the group consisting of a
synthetic elastomeric polymer, a natural elastomeric polymer, a
viscous fluid and combinations thereof.
51. The dental support system of claim 48 wherein said brake device
comprises a compression plug adapted to urge a first friction
surface of said frictional member against a second frictional
surface.
52. The dental support system of claim 51 wherein said compression
plug comprises a substantially cylindrical outer surface bearing a
plurality of threads.
53. The dental support system of claim 48 wherein said brake device
further comprises a spring to urge the first friction surface of
said frictional member against the second frictional surface.
54. The dental support system of claim 1 wherein said dental
instrument comprises a dental whitening system, a dental curing
system, a dental examination system, a viewing and cleaning
instrument; an imaging equipment; an X-ray equipment, a root canal
apex locator, or combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/585,224, filed Jul. 2, 2004,
entitled "Dental Light Devices With Phase Change Heat Sink";
60/641,462, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled "Boom Hinge For A Dental
Lamp"; 60/647,725, filed Jan. 26, 2005, entitled "Automatic Control
for a Dental Whitening Lamp"; 60/647,723, filed Jan. 26, 2005,
entitled "Boom Hinge For A Dental Lamp"; 60/658,517, filed Mar. 3,
2005, entitled "Apparatus and Method For Radiation Spectrum
Shifting in Dentistry Application"; 60/641,469, filed Jan. 4, 2005,
entitled "Lamp For Dentistry Applications"; 60/647,580, filed Jan.
26, 2005, entitled "Light Guide For Dental Whitening Lamp";
60/641,461, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled "Support Structure For A
Dental Lamp"; 60/641,468, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled "Light Guide
For A Dental Whitening Lamp"; 60/647,612, filed Jan. 26, 2005,
entitled "Light Path Apparatus For A Dental Lamp"; 60/647,593,
filed Jan. 26, 2005, entitled "Support Structure For A Dental
Lamp"; U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/220,642, filed
Jan. 4, 2005, entitled "Lamp For Dentistry Applications"; Ser. No.
29/220,680, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled "light Guide For Dentistry
Applications"; Ser. No. 29/220,679, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled
"Power Pack For Dentistry Applications"; Ser. No. 29/220,712, filed
Jan. 4, 2005, entitled "Support Structure For A Lamp For
Dentistry"; Ser. No. 29/______ filed on Jun. 22, 2005 entitled,
"Support Structure For Dental Applications; Ser. No. 29/______
filed on Jun. 22, 2005 entitled, "Support Structure for Dental
Applications"; U.S. provisional applications Ser. No. 60/604,577,
filed Aug. 25, 2004, entitled "Lip Retractors"; 60/594,297, filed
Mar. 25, 2005, entitled "Curing Light Having A Detachable Tip";
60/631,267, filed Nov. 26, 2004, entitled "Curing Light Having A
Reflector"; 60/594,327, filed on Mar. 30, 2005, entitled, "Curing
Light"; and 60/664,696, filed Mar. 22, 2005, entitled "Curing Light
Having A Detachable Tip"; the contents of all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0002] The present application is a continuation-in-part of the
following U.S. design applications Ser. No. 29/220,642, filed Jan.
4, 2005, entitled "Lamp For Dentistry Applications"; Ser. No.
29/220,680, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled "Light Guide For Dentistry
Applications"; Ser. No. 29/220,679, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled
"Power Pack For Dentistry Applications"; Ser. No. 29/220,712, filed
Jan. 4, 2005, entitled "Support Structure For A Lamp For
Dentistry"; Ser. No. 29/______ filed on Jun. 22, 2005 entitled,
"Support Structure For Dental Applications; Ser. No. 29/______
filed on Jun. 22, 2005 entitled, "Support Structure for Dental
Applications"; all, of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0003] The present application includes claims that may be related
to the claims of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/______, to be concurrently filed, entitled "Dental Light Devices
Having an Improved Heat Sink"; Ser. No. 10/______, to be
concurrently filed, entitled "Voice Alert System for Dentistry
Applications"; Ser. No. 10/______, to be concurrently filed,
entitled "Retracting Devices"; Ser. No. 10/______, to be
concurrently filed, entitled "Curing Light Capable of Multiple
Wavelengths"; Ser. No. 10/______, to be concurrently filed,
entitled "Curing Light"; Ser. No. 10/______, to be concurrently
filed, entitled "Illumination System for Dentistry Applications";
and Ser. No. 10/______, to be concurrently filed, entitled "Light
Guide for Dentistry Applications"; Ser. No. 10/______, to be
concurrently filed, entitled "Automatic Control For Dental
Applications"; the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to dental equipment and more
particularly to positioning apparatus for dental equipment.
BACKGROUND
[0005] The practice of dentistry remains highly labor-intensive.
Moreover, the labor involved is highly skilled. Although some
activities can be delegated and others automated, many of the
important activities in dentistry must still be performed by a
dentist. Whether a dental procedure is performed by a dentist or by
other dental professional, the dentist or other dental professional
must operate in a time-efficient manner in order to provide desired
dental services at a sustainable cost.
[0006] This need for efficient operation is reflected in the design
of the dental office. An adjustable dental chair allows for
positioning of a patient in an orientation that permits easy access
to the patients mouth. Dental instruments are provided in
pre-packaged kits adapted for use in particular dental procedures.
Storage cabinetry for materials and dental tools are placed in
proximity to the patient for ready access by the dentist and/or his
or her assistant.
[0007] In addition, work trays and shelves for supporting dental
instruments and work lights for illuminating the patients' mouth
are provided with adjustable support structures that are adapted to
keep the instruments within easy reach and the work area well
illuminated.
[0008] It is known to use a variety of articulated support
structures in the context of a dental office. Examples of these
structures are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,013,328 to Wolf, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,097,919 to Bobrick et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,376 to Litel
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,557 (reissued as No. 31548 to Watanabe,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,437,144 to Guenther, U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,177 to
Matthews, U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,698 to Oram, U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,933
to Fuchs, U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,295 to Gehly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,905
to Allred et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,671 to Chang et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 6,361,320 to Yarborough, U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,914 to Sander
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,836 to Wahl. The disclosures of the
foregoing patents are herewith incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0009] The support structures described in these references include
a variety of articulating joints adapted to provide adjustable
spatial positioning of a load, such as a lamp or instrument tray.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,919 shows a track-mounted
illumination system with a telescoping boom. U.S. Pat. No.
6,543,914 shows a boom and strut arrangement mutually coupled to a
gas pressure spring for supporting a surgical microscope and lamp.
U.S. reissue Pat. No. 31548 shows a dental operatory system in
which a dental operatory lamp is suspended from a pivotable
bracket, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,437,144 shows a height adjustable
support arm with a parallelogram linkage.
[0010] These afore-mentioned load-supporting systems offers certain
characteristics that may be beneficial in the context of a
particular use. They show by their variety, the importance of the
problem of effective load positioning in allowing economically
efficient dental activities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In light of the background discussed above, the present
invention is related to improving the efficiency of operations in a
dental office.
[0012] The present invention includes a support system for
dentistry applications adapted to support a variety of dental
process equipment and ancillary dental equipment including, for
example, a dental whitening system, a dental curing system, a
dental examination system, a dental viewing and cleaning
instrument; an imaging equipment; an X-ray equipment, a root canal
apex locator, or similar, or combinations thereof.
[0013] The support system includes a mast and boom system, with the
boom being pivotally mounted on a mast about a location spaced away
from its ends. The boom includes at least one formation adapted for
engaging with at least one corresponding inter-engaging formation
towards one end of the mast to form the pivot mount.
[0014] In one aspect, the boom includes at least one formation
towards one end, adapted for inter-engaging at least one formation
of a dental instrument or equipment; and at least one formation
towards a second end adapted for engaging a counterbalancing object
or weight including at least one correspondingly inter-engaging
formation, for counterbalancing the dental instrument or equipment
and permitting the dental instrument or equipment to be balance in
a series of varying positions.
[0015] In one embodiment, the invention includes a support system
adapted to support a plurality of dental instrument or equipment
adapted for performing a varying series of dental processes
including at least one formation for inter-engaging the
corresponding formation on the boom, where the plurality of
instrument or equipment may be adapted for interchangeable
connection with the support system by varying the counter-balancing
object or weight.
[0016] In one aspect, the support system may be adapted to
cooperate in a novel fashion with novel and/or conventional
equipment to establish and maintain respective position of
processing equipment and a patient's mouth, through the use of, for
example, a reference device and/or a spacer.
[0017] In another aspect, the support system provides an integrated
system for the support, presentation and operation of various
dental processing equipment, individually or concurrently.
[0018] In another embodiment, a system according to the invention
includes an organized storage system for storing and retaining
interchangeable process equipment when not in use.
[0019] In a further embodiment, the support system includes an
integrated power and control module referred to, for example, as a
power pack. The power pack may be adapted to provide power such as
electrical power to the one or more dental instrument or equipment
adapted to be supported by the support system of the present
invention. The power pack includes at least one formation for
inter-engaging at least one corresponding formation of the mast
spaced away from the ends.
[0020] In one aspect, the power pack may be adapted to provide
control functionality including, for example, operative control
communications between the power pack and one or more dental
processing apparatus.
[0021] In another aspect, the power pack may be adapted to provide
intelligent communications with one or more dental processing
apparatus such that an operative control communications between the
power pack and the dental processing apparatus may be adapted to
include communication features appropriate to a particular
processing apparatus.
[0022] In a further aspect, the power pack may include user
interface components adapted to receive control inputs from an
operator and provide status and control feedback to the
operator.
[0023] In other aspects, the features of the support system of the
present invention may include desirable ergonomics,
transportability, strength, optimal weight, ease of assembly,
storability, maintainability, adjustability or positionability, one
or more of which may contribute in varying degrees to the efficacy
of resulting dental processing.
[0024] The present invention also provides a support system that is
unobtrusive, enabling an office to be equipped with a number of
such support systems, thus improving the efficiency of operations
in a dental office.
[0025] The present invention further includes a boom hinge for
allowing easy adjustment of any dental equipment adapted to be
mounted on the support system, for example, a dental whitening
illumination source. In various aspects, the boom hinge may be
adapted to provide equipment positioning suitable for a wide
variety of dental patients and dental professionals. In other
aspects, a boom hinge according to the invention may be readily
adjusted to allow a particular spatial positioning of any dental
equipment, and once positioned, to hold the equipment substantially
fixedly in space until a further adjustment of equipment position
is desired.
[0026] In one embodiment, the invention includes a boom hinge for a
dental whitening lamp having a pivot, a yoke with two sides, a
shaft, and at least one internally threaded knob adapted to
compress the two sides of the yoke onto the pivot.
[0027] In another embodiment, the invention further includes a plug
to receive the shaft, for the pivot to rotate with respect to the
plug.
[0028] In another embodiment, the invention includes a device for
damping the rotational motion of the pivot. In one aspect, the
device for damping may be a friction washer disposed between the
pivot and the plug. In another aspect, the device for damping
includes a friction pad disposed between the pivot shaft and the
plug.
[0029] In a further embodiment, a spanner plug may be adapted to
push the pivot shaft against the friction pad. In one aspect of
this embodiment, the spanner plug may be adjustable thereby
providing adjustable damping of the rotational movement of the
pivot with respect to the plug. In another aspect of this
embodiment, a spring may be adapted to push the friction pad
against the shaft.
[0030] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the shaft
includes a damping device. In one aspect of this embodiment,
friction rings may be mounted to the shaft.
[0031] These and other advantages and features of the invention
will be more readily understood in relation to the following
detailed description of the invention, which is provided in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 shows, in perspective view, a support structure for
dentistry equipment according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 shows, in sectional elevation, various aspects of a
dentistry support structure;
[0034] FIG. 3a-3d show various aspects of a dentistry support
structure;
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a support structure for dentistry applications
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 5 shows, in perspective view, a base adapted for
inclusion in a dentistry support structure;
[0037] FIG. 6 shows, in perspective view, a counterweight mounting
shaft for a support structure for dentistry equipment;
[0038] FIG. 7 shows, in perspective view, a boom joint for a
dentistry support structure;
[0039] FIG. 8 shows, a boom joint in side elevation;
[0040] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a boom joint
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a boom joint pivot
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a boom hinge yoke
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 12 shows a boom joint horizontal shaft according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0044] FIGS. 13a and 13b show boom joint washers according to
respective embodiments of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 14 shows, in perspective view, a boom joint knob
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 15 shows, in perspective view, a boom joint according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 16 shows, in ventral perspective view, a mast top plug
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 17 shows a top view of a mast top plug according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 18 shows, in cross-section, a mast top plug according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0050] FIG. 19 shows, in assembly view, a mast, boom and boom joint
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 20 shows, in cross-section, a boom joint according to a
further embodiment of the invention;
[0052] FIG. 21 shows, in cross-section, a boom joint according to a
further embodiment of the invention;
[0053] FIG. 22 shows, in cross-section, a boom joint according to a
further embodiment of the invention;
[0054] FIG. 23 shows a boom joint shaft according to one embodiment
of the invention;
[0055] FIG. 24 shows a table of empirical values illustrating a
functional relationship between patient push out force, joint
torque, spring force and spring deflection according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0056] FIG. 25 shows, in graphical form, a functional relationship
between spring deflection and patient push out force according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0057] FIG. 26 shows, in graphical form, a functional relationship
between spring force and spring displacement according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0058] FIG. 27 shows, in elevation, a pivot and mast top plug
assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0059] FIG. 28 shows, in cross-section, a pivot and mast top plug
assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0060] FIG. 29 shows, in ventral perspective view, a pivot
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0061] FIG. 30 shows, in ventral perspective view, a vertical pivot
shaft according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0062] FIG. 31 shows, in cross-section, a vertical pivot shaft
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0063] FIG. 32 shows, in ventral perspective view, a vertical pivot
shaft according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0064] FIG. 33 shows, in cross-section, a vertical pivot shaft
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0065] FIG. 34 shows, in top view, a spanner nut according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0066] FIG. 35 shows, in, side view, a spanner nut according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0067] FIG. 36 shows, in ventral perspective view, a bushing
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0068] FIG. 37 shows, in top view, a spanner nut according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0069] FIG. 38 shows, in ventral perspective view, a mast-top plug
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0070] FIG. 39 shows, in cross-section, a mast-top plug according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0071] FIG. 40 shows, in top view, a mast-top plug according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0072] FIG. 41 shows, in assembly view, a mast-top plug and pivot
assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0073] FIG. 42 shows, in perspective view, various components of a
ball joint according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0074] FIG. 43 shows, in exploded perspective view, a forward
assembly for a dentistry equipment support structure boom;
[0075] FIG. 44 shows, in sectional perspective view, components of
a ball joint according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0076] FIG. 45 shows, in perspective view, a nut plate and spring
assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0077] FIG. 46 shows, in ventral perspective view, a ball cup
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0078] FIG. 47 shows, in perspective view, a ball cup according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0079] FIG. 48 shows, in perspective view, a ball joint assembly
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0080] FIG. 49 shows, in perspective view, a ball joint knob
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0081] FIG. 50 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment
including a dental whitening lamp according to one embodiment of
the invention;
[0082] FIG. 51 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment
including a dental whitening lamp according to one embodiment of
the invention;
[0083] FIG. 52 shows a portion of a support structure for dentistry
equipment including a dental whitening lamp according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0084] FIG. 53 shows a device for coupling a patient's lips to a
dental whitening lamp, and hence to a support structure for
dentistry equipment according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0085] FIG. 54 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment
including an endoscopic device such as an endoscopic tooth planer
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0086] FIG. 55 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment
including an endodontic apex locator device according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0087] FIG. 56 shows a portion of a support structure for dentistry
equipment including an x-ray film support structure according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0088] FIG. 57 shows a portion of a support structure for dentistry
equipment including an electronic x-ray imaging sensor support
structure according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0089] FIG. 58 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment
including an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment
of the invention;
[0090] FIG. 59 shows a dental composition tray for use with a
support structure according to principles of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0091] 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 can be used in the practice or testing of the
invention, the preferred methods, devices and materials are now
described.
[0092] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by
reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for
example, the designs and methodologies that are described in the
publications which might be used in connection with the presently
described invention. The publications listed or discussed above,
below and throughout the text are provided solely for their
disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application.
Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the
inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of
prior invention.
[0093] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred device provided in
accordance with aspects of the present invention and is not
intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be practiced or utilized. Rather, it is to be understood, that
the same or equivalent functions and components may be accomplished
by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0094] The support system of the present invention may be adapted
to support a wide variety of equipment for dentistry. For example,
the support structure of the present invention is adapted to
support Chemical activation equipment such as dental whitening and
dental curing radiation sources; dental imaging equipment such as
x-ray positioning equipment, x-ray sensing equipment including film
and electronic sensors, endoscopic imaging equipment, ultrasonic
imaging equipment, and various other imaging equipment such as now
exists or may come to exist in the field of dentistry.
[0095] The support system includes a boom, a mast, and a base in,
for example, a modular form.
[0096] The boom includes at least one formation spaced away from
its ends, adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation
towards one end of the mast for pivotally mounting the boom to the
mast, when the mast and the boom become apposed.
[0097] The boom includes at least one formation towards one end,
adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation on a dental
instrument or equipment, for mounting the dental instrument to the
boom, when the boom and the instrument become apposed.
[0098] The boom further includes at least one formation towards a
second end, adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation of
a counter-balancing object or weight, when the boom and object
become apposed.
[0099] The mast includes at least one formation spaced away from
its ends, adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation on a
power pack when the mast and the power become apposed.
[0100] The mast includes at least one formation towards a second
end, adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation of a
support base when the mast and the support base become apposed.
[0101] The word formation as used herein in relation to the
reference device, spacer, the lamp system, the mast, the boom, the
power pack, the base and the counter-balance object or weight or
any other components of the support system refers to the portion of
one component which is shaped to inter-fit with a corresponding
part of an adjoining component. It includes portions of the above
listed components which may be shaped by molding, casting,
machining, or any other appropriate method, or portions which are
formed separately and then subsequently assembled.
[0102] Suitable inter-engaging formations include, but is not
limited to, tongues and grooves, posts and sockets, swingable hooks
and sockets, resilient clips and sockets, tongue or wing-like
members and slots, ball and cavity, ball and socket, screw and
washer, depressions and protrusions, channels and rods or cables,
and so on, some of which are more specifically exemplified in
detail below.
[0103] The light system of the present invention may be easily
aligned to a subject and is ergonomically compatible for both
right-handed and left-handed users. Further, the pieces of the
light system are separable and modular, as mentioned above, so that
the light system is easy to assemble, disassemble, pack, ship or
transport. In addition, individual pieces or modules may be sent in
for repair or for updating.
[0104] FIG. 1 shows a support structure 100 for dentistry equipment
according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the
support structure 100 includes a base 102 and an articulated
support member 104. According to one embodiment of the invention,
the base includes a body portion 106. The base 102 is adapted to be
coupled to the articulated support member 104 by receiving a
coupling feature 108 (see FIG. 3a below) of the articulated support
member 104. The coupling feature 108 is adapted to substantially
fixedly couple the articulated support member 104 to the body
portion 106.
[0105] In one embodiment, the articulated support member includes a
mast 101 and a boom 103. The mast 101 and boom 103 are coupled to
one another by a boom joint 105 that includes boom joint knobs 109,
111.
[0106] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, an anterior end of the boom 103
includes a formation such as an instrument or apparatus-coupling
feature 98. Although a wide variety of apparatus-coupling features
are within the scope of the invention, the illustrated
apparatus-coupling feature is a ball joint.
[0107] In various embodiments, the boom 103 of the support
structure 100 includes a second formation, such as a boom-control
feature adapted to offset a gravitational torque produced by a load
mass being coupled to the apparatus-coupling feature. For example,
in the illustrated embodiment, a posterior end of the boom 103
includes a boom counterweight 107. One of skill in the art will
appreciate, however, that a wide variety of boom-control features,
such as for example torsion springs and tension springs, are
applicable to control of the boom 103, and are within the scope of
the invention.
[0108] In one embodiment, as illustrated, the body portion 106
includes a plurality of beams 110 disposed in a radial orientation
with respect to one another, such that a respective plurality of
proximal ends 112 of the beams 110 are disposed proximate to the
coupling feature 108, and a respective plurality of distal ends 114
of the beams 110 are disposed distal to the coupling feature 108.
In various embodiments, the beams 110 and/or the body portion 106
may consist of a single integral member, or may be an assembly of
discrete components.
[0109] According to one embodiment of the invention, as
illustrated, the base 102 includes five beams 110 arranged radially
in a substantially symmetrical, substantially coplanar,
substantially horizontal orientation. A different number of beams
is also envisioned.
[0110] In another embodiment of the invention, the body portion 106
may include a component having a disk shape, a hemispherical shape,
a truncated hemispherical shape, a hemi-ellipsoid shape, a
truncated hemi-ellipsoid shape, a conical shape, a truncated
conical shape, and a wide variety of other shapes according to the
various requirements, including functional and aesthetic
requirements, of a particular embodiment.
[0111] In a further aspect, according to one embodiment of the
invention, the base 102 includes a bearing device adapted to
facilitate motion of the dental equipment support structure 100
with respect to a supporting surface, such as a floor. According to
one embodiment, as illustrated, the bearing device includes a
plurality of caster wheels 116. In one embodiment, the plurality of
caster wheels is disposed at respective ends 114 of the plurality
of beams 110. In another embodiment, the caster wheels are disposed
adjacent a periphery of a disk shaped base.
[0112] In still another embodiment of the invention, the plurality
of caster wheels 116 includes a respective plurality of braking
devices. In a further aspect, each of the plurality of braking
devices includes a discrete activation lever 120. In another
embodiment of the invention, a single, common activation device is
adapted to engage each of the plurality of braking devices.
[0113] In still another embodiment of the invention, a single
common braking device is used. For example, according to one
embodiment of the invention, base 102 includes a brake shoe
mechanism adapted to urge a break shoe downwardly from adjacent a
lower surface of the body 106 towards a floor, such that when the
break shoe engages the floor, a frictional force between a lower
surface of the break shoe and the floor inhibits lateral motion,
with respect to the floor, of the support structure 100.
[0114] In a further aspect, according to one embodiment of the
invention, the plurality of caster wheels 116 includes a respective
plurality of tires 122. In various embodiments, these tires may be
formed of various materials used alone or in combination. Such
materials include, for example, elastomers such as natural latex
rubber, Kraton.RTM. rubbers such as styrene-butadiene and
styrene-isoprene, nitrile rubber, polyurethane, neoprene,
polybutadiene, polyisobutylene; thermoplastics and thermosets, such
as polypropylene, polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE-Teflon),
polyvinyldifluoride (PVDF), polyamide (Nylon), polyaramid (Kevlar),
acetal plastic (Delrin), polystyrene, polyester, bakelite; and
reinforced composites including, for example, any of the foregoing
along with reinforcing materials such as glass fiber, carbon fiber,
cellulose, hemp, and any other reinforcing material such as may be
known in the art.
[0115] According to particular embodiments of the invention, the
tires 122 of the caster wheels 116 may be pneumatic,
semi-pneumatic, or solid. In still further embodiments, the caster
wheels 116 may be un-tired, and may have circumferential surfaces
of metal, or polymer coated metal, such as, for example,
epoxy-coated steel.
[0116] It should be noted, however, that the bearing device may
include no caster wheels at all, but may include an air bearing
formed by actively pumping or releasing compressed air through
channels and/or apertures in a lower surface of the base and
adapted to reduce friction between lower surface of the base and
the floor. Other non-caster bearing devices include, according to
respective embodiments of the invention, polymer glides formed of,
for example reinforced PTFE or of UHMWPE.
[0117] FIG. 2 shows, in sectional elevation, an apparatus support
200 for dentistry applications according to one embodiment of the
invention. The FIG. 2 illustration presents, in some detail, the
components of articulated member 104 of FIG. 1.
[0118] In one illustrated aspect, the apparatus support 200
includes a boom having a formation, for example, a boom joint such
as a pivotal boom hinge 202 having at least two degrees of freedom.
Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the boom hinge 202 has
a first degree of freedom including rotational motion about a
substantially vertical axis, and a second degree of freedom
including rotational motion about a substantially horizontal axis.
In the embodiment shown, rotation about the substantially
horizontal axis may be effected by including within the boom hinge
202 at least one formation, which may include at least one or all
of the following, for example, a boom joint yoke 204 and boom joint
pivot 206 assembly having a hinge shaft 208 disposed between the
boom joint yoke 204 and boom joint pivot 206.
[0119] Rotation about the substantially vertical axis is effected
by including within the boom hinge 202 a boom pivot shaft 210
disposed within a substantially vertical bore of a boom top plug
212. Exemplary embodiments and aspects of boom hinges according to
the invention are discussed in additional detail below.
[0120] As discussed above, in relation to FIG. 1, the articulated
support member includes a mast 101 and a boom 103. In the
illustrated embodiment, as is visible in FIG. 2, both the mast and
the boom are curved.
[0121] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
curve of the boom 103 is a substantially circular curve. According
to another embodiment of the invention, the curve of a boom may
include a non-circular curve such as, for example, an elliptical
curve, an ovoid curve, and a non-monotonic curve such as an "S"
curve.
[0122] One advantage of the illustrated curvature of the mast and
boom is that it optimizes the use of floor space in what may be an
otherwise crowded dental examining room. For example, the curvature
of the mast 101 may allow a larger portion of the base 102 to be
received within a recess 215 under, for example a dental examining
chair 150, table, or another piece of dental examining room
equipment. In this way, otherwise usable space outwardly of the
recess 215 is conserved. In another aspect, the curvature of the
mast 101 and boom 103 may be aesthetically pleasing, and therefore
contribute to the decor of the dental office. Nevertheless, the
mast, and/or the boom may be substantially straight according to
particular embodiments of the invention.
[0123] According to one embodiment of the invention, both the mast
and the boom may be adapted to support signal devices and/or mass
transfer devices. Exemplary signal devices may include filamentary
signal carriers such as some metallic, ceramic, or conductive
polymer wires, or optical fibers. In addition exemplary signal
devices may include non-filamentary signal carriers such as
radiofrequency waveguides. Exemplary mass transport devices
include, for example, flexible polymer or metallic tubing adapted
to the transportation of pressurized air or water.
[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the mast and boom are also
adapted to support power wiring for the dental instrument or
apparatus.
[0125] According to one embodiment, the mast may include a concave
side and a convex side, defining a curve in a plane perpendicular
to the floor. At least one power pack having at least one
formation, such as a mounting cable, may be attached to a formation
of the mast, for example, a channel, on a convex side of the curved
mast. As illustrated, the power pack includes a controller for
controlling the lamp system.
[0126] FIG. 3a shows a rear elevation view of an exemplary mast 101
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the mast
includes a wire channel 152 disposed longitudinally in an external
surface of the mast. In the illustrated embodiment, this wire
channel 152 may extend from a lower end of the mast 101 to an upper
end of the mast 101.
[0127] FIG. 3b shows, in cross-section, a mast 101 according to one
embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 3b a profile of the wire
channel 152 is visible, showing that it includes a recessed cavity
disposed inwardly of an otherwise substantially elliptically
cylindrical outer surface 154 of the mast 101. The wire channel 152
may include first and second lips 156. The first and second lips
156, according to the illustrated embodiment, may extend
substantially along the length of the wire channel 152 from the
lower end to the upper end of the mast 101. According to other
embodiments, however, the lips 156 may be indented, to form
intermittent projections along the length of the wire channel
152.
[0128] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mast may
be formed of a metal or metallic alloy, such as stainless steel,
extruded aluminum, an alloy such as Ni/Ti alloy; any amorphous
metals including those available from Liquid Metal, Inc. or similar
ones, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,611, and U.S.
Patent Application No. 2004/0121283, the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
[0129] According to another embodiment of the invention, the mast
may be formed of any polymeric material. Suitable polymers include
polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, polyester,
acrylic polymers, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, or polyetherimide
like ULTEM.RTM.; a polymeric alloy such as Xenoy.RTM. resin, which
is a composite of polycarbonate and polybutyleneterephthalate or
Lexan.RTM. plastic, which is a copolymer of polycarbonate and
isophthalate terephthalate resorcinol resin (all available from GE
Plastics), 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. Pat.
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. Pat. No. 6,730,377, the content of which is
incorporated herein by reference) or combinations thereof.
[0130] In addition, any polymeric composite such as engineering
prepregs or composites, which are polymers filled with pigments,
carbon particles, silica, glass fibers, conductive particles such
as metal particles or conductive polymers, or mixtures thereof may
also be used. For example, a blend of polycarbonate and ABS
(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) may be used for the lamp housing
and head.
[0131] FIG. 3c shows, in cross section, a channel cover 225
according to one embodiment of the invention. The channel cover of
FIG. 3c includes a plate member 226 and first and second
projections 227, 236. The first and second projections 227, 236 are
disposed substantially perpendicular to a rear surface 238 of the
plate member 226. In addition, first and second projections are
disposed inwardly of longitudinal edges 239, 241 of the plate
member 226. Each projection, 227, 236, includes an angled barb 243,
245 with a respective back surface 249, 251. Consequently, each
side of the channel cover 225 includes a respective longitudinal
recess 253, 255 adapted to be mechanically coupled to a respective
one of the lips 156 of the wire channel 152. This mechanical
coupling may result in retention of the channel cover 225 adjacent
to the wire channel 152 and effects closure of the wire channel
152.
[0132] According to one embodiment of the invention, the channel
cover 225 is relatively inflexible, and the closure of the wire
channel 152 is substantially permanent. According to another
embodiment of the invention, the channel cover 225 is relatively
flexible, and the channel cover 225 is therefore easily removable
and replaceable subsequent to an initial installation.
[0133] In one embodiment of the invention, the channel cover 225
may be formed of a material including an elastomer such as those
mentioned above.
[0134] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
channel cover 225 may be formed of a metallic substance such as,
for example, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or those materials
mentioned above in connection with the construction of the mast.
According to still other embodiments of the invention, combinations
of the foregoing materials, or of other materials, along with or
exclusive of the foregoing materials, may be used according to the
requirements of a particular embodiment.
[0135] In another embodiment of the invention, the boom 103 (as
shown in FIG. 2) may also include a wire channel in a manner
similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3b with respect to
the mast 101. In such a case, a channel cover 225 like that of FIG.
3c may also be employed to cover the wire channel of the boom
103.
[0136] FIG. 3d shows, in cross-section, a boom 103 according to one
embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG.
3d, the boom 103 does not include a wire channel. Instead, the boom
103 is substantially hollow, having an axial cavity 259 disposed
therewithin. According to one embodiment of the invention, wires
and/or tubing, for example, may be disposed and supported within
the axial cavity 259.
[0137] The boom may be formed of one or more of the same materials
as mentioned above for the construction of the mast, or of a
different material. According to one embodiment of the invention,
the boom may be formed of extruded aluminum.
[0138] Referring again to FIG. 3a, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention, the mast 101 includes a formation or
coupling feature 108. The coupling feature 108 may be adapted to
couple the mast 101, at its lower end, to a base 106 (as shown, for
example, in FIG. 2). According to one illustrated embodiment of the
invention, the coupling feature 108 includes a plug 264. In the
illustrated embodiment, the plug 264 includes a substantially
cylindrical outer surface, and may be adapted to be received within
a formation in the base 106, such as a cavity having a
substantially cylindrical inner surface 266 (as shown, for example,
in FIG. 2).
[0139] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plug 264
may be substantially solid and formed, for example, as an integral
casting. According to another embodiment of the invention, the plug
264 may be formed as an assembly of components.
[0140] According to still another embodiment of the invention, the
coupling feature may include a projecting portion (not shown). The
projecting portion may be adapted to be received within the
interior cavity 268 of the mast 101. The projecting portion may be
retained within the interior cavity 268 by, for example, a
frictional force fit or by one or more threaded fasteners, or by
spring pins, or other fastening means, according to various
embodiments of the invention.
[0141] In a further aspect of the invention, according to one
embodiment, the coupling feature 108 may include an alignment
device 269. In one embodiment of the invention, the alignment
device 269 may be a dowel or pin, such as a steel machine pin. In
the illustrated embodiment, the pin may be a substantially
cylindrical steel pin disposed within a bore and aligned
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plug 264.
In other embodiments (not illustrated here) the alignment device
269 may be a pin of rectangular cross section, a rectangular key,
Woodruff key, roll pin, or other alignment device such as is known
to one of skill in the art.
[0142] In one aspect of the invention, the alignment device 269
serves to maintain the mast 101 in a particular orientation with
respect to the base 102 (as shown in FIG. 1). According to one
embodiment, this orientation maintains the plane of curvature of
the mast aligned with one of the beams 110 of the base.
[0143] In one embodiment, the mast 101 may have a uniform outer
dimension along its length, as shown in FIG. 1. In another
embodiment, the mast 101 may have a non-uniform outer dimension
along its length, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0144] FIG. 4 shows a dental equipment support structure according
to another embodiment of the invention. As is apparent from the
illustration of FIG. 4, the configuration of the mast, and also the
boom, need not be strictly tubular. For example, the support
structure 100' of FIG. 4 includes a mast 262 that has sides which
diverge and subsequently converge with respect to one another as a
function of height along the mast. Consequently, as shown in the
illustrated embodiment, a cross-sectional area of the mast in a
central region 263 is larger than the respective cross sections of
the mast at an upper 265 region and a lower region 267.
[0145] In FIG. 4, the mid-section of the mast 101 is of a larger
dimension than other parts of the mast. In one aspect, this
mid-section may coincide with the mounting position of the power
pack 261. In another aspect, the wider portion of the mast 101 may
be flattened to accommodate a power pack 261. In a third aspect,
the wider portion may be sunken or recessed to accommodate a power
pack 261 so that the power pack 261 does not protrude far from the
general profile of the mast 101.
[0146] In one embodiment of the invention, the boom 103 and mast
101 may be positioned such that their footprint does not exceed the
footprint of the base 106. Specifically, when the boom 103 is
rotated to a minimally vertical angle, whereby the lamp head is at
its lowest elevation in proximity to the base, a projection of the
lamp system on the floor falls entirely within the circumference of
the base 106.
[0147] In another embodiment, the boom 103 and mast 101 may be
positioned such that their footprint exceeds the footprint of the
base 106 with the center of gravity of the dental lamp system
falling within the base 106.
[0148] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the
outward-most surface of the counterweight 107 does not extend
beyond the circumference of the base 107 in any angular position of
the boom 103.
[0149] In one aspect of the invention, the mast 262 in FIG. 4
includes a cavity, or hollow region, within the central region 263.
According to one embodiment of the invention, this hollow region is
adapted to receive equipment such as, for example, a control module
or power pack therewithin. Thus, according to one aspect of the
invention, a streamlined and integrated support structure results.
Such a support structure is advantageous in a dental office where
projecting edges or equipment can snag clothing or otherwise
interfere with professional activities.
[0150] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a base 106 according to
one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the base 106 includes a
formation, for example, a cavity having a substantially cylindrical
inner surface 266. As noted above, this cavity may be adapted to
receive the coupling feature 108 therewithin. In FIG. 5, there is
also visible a slot 279 that opens into the cavity within base 106.
According to one embodiment of the invention, this slot may be
adapted to receive the alignment device 269 that projects from the
substantially cylindrical outer surface of the coupling feature
108. According to one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated,
a single slot 279 is present in the base. In other embodiments, a
plurality of slots may be provided to receive a corresponding
plurality of alignment devices 269.
[0151] Referring again to FIG. 2, and to the embodiment of the
invention of illustrated therein, a counterweight 107 is disposed
at a posterior end of the boom 103. In the illustrated embodiment,
the counterweight 107 includes an axial bore 306 disposed inwardly
from an aperture in an anterior surface of the counterweight.
[0152] In the illustrated embodiment, the boom includes an internal
bulkhead 299 fixedly coupled to an internal surface 301 of the boom
(see FIG. 3d) by, for example, welding or by the use of rivets or
threaded fasteners. In other embodiments of the invention, the
internal bulkhead is integrally formed as part of an extruded or
molded boom structure.
[0153] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal
bulkhead 299 includes an internally threaded bore 304 disposed
laterally therethrough. In one embodiment, the internally threaded
bore 304 is disposed substantially coaxially with a longitudinal
axis of a local region of the boom 103.
[0154] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, a counterweight shaft 305 is
mutually disposed within the bore 306 of the counterweight 107 and
within the internally threaded bore 304 of bulkhead 299. As shown,
a further internally threaded bore 308 is disposed within the
counterweight 107. Internally threaded bore 308 is disposed between
respective apertures at bore 306 and outer surface 310 of
counterweight 107. The further internally threaded bore 308 is
disposed substantially perpendicular to bore 306. According to one
embodiment of the invention, an externally threaded setscrew 312 is
disposed within bore 308, and is adapted to be advanced inwardly
from the surface 310 of the counterweight 107 such that an inward
end of the setscrew 312 is disposed against an external surface 314
of the counterweight shaft 305.
[0155] FIG. 6 shows the counterweight shaft 305 in additional
detail according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the
counterweight shaft 305 includes a posterior portion 320 adapted to
be received within the axial bore 306 of the counterweight 107. The
counterweight shaft 305 also includes an anterior portion 322
adapted to be received within the internally threaded bore 304 of
bulkhead 299. In the illustrated embodiment, the anterior portion
322 includes a plurality of external threads 324. The plurality of
external threads 324 is adapted to be threadingly coupled to a
corresponding plurality of internal threads of the internally
threaded bore 304 of the bulkhead 299.
[0156] In a further aspect, according to one embodiment of the
invention, the counterweight shaft 305 includes at least one flat
326 disposed on an external surface 328 thereof. The flat 326 is
adapted to receive a wrench, or other tool for the application of
an axial torque about a longitudinal axis of the counterweight
shaft 305. The application of this axial torque effects tightening,
and therefore substantially fixed engagement, of the external
threads 324 of the counterweight shaft and the internal threads of
the internally threaded bore 304 of the bulkhead 299.
[0157] As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art,
the fixed engagement of the external threads 324 of the
counterweight shaft with the internally threaded bore of the
bulkhead 299 may be further enhanced by the use of, for example, a
lock washer, such as a split washer or a crown washer, or a thread
locking solution as is known in the art.
[0158] In still another aspect, according to the FIG. 6 embodiment,
the external surface 328 of the counterweight shaft 305 includes a
circumferential groove 330. In one embodiment of the invention,
circumferential groove 330 includes at least one side 332 that is
disposed at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of
the counterweight shaft 305. According to one aspect of the
invention, a corresponding oblique angle provided on a truncated
conical inward end of setscrew 312 (as shown in FIG. 2) is
effective to urge the counterweight into a fixed lateral position
along a longitudinal axis of the counterweight shaft 305 with
respect to, for example the bulkhead 299 as the setscrew 312 is
advanced inwardly.
[0159] FIG. 7 shows, in perspective view, a boom joint 340 for a
dentistry equipment support structure. The boom joint 340 includes
a yoke 342 and a pivot 344. In the illustrated boom joint 340, the
yoke includes first 346 and second 348 side members, having
respective first and second bores disposed substantially
horizontally therethrough. In like fashion, the pivot 344 includes
third 350 and fourth 352 side members with respective third and
fourth bores disposed substantially horizontally therethrough. The
first, second, third and fourth bores are adapted to be aligned
with an axle such as, for example, a carriage bolt 354 disposed
coaxially therethrough. In this way, the yoke 342 and pivot to 344
are mutually supported in a pivoting relationship to one another by
the axle 354.
[0160] The yoke 342 includes, for example, a female coupling
feature 356. The female coupling feature 356 is adapted to be
coupled to, for example, an upper end of a mast 358, such as the
yoke is supported by the mast. As illustrated, the pivot 344 is
coupled to a boom 360 by one or more bolts 362.
[0161] A first handle 364, has a first lever arm 366 and an
internally threaded bore. The internally threaded bore may be
adapted to receive an externally threaded end of the axle 354,
whereby rotation of the handle serves to compress or release the
side members 346, 348 of the yoke with respect to the corresponding
sides 350, 352 of the pivot. A friction washer may be disposed
between the side members and sides to modify the friction
characteristics between side members and sides.
[0162] Compression of the side members 346, 348 serves to inhibit
rotation about the axle 354 of the pivot 344 with respect to the
yoke 342. Conversely, releasing the side members 346, 348 allows
rotation about the axle 354 of the pivot 344 with respect to the
yoke 342.
[0163] A second handle 368 has a second lever arm 370. Referring
now to FIG. 8, one sees handle 368 in additional detail. As
illustrated, the handle 368 includes an internally threaded bore
adapted to receive an externally threaded bolt such as, for
example, a carriage bolt 376. The female coupling 356 includes
first 372 and second 374 flanges, each with a respective bore
therethrough. The bores in flanges 372 and 374 are substantially
aligned with one another, and adapted to receive the bolt 376. As
will be clear to one of skill in the art, rotating handle 368
serves to compress and release the flanges 372, 374 with respect to
one another. Compression of the flanges 372, 374 serves to inhibit
rotation about the mast 358 of the yoke 342 with respect to the
mast 358. Conversely, a releasing of flanges 372, 374 permits
rotation of the yoke 342 with respect to the mast 358.
[0164] One of skill in the art will appreciate that operation of
the boom joint of FIGS. 6 and 7 over an extended period of time
will result in wear on one or more of the outer surface of mast
358, the corresponding formation, for example, the inner surface of
female coupling feature 356, the outer surfaces of the third 350
and fourth side members 352 of the pivot 344 and the corresponding
inner surfaces of the side members 346, 348 of the yoke 342. As
such wear takes place, the frictional forces present at the
respective interfaces changes accordingly. Consequently, the
damping and resistance to motion response characteristics of the
boom joint also change over the life of the support structure in
ways that may be unpredictable and/or undesirable. The present
invention aims to minimize such changes in such response
characteristics. Other solutions are also possible, though some of
them may be more, more difficult to produce, or more difficult to
maintain in stable condition.
[0165] FIG. 9 shows, in cross-section, boom joint 105, according to
one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the boom joint 105
includes a boom joint pivot 210, and a boom joint yoke 212. The
boom joint pivot includes a horizontal bore 214 that is adapted to
receive a boom joint shaft 216. The horizontal bore 214 is defined
by an internal substantially cylindrical wall 218. According to the
present embodiment, the wall 218 includes a slot 220. Referring
again to FIG. 2, the slot 220 may be adapted to receive a portion
of a fixturing device such as a Woodruff key 222.
[0166] The Woodruff key 222 aims to prevent rotation of the shaft
216 about an axis 224 that is common to both the shaft 216 and the
bore 214. As will be seen more clearly in relation to further
drawings discussed below, the yoke 212 may also include a bore that
may be disposed about a portion of the shaft 216. In the embodiment
of the invention presently under consideration, the yoke is not
fixedly coupled to the Woodruff key 222 during use of the support
structure. Consequently, the yoke 212, and the boom 108 that is
fixedly coupled to the yoke 212, are rotatably supported by the
shaft 216. The shaft 216 may be, in turn, supported by the pivot
210 and shaft 216.
[0167] The mast 101 and the boom 108 of the present invention may
be made of any polymeric material, preferably a polymer that can be
molded or cast; or a metal or metallic alloy. Suitable metal or
metallic alloys, polymers and polymeric composite include those
mentioned above.
[0168] In the illustrated embodiment, the boom joint pivot 210
includes a base portion 230 as well as an upper portion 232. In
various embodiments, the base portion 230 and the upper portion 232
ma be formed as a single integral unit, or as an assembly of
separate components. In the illustrated embodiment, the base
portion 230 may include a vertical shaft 234. Again, in various
embodiments, the base portion 230 and vertical shaft 234 may
include separate components, or they may form a single integral
unit.
[0169] In one embodiment of the invention, the mast 101 may
includes a substantially hollow bore or cavity 240. A mast top plug
242 may be disposed, fully or partially, within cavity 240. The
mast top plug 242 may include an axial bore 244 defined by a
substantially cylindrical internal surface 246. The radial diameter
of the axial bore 244 may vary along the length of the bore such
that a diameter of the bore is larger at a first location 248 than
at a second location 250. Where the diameter of the bore 244
changes along the length of the bore, a ledge 252 exists.
[0170] According to one embodiment of the invention, a bushing 254
may be disposed within the axial bore 244. The bushing 254 may
include a substantially cylindrical outer surface 256 disposed in
substantially coaxial spaced relation to a substantially
cylindrical inner surface 258.
[0171] In one exemplary embodiment, the bushing 254 may include and
oil-filled porous bronze material. In another exemplary embodiment,
the bushing 254 may include a polymer having a low coefficient of
friction. This polymer may be selected from a variety materials
including, but not limited to, for example, polyethylene, ultrahigh
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), acetyl polymer materials
and fiber reinforced acetyl polymer materials (Delrin), polyamide
(Nylon), polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluroethylene
(Teflon), and other polymers of similarly desirable and appropriate
characteristics, as well as those polymers, engineering prepregs
and filled polymeric composites mentioned above for the
construction of the mast and boom.
[0172] In another embodiment of the invention, the bushing 254 may
include a material having a relatively high coefficient of
friction, or an intermediate coefficient of friction, such that by
interaction with outer surface 260 and inner surface 248, the
bushing serves to damp and otherwise restrain a rotary motion of
the vertical shaft 234 about its longitudinal axis.
[0173] As shown, a substantially cylindrical outer surface 260 of
the vertical shaft 234 of the boom joint pivot 210 bears on, and is
supported by, the substantially cylindrical inner surface 258 of
the bushing 254. In addition, a substantially flat portion of a
lower surface 270 of the base portion 230 of the boom joint pivot
210 bears on, and is supported by a substantially flat portion of
an upper surface 272 of mast top plug 242.
[0174] A retaining device 274, such as a split-ring (c-ring)
retaining washer may be mutually disposed within a groove 276 of
the vertical shaft 234 and against a further ledge 278 of the
substantially cylindrical surface of the axial bore 244. The
retaining device 274 retains the vertical shaft 234 within the bore
244, and prevents the boom joint pivot 210 from moving upwardly
with respect to the mast top plug 242.
[0175] According to this arrangement, the mast top plug 242
supports and retains the boom joint pivot 210 while allowing the
boom joint pivot 210 to rotate about a mutual axis of the mast top
plug bore 244 and boom joint pivot shaft 234.
[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, this rotation may be damped
by the frictional action of a friction washer 280 disposed within a
substantially circular recess 282 of the upper surface 272 of the
mast top plug 242. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that an outer circumference of the friction washer 280 may have any
one of a wide variety of shapes including, but not limited to, an
elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a sinusoidal
shape, a toothed shape, and other shapes adapted to reduce rotation
of the friction washer with respect to the mast top plug 242.
[0177] In various embodiments, the friction washer is formed to
include a corresponding variety of materials including, but not
limited to polyurethane, polybutylene, latex rubber, or other
rubber materials that can be either natural or synthetic rubber.
Synthetic rubbers are preferably elastomeric materials and include
various copolymers or block copolymers (Kratons.RTM.) available
from Kraton Polymers such as styrene-butadiene rubber or styrene
isoprene, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, nitrile
(acrylonitrile butadiene) rubber and the like, and other
elastomers, cork, wood, ceramic materials, and other materials, or
in combination, that are appropriate to the function of the
friction washer. In addition the friction washer may include
fibrous materials such as, for example, ceramic fiber, glass fiber,
or mineral fiber materials among others.
[0178] In one embodiment of the invention, the damping frictional
forces exerted between the friction washer 280, or other friction
element, and the mast top plug 242 and the boom joint pivot 210 are
sufficient to allow rotation of the boom joint pivot 210 when a
force of between about 2 pounds and 5 pounds is exerted laterally
against, or in proximity to the supported dental equipment.
[0179] In a further aspect of the invention, according to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, a pin 290, such as a
substantially cylindrical pin, is disposed mutually within a bore
292 in the upper surface 272 of the mast top plug 242, and within
an arcuate slot 294 in the lower surface 270 of the base portion
230 of the boom joint pivot 210.
[0180] Turning now to FIG. 10 which shows the boom joint pivot 210
in a lower aspect of a perspective view, the arcuate slot 294 is
more clearly visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate
slot 294 includes a substantially vertical inner wall 296 and a
substantially vertical outer wall 298. The arcuate slot 294 also
includes substantially vertical end walls 300, 302. When viewed in
relation to FIG. 9, it will be evident to one of ordinary skill in
the art that when the boom joint pivot 210 may be assembled to the
mast top plug 242, the boom joint pivot 210 will rotate freely to
the extent that the pin 290 is disposed within the arcuate slot
294, away from the end walls 300, 302. When an outer surface of the
pin 290 comes into contact with one or the other of the end walls
300, 302, rotation of the boom joint pivot, in a corresponding
direction, is arrested.
[0181] FIG. 10 also shows a lower surface 270 of the boom joint
pivot 210 that is supported by the upper surface 272 of the mast
top plug 242. In addition, FIG. 10 shows the location of the slot
294 and the inner wall 296. One of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that alternative locations for the slot 294 will also
serve. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, an arcuate
slot similar to slot 294 may be provided in upper surface 272 of
mast top plug 242 (as shown in FIG. 9). Correspondingly, a bore
similar to that shown 292 in mast top plug 242 is provided in lower
surface 270 of boom joint pivot 210 with a pin 290 disposed
therein.
[0182] FIG. 11 shows the boom joint yoke 212 in a ventral aspect of
a perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention. As
shown, the yoke 212 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface
400. An aperture 402 in the outer surface is defined by an edge 404
shaped substantially as a projection of a rectangle on cylindrical
surface 400.
[0183] The aperture 402 opens upon an internal cavity within the
yoke 212. Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, one sees that a rear
wall 406 of the cavity 402 is configured to be disposed in spaced
relation to an outer surface 408 of boom joint pivot 210.
[0184] As shown in FIG. 11, the yoke 212 also includes first 410
and second 412 (not visible) substantially circular end surfaces.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the end surfaces 410
and 412 are substantially flat. Each end surface 410, 412 has a
respective bore 414, 416 disposed coaxially through the surface and
normal thereto.
[0185] Each bore 414, 416 is defined by a respective substantially
cylindrical wall 418, 420. As is discussed above, in relation to
FIG. 9, walls 418 and 420 serve to rotatably support the yoke 212
on shaft 216.
[0186] It is noted that, while wall 418 is shown to have a keyway
slot 422, and while according to various embodiments, both wall 418
and wall 420 include such a keyway slot, the keyway slot is merely
to allow the Woodruff key 222 (as shown in FIG. 9) to pass through
yoke 212 and into slot 220 of boom joint pivot 210. Accordingly,
shaft 216 is rotationally fixed with respect to boom joint pivot
210, but is rotatable with respect to the yoke 212.
[0187] FIG. 12 shows the boom joint shaft 216 in a cutaway view. In
the illustrated embodiment, the shaft may include two cavities 500,
502 adapted to receive two respective Woodruff keys. In another
embodiment, the shaft may include a single Woodruff key cavity and
only a single Woodruff key is employed. In still another embodiment
of the invention, a slot, adapted to receive a machine screw, runs
all or part of the length of the surface 504 of the boom joint
shaft 216. One of skill in the art will understand that the use of
machine keys or Woodruff keys is merely exemplary of the many ways
in which the boom joint shaft 216 may be maintained rotationally
fixed with respect to the boom joint pivot 210.
[0188] Also shown are external threads 506, 508 on the outer
surface of the boom joint shaft 216. These threads are adapted to
receive knobs 109 and 111 (as shown in FIG. 1) respectively.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the threads 506, 508
are configured with a spacing of, for example, about 20 threads per
inch, however any number of standard or non-standard thread sizes
may be employed as appropriate.
[0189] The shaft 504 of FIG. 12 also may include first 2200 and
second 2202 circumferential grooves as illustrated. The
circumferential grooves 2200, 2202 may be adapted to receive
respective retaining devices therewithin. For example, each groove
2200, 2202 may be adapted to hold a snap ring retainer.
[0190] In addition, shaft 504 includes first 2204 and second 2206
flat regions. As will be explained in additional detail below the
flat regions 2204, 2206 are adapted to minimize or prevent rotation
of boom joint washers with respect to the shaft 504.
[0191] FIG. 13a shows a boom joint washer 2208 according to one
embodiment of the invention. The boom joint washer 2208 may include
an outer surface 2210 and an inner surface (not shown). A hole
through the washer may be bordered by an edge having a first
substantially circular portion 2212 and a second substantially flat
portion 2214. In one embodiment of the invention, a profile of the
substantially flat portion 2214 may be adjusted by a depression
2216 in the outer surface of the washer. In the illustrated
example, this depression may be formed by the application of a
punch to the outer 2210 surface. By thus adjusting the profile of
the substantially flat portion, a tight fit to the shaft 504 having
minimal play may be achieved.
[0192] FIG. 13b shows another boom joint washer 2218 according to
another embodiment of the invention. The boom joint washer 2218
includes a hole having an edge with two substantially flat portions
2220, 2222. As will be discussed below, the use of two flats and
improved manufacturing tolerances obviates the need to adjust a
profile of the flat portions 2220, 2222 according to one embodiment
of the invention.
[0193] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a boom hinge knob 600
according to one embodiment of the invention. According to the
illustrated embodiment, the boom hinge knob 600 may include a
substantially hemi-ellipsoid outer surface 604. In the embodiment
shown, a plurality of projections 602 may be disposed around the
outer surface 604 of the boom hinge knob 600. The projections 602
provide a gripping surface for a user of the supported dental
equipment, making it easy for the user to turn the knob 600 in
order to make adjustments to the boom joint 105. In an alternative
embodiment of the boom hinge knob 600, the outer surface 604 is
fluted instead which also provides a gripping surface for the
dental whitening lamp user. In a further embodiment, a plurality of
raised or depressed striations can also be provided on the gripping
surface to facilitate gripping.
[0194] A plurality of ribs 606 on the inside of the boom hinge knob
600 provide structural reinforcement for the knob 600 and also
support a cylinder 608 with internal threads. Each rib 606 may
include an outwardly facing surface 606. As will be described in
additional detail below, the outwardly facing surface may be
adapted to contact the surface (e.g., 2210) of the boom joint
washer. The threaded cylinder 608 may be centered inside the boom
hinge knob 600 and may be shaped and configured to receive the
threaded end 508 of the boom joint shaft 216. This arrangement
enables adjustment of the boom joint 105.
[0195] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internally
threaded cylinder 608 may be coupled to the knob 600 by a
frictional press fit. In another embodiment of the invention, the
internally threaded cylinder 608 may be coupled to the knob 600 by
means of ultrasonic welding during an assembly operation. In still
another embodiment of the invention, the knob 600 may be formed of
a durable material capable of supporting threads formed directly in
an internal surface of the knob.
[0196] FIG. 15 shows in perspective view, a portion of a boom joint
according to one embodiment of the invention. The boom joint 105
includes a yoke 212 having a substantially flat surface 410 with a
substantially circular perimeter 411. Also shown is a friction
washer 2250 with a substantially circular perimeter and a boom
joint washer 2208 as discussed above in relation to FIG. 13a. A
boom joint shaft 216 is shown supporting the yoke 212, friction
washer 2250 and boom joint washer 2208. In addition a split ring
retainer 2252 is shown disposed within a groove 2202 of the boom
joint shaft 216.
[0197] The boom joint shaft 216 may include a plurality of external
threads 508. The external threads are adapted to receive a boom
joint knob 600 such as that described above in relation to FIG.
14.
[0198] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the presence of
respective retaining devices e.g., 2252 in grooves 2200 and 2202 of
the shaft 504 (as shown in FIG. 12) substantially prevents axial
motion of the shaft 506 with respect to the yoke 212. Also,
rotation of the shaft 506 about its long axis is substantially
prevented by the presence of a woodruff key (or other device)
coupling the shaft 506 to the boom joint pivot 210.
[0199] Rotation of the boom joint washer 2208 with respect to the
shaft 216 is prevented by the action of flat surface 2206 of shaft
216 on flat surface 2212 of the joint washer 2208.
[0200] Rotation of the boom joint knob 600 may cause the knob to
advance axially inwardly with respect to shaft 216. Consequently
surfaces 605 of the boom joint knob may impinge on surface 2210 of
the boom joint washer 2208. The washer 2208, may thus be urged
axially inwardly to compress the friction washer 2250 between the
inwardly facing surface 2254 of the boom joint washer and an
adjacent face of the friction washer. The friction washer may
correspondingly be urged against the surface 410 of the yoke
212.
[0201] Friction between the friction washer 2250, surface 410 of
the yoke 212 and surface 2254 of the boom joint washer tends to
couple the yoke to the boom joint washer. A chain of mechanical
coupling is thus established from the boom 103 and yoke 212, which
are substantially fixedly coupled to one another, through the
friction washer 2250 to the boom joint washer 2208, and, by way of
the flat surface 2212 of the washer 2208 and the flat surface 2206
of the shaft 216, through the shaft and woodruff key 222 to the
boom joint pivot 210, and thus to the mast 101 which supports the
boom joint pivot. In view of the foregoing, one of skill in the art
will appreciate that the resistance to relative motion between mast
101 and boom 103 is adjustable by rotation of the boom joint knob
600.
[0202] FIG. 16 shows a ventral aspect, in perspective view, of a
mast top plug 242. As described above, the mast top plug 242 is
adapted to be disposed within a hollow bore 240 of the mast 101.
The mast top plug 242 has a generally cylindrically-shaped
underside 540 that tapers down to a key-shaped portion 542 that has
a first flat 544 and a protrusion. A second flat 548 is located
above the protrusion under the upper surface 550 of the mast top
plug 242.
[0203] In the present embodiment of the mast top plug 242, the mast
top plug 242 may be shaped and configured to fit into the hollow
bore 240 of the mast 101 in one orientation. The first flat 544,
second flat 548 and protrusion 546 may determine an orientation of
insertion into the hollow bore 240 of the mast 101.
[0204] The mast top plug 242 may include an axial bore 244 defined
by a substantially cylindrical internal surface 246. The axial bore
244 receives the shaft 234 of the boom joint pivot 210. The axial
bore 244 may include a ledge 278 in the substantially cylindrical
surface 246. The retaining device 274 (described in FIG. 9) around
the shaft 234 of the boom joint pivot 210 may rest against the
ledge 278. As described above with regard to FIG. 2, the retaining
device 274 may retain the shaft 234 within the axial bore 244.
Accordingly, the mast top plug 242 supports and retains the boom
joint pivot 210 while allowing the boom joint pivot 210 to rotate
about a mutual axis of the bore 244 and vertical shaft 234.
[0205] In one embodiment of the mast top plug 242, the mast top
plug 242 may fit snugly to the mast 101. In an alternative
embodiment of the mast top plug 242, the upper edge of the mast top
plug 242 may have a groove 552 holding an O-ring. The O-ring 554
provides a tight fit in the hollow bore 240 of the mast 101.
[0206] FIG. 17 shows a top view of mast top plug 242. The top of
the mast top plug 242 may be oval-shaped in the present embodiment
of the invention to match the oval configuration of the mast 101.
Other general shapes are contemplated within the scope of the
invention. The mast 101 and mast top plug 242 are not limited to
the shape shown in FIG. 17.
[0207] The upper surface 272 of the mast top plug 242 is
substantially flat and, as described above, supports the
substantially flat surface 270 of base portion 230 of the boom
joint pivot 210. According to one embodiment, a friction washer 280
is disposed within a recess 282 in the upper surface 22 (seen in
FIG. 10). The friction washer 280 damps the rotation of the boom
joint pivot 210 in relation to the mast top plug 242. As described
above, in one embodiment of the invention, the damping frictional
forces exerted between the friction washer 280 and the mast top
plug 242 and the boom joint pivot 210 are sufficient to allow
rotation of the boom joint pivot 210 only when a force of between
about 2 pounds and 5 pounds is exerted laterally against, or in
proximity to the payload apparatus.
[0208] The mast top plug 242 may include an aperture opening to a
bore 292 at the upper surface 272 and extending into the mast top
plug 242. The bore 292 may be shaped and configured to receive a
pin 290. As shown in FIG. 9, the pin 290 is disposed mutually
within a bore 292 in the upper surface 272 of the mast top plug
242, and within an arcuate slot 294 in the lower surface 270 of the
base portion 230 of the boom joint pivot 210.
[0209] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the mast top plug
242, as taken along the long axis of the plug. The mast top plug
242 includes the axial bore 244 shaped so that there are two ledges
252, 278. Ledge 278 bears the retaining device 274 disposed in the
groove 276 of the boom joint pivot 210 as seen in FIG. 2. The
recess 282 in the upper surface 272 coaxial with the axial bore 244
may receive the friction washer 280 (shown in FIG. 17). In this
embodiment, the mast top plug 242 includes a rim 560 that encircles
an upper surface 272 of the mast top plug 242. A lower surface 561
of rim 560 rests on top of the mast 101. The rim 560 may be shaped
and configured to match an upper surface of the mast 101 so that
the mast top plug 242 fits flush to the mast 101.
[0210] FIG. 19 shows an assembly view of a mast 101, boom 103 and
boom joint 105 according to one embodiment of the invention. The
mast top plug 242 is disposed within the mast 101. The boom joint
pivot 210 is shown assembled into the boom 103. A knob 600 on
either side of the boom joint 105 serves to fix and release an
angular orientation of the boom 103 to be adjusted in angle with
respect to the mast 101.
[0211] FIG. 20 shows, in cross-section, a mast-top plug and pivot
assembly 800 according to another embodiment of the invention. The
pivot 802 includes a vertical bore 816 adapted to receive a pivot
shaft 804. The pivot may further include a horizontal bore 806 that
is adapted to receive a boom joint shaft 216 (not shown) in similar
fashion to the embodiment of a boom joint 200 shown in FIG. 2. The
bore 806 may include a slot 808 adapted to receive a portion of a
fixturing device, again, in similar fashion to the embodiment of
the boom joint 200 shown in FIG. 2. The pivot 802 has a
substantially flat lower surface 810. The lower surface 810 may
include a first arcuate slot 812 and a second arcuate slot 814
located in opposition around the vertical bore 816. The first
arcuate slot 812 may be adapted to receive a first pin 818. The
second arcuate slot 814 may be adapted to receive a second pin
820.
[0212] The first pin 818 and second pin 820 are mounted in a mast
top plug 822. The mast top plug 822 includes an axial bore 824
defined by a substantially cylindrical internal surface 826. The
radial diameter of the axial bore 824 varies along the length of
the bore such that a diameter of the bore is larger at a first
location 828 than at a second location 830. According to one
embodiment of the invention, a bushing 832 is disposed within the
axial bore 824. The bushing 832 may include a substantially
cylindrical outer surface disposed in substantially coaxial spaced
relation to the substantially cylindrical inner surface 826 of the
axial bore 824. The bushing may be made from, for example, a
material having a low coefficient of friction. The pivot shaft 804
is disposed within the bushing 832 within the axial bore 824. The
pivot shaft 804 has a first groove 834 and a second groove 836. A
friction ring 838 is disposed within the first groove 834. The
friction ring 838 is, for example, made of rubber. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, there are two or more
friction rings disposed within the first groove 834. A retaining
device 840, such as a split-ring (c-ring) retaining washer is
mutually disposed within the second groove 836 of the pivot shaft
804 and against a ledge 842 of the substantially cylindrical
surface of the axial bore 244. The retaining device 840 retains the
pivot shaft 804 within the bore 824, and prevents the pivot 802
from moving upwardly with respect to the mast top plug 822. In one
embodiment of the invention, the pivot shaft 804 is welded to the
pivot 802 at point 844. In another embodiment of the invention, the
pivot shaft 804 is retained in the pivot 802 with a screw in a
fashion similar to the embodiment described with regard to FIG.
18.
[0213] According to this arrangement, the mast top plug 822
supports and retains the pivot 802 while allowing the pivot 802 to
rotate about a mutual axis of the mast top plug bore 824 and pivot
shaft 804. The rotational movement in this embodiment is limited by
the movement allowed by the first pin 818 and second pin 820 within
the first arcuate slot 812 and second arcuate slot 814
respectively. The movement is, for example, limited to 180
degrees.
[0214] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotational movement is
damped by the frictional action of the friction ring 838 disposed
within the first groove 834 on the pivot shaft 804 in side the
axial bore 824.
[0215] FIG. 21 shows, in cross section, a boom joint pivot 620 and
mast top plug 622 for a boom joint according to another embodiment
of the invention.
[0216] The boom joint pivot 620 may include an upper portion 624
and a base portion 626. The upper portion 624 of the boom joint
pivot 620 includes a horizontal bore 628 that is adapted to receive
the boom joint shaft 216 in similar fashion to the embodiment of a
boom joint 105 shown in FIG. 30. The bore 628 includes a slot 630
adapted to receive a portion of a fixturing device, such as a
woodruff key in similar fashion to the embodiment of the boom joint
105 shown in FIG. 9.
[0217] FIG. 22 shows, in cross section, a further embodiment of a
boom joint pivot 1620 according to the invention. As shown in FIG.
20, the pivot 1620 includes a bore formed therethrough. The bore is
adapted to receive a boom joint horizontal pivot shaft 1622. The
shaft 1622 of the present embodiment does not include a woodruff
keyway such as that identified as 502 in the boom joint pivot shaft
216 of FIG. 12. Rather, the shaft 1622 of the present embodiment
includes a bore 1624 may be formed within the shaft 1622 and
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft
1622. According to one embodiment of the invention, the bore 1624
includes an internal surface bearing threads or other feature
adapted to retain a fastener within the bore 1624.
[0218] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener is shown as a
flat head machine screw 1626. One of skill in the art will
appreciate, however, that a wide variety of other fasteners may be
substituted for the machine screw 1626. For example, the fastener
employed may include one or more of a roll pin, a headless hex
screw (set screw) a cap screw, a rivet, and a dowel such as a steel
dowel, among others.
[0219] FIG. 23 shows the boom joint horizontal pivot shaft 1622 in
additional detail. As shown, the shaft includes a through hole 1624
as well as externally threaded ends 506, 508. In various
embodiments of the invention, the through hole 1624 may be
internally threaded to receive a machine screw or smooth to receive
a fastener such as a roll pin.
[0220] Referring again to FIG. 22, in one embodiment of the
invention, an adhesive material may be disposed at an interface
1628 between an external surface of the shaft 1622 and an inwardly
facing surface of the bore within which the shaft 1622 may be
disposed. In various embodiments, the adhesive material may include
a cyanoacrylate based material such as, for example Loc-Tite.TM. or
Super Glue.TM., other structural bonding adhesives including an
epoxy, one or two part, polyurethane adhesives, one or two parts,
or a foam mounting adhesive. The foam mounting adhesive may also
aid in shock absorption.
[0221] In another embodiment of the invention, the bore within the
pivot 1620 that receives the screw 1626 or other fastener may
include a recessed region such as, for example, a countersunk
region 1632. The recessed region is adapted to receive a head of a
fastener, so as to prevent interference between the head of the
fastener and a yoke, such as that shown as 212 in FIG. 11. In still
another embodiment of the invention, the bore 1630 traverses the
shaft 1622 and extends into the pivot 1620 at the far side of the
shaft. In a further embodiment of the invention, the bore 1630
extends completely through the pivot 1620.
[0222] The base portion 626 of FIG. 21 includes a vertical bore
opening 632 and a horizontal bore opening 634. The base portion 626
further includes an arcuate slot 636, which can be seen more
clearly in FIG. 29.
[0223] Referring again to FIG. 21, a vertical bore opening 632 may
be adapted to receive a pivot shaft 638 having a through-hole 640.
The horizontal bore opening 634 may be adapted to receive a screw
642. In a first embodiment of the invention, the horizontal bore
opening 634 has a threaded portion 644 adapted to mate with threads
on the screw 642. In an alternative embodiment, the through-hole
640 of the pivot shaft 638 may be threaded and mates with threads
on the screw 642.
[0224] The pivot shaft 638 is generally cylindrical in shape and
may include the through-hole 640 at one end and a flange 646 at the
other end. In one embodiment of the invention, the pivot shaft 638
has a first portion 648 having a smaller diameter and a second
portion 650 having a larger diameter.
[0225] The mast top plug 622 may include a generally cylindrical
opening 652 axially located and extending from the upper surface
654 of the mast top plug 622. The opening 652 may configured to
receive a friction pad 656. The friction pad 656 provides greater
friction resistance with increasing compressive force against it.
The friction pad 656 may for example, made of an elastomeric
material. The opening 652 may further configured to receive the
pivot shaft 638 where the flange 646 of the pivot shaft 638
contacts the friction pad 656. The opening 652 may partially
threaded near the upper surface 654 of the mast top plug 622. A
bushing 658 fits over the pivot shaft 638. The opening 652 may be
still further configured to receive a spanner nut 660. The spanner
nut 660 has an upper portion 662 that is threaded and a lower
portion 664 that is not threaded. The lower portion 664 of the
spanner nut contacts the bushing 658 while the threaded portion 662
of the spanner nut 660 screws into the opening 652.
[0226] In operation, the boom joint pivot 620 is fixedly joined to
the pivot shaft 646 with the screw 642. The pivot shaft 646 rotates
within the bushing 658 inside the mast top plug 622. The rotation
of the pivot shaft 646 may be damped by the frictional action of
the pivot shaft 646 against the friction pad 656. The force needed
to rotate the pivot shaft 646 may be adjustable by adjusting the
amount of compression of the pivot shaft 646 against the friction
pad 656 provided by the spanner nut 660.
[0227] In one embodiment of the invention, the characteristics of
the friction pad 656 may be selected to provide a desirable
resistance to rotation of the boom with respect to the mast. Smooth
and predictable motion of the boom with respect to the mast is of
significant value in the dental practitioner's office. It turns out
that a patient's ability to push away dental equipment, such as a
whitening lamp head, leads, anecdotally, to surprisingly increased
comfort levels for the patient during a dental procedure.
[0228] At the same time, it is advantageous that the motion of the
boom be sufficiently damped so that the lamp head may remain in a
substantially fixed position until its motion is desired by the
patient or dental practitioner. For example, a boom hinge
embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15 shows significantly improved
characteristics as compared to other boom hinge arrangements such
as, for example, that of FIG. 7 or that found in exemplary
published conventional lamp support structures such as that of U.S.
Pat. No. 3,031,215 issued Apr. 24, 1962 to Vance, or U.S. Pat. No.
4,671,478 issued Jun. 9, 1987 to Schoenig et al., the disclosures
of which are herewith incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0229] Consequently, calculations as to the characteristics of the
joint have been performed with respect to one exemplified
embodiment. The calculations performed serve to characterize the
forces applied to the friction washer 656 by the various components
of the boom joint, and the expected performance of the assembly,
including projected operative lifetime of the friction washer
656.
[0230] Anecdotal evidence suggests that patient push out force is a
surprisingly important factor in overall patient comfort and
effectiveness of a dental equipment support structure. The optimal
support structure must provide sufficient resistance to
displacement to effectively support equipment and, in some
embodiments, maintain it substantially immobile with respect to the
teeth of a patient. At the same time, the support structure may
allow the patient to displace the equipment without unreasonable
effort when desired. Also, in some embodiments, it is desirable to
have sufficient mobility of the support structure to allow the
supported equipment to accommodate minor and/or involuntary
movements of the patient. Further, it is desirable that, subject to
initial adjustment, the support structure be capable of adjustment
by the application of forces near and/or on the supported
equipment, such that there is no need for constant referral to
portions of the structure that are relatively remote from the
equipment, such as the boom joint or caster locks.
[0231] This combination of features and functions is surprisingly
important to the overall perception of functionality and ease of
use by the patient and dental practitioner and is not satisfied by
the various conventional support mechanisms known to be available.
Furthermore, achieving an optimal combination of characteristics
has been found to surprisingly sensitive to aspects of the
invention as embodied in particular design features.
[0232] For example, an embodiment of the invention including the
boom joint of FIG. 19 is found to provide highly linear and stable
load bearing characteristics that maintain consistency and
repeatability over a large number of operative cycles. Thus it is
found that the application of particular forces at the load (i.e.,
the equipment being supported by the equipment support structure)
results in a load displacement that is surprisingly consistent and
repeatable over a large number of operative cycles. In this way,
the problem of maintaining effective support and control of an
article of dental equipment, while allowing appropriate
repositionability and patient push-out characteristics is solved by
application of the present invention in its various aspects.
[0233] FIG. 24 shows a table of forces 2000. The table 2000 relates
to the force applied at the load end of the boom to produce a
responsive motion of the boom with respect to the mast. This
applied force, identified as patient push out 2002, represents a
force required to patient to, for example, push a whitening lamp
head that may be coupled to the boom away from the patient's
mouth.
[0234] The joint torque corresponding to a particular push out
force is shown as 2004. Also shown are the spring force 2006 (in
pounds) applied to the friction washer in one embodiment of the
invention, and the corresponding spring deflection (in inches) 2008
for a particular Bellevue washer spring. Thus, for example, in the
illustrated embodiment, a spring force of about 355 pounds may
produce a spring deflection of about 0.022 inches. The resulting
joint torque is 48 pounds which translates into a patient push out
force of 2 pounds.
[0235] FIG. 25 shows a graphical representation of the relationship
2010 between spring deflection 2012 (in inches) and patient push
out force (in pounds) 2014. In the illustrated embodiment, this
relationship is substantially linear.
[0236] FIG. 26 shows a graphical representation of a spring force
function 2016 characteristic of a boom joint apparatus according to
one embodiment of the invention. The vertical axis represents a
force 2006 applied to the spring in a substantially axial
direction. The horizontal axis represents a displacement 2008 in
inches of the spring responsive to the applied force 2006. As shown
in FIG. 26, the displacement of a spring, such as a Bellevue
washer, according to the illustrated embodiment, is substantially
proportional to the axial force 2006 applied to the spring.
Accordingly, the graphical line representing the relationship 2016
is substantially linear. One of skill in the art will appreciate
that springs, including integral and composite springs, having
other spring force characteristics may be applied in various
embodiments of the invention.
[0237] FIG. 27 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the
boom joint pivot 620 and an alternative embodiment of the mast top
plug 622 shown in FIG. 21. In FIG. 27, the side of the boom joint
pivot 620 having the screw 642 is shown. The boom joint pivot 620
may be mounted on the mast top plug 622 as described above. The
screw 642 may attach the boom joint pivot 620 to the pivot shaft
638 (as seen in FIG. 21).
[0238] FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment boom joint pivot 620 and an alternative embodiment mast
top plug 622. The boom joint pivot 620 includes the vertical bore
opening 632 and the horizontal bore opening 634. The boom joint
pivot 620 further includes the arcuate slot 636 that receives the
pin 666 set in the mast top plug 622. The pivot shaft 638 is in
position in the vertical bore opening 632. The through-hole 640 in
the pivot shaft 638 may be aligned with the horizontal bore opening
634, i.e., in position to receive the screw 642 (not shown).
[0239] The mast top plug 622 may be seen in greater detail than in
FIG. 21. The generally cylindrical opening 652 axially is shown to
be located and extending from the upper surface 654 of the mast top
plug 622. The opening 652 may receive elements of the inventive
damp that may enable the boom joint pivot 620 to pivot with respect
to the mast top plug 622 but may also damp the rotation of the boom
joint pivot 620. As can be seen in FIG. 21, the opening 652 may be
configured to receive the friction pad 656, the bushing 658, and
spanner nut 660. The friction pad 656 may provide greater
frictional resistance with increasing compressive force against it.
The friction pad 656 may be, for example, made of an elastomeric
material, such as those materials suitable for the friction washer,
as described above. The bushing 658 may be, for example, made of a
material having a low coefficient of friction such as a plastic
material including those described above for use in the bushing 254
in FIG. 9. A washer 670 and a spring 672 such as a Belleville
washer may be located between the friction pad 656 and the bottom
of the opening 652.
[0240] As described above, the spanner nut 660 may be screwed down
against the bushing 658 which may press down on the flange 646 of
the pivot shaft 638. The flange 646 of the pivot shaft 638 contacts
the friction pad 656. The spring 672 provides force pressing the
friction pad against the flange 646 from below. The pivot shaft 638
is rotatable within the bushing 658 while the friction pad 656
damps the rotation of the pivot shaft 638. The spanner nut 660
enables the damping of the rotation of the pivot shaft 638 to be
adjustable as the damping may be increased when the spanner nut 660
is screwed down more tightly on the pivot shaft 638.
[0241] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the alternative boom joint
pivot 620. The arcuate slot 636 that receives the pin 666 may be
clearly seen as is the vertical bore opening 632.
[0242] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the vertical pivot shaft
638. The vertical pivot shaft includes the first portion 648 having
a smaller diameter than the second portion 650. The flange 646 is
contiguous to the second portion 650. The through-hole 640 may be a
horizontal bore through the first portion 648 of the vertical pivot
shaft 638. The vertical pivot shaft 638 also includes a flange 646
contiguous to the second portion 650 of the vertical pivot shaft
638. The vertical pivot shaft 638 is, for example, made of metal or
ceramic or polymeric material, including, among others, those
suitable for the boom and mast as described above.
[0243] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the pivot shaft 638.
The pivot shaft 638 includes the first portion 648 having a smaller
diameter than the second portion 650. The flange 646 is contiguous
to the second portion 650. The through-hole 640 may be shown having
one chamfered end 680. Alternatively, both ends of the through-hole
640 may be chamfered.
[0244] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a pivot shaft according to
another embodiment of the invention. The pivot shaft 690 includes a
cylindrical portion 692 contiguous with a flange 694. The
cylindrical portion 692 includes a through-hole 696. The
through-hole 696 is shaped and configured to receive the screw 642
(not shown).
[0245] FIG. 33 shows, in cross-section, the pivot shaft 690, as
shown in FIG. 32. As described above, the pivot shaft 690 includes
the cylindrical portion 692, the flange 694 and through-hole 696.
In this view, the through-hole 696 is counter-sunk and chamfered at
both ends 698.
[0246] FIG. 34 shows, in top view, the spanner nut 660. The spanner
nut 660 may also be referred to as a compression plug. The spanner
nut 660 may be substantially circular in shape. In one embodiment,
the spanner nut 660 may have two curved notches 700 located
symmetrically about the circumference 702 of the spanner nut 660.
The notches 700 extend from the upper surface 704 of the spanner
nut 660 and end at a point before the bottom surface (not seen in
this view). The notches 700 may be shaped and configured to receive
pins to prevent the spanner nut 660 from unscrewing from the
opening of the mast top plug 622. In an alternate embodiment, the
spanner nut 660 may only have one curved notch. In a further
alternate embodiment, the spanner nut 660 may have several curved
notches, typically symmetrically placed around the circumference of
the spanner nut 660.
[0247] FIG. 35 shows, in side view, the spanner nut 660 according
to principles of the invention. The spanner nut 660 includes the
upper threaded portion 662 and the lower unthreaded portion 664.
One notch 700 can be seen extending from the upper surface 704 of
the spanner nut 660 and ending in the lower unthreaded portion
664.
[0248] FIG. 36 shows a bushing 2270. The bushing 2270 may include a
tubular member 2272 with inner 2274 and outer 2276 substantially
cylindrical surfaces disposed in coaxial spaced relation to one
another. The bushing 2270 also may include a flange portion 2278
disposed radially outwardly from outer surface 2276.
[0249] FIG. 37 shows a spanner nut 660 according to a further
embodiment of the invention. The spanner nut 660 includes first
2280 and second 2282 arcuate slots in a upper surface 2284. The
slots 2280, 2282 are adapted to receive a tool for rotation of the
spanner nut 660. In contrast to the slots 700 of the spanner nut
660 shown in FIG. 34, slots 2280 and 2282 do not interrupt the
threads 700 of the nut. Accordingly, the nut of the FIG. 37
embodiment may be less likely to experience cross-threading or
other damage during installation than the spanner nut 660 of FIG.
34.
[0250] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the mast top plug 622
according to principles of the invention. The mast top plug 622
includes a generally cylindrical-shaped structure 710 substantially
centered in the mast top plug 622. A first arc-shaped structure 712
and a second arc-shaped structure 714 are disposed on either side
of the center structure 710. The center structure is shaped and
configured to hold the pivot and friction pad assembly described
above. The first and second arc shaped structures 712, 714 serve to
align the mast top plug 622 within the hollow bore in the mast
101.
[0251] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the mast top plug 622.
The center structure 710 of the mast top plug 622 includes the
generally cylindrical opening 652 axially located and extending
from the upper surface 654 of the mast top plug 622. The opening
652 is configured to receive the spring 672, washer 670, friction
pad 656, pivot shaft 638, bushing 658 and spanner nut 660 as
described above. A protrusion 716 in the bottom of the opening 652
enables alignment of the spring and washer. The opening 652 is
threaded near the upper surface 654 to mate with the threads of the
spanner nut 660. The mast top plug 622 further includes the first
arc-shaped structure and the second arc-shaped structure that are
used to align the mast top plug 622 in the mast 101.
[0252] FIG. 40 shows a top view of the mast top plug 622 according
to principles of the invention. The top of the mast top plug 622 is
oval-shaped in the present embodiment of the invention to match the
oval configuration of the mast 101. The upper surface 654 of the
mast top plug 622 is substantially flat. The mast top plug 622
includes an opening 652 extending from the upper surface 654 of the
mast top plug 622. The spanner nut 660 is in position in the
opening 652. The spanner nut 660 includes a notch 700. The notch
700 receives a pin (not shown) that prevents the spanner nut 660
from moving once the spanner nut 660 is screwed down into the
opening 652 to the desired position. The mast top plug 622 further
includes a bore opening 668 including a pin 666.
[0253] FIG. 41 shows, in assembly view, a mast-top plug and pivot
assembly 750 according to another embodiment of the invention. The
assembly includes the pivot 620 and the spanner nut 660, the pivot
shaft 690, the friction pad 656, the washer 670, the spring 672,
the mast top plug 622 and the screw 642. The bushing 658 is located
inside the spanner nut 660.
[0254] FIG. 42 shows, in perspective view, components of a ball and
socket joint according to one embodiment of the invention. The ball
and socket joint (also referred to as a ball joint) 902 includes a
head tube 908 having a first opening 910 and a second opening 911
at opposite ends of the head tube 908. The openings 910, 911 also
include grooves 910a, 911a respectively. A third opening 912 is
present in the side of the head tube 908. The ball joint 902
further includes a first ball cup 914 and a second ball cup 915 to
be received into the first and second openings 910, 911,
respectively. A pivot mount 906 that holds the dental whitening
lamp head (not shown) connects to the ball joint 902 by a ball
swivel 904. The first and second ball cups 914, 915 are configured
to receive the ball swivel 904 through the third opening 912 in the
head tube 908. The ball joint 902 will be described in more detail
below.
[0255] According to one embodiment, each ball cup 915 may include a
contact plate 2290. In various embodiments of the invention, the
reinforcing plate may be integrally molded with the ball cup 915,
or coupled to a surface of the ball cup 915 with an adhesive or an
adhesive tape, or by a fastener such as a screw or rivet.
[0256] The first and second openings 910, 911 may be adapted to
receive the first and second ball cups 914, 915 respectively. A
pivot mount 906 that is adapted to hold the dental instrument or
equipment connects to the ball joint 902 by a ball swivel 904. The
first and second ball cups 914, 915 may be configured to receive
the ball swivel 904 through the third opening 912 in the head tube
908. The ball joint 902 will be described in more detail below.
[0257] FIG. 44 shows, in sectional perspective view, components of
a ball joint (also referred to as a ball joint) according to one
embodiment of the invention. The ball joint 902 is shown with a
cutaway view of the head tube 908. The first ball cup 914 is in
place inside the head tube 908. The ball swivel 904 of the pivot
mount 906 is shown inserted through the third opening 912 of the
head tube 908.
[0258] One of skill in the art will appreciate that a ball joint,
such as that illustrated, for example, in above FIGS. 42 and 44, is
merely exemplary of the various formations or coupling features
which may be used to couple a dental instrument or apparatus or
device to an end of the boom 103. For example in an alternative
embodiment a flexible member, such as a gooseneck member, is
disposed between the payload apparatus and the anterior end of the
boom. The support structure of invention may include any flexible
coupling device appropriate to a particular application and payload
apparatus.
[0259] FIG. 43 shows, in exploded perspective view, a forward
assembly 900 for a dentistry equipment support structure boom,
enabling separable attachment between the instrument (not shown
here) and the boom 103. The head tube 908 may be attached to the
end of the boom 103. The instrument connector assembly 900 may be a
socket joint including a ball joint 902 adapted to receive the ball
swivel 904 of pivot mount 906 on the supported equipment as shown,
for example, in FIG. 44.
[0260] The head tube 908 may be attached to the end of the boom
103. The head tube 908 has three openings, the first and the second
opening 910, 911 on each end of the tube to receive the pieces that
create the ball joint and the third opening 912 at the front of the
head tube 908 to receive the ball swivel 904 on the dental
equipment to be supported (not shown).
[0261] The forward assembly 900 of the present embodiment includes
a first and a second ball cup 914, 915, a first and a second spacer
916, 917, a first and a second spring 918, 919, a first and a
second nut plate 920, 921 and a first and a second ball joint knob
922, 923. Each ball cup 914, 915 has a curved surface so that when
the ball cups 914, 915 are mated at the curved surfaces a
substantially spherically-shaped space configured to receive the
ball swivel 904 is formed.
[0262] To form the ball joint, the ball cups 914, 915 are inserted
into the head tube 908 so that the spherically-shaped space aligns
with the third opening 912 of the head tube 908. The spacers 916,
917 are inserted into openings 910 and 911 respectively and
positioned on either side of the mated ball cups 914, 915. The
first and second springs 918, 919 are placed against the first and
second spacers 916, 917 respectively.
[0263] The nut plates 920, 921 are attached on opposing ends of the
head tube 908 over the first and second openings 910, 911. The nut
plates 920, 921 each may have a central opening 918, 919 that may
be threaded.
[0264] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the
knobs 922, 923 may include an ultrasonically welded stud having an
externally threaded distal end. The screws of the knobs 922, 923
are screwed through the central openings of the nut plates 920, 921
and press against the springs 918, 919, spacers 916, 917, and ball
cups 914, 915 to press the ball cups 914, 915 against the ball
swivel 904. When the knobs 922, 923 are tightened down, the
received ball swivel 904 may not move inside the mated ball cups
914, 915. When the knobs 922, 923 are loosened, the received ball
swivel 904 may move inside the mated ball cups 914, 915.
[0265] A first alternative embodiment of the ball socket involves
relying on spring strength rather than pressure from a screw to put
pressure against the ball cups 914, 915. Further, the springs 918,
919 shown here are coil springs. Alternatives to coil springs
include, for example, spring washers, and other mechanisms for
applying linear force, as known to those of skill in the art.
[0266] FIG. 45 shows, in additional detail, a nut-plate 920, 921
and spring subassembly 918 according to one embodiment of the
invention. The spring assembly is adapted for supplying the spring
tension for compressing the ball cups 914, 915 in response to the
rotations of the absent knobs 922, 923, allowing the freedom of
movement of the ball swivel 904 to be varied.
[0267] FIG. 46 shows an enlarged view of the ball cup 915, which is
a mirror image of the ball cup 914. The ball cup 915 includes an
internal space 915c that, when mated with the corresponding space
in ball cup 914, forms a substantially spherical space that may
retain the ball swivel 904 (as shown in FIG. 44). An aperture 915a
allows the shaft connecting to the ball swivel 904 to exit the head
tube 908 through opening 912 (as shown in FIG. 44). The ball cup
915 also includes a ridge 915b that restricts the orientation of
insertion as well as rotation of the ball cup 915 in the opening
911 of head tube 908 by fitting into groove 911a (as shown in FIG.
42).
[0268] FIG. 47 shows another embodiment of a ball cup 2300
according to another embodiment of the invention. During assembly
of the assembly 900 (as shown in FIG. 43), the contact plates 2290
must be mounted to the ends of the ball cups 914, 915. This may be
achieved by using a double sided adhesive tape or other forms of
adhesives. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 47, the contact plate
2310 includes a central hole 2312. During mounting of the contact
plate 2310 to the ball cup 2300, the central hole may come to rest
upon the formation 2302 on the mounting surface 2304 of the ball
cup 2300. The formation 2302 may be of any shape, such as a cross
or other multi-pointed form, but is slightly larger in width than
the diameter of the central hole 2312 of the contact plate 2310. To
achieve fixture of the contact plate 2310, compression may be used
to force the formation 2302 to fit within the confines of the
central hole 2312. This fit may be a compression or frictional fit,
such that the contact plate 2310 is substantially fixed to the ball
cup 2300.
[0269] FIG. 47 shows an alternative embodiment of a ball joint
according to another embodiment of the invention. The head tube
2400 may serve substantially the same purpose as the head tube 908
of FIG. 42, but is of square, rectangular or other angled shape in
cross-section, rather than circular or elliptical as in FIG. 42.
The angled shape of the opening 2410 allows a ball cup to be
inserted in a similar manner as that depicted in FIG. 42, however a
ridge, such as the ridge 915b shown in FIG. 46 and its
corresponding groove 911a are not necessary to prevent rotation of
the ball cup within the head tube due to the irrotatable nature of
angled fits.
[0270] One of skill in the art will appreciate that a ball joint,
such as that illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 42-44, is merely
exemplary of the various coupling features which may be used to
couple a dental apparatus or device to an end of the boom 103. For
example in an alternative embodiment a flexible member, such as a
gooseneck member, is disposed between the payload apparatus and the
anterior end of the boom. The support structure of invention may
include any flexible coupling device appropriate to a particular
application and payload apparatus.
[0271] FIG. 49 shows a ball joint knob 922, according to one
embodiment, in additional detail. The ball joint knob includes a
body having a semi-ovoid external surface 930. The interior of the
ball joint knob 922 is partially hollow, and includes a plurality
of ribs 934 disposed between an inner cylindrical member 936 and an
inner surface of the body. The inner cylindrical member has a first
longitudinal axis, and a shaft 938 with a second longitudinal axis
is disposed within the inner cylindrical member 936, such that the
first and second longitudinal axes are substantially coincident. As
illustrated, the shaft includes a substantially cylindrical outer
surface bearing a plurality of threads 940 on a portion thereof.
The threads 940 are adapted to be coupled to internal threads 924
of a corresponding nut-plate 920, as shown in FIG. 45.
[0272] The various inventive embodiments of a dentistry support
structures heretofore described will be understood by one skill in
the art to be adaptable to the support of a wide variety of
conventional and novel dentistry apparatus. The resulting novel
combinations provide not only effective dentistry related
functionality, but our efficient in that they allow for the
interchange of functional modules and reuse of the support
structure for a wide variety of procedures and functions.
[0273] Thus, one of skill will appreciate that a dentistry support
structure according to the present invention is used in various
embodiments to support a dental whitening lamp, a dental
composition during lamp, a dental imaging system for endoscopic
imaging as in, for example, encoscopic root planing, an ultrasonic
imaging system, and a support system for x-ray film and/or
electronic x-ray sensors adapted for use in x-ray imaging of dental
x-ray-graphic subjects.
[0274] FIG. 50 shows a support structure for dental equipment
according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated
embodiment includes a dental whitening lamp 1100. The dental
whitening lamp has a lamp head 1102 with a housing 1104. The lamp
head 1102 also has a shaft 1105 that serves to couple the lamp head
to a ball joint 1107. The ball joint 1107 is, in turn, coupled to a
distal end of a boom 1108. A mast 1110 supports the boom 1108 and
lamp head 1102. The mast 1110 is coupled at its upper end to the
boom 1108 by a boom joint 1200. The mast 1110 is, in turn,
supported at its lower end by a base 1112. In the illustrated
embodiment, the base 1112 includes a plurality of arms 1118
extending from a center 1116 where the mast 1110 is attached. A
caster wheel 1120 is attached to the end of each of the plurality
of arms 1118 away from the center 1116. The caster wheels 1120
contact the floor thereby support the entire dental whitening
lamp.
[0275] In the illustrated embodiment, the lamp head 1102 is adapted
to be removably coupled to the body of a patient. In one exemplary
embodiment, a lip retracting device, such as a lip retractor, is
connected to a light guide that is in turn coupled to the lamp head
1102. Consequently, the present invention allows the lamp head to
be supported in a way that allows its position to be extensively
adjusted, so that the lamp head may be properly aligned with the
patient for the dentistry process. This alignment will be
maintained, even allowing for slight movement of the patient's
head. This is possible because the lip retracting device is
removably engaged with the light guide, and is positioned but not
fixed to allow for this slight movement of the patient's head.
[0276] FIG. 51 shows an assembly relationship between the ball
joint 902 the lamp head 1102, a light guide 1120, and a lip
retractor device 1122 according to one embodiment of the invention.
A pivot mount 906 is coupled between the lamp head 1102 and the
ball joint 902. The ball joint allows the lamp head to be swiveled
in space such that an optical axis of the curing lamp is aligned
with the target teeth of a dental whitening subject.
[0277] A light guide 1120 is adapted to be coupled to an anterior
end of the lamp head 1102. In one embodiment, the light guide 1120
includes an inner surface region 1122 that is adapted to be held in
proximity to an outer surface region 1124 of the lamp head 1102.
According to one embodiment of the invention, a projecting member,
or bump, on inner surface 1122 is adapted to be urged into a
recessed region 1126 of outer surface region 1124 so as to maintain
the proximity of surface regions 1122 and 1124.
[0278] In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide 1120
includes an elastically compressible cushion 1128 at an anterior
edge thereof. The elastically compressible cushion 1128 serves to
soften an interface between a dental whitening process subject (not
shown) and the light guide.
[0279] In a further aspect of the invention, as shown in the
illustrated embodiment, the light guide includes first and second
slots 1130 and 1132. These slots are adapted to receive projecting
wings 1134, 1136 of a lip retractor 1138 so as to stabilize a
relationship between the dental whitening subject and the lamp
head.
[0280] The lip retractor 1138 includes channels 1140, 1142 adapted
to support the lips of a dental whitening subject during the
whitening process, and an elastic member 1144. The elastic member
1144 is coupled to the channels 1140, 1142 and adapted to urge the
channels outwardly towards the lips, so as to couple the whitening
subject to the lip retractor.
[0281] When the whitening subject is coupled to the lip retractor
1138, and the lip retractor is coupled to the light guide 1120 by
the insertion of wings 1134, 1136 in respective slots 1130, 1132,
the whitening subject is spatially stabilized with respect to the
lamp head 1102. In this way the support structure serves to support
the lamp head in a substantially stable spatial relationship to the
whitening subject.
[0282] As discussed above, this spatially stabilized relationship
between a subject and the support structure of the invention is
found in other embodiments of the invention and in relation to
various apparatus and processes.
[0283] In one embodiment, input/output cables may be used to
provide a first electrical connection between the light source to
the power pack and power cables to provide a second electrical
connection between the power pack and an external power source,
such that the input/output cables and the power cables are
removably attached to the power pack.
[0284] FIG. 52 shows a dental illumination source according to
another embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment,
the dental illumination source is a dental whitening illumination
source. The reader will appreciate, however, that a dental
composition curing source might equally well be shown. In the
illustrated embodiment, the ball joint 902 is coupled to a light
housing 1150. The light housing 1150 includes a first elongate
portion 1152 having at its posterior end the ball of the ball and
socket joint 902. An anterior end of the housing 1150 includes, in
the illustrated embodiment, an arcuate surface 1154.
[0285] Arcuate surface 1154 support a one or more illumination
sources 1156. In one embodiment of the invention the one or more
illumination sources 1156 includes one or more light emitting
diodes (LEDs). In another embodiment of the invention, the one or
more illumination sources 1156 includes one or more miniature arc
lamps such as, for example, halogen arc lamps. In still other
embodiments of the invention, the one or more light sources 1156
includes one or more incandescent lamps such as, for example,
halogen incandescent lamps, and in still other embodiments of the
invention, the one or more light sources includes one or more
optical fibers coupled to a remote light source and/or one or more
optical wavelength transformer such as those described in U.S.
patent application No. 60/658,517, the disclosure of which is
herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0286] In the illustrated embodiment, a signal cable 1170 is
coupled at one end to the light housing 1150. The signal cable may
include a power cable adapted to provide power for the one or more
illumination sources 1156. The single cable may also include an
optical light guide such as an optical fiber adapted to transmit
light to the one or more illumination sources from a remote light
source. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the signal
cable 1170 includes a strain-relief feature 1172.
[0287] In one embodiment, the power cables may provide a connection
from a power source external to the dental instrument and the power
pack, and the power cables are substantially contained in the mast,
and are removable from the external power source.
[0288] Illustrating another aspect of the invention, the embodiment
of FIG. 52 shows first and second wing-coupling members 1158, 1160.
Each wing-coupling member 1158, 1160 includes a respective slot
1162, 1164. The slots 1162, 1164 are adapted to receive
corresponding wings 1134, 1136 of a lip retractor 1138, as
illustrated in FIG. 53.
[0289] When the lip retractor 1138 is worn by a dental procedure
subject, insertion of the wings 1134, 1136 into the slots 1162,
1164 serves to stabilize a spatial relationship between the subject
and the one or more illumination sources 1156.
[0290] FIG. 54 illustrates a support structure for dentistry
according to another embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 54, the
support structure 100'' is shown coupled to components of an
endoscopic endodontic apparatus 1180. The apparatus 1180 of the
illustrated embodiment is an endoscopic root planer. One of skill
in the art will appreciate that it is known to perform an
endodontic procedure in which the soft gum tissue of a patient is
detached and drawn away from the patient's teeth to expose the
roots of the teeth. Thereafter, a dental instrument such as a
scaler is used to remove deposits of plaque or other material from
the exposed roots. Ultimately, the patient's gum tissue is
repositioned over the roots, sutured in place, and allowed to heal.
Unfortunately, because of the invasive nature of the procedure the
healing process tends to be lengthy and painful.
[0291] In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIG. 54, the support structure 100'' supports an endoscopic root
planing system 1180. The endoscopic root planing system 1180
includes a handpiece 1182. The handpiece has a distal end 1184 that
includes a root planing tool and an optical device.
[0292] The optical device is adapted to illuminate a small spatial
region adjacent a tip of the root planing tool and receive
reflected light. The reflected light received by the optical device
is, in turn, received by a sensor either directly, or by way of an
optical waveguide such as an optical fiber.
[0293] The sensor converts the received light into a signal that is
amplified and displayed as an image on a display screen 1186 of the
system. Although the handpiece 1182 is shown coupled to the balance
of the root planning system 1180 by an umbilical cable 1180, a
wireless handpiece is also within the scope of the invention
disclosed herewith.
[0294] In one aspect of the invention, the root planing system of
the invention is adapted to allow removal of plaque and other
detritus from between the gum and root of a patient without
surgical removal, and subsequent reattachment, of the gum.
[0295] In one aspect of the invention, the root planing system
includes a tray 1190 adapted to the convenient storage of various
dental instruments and/or materials. According to one embodiment of
the invention, the tray 1190 is readily removable to allow
sterilization of the tray as in, for example, an autoclave.
[0296] In another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the monitor
screen 1186 of the system is pivotally and/or removably coupled to
the boom 103 of the support structure at ball joint 902. In still
another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the endodontic root
planing system includes a power pack 1192. According to one
embodiment of the invention, the power pack supplies operative
electrical power to the balance of the root planing system by way
of an electrical cable 1194. Still further embodiments of the
invention include digital processing apparatus such as, for
example, a microprocessor within the powerpack 1192. The digital
processing apparatus is adapted to control and process signals of
the endodontic root planning system.
[0297] In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIG. 55, the support structure 100'' supports an endodontic apex
locator system 1200. The endodontic apex locator system 1200
includes a signal transmission medium such as a coaxial signal wire
1202. The signal wire 1202 is adapted to be coupled to an apex
locator fixturing device 1204.
[0298] The apex locator fixturing device 1204 includes a support
clamp portion 1206, an insulator portion 1208 and a contactor
portion 1210. The support clamp portion 1206 is adapted to be
removably but firmly coupled to a tooth 1212 of a dental patient.
The support clamp portion 1206 is adapted to support the insulator
portion 1208 which, in turn, is adapted to support the contactor
portion 1210.
[0299] During the performance of a root canal procedure, an
endodontic file, reamer, or other appropriate tool 1214 is used to
excavate a pulp chamber and root of the tooth 1212. A surface of
the tool 1214 comes into contact with the contactor 1210 and an
electrical signal received from the signal wire 1202 is
electrically coupled to the tool 1214.
[0300] The signal wire 1214 is coupled at a second end to a
processing device 1216 that is adapted to generate the electrical
signal and produce a measurement based on, for example, an
impedance of the tool 1214 and tooth 1212 system.
[0301] In response to the measured impedance, or other signal, the
processing system 1216 produces an image on a display screen 1218
of the system. In various embodiments, the image is textural and/or
graphical, and represents a spatial location of the tool 1214 with
respect to a root canal 1218 of the tooth 1212. Although the apex
locator fixturing device 1204 is shown coupled to the balance of
the apex locator system 1200 by signal wire 1202, a wireless apex
locator fixturing system is also within the scope of the invention
disclosed herewith.
[0302] In one aspect of the invention, the apex locator system of
the invention is adapted to allow excavation and shaping of the
root canal 1218 without perforation of the root wall or of the
portion of the periodontal membrane located at the apex 1222 of the
root.
[0303] In one aspect of the invention, the apex locator system
includes a tray 1190 adapted to the convenient storage of various
dental instruments and/or materials. According to one embodiment of
the invention, the tray 1190 is readily removable to allow
sterilization of the tray as in, for example, an autoclave.
[0304] In another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the monitor
screen 1218 of the system is pivotally and/or removably coupled to
the boom 103 of the support structure at ball joint 902. In still
another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the apex locator
system 1200 includes a power pack 1192.
[0305] According to one embodiment of the invention, the power pack
supplies operative electrical power to the balance of the apex
locator system by way of an electrical cable 1194. Still further
embodiments of the invention include digital processing apparatus
such as, for example, a microprocessor within the power pack 1192.
The digital processing apparatus is adapted to control and process
signals of the endodontic apex locator system.
[0306] In one embodiment the invention includes the combination of
a support structure 100'' with an endodontic apex locator system
such as that disclosed in U.S. patent application No. 60/594,388
the disclosure of which is herewith incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0307] FIG. 56 shows another embodiment of the invention including
the dental support structure 100 of FIG. 1 that is adapted to
support a dental imaging fixturing system 1230. In the illustrated
embodiment, the ball joint 902 is coupled to a support member 1232.
The support member 1232 includes a first elongate portion 1234
having at its posterior end the ball of the ball and socket joint
902. An anterior end of the support member 1232 includes, in the
illustrated embodiment, first and second wing-coupling members
1236, 1238. Each wing-coupling member 1236, 1238 includes a
respective slot 1240, 1242. The slots 1240, 1242 are adapted to
receive corresponding wings 1244, 1246 of a lip retractor 1248.
[0308] When the lip retractor 1248 is worn by a dental procedure
subject, insertion of the wings 1244, 1246 into the slots 1240,
1242 serves to stabilize a spatial relationship between the subject
and the one or more x-ray sources.
[0309] According to one embodiment of the invention, as
illustrated, the lip retractor 1248 includes first and second bite
members 1250, 1252. Each bite member 1250, 1252 has a respective
one or more film support clips 1253 adapted to support a respective
x-ray film package.
[0310] In operation, at least one x-ray film package is coupled to
the one or more film support clips 1253. The x-ray film package, as
is known in the art, includes a sheet of chemical x-ray film
enclosed in a light-tight package. The lip retractor 1248 is
coupled to a dental x-ray subject by placing the lips of the
patient into the lip-receiving channels of the lip retractor 1248.
The subject then bites down on the bite members to further secure
the lip retractor in a stable spatial relationship to the teeth of
the subject. By inserting the wings 1244, 1246 into slots 1240,
1242, the lip retractor 1248 is stabilized with respect to the
dental support structure 100. This serves to stabilize the teeth of
the subject and the x-ray film package 1256 with respect to the
floor, and thus with respect to an x-ray source. Consequently, the
well-known tendency of x-ray subjects to move during exposure of
the x-ray film with a resulting non-uniformity of film exposure is
reduced.
[0311] FIG. 57 shows a further embodiment of the invention
including the dental support structure 100'' of FIG. 54 that is
adapted to support a dental imaging fixturing system 1230.
[0312] Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 56, the FIG. 57 embodiment
includes electronic x-ray sensors 1280, 1282 coupled to the bite
members 1250, 1252 respectively. Detecting and imaging x-rays with
an electronic image sensor may be preferable to using chemical film
because electronic image sensors tend to be more sensitive than
chemical film, no chemical developing process is required, and the
digital images produced by most electronic image sensors are
immediately ready for digital manipulation.
[0313] In one embodiment of the invention, electronic image sensors
each include a respective signal cable with a removable plug.
[0314] FIG. 58 shows the dental equipment support structure 100''
of FIG. 54 including an ultrasonic imaging system 1300 according to
one embodiment of the invention. The support structure includes an
imaging handle 1310 that supports an ultrasonic transducer 1312,
and an imaging screen 1314. The ultrasonic transducer is adapted to
be positioned in proximity to a tooth and/or bone region.
Ultrasonic vibrations generated and received by the transducer are
used by the system 1300 to produce an image of the tooth and/or
bone region on the screen 1314.
[0315] FIG. 59 shows a dental composition tray 1350 according to
one embodiment of the invention. The dental composition tray
includes first and second lip receiving channels 1358, 1360. A
third tooth receiving channel 1354 is disposed in a substantially
normal orientation to the lip receiving channels and adapted to
receive, within a concave region thereof, the upper or lower teeth
of a patient. First and second fixturing wings 1362, 1364 are
coupled to the fist and second lip receiving channels 1358, 1360,
respectively. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a coupling
member 1356 is disposed between, and mutually coupled to the first
and second lip receiving channels 1358, 1360 and the tooth
receiving channel 1352. One of skill in the art will appreciate
that, in various embodiments, the dental composition tray includes
a pair of tooth receiving channels arranged to receive both upper
and lower teeth simultaneously.
[0316] In use, the dental composition tray 1350 is adapted to
receive a dentistry composition, such as a dental whitening
composition or a dental casting composition within the concave
region 1354 of the tooth receiving channel 1352.
[0317] While exemplified embodiments of the invention have been
described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these
are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered as
limiting. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as
limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the
scope of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *