U.S. patent application number 16/924748 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-14 for carrier element for supporting at least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care device.
This patent application is currently assigned to W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH. Invention is credited to Manfred Kainhofer, Christian Pruckner, Michael Reiter.
Application Number | 20210007822 16/924748 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004972705 |
Filed Date | 2021-01-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210007822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pruckner; Christian ; et
al. |
January 14, 2021 |
CARRIER ELEMENT FOR SUPPORTING AT LEAST ONE MEDICAL OR DENTAL
INSTRUMENT IN A CLEANING OR CARE DEVICE
Abstract
A carrier element for supporting at least one medical or dental
instrument in a cleaning or care device, wherein the instrument
comprises a first transmitting and receiving unit for wireless
transmission of electromagnetic radiation having data and/or energy
with a second transmitting and receiving unit. A coupling antenna
is provided on the carrier element, which receives and in turn
emits the electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted between
the first and second transmitting and receiving units in order to
support the wireless transmission of the electromagnetic radiation
between the first transmitting and receiving unit and the second
transmitting and receiving unit. A method for wireless transmission
of electromagnetic radiation with a corresponding carrier element
is also described.
Inventors: |
Pruckner; Christian; (Wien,
AT) ; Kainhofer; Manfred; (Wals-Siezenheim, AT)
; Reiter; Michael; (Elsbethen, AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH |
Burmoos |
|
AT |
|
|
Assignee: |
W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos
GmbH
|
Family ID: |
1000004972705 |
Appl. No.: |
16/924748 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 2204/005 20130101;
A61C 19/02 20130101; A61B 50/34 20160201; A61B 90/98 20160201; A61L
2/07 20130101; A61L 2202/24 20130101; A61B 50/33 20160201; A61L
2/26 20130101; G06K 17/0022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 50/33 20060101
A61B050/33; A61C 19/02 20060101 A61C019/02; A61B 50/34 20060101
A61B050/34; G06K 17/00 20060101 G06K017/00; A61L 2/26 20060101
A61L002/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 11, 2019 |
EP |
19185658.2 |
Claims
1. A carrier element for supporting at least one medical or dental
instrument in a cleaning or care device for cleaning or caring for
the at least one medical or dental instrument, the carrier element
comprising: at least one coupling antenna provided on the carrier
element and configured to receive electromagnetic radiation
comprising data and/or energy transmitted wirelessly between a
first transmitting and receiving unit arranged on the medical or
dental instrument and a second transmitting and receiving unit, and
wherein the at least one coupling antenna is configured to emit the
received electromagnetic radiation again in order to support the
wireless transmission of the electromagnetic radiation comprising
data and/or energy between the first transmitting and receiving
unit and the second transmitting and receiving unit.
2. The carrier element according to claim 1, wherein the carrier
element comprises a carrier plate, a tray, a basket or a
cassette.
3. The carrier element according to claim 1, wherein at least one
positioning element is provided on the carrier element in order to
position the at least one medical or dental instrument on the
carrier element.
4. The carrier element according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one coupling antenna is configured as a linear antenna.
5. The carrier element according to claim 4, wherein the linear
antenna is arranged in a recess of an outer wall of the carrier
element.
6. The carrier element according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one coupling antenna is configured as a flat top antenna.
7. The carrier element according to claim 6, wherein the flat top
antenna comprises an elongated slot in an outer wall of the carrier
element.
8. The carrier element according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one coupling antenna is a first antenna and wherein the carrier
element comprises at least one additional coupling antenna, wherein
the first coupling antenna comprises a flat top antenna having an
elongated slot in an outer wall of the carrier element and wherein
the at least one additional coupling antenna comprises a linear
antenna, wherein the linear antenna is disposed in the elongated
slot of the flat top antenna.
9. The carrier element according to claim 6, wherein the flat top
antenna is surrounded by a metallic component of the carrier
element.
10. The carrier element according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one coupling antenna is a first antenna and wherein the carrier
element comprises at least one second coupling antenna, wherein the
first and second coupling antennas are configured to transmit
electromagnetic radiation of different frequencies.
11. A cleaning or care device for at least one medical or dental
instrument, comprising a carrier element according to claim 1 and a
second transmitting and receiving unit.
12. Use of a carrier element according to claim 1 in a cleaning or
care procedure of at least one medical or dental instrument in a
cleaning or care device for supporting a wireless transmission of
electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy between a
first transmitting and receiving unit arranged on the medical or
dental instrument and a second transmitting and receiving unit.
13. A method for supporting a medical or dental instrument,
comprising: providing a carrier element for supporting the medical
or dental instrument, wherein at least one coupling antenna is
provided on the carrier element, which is configured to receive and
in turn emit electromagnetic radiation transmitted wirelessly
between a first transmitting and receiving unit arranged on the
medical or dental instrument and a second transmitting and
receiving unit to support wireless transmission of electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy between the first
transmitting and receiving unit and the second transmitting and
receiving unit, inserting the carrier element with the medical or
dental instrument having the first transmitting and receiving unit
into a cleaning or care device for cleaning or care of the medical
or dental instrument, and wirelessly transmitting electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy via the at least one
coupling antenna between the first transmitting and receiving unit
and the second transmitting and receiving unit.
14. The method for the wireless transmission of electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy according to claim 13,
wherein the electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy
is transmitted before or after closing an opening of the cleaning
or care device, through which the carrier element with the medical
or dental instrument to be cleaned or cared for and having the
first transmitting and receiving unit is introduced into the
cleaning or care device.
15. The method for wireless transmission of electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy according to claim 13,
wherein the at least one medical or dental instrument is fixed to
the carrier element by a holder.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from pending
European Patent Application No. 19185658.2, filed Jul. 11, 2019,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present application relates to a carrier element for
supporting at least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning
or care device and a method for the wireless transmission of
electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy through
such a carrier element.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0003] A coupling device for the wireless transmission of data
and/or energy between a medical, in particular dental, instrument
and a coupling part which can be connected thereto is known from
the published application US 2014/0212833 A1. This coupling part
can also be arranged inside a cleaning or care device, for example
in a chamber, so that data and/or energy can be transmitted
wirelessly between a medical, in particular dental, instrument and
the cleaning or care device.
[0004] The transmission of data and/or energy at a cleaning or care
device, in particular within the cleaning or care device or out of
the cleaning or care device, is challenging, inter alia, due to
metallic components of the cleaning or care device or
electromagnetic fields existing during operation. This causes
problems such as a reduced transmission range or interference and
disturbing of the transmission of data and/or energy.
[0005] The solution known from the above-mentioned application
US'833 A1 avoids these problems by placing the transmitting and
receiving units of the instrument and the cleaning or care device
on the respective couplings so that the two transmitting and
receiving units are positioned as close to each other as possible.
This solution works well in principle, but it limits the number of
instruments that can be cleaned or cared for or maintained and with
which data and/or energy can be exchanged to the number of existing
coupling parts of the cleaning or care device.
SUMMARY
[0006] It is thus an object to create a more secure data and/or
energy transmission for medical, in particular dental, instruments
to be cleaned or cared for which are located close to or in a
cleaning or care device. The data and/or energy transmission should
be reliable and safe, especially without connecting the medical, in
particular dental, instrument to a coupling part of the cleaning or
care device.
[0007] The carrier element is configured to support or hold at
least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care device
in order to clean or care for the at least one medical or dental
instrument in the cleaning or care device. A first transmitting and
receiving unit is arranged on the medical or dental instrument,
which is configured for wireless transmission of electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy with a second transmitting
and receiving unit. At least one coupling antenna is provided on
the carrier element, which is configured to receive the
electromagnetic radiation transmitted wirelessly between the first
transmitting and receiving unit and the second transmitting and
receiving unit and to emit it again in order to support the
wireless transmission of the electromagnetic radiation comprising
data and/or energy between the first transmitting and receiving
unit and the second transmitting and receiving unit.
[0008] Unless otherwise stated, it applies to all embodiments
described that the wireless transmission of electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy between the first
transmitting and receiving unit and the second transmitting and
receiving unit comprises a transmission in the direction of the
first transmitting and receiving unit and/or in the direction of
the second transmitting and receiving unit. The first and second
transmitting and receiving units are preferably configured for data
and/or energy transmission in the UHF and/or SHF frequency range.
The first transmitter and receiver unit of the medical or dental
instrument comprises, for example, an RFID label. The second
transmitting and receiving unit comprises, for example, a reader
for reading the first transmitting and receiving unit.
[0009] The provision of at least one coupling antenna on the
carrier element improves and supports in a beneficial manner the
data and/or energy transmission between the first transmitting and
receiving unit and the second transmitting and receiving unit,
preferably inside a cleaning or care device or when inserting the
carrier element into the cleaning or care device or when removing
the carrier element from the cleaning or care device, so that it is
in particular no longer necessary to connect a medical, in
particular dental, instrument to a coupling part of the cleaning or
care device for the data and/or energy transmission.
[0010] The at least one coupling antenna is configured and intended
in particular to counteract or reduce the negative effect of the
metallic components of the cleaning or care device and of the
electromagnetic fields as mentioned above on the transmission of
electromagnetic radiation. The at least one coupling antenna is
particularly preferably intended to couple or connect the first
transmitting and receiving unit and the second transmitting and
receiving unit communicatively with each other.
[0011] The support and/or improvement of the wireless transmission
of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy by the
at least one coupling antenna comprises for example [0012]
affecting or changing the direction of emission of the
electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy, in
particular in the direction of the first transmitting and receiving
unit and/or the second transmitting and receiving unit; [0013] an
increase in the energy density of the electromagnetic radiation
comprising data and/or energy; [0014] a concentration or focusing
of the electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy;
[0015] an increase in the transmission range of the electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy, in particular due to the
affecting or changing of the direction of emission, increase in the
energy density and/or concentration or focusing as mentioned above;
[0016] a reduction in the loss of the transmitted electromagnetic
radiation, in particular of the data and/or energy, in particular
due to the affecting or changing of the direction of emission,
increase in the energy density and/or concentration or focusing as
mentioned above.
[0017] The carrier element comprises, for example, a carrier plate,
tray, basket or cassette or is configured as one of these
elements.
[0018] The carrier plate is configured in particular as a plate or
grid plate without side walls and without cover or lid. Preferably,
the carrier plate is configured as an essentially flat surface.
Preferably, the outer periphery of the carrier plate is formed by a
frame with a plurality of sides arranged at an angle to each other.
Preferably, the frame surrounds the plate or grid, which has a
large number of openings or grid openings. Preferably the openings
or grid openings are intended as a passage for a cleaning or care
medium. Preferably, the frame does not comprise any openings or
grid openings. Preferably, the at least one coupling antenna is
provided on or in the carrier plate, in particular the grid plate
and/or the frame.
[0019] The tray or basket comprises in particular a base plate or a
bottom and a plurality of side walls connected to it and
surrounding the base plate or bottom. Preferably, the base plate
and/or the side walls comprise(s) a plurality of openings.
Preferably, the tray or basket is configured as a screen or mesh
basket with a large number of sieve openings. Preferably, the
openings or sieve openings are intended as a passage for a cleaning
or care medium. Preferably, at least one coupling antenna is
provided on or in the base plate or the bottom and/or on or in at
least one of the side walls.
[0020] The cassette comprises in particular a base or bottom, a
plurality of side walls connected to it and surrounding the base,
and a lid or cover. Preferably, the lid or cover is configured to
be movable relative to the base and/or the side walls, e.g.,
pivotable, or removable therefrom. Preferably the lid or cover
covers a plurality of side walls. Preferably the bottom, the side
walls and the lid or cover delimit an interior of the cassette from
the environment. Preferably, the bottom and/or the side walls
and/or the lid or cover are provided with a large number of
openings, for example elongated openings, which serve in particular
as a passage for a cleaning or care medium. Preferably, the at
least one coupling antenna is provided on or in the bottom and/or
on or in at least one of the side walls and/or on or in the lid or
cover.
[0021] The carrier element is configured in particular to be
accommodated in a cleaning or care device. The carrier element is
configured, for example, to be placed on the inside of a base or
bottom of the cleaning or care device or to be inserted into a
chamber of the cleaning or care device. The carrier element is
preferably configured to be supported or detachably fastened to one
or more holding elements of the cleaning or care device. The
holding element comprises, for example, a guide rail or ridge or a
projection through which the carrier element, in particular a
bearing element of the carrier element matching or complementary to
or connectable with the holding element, can be supported or
fastened. The holding element of the cleaning or care device is
provided in particular on the inside of the chamber. The bearing
element of the carrier element is provided in particular on its
bottom and/or on at least one of the side walls.
[0022] The carrier element is preferably at least partially made of
metal and/or plastic and/or glass and/or ceramic. The metal
comprises for example steel or a steel alloy. The selection of the
material of the carrier element, in particular that part of the
carrier element on which the at least one coupling antenna is
provided or arranged, is preferably dependent on the type of
coupling antenna. Thus, it is particularly advantageous for the
function of a coupling antenna configured as a flat top antenna, in
particular as a slot antenna, if it is surrounded by a metallic
component of the carrier element. The metallic component can, for
example, be a metallic frame surrounding the slot or slot antenna
or a metallic coating of a part of the carrier element surrounding
the slot, for example of a part of the bottom, at least one side
wall or the cover. The metallic component may also comprise a
metallic part of the carrier element surrounding the slot, for
example at least a metallic part of the bottom, at least one side
wall or the cover. For the function of a coupling antenna
configured as a metallic, (geometrically) linear antenna, for
example as a rod antenna, it is advantageous if it is surrounded by
an electrically non-conductive material, for example glass or
plastic. Accordingly, preferably a section of the carrier element,
for example a part of the floor, at least one side wall or cover,
on or in which the (geometrically) linear antenna is located, is
formed from an electrically non-conductive material.
[0023] Preferably the first transmitting and receiving unit or
transponder unit, in particular the RFID label, arranged on the
medical or dental instrument comprises an antenna, in particular an
oscillating circuit, for receiving and/or transmitting the
electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy.
Furthermore, the first transmitting and receiving unit comprises in
particular a capacitor and/or a memory element, which are
operatively connected to the antenna. The memory element stores in
particular data for identifying the instrument, for example an
identification code (uniquely) assignable to the instrument to
which the first transmitting and receiving unit is attached, or
codes for identifying the instrument via an external database, for
example according to GS1 or HIBC standard.
[0024] Preferably, the first transmitter/receiver unit is
configured as a passive first transmitter/receiver unit, which
receives energy required in particular for communication and
internal processes exclusively from the electromagnetic radiation
emitted by the second transmitter/receiver unit. Particularly
preferred, the first transmitter and receiver unit comprises one or
more RFID labels.
[0025] The second transmitting and receiving unit, which is
arranged remotely from the first transmitting and receiving unit,
comprises in particular a reading device for reading and/or
receiving the instrument-specific data stored in the memory element
of the first transmitting and receiving unit, in particular the
identification code. Preferably, the second transmitting and
receiving unit in turn comprises an antenna, in particular a
resonant circuit, for receiving and/or transmitting the
electromagnetic radiation, a source for the electromagnetic
radiation, for example a high-frequency module, and a controller.
Preferably, the second transmitting and receiving unit also
comprises an interface to a processing unit for further processing
of the received data. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the
second transmitting and receiving unit provides energy for
operation to the first transmitting and receiving unit. The second
transmitting and receiving unit is either attached to or in the
cleaning or care unit or is physically separated from it.
[0026] If the first and second transmitter and receiver units are
connected to each other communicatively, i.e., if the first
transmitting and receiving unit is located in the reading range of
the second transmitting and receiving unit or in an electromagnetic
field emitted by the second transmitting and receiving unit, in
particular if the medical or dental instrument is or is being
accommodated in the cleaning or care device, for example in a
chamber of the cleaning or care device, the second transmitting and
receiving unit is configured to determine or recognize the
instrument-specific data, in particular the identification code, by
wireless transmission of the electromagnetic radiation comprising
data and/or energy. Preferably, the instrument-specific data
determined in this way is forwarded to a processing unit, for
example a processor or microcontroller, which is communicatively
connected to the second transmitting and receiving unit.
Preferably, the processing unit is configured to store and/or
process these forwarded instrument-specific data in order to prove
in particular that the medical or dental instrument whose
instrument-specific data, in particular its identification code,
has been received and forwarded has been accommodated and/or
cleaned or cared for in the cleaning or care device.
[0027] The medical or dental instrument on which the first
transmitter and receiver unit is mounted comprises for example: an
instrument for medical or dental diagnosis; an instrument for
medical or dental treatment; an instrument for delivering a medium
and/or energy to a diagnosis or treatment site; an instrument for
rotating or oscillating or vibrating drive of a tool; a drive
device, for example a motor; an adapter; a coupling device; a
connector; an active instrument requiring the supply of power from
a power source for operation; a passive instrument without supply
of power, for example a scraper, tweezers or scissors; a handpiece,
handle element or contra-angle handpiece; a tool, for example a
drill, blade, saw blade, scaler tip, shaver, nozzle, light or laser
emitting tip, and similar tools.
[0028] Preferably at least one mechanical positioning element, for
example a holder, is provided on the carrier element in order to
position, in particular fix, the at least one medical or dental
instrument on the carrier element. The positioning element is
particularly preferably configured in such a way that the medical
or dental instrument is disposed in a (pre)determined position,
orientation and/or arrangement with respect to the carrier element
and/or the at least one coupling antenna, so that the first
transmitting and receiving unit faces the at least one coupling
antenna and/or extends in the direction of the at least one
coupling antenna. For example, the positioning element or holder is
dimensioned or shaped such that only a certain portion of the
medical or dental instrument can be accommodated therein, thereby
assuming the predetermined position, arrangement or orientation.
Alternatively or additionally, at least one mechanical engagement
element is provided on each of the medical or dental instrument and
the positioning element so that when the engagement elements engage
or lock, the predetermined position, arrangement or orientation is
assumed. Such positioning elements advantageously improve wireless
communication, in particular the transmission of electromagnetic
radiation, between the first transmitting and receiving unit and
the at least one coupling antenna.
[0029] Preferably the at least one positioning element has a
plug-in element with a receptacle into which the medical or dental
instrument to be cleaned or cared for can be inserted.
Alternatively or additionally the at least one positioning element
comprises a clamping element or the plug-in receptacle is
configured as a clamping element into which the medical or dental
instrument to be cleaned or cared for can be clamped. Preferably,
the plug-in receptacle or the clamping element defines an
accommodation space in which at least a part of the medical or
dental instrument can be accommodated, in particular clamped.
Preferably, a wall defining the accommodation space is curved or
shaped like an arc. Particularly preferred the accommodation space
or the wall delimiting it is dimensioned or shaped in such a way or
comprises one of the engagement elements in order to position the
medical or dental instrument in the (pre)determined position as
described above. Preferably the receptacle or clamping element
comprises two spring arms or two bearing arms between which the
plug-in receptacle is provided. The two spring arms or bearing arms
preferably originate from a common base. The two spring arms or
bearing arms are preferably bent. The two spring arms or bearing
arms preferably each have a free end.
[0030] Preferably, the at least one positioning element is
configured in one piece with the carrier element, for example on
the bottom, on the base or grid plate and/or on one of the side
walls. Alternatively, the at least one positioning element is
detachably attached to the carrier element. Preferably a plurality
of small openings, for example substantially circular openings, are
provided on the carrier element for this purpose, into which a
connecting element, for example an extension, of the at least one
positioning element can be inserted in order to fasten the at least
one positioning element to the carrier element. If the carrier
element has a grid or grid plate as described above, it is also
possible to fasten the at least one positioning element to the grid
or grid plate, in particular by inserting the extension of the
carrier element into one or more grid openings.
[0031] The at least one coupling antenna is preferably formed as
part of the carrier element, in particular it is non-detachably
connected to the carrier element and/or is formed integrally or in
one-piece with the carrier element, in particular as a flat top or
slot antenna. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the
at least one coupling antenna as a separate component which is
inserted into the carrier element and/or connected to the carrier
element and in particular can also be removed from it again. Thus,
a retrofitting of a carrier element can be realized in an
advantageous way. Preferably a holding body is provided, for
example a plate, on or in which the at least one coupling antenna
is provided, for example in the form of a slot in the holding body
to form a slot antenna, or a holding body on or in which a
(geometrically) linear antenna is formed, for example in the form
of a rod or wire antenna, as described below.
[0032] Preferably, the at least one coupling antenna is configured
as a (geometrically) linear antenna whose electrical conductor
comprises in particular a metallic wire or a metallic rod. The
(geometrically) linear antenna is configured in particular as a rod
antenna or as a wire antenna or as a dipole antenna. By designing
the coupling antenna as a linear antenna it is advantageously
possible to select the dimension, in particular the length of the
antenna independently of the dimensions of the carrier element, in
particular it is possible that the length of the antenna is greater
than the longest dimension or the longest outer side of the carrier
element.
[0033] Preferably, the (geometrically) linear antenna is located in
a recess of the carrier element, in particular in an opening in an
outer wall of the carrier element, for example the bottom or base
plate, a side wall or the cover. Thus, the linear antenna is
advantageously integrated into the carrier element, in particular
into its body, thus simplifying the handling of the carrier
element. To achieve even better integration, the recess in which
the linear antenna is located is preferably filled with an
electrically non-conductive filling material, for example plastic
or glass or ceramic. Preferably, the linear antenna is surrounded
by an electrically non-conductive material, for example plastic or
glass or ceramic, to form an antenna envelope which is accommodated
in the recess of the carrier element. This reduces the risk of
small instruments to be cleaned or maintained falling through the
recess and being lost.
[0034] Preferably, the at least one coupling antenna is configured
as a flat top antenna, preferably as a flat top antenna with an
opening or aperture in an outer wall of the carrier element. The
flat top antenna is preferably configured as an antenna formed by a
slot or slot antenna. A flat top antenna allows in an advantageous
way a very simple production of the coupling antenna, for example
by forming an opening, a breakthrough or a slot in a part of the
carrier element.
[0035] Preferably the flat top antenna has an elongated slot or
opening, for example straight or curved or rectangular or spiral.
The different shapes allow the direction and/or shape and/or
intensity of the emitted electromagnetic radiation to be varied in
an advantageous way. Preferably, the slot or opening is provided in
an outer wall of the carrier element, for example the bottom or
base plate, a side wall or the cover.
[0036] Preferably the slot or aperture is filled with an
electrically non-conductive material, for example plastic or glass
or ceramic, in order to form in particular a continuous carrier
element body. This reduces the risk of small instruments to be
cleaned or cared for falling through the slot and getting lost.
[0037] Preferably, the length of the coupling antenna, in
particular the slot, breakthrough or opening, is matched to the
wavelength or frequency of the electromagnetic radiation comprising
data and/or energy to be transmitted, in particular to
electromagnetic radiation in the UHF and/or SHF frequency or
wavelength range, preferably to electromagnetic radiation with a
wavelength of about 25 cm-40 cm, preferably 29 cm-35 cm, and
particularly preferably to a wavelength of about 34.6 cm or about
33 cm. Preferably, the slot or aperture has a length of half or
quarter of the length of at least one wavelength to be transmitted,
in particular the wavelength(s) mentioned above, thus ensuring in
an advantageous way a reliable transmission of the electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy. For example, a length of
the slot or aperture is at least about 6.25 cm, preferably at least
about 7.5 cm, preferably about 8.25 cm or about 8.65 cm or about
16.5 cm or about 17.3 cm. Preferably the slot has an elongated
shape with at least one long side and one narrow side.
[0038] Preferably, the opening or the breakthrough or slot of the
flat top antenna is larger, in particular considerably larger than
the grid openings or (circular) openings for fixing the at least
one positioning element or the at least one holder or the openings
or elongated openings of the carrier element serving in particular
as a passage for a cleaning or care product. Particularly
preferably, these grid openings or (elongated) openings do not act
as a coupling antenna for the electromagnetic radiation comprising
data and/or energy and transmitted between the first and second
transmitting and receiving unit, in particular for the radiation
with SHF and/or UHF frequency or wavelength. Particularly
preferably, the dimensions of these grid openings or (elongated)
openings are dimensioned in such a way that they do not act as
coupling antennas for the wavelengths or frequencies of the
electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy and
transmitted between the first and second transmitting and receiving
units, the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation being
particularly in the ranges described above. In this way, an
undesirable influence of the grid openings or (elongated) openings
on the transmission of the electromagnetic radiation between the
first and second transmitting and receiving units is at least
reduced or avoided in an advantageous manner.
[0039] In particular, the number of openings or breakthroughs or
slots of the flat top antenna is considerably smaller than the
number of grid openings or (circular) openings for fixing the at
least one positioning element or the (elongated) openings of the
carrier element serving in particular as a passage for a cleaning
or care product. Preferably, the number of grid openings or
(circular or elongated) openings is at least five times, preferably
at least ten times greater than the number of flat top antennas or
the openings or breakthroughs or slots of the flat top antenna.
Preferably the flat top antennas or the openings or breakthroughs
or slots of the flat top antenna are surrounded by a plurality of
grid openings or (circular or elongated) openings of the carrier
element.
[0040] Preferably, a plurality of coupling antennas is provided on
a carrier element. This advantageously further improves the
transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or
energy, as described in detail below according to various possible
variants.
[0041] Preferably the a plurality of coupling antennas are provided
on different sections or walls, for example on the bottom or on the
base or grid plate and/or on one of the side walls and/or on the
cover. This improves the transmission of electromagnetic radiation
comprising data and/or energy, for example when a plurality of
medical or dental instruments to be cleaned or cared for are
arranged on the carrier element, with the first transmitting and
receiving units pointing in different directions.
[0042] Alternatively or additionally two of the plurality of
coupling antennas are arranged one inside the other. For example,
at least one of the plurality of coupling antennas comprises a flat
top antenna having an elongated slot in an outer wall of the
metallic carrier element and another of the plurality of coupling
antennas comprises a (geometrically) linear antenna, the linear
antenna being disposed in the elongated slot of the flat top
antenna. In particular, the opening or slot of the flat top antenna
is filled with a filling material, in particular an electrically
non-conductive filling material, in which the linear antenna is
received or embedded. In addition to the improved transmission of
the electromagnetic radiation, this arrangement results in a
compact, space-saving arrangement of the a plurality of coupling
antennas in an advantageous way.
[0043] Alternatively or additionally at least two of the plurality
of coupling antennas are configured for the transmission of
electromagnetic radiation of different frequencies. In particular,
these coupling antennas for the transmission of different
frequencies have different dimensions, especially different
lengths. This is an advantageous way of creating a carrier element
which can be sold and used in various countries in which different
frequencies are used for data and/or energy transmission. The
manufacturer of such a carrier element thus saves the need to
produce different carrier elements for different countries.
[0044] Preferably a, in particular medical or dental cleaning or
care device is provided for at least one medical or dental
instrument, which comprises a carrier element described above and a
second transmitting and receiving unit.
[0045] The cleaning or care device preferably comprises a housing,
the second transmitting and receiving unit being arranged in the
housing or outside the housing.
[0046] The, in particular medical or dental, cleaning or care
device preferably further comprises at least one of the following
elements: a conveying device for conveying a cleaning or care
medium; a dispensing device, in particular connected to the
conveying device, for dispensing a cleaning or care medium onto
and/or into the medical or dental instrument; at least one chamber
for accommodating the medical or dental instrument to be cleaned or
cared for and/or the carrier element; an adjusting device for
setting and/or selecting an operating parameter or an operating
program; a controller or a microcontroller for controlling the
cleaning or care device, in particular the operation of the
cleaning or care device; an evaporator for generating steam serving
as cleaning medium.
[0047] Preferably, the conveying device of the cleaning or care
device comprises at least one of the following components: a pump;
a connection to a media source, in particular to a container; a
connection to a compressed air line; a valve; a conveying line for
conveying the cleaning or care medium, in particular from a media
source, for example a container for storing a cleaning or care
medium, to an instrument to be cleaned or cared for.
[0048] Preferably, the dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning
or care medium is configured to deliver the cleaning or care medium
to the outside and/or inside of the instrument to be cleaned or
cared for.
[0049] Preferably, the in particular medical or dental cleaning or
care device comprises one of the following devices: a sterilizer; a
thermal or chemical disinfection device; a cleaning and/or
disinfection device (similar in construction to a dishwasher); a
care device for dispensing a maintenance medium, for example a
lubricant. The cleaning or care device is thus configured to clean,
disinfect, sterilize and/or supply a lubricant to the inside and/or
outside of the at least one instrument to be cleaned or cared
for.
[0050] In accordance with an embodiment, a combination is provided,
comprising at least one medical or dental instrument, described in
particular above, with a first transmitting and receiving unit and
a carrier element described above, wherein the at least one
coupling antenna of the carrier element is configured to receive
and in turn emit electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or
energy which can be transmitted wirelessly between the first
transmitting and receiving unit and a second transmitting and
receiving unit, in order to support the wireless transmission of
the electromagnetic radiation between the first transmitting and
receiving unit and the second transmitting and receiving unit.
Preferably, the combination also comprises a cleaning or care
device as described above.
[0051] According to an embodiment there is provided: the use of a
carrier element described above when cleaning or caring for or
maintaining at least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning
or care device to support wireless transmission of electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy between a first
transmitting and receiving unit arranged on the medical or dental
instrument and a second transmitting and receiving unit. The
carrier element is used in particular in or with a cleaning or care
device described above and/or with a medical or dental instrument
with a first transmitting and receiving unit described above.
[0052] According to an embodiment, a method is provided for the
wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data
and/or energy between a first transmitting and receiving unit
arranged on a medical or dental instrument and a second
transmitting and receiving unit. A carrier element is provided for
supporting the medical or dental instrument, wherein at least one
coupling antenna is provided on the carrier element, which is
configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation transmitted
wirelessly between the first transmitting and receiving unit and
the second transmitting and receiving unit and to emit it again in
order to support the wireless transmission of the electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy between the first
transmitting and receiving unit and the second transmitting and
receiving unit. The carrier element with the medical or dental
instrument mounted thereon with the first transmitting and
receiving unit is inserted into a, in particular medical or dental,
cleaning or care device for cleaning or care of the medical or
dental instrument. The electromagnetic radiation comprising data
and/or energy is transmitted wirelessly between the first
transmitting and receiving unit and the second transmitting and
receiving unit via at least one coupling antenna. Preferably, the
carrier element comprises a carrier element as described above.
Preferably, the process is carried out in or with a cleaning or
care device described above.
[0053] Preferably the electromagnetic radiation comprising data
and/or energy is transmitted from the at least one coupling antenna
to the first transmitting and receiving unit and/or the
electromagnetic radiation is transmitted from the first
transmitting and receiving unit to the at least one coupling
antenna.
[0054] Preferably, the transmission of the electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy takes place before, during
or after the insertion of the carrier element with the medical or
dental instrument mounted thereon, which is to be cleaned or cared
for, with the first transmitting and receiving unit into the
cleaning or care device, in particular into the chamber for
receiving the medical or dental instrument to be cleaned or
maintained. Preferably, the electromagnetic radiation comprising
data and/or energy is transmitted before, during or after closing
or locking an opening of the cleaning or care device, through which
the carrier element with the medical or dental instrument with the
first transmitting and receiving unit to be cleaned or cared for
and supported thereon is introduced into the cleaning or care
device. The opening is connected in particular to the chamber for
receiving the medical or dental instrument to be cleaned or cared
for. The opening can be closed or locked in particular by a lid or
door. In particular, the lid or door is movably, preferably
rotatably or pivotably, attached to the cleaning or care device,
for example to the housing. The transmission of electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy is particularly preferably
carried out after the cleaning or care of the medical or dental
instrument has been completed. Particularly preferably, the
transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or
energy is completed before opening the lid or door for removing the
cleaned or cared for instrument. These measures ensure in an
advantageous way that electromagnetic radiation, especially data,
especially preferably an identification code that can be clearly
assigned to an instrument, is only transmitted when the instrument
to be cleaned or cared for has been placed in the cleaning or care
device or when the cleaning or care has been completed.
[0055] Preferably, the at least one medical or dental instrument is
fixed to the carrier element by a (mechanical) positioning element,
in particular a holder, in particular by a positioning element
described above. Particularly preferably, the medical or dental
instrument is fixed to the holder or by the positioning element in
a determined position in such a way that the first transmitting and
receiving unit faces the at least one coupling antenna and/or
extends in the direction of the at least one coupling antenna, so
that the wireless communication, in particular the transmission of
the electromagnetic radiation, between the first transmitting and
receiving unit and the at least one coupling antenna is improved in
an advantageous manner.
[0056] These and other embodiments will be described below with
reference to the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] FIG. 1 shows a carrier element for supporting or holding at
least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care device
in the form of a tray with a slot-shaped coupling antenna arranged
in a bottom of the tray.
[0058] FIG. 2 shows a carrier element in the form of a tray with a
plurality of slot-shaped coupling antennas arranged in a bottom of
the tray.
[0059] FIG. 3 shows a carrier element in the form of a tray with a
slot-shaped, curved coupling antenna arranged in a bottom of the
tray.
[0060] FIG. 4 shows a carrier element in the form of a tray with a
plurality of slot-shaped coupling antennas arranged in a bottom of
the tray at an angle to each other.
[0061] FIG. 5 shows a carrier element for supporting or holding at
least one medical or dental instrument in a cleaning or care device
in the form of a cassette with a plurality of coupling antennas
provided in a bottom and in a cover of the cassette.
[0062] FIG. 6 shows a carrier element in the form of a cassette
with a plurality of curved coupling antennas provided in a bottom
and in a cover of the cassette.
[0063] FIG. 7 shows a carrier element in the form of a cassette
with a coupling antenna provided in a side wall of the
cassette.
[0064] FIG. 8 shows a carrier element in the form of a cassette
with a slot-shaped coupling antenna in a side wall of the cassette,
in which a linear coupling antenna is accommodated.
[0065] FIG. 9 shows a carrier element in the form of a tray with a
slot-shaped coupling antenna provided in a bottom of the tray, in
which a linear coupling antenna is accommodated.
[0066] FIG. 10 shows a carrier element in the form of a tray with a
base plate of electrically non-conductive material inserted into
the tray.
[0067] FIG. 11 shows a carrier element in the form of a tray with a
base plate of electrically non-conductive material inserted into
the tray, in which a linear coupling antenna is accommodated.
[0068] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a cleaning or care device for
at least one medical or dental instrument for use with a carrier
element with at least one coupling antenna.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] FIGS. 1-11 show different carrier elements 1 for supporting
or holding at least one medical or dental instrument 2 (see FIGS. 4
and 6) in a cleaning or care device 50 for cleaning or care of the
at least one medical or dental instrument 2 in the cleaning or care
device 50. The carrier element 1 is provided to be accommodated in
the cleaning or care device 50.
[0070] FIGS. 1-4 and 9-11 show a carrier element 1 configured as a
tray 6. The tray 6 comprises a plurality of outer walls 10, for
example a flat and/or plate-shaped base 12 and a plurality of side
walls 13 connected to it and surrounding the base plate 12. The
base 12 comprises a large number of openings 14 or screen openings
which serve as a passage for a cleaning or care product. The
openings 14 are preferably round, oval or polygonal, the corners of
which are all arranged on a common circumference.
[0071] FIGS. 5-8 show a carrier element 1 in the form of a cassette
7. The cassette 7 comprises a plurality of outer walls 10, for
example a base 15, a plurality of side walls 16 connected to it and
surrounding the base 15, and a lid 17, which is configured to pivot
relative to the base 15 and the side walls 16. The base 15, the
side walls 16 and the lid 17 delimit an inner space 18 of the
cassette 7 from the surroundings. A large number of openings 19,
preferably elongated openings, are provided on the base 15 and on
the lid 17, which serve as a passage for a cleaning or care
product.
[0072] At least one positioning element 8, in particular a holder
8A, may be provided on the carrier element 1, 6, 7 in order to
position and/or fix the at least one medical or dental instrument 2
on the carrier element 1, 6, 7 (see in particular FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6
and 9). Alternatively, it is also possible not to provide a
positioning element 8 on the carrier element 1, 6, 7 or to remove
it from the carrier element 1, 6, 7 (if the positioning element 8
and the carrier element 1, 6, 7 are detachable from each other) so
that the at least one medical or dental instrument 2 is
accommodated loosely or without a defined position or fastening in
the carrier element 1, 6, 7.
[0073] For the detachable connection of the at least one
positioning element 8, 8A with the carrier element 1, 6, 7, it is
in particular provided to insert a connecting element of the
positioning element 8, 8A, for example an extension, in one of the
openings 14, 19 of the carrier element 1, 6, 7.
[0074] The at least one positioning element 8 is configured as a
holder 8A with a plug-in receptacle or a clamping element into
which the medical or dental instrument 2 to be cleaned or cared for
can be inserted. The positioning element 8 is configured in
particular such that the medical or dental instrument 2 is disposed
in a specific or predefined position, orientation and/or
arrangement with respect to the carrier element 1, 6, 7 and/or a
coupling antenna 4 of the carrier element 1, 6, 7, so that
preferably a transmitting and receiving unit 3 of the instrument 2
faces the at least one coupling antenna 4.
[0075] FIGS. 4 and 6 show an instrument 2 to be cleaned or cared
for or maintained, which is positioned and fixed to the carrier
element 1 by a positioning element 8, 8A. The instrument 2 is
configured as a dental handpiece or contra-angle handpiece. The
handpiece or contra-angle handpiece 2 comprises a head section 20,
which has a tool holder for fastening a treatment tool and/or a
treatment medium delivery device, and a handle section 21 adjoining
the head section 20, and preferably bent along a longitudinal axis.
The handle section 21 preferably ends in a coupling 22 for
connecting the instrument 2 to a control and/or supply unit for
supplying energy and/or a treatment medium.
[0076] A first transmitter and receiver unit 3, for example an RFID
label, is arranged on the instrument 2 for wireless transmission of
data and/or energy comprising electromagnetic radiation, especially
in the UHF and/or SHF frequency or wavelength range. The first
transmitter and receiver unit 3 can be arranged outside the
instrument 2, in particular on its outer sleeve, or inside the
instrument 2, in particular in its hollow outer sleeve. The first
transmitter and receiver unit 3 can be located in the head section
20 or in the handle section 21, both in that part of the handle
section 21 which extends between the head section 20 and the bend,
or in that part of the handle section 21 which extends between the
bend and the coupling connection 22, or directly in the area of the
bend of the handle section 21.
[0077] The first transmitting and receiving unit 3 and a second
transmitting and receiving unit 5 (see FIG. 1) spaced therefrom are
configured to communicate (see numeral 23) with each other in order
to establish a wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation
comprising data and/or energy, in particular in the UHF and/or SHF
frequency or wavelength range, between the transmitting and
receiving units 3, 5. The second transmitting and receiving unit 5
is configured as a reading and/or receiving device, for example.
The second transmitter/receiver unit 5 can either be configured as
a separate, independent device (see FIG. 1) or as an (integral)
part of a device that is operatively and/or communicatively
connected to the medical or dental instrument 2, for example the
cleaning or care device 50 (see FIG. 12).
[0078] Energy transmitted between the first and second transmitting
and receiving units 3, 5 comprises in particular energy for
operating the first transmitting and receiving unit 3. Data
transmitted between the first and second transmitting and receiving
units 3, 5 comprise in particular data for identifying the
instrument 2, for example a code for identifying the instrument 2,
and optionally further data, for example data concerning the
cleaning or care status of the instrument 2, the number and/or type
of cleaning or care processes which the instrument 2 has already
undergone or may still undergo, an operating program or at least
one operating parameter which is to be set automatically on the
cleaning or care device 50 during the cleaning or care of the
instrument 2, and similar data.
[0079] The carrier elements 1, 6, 7 of FIGS. 1-9 and 11 have at
least one coupling antenna 4 which is configured to receive and in
turn emit the electromagnetic radiation transmitted wirelessly
between the first and second transmitting and receiving units 3, 5
in order to support or improve the wireless transmission of the
electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy between the
first and second transmitting and receiving units 3, 5. The at
least one coupling antenna 4 affects, for example, the direction of
emission of the electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or
energy and/or increases the energy density of the electromagnetic
radiation and/or causes a concentration of the electromagnetic
radiation.
[0080] The at least one coupling antenna 4 can have a variety of
different dimensions and/or shapes and/or designs, some of which
are shown as examples in FIGS. 1-9 and 11 and described below. All
coupling antennas 4 according to any embodiment, which are
configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation transmitted
wirelessly between the first and second transmitting and receiving
units 3, 5 and to emit it again in order to support the wireless
transmission of the electromagnetic radiation comprising data
and/or energy between the first and second transmitting and
receiving units 3, 5, are, however, common in that they are
configured, in particular dimensioned and shaped to match the
wavelength or frequency of the electromagnetic radiation to be
transmitted or transmitted between the first and second
transmitting and receiving units 3, 5, in particular
electromagnetic radiation in the UHF and/or SHF frequency or
wavelength range. Preferably, the coupling antennas 4 are
configured in such a way that the transmission of the
electromagnetic radiation between the first and second transmitting
and receiving units 3, 5 is improved due to the effect of the
coupling antennas 4 compared to a transmission of the
electromagnetic radiation without the coupling antennas 4. For
example, due to the effect of the coupling antennas 4 during the
wireless transmission (and in comparison with the transmission of
the electromagnetic radiation without the coupling antenna 4), at
least one of the following effects is achievable: a reduced
influence of interference variables on the electromagnetic
radiation or its transmission; a lower loss of data and/or
transmitted energy transmitted by the electromagnetic radiation; a
lower noise in the transmitted data; a (per time unit) higher
amount of transmitted energy and/or data; a (per time unit) faster
transmission of a certain amount of energy and/or data.
[0081] The coupling antennas 4 shown in FIGS. 1-9 and 11 comprise
either only at least one flat top antenna (see FIGS. 1-7) or only
at least one (geometrically) linear antenna, the electrical
conductor 26 of which comprises in particular a metallic wire or
rod (see FIG. 11), or at least one flat top antenna and one linear
antenna, the electrical conductor 26 of which comprises in
particular a metallic wire or rod (see FIGS. 8, 9).
[0082] The trays 6 shown in FIGS. 1-4, 9 comprise one or more
coupling antennas 4 formed as flat top antennas. The flat top
antennas are formed as elongated slots 11 in an outer wall 10,
i.e., in the base 12, of the carrier element 1, 6. At least the
bottom 12 of the tray 6, preferably the entire tray 6, is made of
metal, which additionally improves the wireless transmission of
electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy.
[0083] The cassettes 7 shown in FIGS. 5-8 comprise one or more
coupling antennas 4. The coupling antennas 4 are formed as
elongated slots 11 in an outer wall 10, i.e., in the bottom 15
and/or in the lid 17 and/or in a side wall 16 (long side or narrow
side), of the carrier element 1, 7. At least that outer wall 10 of
the cassette 7 in which a flat top antenna is provided, preferably
the entire cassette 7, is made of metal, so that the wireless
transmission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or
energy is additionally improved.
[0084] The positioning elements 8, 8A are preferably arranged on
the tray 6 or on the cassette 7 in such a way that a medical or
dental instrument 2 positioned therein projects over a flat top
antenna or a slot 11 and in particular the first transmitter and
receiver unit 3 is located near or above the flat top antenna or
slot 11 (see in particular FIGS. 4 and 6; such an arrangement of
the positioning elements 8, 8A is also possible for FIGS. 1-3, 5,
9). This further improves the wireless transmission of
electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or energy.
[0085] The slot 11 is formed as a passage or opening passing
through the outer wall 10 (12; 15-17) and in particular does not
comprise any solid body. Alternatively, the slot 11 may be filled
with an electrically non-conductive material, for example plastic
or glass or ceramic, to form a continuous outer wall 10, in
particular a continuous bottom 12, 15, to prevent the instrument 2
to be cleaned or cared for from falling through the slot 11 and
possibly being lost. The electrically non-conductive material is,
for example, in the form of a continuous plate or a plate with
holes which partially or completely fills slot 11.
[0086] The slots 11 in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7-9 are straight and/or
essentially rectangular. The slots 11 of FIGS. 3 and 6 are curved,
allowing the slot 11 to be longer than the long side of the tray 6
or cassette 7, for example to have the appropriate length for the
wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted. A curved
slot 11 can have a variety of other shapes in addition to the
circular arc shape shown in FIGS. 3, 6, for example S-shaped,
spiral or similar shapes.
[0087] The slot 11 or at least one of the slots 11 of the flat top
antennas may be arranged differently with respect to a longitudinal
axis 24 of the tray 6 or with respect to a longitudinal axis 25 of
the cassette 7 and may have one or more of the following
arrangements: central in the carrier element 1, 6, 7 so that in
particular the longitudinal axis 24, 25 also forms the central axis
of slot 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 4--long slot, 9); off-centre (see FIGS.
2, 3, 4--short slot, 5-8) and preferably parallel to the
longitudinal axis 24 (see FIGS. 2, 5-8), in particular when there
are a plurality of slots 11; angled, for example orthogonal, to the
longitudinal axis 24 (see FIGS. 3 and 4--short slot, 6). The
different arrangement and shape of slots 11 can be used to create
carrier elements 1, 6, 7, which are advantageously adapted to
certain instruments 2, for example to the length of instrument 2
and/or to the position of the first transmitter and receiver unit 3
on instrument 2.
[0088] The carrier elements 1, 6, 7 of FIGS. 1, 3, 7, 11 have a
single coupling antenna 4 which is either a flat top antenna, in
particular with a slot 11 (see FIGS. 1, 3, 7), or a metallic linear
antenna with a rod or wire-shaped electrical conductor 26 (see FIG.
11).
[0089] The carrier elements 1, 6, 7 of FIGS. 2, 4-6, 8, 9 comprise
a plurality of coupling antennas 4, which are either only
configured as slot-shaped flat top antennas 11 (see FIGS. 2, 4-6)
or have at least one slot-shaped flat top antenna 11 and at least
one metallic linear antenna with a rod-shaped or wire-shaped
electrical conductor 26 (see FIGS. 8-9). Of course, it is also
possible to produce a carrier element 1, 6, 7 with exclusively a
plurality of metallic, linear antennas, each with a rod-shaped or
wire-shaped electrical conductor 26. As can be seen from the
Figures, the multiple coupling antennas 4 can either all be
provided on a single and/or common outer wall 10, especially on the
base 12, 15 or a side wall 16 (see FIGS. 2, 4, 8, 9), or on
different outer walls 10, especially on the base 12, 15 and the
cover 17 (see FIGS. 5, 6).
[0090] In FIGS. 8, 9, the metallic linear antenna is located in a
recess 9, this recess 9 being formed by the slot 11 of the flat top
antenna, which is advantageous to facilitate the manufacture of the
carrier element 1 with the two coupling antennas 4. The slot 11 is
at least partially filled with an electrically non-conductive
material (as described above) in which the metallic linear antenna
is accommodated or embedded. However, it is of course also possible
to arrange the flat top antenna formed by the slot 11 and the
metallic linear antenna at a distance from each other, either on
the same outer wall 10 or on different outer walls 10. If the two
coupling antennas 4 are arranged separately and at a distance from
each other, the metallic linear antenna is thus arranged in its own
separate receptacle 9.
[0091] If a plurality of coupling antennas 4 of the same type,
i.e., exclusively flat top antennas or exclusively metallic linear
antennas, are present on a carrier element 1, the a plurality of
coupling antennas 4 of the same type may be identical (see FIGS. 2,
5, 6) or they may differ in at least one parameter or property, for
example with respect to their shape and dimensions (see FIG. 4).
The two slot antennas 11 of tray 6 of FIG. 4 differ, for example,
in their length. Similar coupling antennas 4 with at least one
different property can of course also be provided in the same way
on a cassette 7.
[0092] The provision of a plurality of coupling antennas 4 on a
carrier element 1 offers a plurality of advantages: for example,
different frequencies or wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation
can be transmitted if the coupling antennas 4 have different
lengths (see FIGS. 4, 8, 9) and/or exact positioning of at least
one instrument 2 relative to the coupling antennas 4 is less
critical, since the multiple coupling antennas 4 ensure that the
first transmitting and receiving unit 3 of instrument 2 is at least
sufficiently close to one of the multiple coupling antennas 4 (see
FIGS. 4-6).
[0093] The provision of at least one slot antenna 11 in a side wall
16 (see FIGS. 7, 8) reduces the risk of the at least one instrument
2 falling unintentionally through a slot 11 compared to the
arrangement of the slot 11 in the base 12, 15. The arrangement of a
slot antenna 11 in a side wall 13 is conceivable in a corresponding
manner for a tray 6.
[0094] FIG. 11 shows a tray 6 with a metallic, linear antenna
arranged in a recess 9. In contrast to the embodiment in FIGS. 8
and 9, however, the recess 9 in FIG. 11 is not dimensioned in such
a way that it acts as a coupling antenna 4 or as a flat top
antenna, in particular not as a coupling antenna 4 for
electromagnetic radiation in the UHF and/or SHF frequency or
wavelength range. The wireless transmission, i.e., the reception
and emission of electromagnetic radiation comprising data and/or
energy, is thus exclusively effected by the metallic linear antenna
according to the embodiment in FIG. 11.
[0095] The recess 9 is in turn at least partially filled with an
electrically non-conductive material (as already described above),
in which the metallic linear antenna is accommodated or embedded.
The tray 6, especially the bottom 12 and the side walls 13, can be
made of metal, plastic, glass or ceramic.
[0096] The coupling antenna 4, configured in FIG. 11 as a
(geometrically) linear antenna, comprises an electrical conductor
26, in particular in the form of a metallic wire or rod. The
(geometrically) linear antenna is configured in particular as a rod
antenna or as a wire antenna or as a dipole antenna. Preferably an
electrical component 27 is connected to the electrical conductor
26. The electrical component 27 comprises, for example, a signal
amplifier to support the transmission of the electromagnetic
radiation comprising data and/or energy and/or a memory element,
which in particular stores an identification code of carrier
element 1 or a code for identification of carrier element 1 via an
external database.
[0097] The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 and described above can be
transferred to a cassette 7 in a corresponding manner.
[0098] The tray 6 shown in FIG. 10 does not have a coupling antenna
4, in particular a coupling antenna 4 for electromagnetic radiation
in the UHF and/or SHF frequency or wavelength range. The tray 6 is
preferably intended for use with a carrier element 1, 6, 7
described above with a coupling antenna 4, in particular for joint
use in a cleaning or care appliance 50, wherein the tray 6 is
configured in such a way that it interferes (negatively) as little
as possible a wireless transmission of electromagnetic radiation
comprising data and/or energy, preferably in the UHF and/or SHF
frequency or wavelength range, in particular between a first
transmitting and receiving unit 3 and a second transmitting and
receiving unit 5, particularly preferably with the aid of a
coupling antenna 4.
[0099] For this purpose, at least a part of floor 12, preferably
the entire floor 12 is made of an electrically non-conductive
material, for example plastic or glass or ceramic. Preferably, the
electrically non-conductive material is formed as a plate, which is
inserted in particular in a recess 29 of the tray 6. The recess 29
is formed, for example, by the side walls 13 and/or parts of the
bottom 12. The side walls 13 and/or parts of the bottom 12 can be
made of metal or alternatively of one of the mentioned electrically
non-conductive materials.
[0100] The cleaning or care device 50 shown in FIG. 12 for at least
one medical or dental instrument 2 is configured as a sterilizer,
in particular a steam sterilizer. The cleaning or care device 50 is
intended for use with a carrier element 1 with at least one
coupling antenna 4 and/or the tray of FIG. 10.
[0101] The sterilizer 50 comprises an outer housing 51 with a
plurality of walls and a cover 52 which is movable relative to the
walls. An opening 53 is provided on one of the walls of the housing
51, which is connected to a cleaning or care room 54 of the
sterilizer 50. Through this opening 53 an instrument 2 to be
cleaned or maintained and a carrier element 1, 6, 7 can be inserted
into or removed from the cleaning or care room 5.
[0102] One or more operating elements 55 are provided on the
housing 51, which are used, for example, to select different
operating programs or to set operating parameters. A display 56
shows the selected operating programs or operating parameters or
other data or characteristic values relevant to the operation of
the sterilizer 50.
[0103] Inside the housing 51, in addition to the cleaning or care
room 54 configured as a pressure vessel, a supply device for
introducing at least one cleaning or care medium, in particular
steam, into the cleaning or care room 54 and a control device 57
are provided. The cleaning or care room 5 is configured to
accommodate the at least one carrier element 1. As already
described above, it is also possible that the second transmitting
and receiving unit 5, in particular a reader, is arranged on the
sterilizer 50, in particular on the housing 51 or inside the
housing 51.
[0104] The control device 57 is configured to control and/or
regulate the operation of the cleaning or care unit 50, in
particular the course of the cleaning and/or care procedures and
the keeping of the parameters during the cleaning and/or care
procedures. The second transmitting and receiving unit 5 is either
configured as an integral part of the control device 57 and/or is
at least communicatively connected to the control device 57. The
one or more antennas of the second transmitting and receiving unit
5 are arranged on the outer housing 51, for example on one of the
walls of the outer housing 51, in particular at least one antenna
is arranged on the wall with the opening 53, and/or on the cover 52
and/or on a projection 58 projecting over a wall of the outer
housing 51, in particular that wall with the opening 53.
[0105] The second transmitting and receiving unit 5, in particular
the reader, are configured to communicate with the first
transmitting and receiving unit 3, in particular the RFID label, to
transmit energy to the first transmitting and receiving unit 3, if
necessary, via the coupling antenna 4 of the carrier element 1, and
to interrogate the data stored on the first transmitting and
receiving unit 3 wirelessly via the coupling antenna 4 of the
carrier element 1. The second transmitting and receiving unit 5 can
preferably have further, in particular electrical, components, for
example a signal amplifier for the transmissible data, a signal
processing unit, an energy source or a connection to an energy
source. Alternatively, one or more of these elements are part of
the control device 57.
[0106] Preferably the control device 57 is configured to receive
the data read out from the first transmitting and receiving unit 3
by the second transmitting and receiving unit 5 and, based on these
data, to identify the at least one medical or dental instrument 2
located on the carrier element 1. Furthermore, the control device
57 can also be configured to operate the cleaning or care device 50
on the basis of the received data, in particular to select a
cleaning or care method or to set parameters for the operation of
the cleaning or care device 50 automatically.
[0107] The control device 57 is preferably configured to transmit
data about a cleaning or care method performed by the cleaning or
care device 50 to the second transmitting and receiving unit 5, so
that the second transmitting and receiving unit 5 transmits these
data via the coupling antenna 4 to the first transmitting and
receiving unit 3, in particular to the RFID label of the instrument
2. Data transmitted to the first transmitting and receiving unit 3
comprises, in particular, information on whether instrument 2 has
been cleaned or maintained, the method used to clean or maintain
it, the parameters (temperature, pressure, etc.) for which it has
been cleaned or maintained, or the total number of times it has
been cleaned or maintained.
[0108] The described or depicted embodiments serve in particular to
illustrate the invention. The features disclosed in an embodiment
are therefore not limited to this embodiment but can be combined
individually or together with one or more features of one of the
other embodiments. In particular, the type, number, shape and
position of the coupling antennas shown in the individual
embodiments are exemplary and can be transferred between the
embodiments.
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