U.S. patent number 3,890,712 [Application Number 05/392,424] was granted by the patent office on 1975-06-24 for saliva ejector.
Invention is credited to Oscar Lopez.
United States Patent |
3,890,712 |
Lopez |
June 24, 1975 |
Saliva ejector
Abstract
An extension unit for use in conjunction with a dental saliva
ejector apparatus is provided comprising a strainer section. One
embodiment provides for a removable strainer employing a threaded
section while alternate embodiments provide for multi-unit
removable strainers and for self contained strainer extension
units.
Inventors: |
Lopez; Oscar (Cliffside Park,
NJ) |
Family
ID: |
23550534 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/392,424 |
Filed: |
August 29, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
433/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C
17/08 (20190501) |
Current International
Class: |
A61c 017/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/239,276,277,78
;222/189 ;4/286 ;32/33 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Peshock; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper &
Scinto
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved saliva ejector comprising:
a pliable semi-rigid tubular end piece being open at one end and
defining a perforate closure at the other end;
a strainer unit of integral construction adapted to receive, in
friction fit, said tubular end piece;
first connecting means to secure said strainer unit to a suction
tube;
said strainer unit including a head which defines an orifice
dimensioned to frictionally receive said tubular end piece, an
elongated cylindrical strainer open at one end to communicate with
said orifice and closed at its other end and an intermediate
section disposed between said head and said strainer with
externally threaded second connecting means for securing said
strainer unit to said first connecting means, said strainer having
an exterior diameter less than the interior diameter of said first
connecting means to provide an annular space therebetween.
2. An improved saliva ejector according to claim 1 wherein said
first connecting means for securing said strainer unit to said
suction tube comprises an intermediate tubular section having
inwardly disposed threaded portions at each end thereof, one of
said threaded portions adapted to threadably engage said second
connecting means of said strainer unit and the other of said
threaded portions adapted to threadably engage a corresponding
threaded portion of said suction tube.
3. A disposable saliva ejector extension unit which comprises:
a pliable semi-rigid tube, open at one end and defining a
perforated closure at the other end;
an elongated cylindrical strainer fixed secured within said tube,
said strainer having an exterior diameter less than the interior
diameter of said tube to provide a space therebetween and
means for connecting said tube to a suction tube.
4. An improved strainer unit for saliva ejectors which
comprises:
a head member defining at least two orifices, each of said orifices
communicating interiorly with a common passage, said orifices
dimensioned to receive, in friction fit, tubular end members;
an integral cylindrical strainer communicating at one end with said
common passage and closed at its other end;
means for connecting said head and strainer to a suction tube
whereby said strainer extends within said suction tube, said
strainer being dimensioned so that its exterior diameter is less
than the interior diameter of said suction tube to provide an
annular space therebetween; and
cover means mounted to said head to cover at least one of said
orifices and including spring means to normally bias said cover to
close said orifice.
5. A strainer unit according to claim 4 wherein said connecting
means comprises a threaded section disposed between said head
member and said strainer, said threaded section being dimensioned
to threadably engage corresponding threads disposed on said suction
tube.
6. A strainer unit according to claim 4 wherein said connecting
means comprises a threaded section disposed between said head
member and said strainer, and a tubular section having inwardly
disposed threads at each end thereof, one of said ends being
threadably engageable with said threads one said strainer unit and
the other of said ends being threadably engageable with said
suction tube.
7. An improved saliva ejector according to claim 1 wherein said
first connecting means comprises internal threads at one end of
said suction tube.
8. An improved saliva ejector according to claim 1 wherein said
cylindrical strainer is about two inches in length.
9. An improved strainer unit according to claim 4, wherein said
cylindrical strainer is about two inches in length.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved saliva ejector, and,
more specifically, to an improved end unit for a saliva ejector
including a strainer unit designed and positioned to provide for
prolonged use with maximum efficiency. Additionally, the invention
affords means for easy removal and replacement of the strainer
unit.
During certain dental procedures, it becomes necessary for a
dentist to remove saliva and water from a patient's mouth. This has
historically been done utilizing an apparatus referred to as a
saliva ejector. This saliva ejector generally comprises a suction
pump connected by tubing to an end piece which is placed in the
patient's mouth. The end piece comprises a tubular extension of
pliable, semi-rigid material thereby providing for selected shaping
thereof to comfortably fit the mouth of the patient. The suction
draws out the saliva, water, and any solid particles which might
result from dental procedures such as drilling, through the device
into a drain located in close proximity to the pump.
A problem frequently experienced with this type of apparatus is the
clogging of the drain with the solid fragments. These fragments
tend to be drawn along with the saliva and water through the saliva
ejector apparatus. Heretofore, in order to prevent these fragments
from passing through the tubes into the suction pump, a screen or
trap was inserted in a section of the tubing which passed from the
suction pump to the end section which fits into the patient's
mouth. This trap was generally of a cylindrical shape with a head
which fit over the edge of one of the tube sections and allowed
connection to another tube section. Holes or perforations were
located along the curved surfaces of the cylinder, which was
generally about one-half inch in length, to effect a straining
function.
The problem generally experienced with this type of straining unit
is that, due to its relatively short length, it tended to become
filled with debris rather rapidly and, consequently after two or
three patients, required either cleaning or changing. In either
case, due to its construction and positioning, the dentist, in
order to remove and clean the trap, was forced to manually remove
the strainer unit. Such frequent cleaning not only was time
consuming but required the dentist to wash his hands after each
cleaning since his hands would have to come in contact with the
trap.
Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to
provide a saliva ejector extension and strainer unit which does not
require replacement as often as that of the prior art; and when
replacement or cleaning is necessary may be changed with a minimum
amount of difficulty and without the necessity of having the
dentist's hands come in contact with the strainer unit.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide strainer
units of the same description for multiple saliva ejector
extensions for use as a single unit.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a disposable
saliva ejector extension unit which includes an integral trap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a saliva ejector strainer
unit is provided comprising an elongated cylindrical structure
threadably engaged within the apparatus tubing. The cylindrical
section may be constructed of plastic or metallic composition and
contains numerous perforations on both the curved and lower
surfaces. This allows passage of liquids but results in a trapping
of the solid fragments. The particular dimensions of the strainer
unit permit for long use without need for replacement or cleaning.
Alternatively, disposable semi-rigid, pliable extension units,
including an integral strainer type trap are provided which permit
for disposal thereof after use.
There has thus been outlined rather broadly the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that
the present contribution to the art might be better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of
the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based
may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other
structures for carrying out the several purposes of the
invention.
Specific embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes
of illustration, and are shown in the accompanying drawings,
forming a part of the specification, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the device of the present invention in an
assembled form;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away view taken along lines 3--3 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal cross section of an alternate
embodiment of the device of the present invention in an assembled
form;
FIG. 5 is a partial longitudinal cross section of a disposable
extension unit of the invention;
FIG. 6 is an exploded plan view of a strainer unit adapted to
receive multiple extension units according to the invention;
and
FIG. 7 is a cross section view taken along lines 7--7 of FIG.
6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to FIG. 1, the device of the present invention
generally comprises a cylindrical tube 10 which is joined at
junction 11 to an extension unit 13 which is designed to be placed
in a patient's mouth for the removal of saliva and both liquids and
solid particles. The extension unit 13 comprises numerous
perforations 14 on its distal end to permit the saliva and other
wastes to be drawn into the apparatus. The extension unit is
generally constructed of a pliable semi-rigid material to permit
selected shaping thereof according to its intended use. The
diameter and length of the extension unit 13 are standard and are
well known in the art. Cylindrical tube 10 is connected at junction
15 at its other end to another cylindrical tube 16 which leads to a
vacuum pump and drain (not shown).
FIG. 2 more clearly shows the invention in that in its disassembled
form the strainer unit 20 is now clearly shown. Strainer unit 20 is
composed of a closed hollow cylindrical tube 21 containing numerous
perforations 22, a threaded section 23, and a head 24. The head 24
defines a centrally disposed orifice 25 extending through the
threaded section 23 to communicate with the closed hollow
cylindrical tube 21.
The orifice 25 is dimensioned to closely receive the end 12 of
extension unit 13 in a friction fit, whereby the extension unit 13
is readily attached thereto. The strainer unit 20 is designed to be
threadably secured to cylindrical tube 10 by means of matching
threads 26 disposed within cylindrical tube 10. At its opposite
end, cylindrical tube 10 also includes a threaded section 27
matching threads 28 of tube 16 for attachment thereto. As stated
above, the tube 16 leads to a suction unit (not shown) which is
well known in the art.
The invention essentially operates in this embodiment by the
activation of a suction pump (not shown). The resulting suction
draws out through the perforations 14 in the extension unit 13,
which has been placed in a patient's mouth, any saliva, water or
solid particles. This is drawn through the opening 25 of the
strainer unit 20 and into the closed hollow perforated cylindrical
tube 21 which is contained in cylindrical tube 10. The liquid
wastes are drawn through the perforations 22 of the closed hollow
perforated cylindrical tube 21, through lower tube 16 into the
drain of the suction pump (not shown). The solid particles are,
however, unable to pass through the perforations 22 in the closed
hollow perforated cylindrical tube 10 and are trapped on its
internal surface.
The outer diameter of the strainer section 21 of strainer unit 20
is dimensioned to be slightly less than the inner diameter of the
tubular section 10. Thus, there is a clear space between the
strainer 21 and tube 10 to permit for gradual filling of the
strainer without loss of suction. Additionally, the length of the
strainer 21 is selected depending upon the available apparatus.
Preferably, the strainer 21 extends the substantial length of the
intermediate tube 10; and this is preferably about 2 inches. Due to
its construction, the strainer unit 20 permits for extended use,
usually for up to two or three months without loss of suction due
to clogging. When the strainer unit 20 becomes clogged with solid
particles which impede the passage of the saliva and water to the
pump and drain, the unit can either be replaced or cleaned by
removal of the extension 13 and unscrewing cylindrical tube 10 from
tube 16.
The entire cylinder tube 10 with strainer unit 20 can be replaced
or merely the strainer unit 20 can be removed by grasping the head
24 and then replacing a new strainer unit 20 in the same cylinder
tube 10. In either event, it is evident that it is unnecessary for
the dentist to come in contact with the strainer 21 thus avoiding
contamination of his hands.
With reference to FIG. 3, the end 12 of extension unit 13 is shown
connected, by friction fit, within the orifice 25 of head 24 and
extending within the hollow threaded portion 23. The inner threaded
portion 26 of tube 10 is shown in engagement with the threaded
portion 23 of the strainer unit 20. At the opposite end, the
threaded portion 28 of the tube 16 is shown threadably engaged to
threaded portion 27 of tube 10.
An alternate embodiment of the instant invention is depicted in
FIG. 4 which eliminates the intermediate tube 10 and provides for
direct attachment of the strainer unit 20 into the tube 16 by
engaging the threads 32 and 23 of the tube 16 and of the strainer
unit 20 respectively. Means are provided utilizing the orifice 25
through head 24 of the strainer unit 20, for attachment, by
friction fit, of end 12 of extension unit 13. The end 12 of
extension unit 13 extends through the head 24 and into the hollow
portion of the threaded area 23. With respect to this particular
embodiment, for cleaning and replacement purposes, the end 12 of
extension unit 13 is removed from the orifice 25 in head 24 and the
strainer unit 20 is unscrewed from the tube 16. The strainer unit
20 may either be replaced or cleaned with compressed air and
reinstalled.
In FIG. 5, a disposable extension unit 13 is illustrated having an
integral strainer unit 40 disposed therein. The strainer unit 40 is
substantially of the same dimensions as described hereinabove. The
extension unit 13 is also as described hereinabove, i.e., of
semi-rigid pliable material for selected shaping. However, when
constructed, the strainer unit 40 is positioned within and firmly
attached to the internal walls of the unit 13. This may be
accomplished in numerous ways known to the art. Preferably, the
strainer unit 40 is positioned near the end of the extension 13
proximate to tube 16 so as not to hinder the pliability of the
extension 13. As in the above described embodiments, the end 12
extension unit 13 is designed to be connected to the tubing 16 by
means of a friction fit. To facilitate the connecting procedure, an
annular flange 42 is affixed to the end of tube 16. The annular
flange 42 further defines the connection orifice and facilitates
grasping of the tube 16. As stated above, this embodiment is
intended to be disposable, and when the strainer unit 40 is
substantially filled with particular matter so as to impede
suction, the entire unit is removed and discarded. Alternatively,
the extension unit may be constructed with a smaller screening unit
whereby the extension unit 13 is discarded after every use.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate still another alternate embodiment for use
with those embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4. However,
strainer unit 48 is designed to accomodate the ends of two or more
extension units 53 and 54 is connected to a single tube 16 leading
to the pump and drain. As illustrated in FIG. 7 the strainer unit
48 includes a head 50 of a rectangular shape defining two orifices
51 and 52 adapted to receive the ends of two extension units.
Orifice 51 leads directly, through channel 62, and through the
threaded portion 23 into the closed hollowed perforated cylindrical
tube 21. Orifice 52 is to be used in conjunction with a second
extension unit 54 and, is directed through passageways 61 and 62 to
the strainer 21. When a second extension 54 is not in use, means
are provided to seal orifice 52 by use of a hinged cover 59.
Biasing means 60 are provided for normally maintaining the cover 59
closed whereby suction is not lost while only one extension unit 53
is in operation. A torsion spring is generally preferred for
biasing the cover, however, any means is applicable. This unit is
designed for use in conjunction with cylinder tube 10 of FIGS. 1, 2
and 3 or in conjunction with tube 16 of FIG. 4. Threads 23 are
provided for threadably engaging the unit 48 with the threads 28 of
FIGS. 2 and 3 or 4.
It is apparent that this unit provides for utilizing multiple
extension units 13, when a single unit would not be sufficient. It
will also be appreciated that the head 50 can be constructed to
accomodate more than two extension units by simple
modifications.
* * * * *