U.S. patent number 3,665,682 [Application Number 05/062,242] was granted by the patent office on 1972-05-30 for dental evacuation apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Pennwalt Corporation. Invention is credited to Anthony Ciavattoni, William Hammen, Karl Heimur.
United States Patent |
3,665,682 |
Ciavattoni , et al. |
May 30, 1972 |
DENTAL EVACUATION APPARATUS
Abstract
A dental evacuation unit has a plurality of evacuation devices,
each of the devices being connected to a common separator by its
respective debris conducting line, and each line having a venturi
located therein. Gas supply means are provided for selectively
directing a flow of gas through one of the venturis toward the
separator, thus creating a suction at the selected device to carry
entrained matter through the respective debris conducting line to
the separator. Distributing means are provided for diverting a
minor portion of the gas flow to each of the other venturis to
create a minor suction at the other devices to prevent unfiltered
gas within the separator from escaping through the other debris
conducting line.
Inventors: |
Ciavattoni; Anthony (Staten
Island, NY), Hammen; William (Staten Island, NY), Heimur;
Karl (Staten Island, NY) |
Assignee: |
Pennwalt Corporation
(Philadelphia, PA)
|
Family
ID: |
22041148 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/062,242 |
Filed: |
August 6, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
55/337; 4/263;
55/339; 55/419; 55/458; 55/459.3; 137/883; 261/DIG.54; 261/116;
417/118; 604/149; 433/92; 96/306; 55/315; 55/385.1; 55/429;
55/468 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G
15/14 (20130101); A61C 17/065 (20190501); Y10T
137/87877 (20150401); Y10S 261/54 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61C
17/00 (20060101); A61M 1/00 (20060101); A61c
017/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/276-278 ;32/33
;4/262-263 ;137/209,608 ;141/59 ;302/39 ;222/135,144.5 ;55/385 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Talbert, Jr.; Dennis E.
Assistant Examiner: Gifford; Vincent H.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Dental evacuation apparatus for evacuating debris extracted from
a patient's mouth comprising;
a. a plurality of dental evacuation devices;
b. a separator adapted to separate gas, liquid, and solids;
c. conducting means for conducting liquid and debris from said
evacuation devices to said separator, said conducting means
comprising a conducting passageway extending from each of said
evacuation devices to said separator, each of said conducting
passageways having a venturi disposed therein;
d. a source of pressurized gas;
e. a plurality of gas supply means for conducting gas from said
source to the respective venturis, each comprising a supply
passageway adapted to discharge said gas toward said separator;
f. a plurality of flow control valves, there being at least one
valve for each of said supply means, said valves being selectively
operable to deliver said gas through a selected one of said supply
means to its respective venturi whereby a negative pressure is
created at the respective dental evacuation device;
g. distributing means for diverting a portion of said gas flowing
through the selected supply means to the other of said supply
means, said distributing means restrictively connecting each of
said supply means with each of the remaining supply means at a
point between their respective venturis and valves, the
construction and arrangement being such that a major flow of gas is
directed through a selected one of said supply means while a minor
flow of gas is diverted via said distributing means to the other of
said supply means, whereby a major suction is created at the
evacuation device selected for operation, and a minor suction is
created at the other evacuation devices.
2. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said
distributing means comprises a block, said block having an internal
cavity disposed therein, and a plurality of restricted passageways
extending from said cavity to the exterior of said block, said
distributing means further including a plurality of conduits for
connecting each of said restricted passageways to one of said
supply means.
3. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said
venturis are disposed adjacent to said separator.
4. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 1, said separator
having means defining separation chamber and an exhaust chamber,
said separation chamber having an upper portion and a lower
portion, a connecting passageway extending through said upper
portion to said exhaust chamber, an exhaust passageway extending
from said exhaust chamber to the exterior thereof, filtering means
disposed within said exhaust chamber between said connecting
passageway and said exhaust passageway, said separator being
adapted to separate said debris into gas, liquid, and solids
whereby the air ascends and passes through said connecting
passageway, said filtering means, and said exhaust passageway,
while said liquid and solids simultaneously descend to the lower
portion of said separation chamber.
5. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said
separator further includes liquid discharge means extending from
said lower portion of said separation chamber, said liquid
discharge means being disposed below said exhaust chamber, a
venting passageway extending between said liquid discharge means
and said exhaust chamber, said venting passageway communicating
with said exhaust chamber on the same side thereof as said
connecting passageway.
6. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said
upper portion has an inner annular surface of uniform diameter, and
said lower portion has an inner annular surface of uniform diameter
which is less than that of said upper portion, said separation
chamber further including an intermediate portion having an inner
annular surface of decreasing diameter as it extends from said
upper portion to said lower portion, each of said inner annular
surfaces being symetrically disposed about a vertical axis, each of
said conducting passageways extending into said upper portion and
terminating with a curved portion having substantially the same
center of curvature as said inner annular surfaces, each said
curved portion being disposed adjacent to one of said inner annular
surfaces and adapted to discharge said debris in a whirlpool manner
around one of said inner annular surfaces.
7. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said
separator includes a cap removably mounted to said lower portion,
said cap being disposed below said liquid discharge means and
adapted to receive separated solids, said separator further
including compensating means, whereby, upon removal of said cap,
liquid disposed between said liquid discharge means and said cap is
captured within said cap.
8. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said
cap comprises a receptacle portion for receiving separated solids,
said receptacle portion being threadably connected to said lower
portion, said compensating means comprising structure defining an
annular upwardly facing channel surrounding the outer surface of
said receptacle portion whereby excess liquid disposed above the
upper edge of said receptacle portion is captured within said
channel upon removal of said cap.
Description
This invention relates in general to dental equipment, but more
particularly to an improved air operated dental evacuation
apparatus or unit having a plurality of dental evacuation devices
each of which utilizes the venturi principle for evacuating debris
from the mouth of a dental patient during the practice of high
speed dentistry.
Previously known dental apparatus useful for practicing this dental
technique includes the use of a motor-fan air evacuation unit
similar to the conventional household vacuum cleaner. Such units
are utilized to draw a negative pressure (a suction), i.e., a
pressure below atmospheric pressure, in a debris conducting line
which has an intake end adapted for being held in or near the mouth
of a dental patient. Such previously known apparatus relies upon
the old motor-fan air evacuation unit to cause debris to be
entrained in a large volume of air, and to be moved through the
debris conducting line to waste by the action of the negative
pressure created by the motor-fan air evacuation unit.
Other types of dental apparatus include air operated evacuation
systems utilizing the venturi principle to create a suction or
negative pressure in the dental handpiece. However, heretofore the
venturi has been located in the dental handpiece, the air entering
the venturi by an internal tube located within the debris
conducting line thus making the line heavy, and less flexible for
retraction mechanisms. Also, many air operated evacuation systems
have separators which utilize screens for collecting the solids
evacuated from the patient's mouth. To clean the separator, this
screen has to be removed. In many cases, in order to remove the
screen, a drain line which is used to remove the separated liquid
has to be first disconnected; the drain line is connected below the
solids collector screen, and liquids must therefore pass through
the separated solids upon draining. This not only restricts the
drain passage, but may cause overflow through an air exhaust
passageway of the separator.
Accordingly, one of the primary objects of the present invention is
to provide a compact evacuation unit having a plurality of
evacuation devices which operate from a coordinated air evacuation
system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an air
operated dental evacuation unit that is designed to operate a
plurality of dental evacuation devices, and to accept large volumes
of water as would normally be provided from a continuously
operating flushing funnel.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation
unit which while handling large amounts of water can successfully
separate the water from the vacuum producing air so that the water
can be discharged through a liquid discharge line, and air
exhausted through an air exhaust port or passageway.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation
unit capable of efficiently separating gas, liquid, and solids.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation
unit which provides for the removal of solids without first
disconnecting a liquid discharge line.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation
unit having a separator in which separated liquid does not pass
through separated solids, thus resulting in a faster draining
capacity, and also in eliminating possible water overflow from the
separator.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation
unit having a separator in which separated solids can be easily
removed by disconnecting a cap on the separator.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an air
operated evacuation unit having a debris conducting line which is
more adaptable to a retraction mechanism.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation
unit having a separator which eliminates the need for a collection
screen for separating solids.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a separator
which allows further separation of any air remaining entrained in
the liquid being discharged.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dental
evacuation unit having a plurality of dental evacuation devices,
the unit allowing a selected one of the devices to deposit debris
into a common separator, while at the same time preventing backflow
of unfiltered gas through unused evacuation devices, and reducing
the noise level of exhausting gases.
Briefly, the present invention seeks to accomplish the above
objects by providing a compact dental evacuation unit having a
plurality of individual dental evacuation devices, any one of which
may be selectively utilized. Upon utilization, the selected
evacuation device delivers debris extracted from a patient's mouth
into a common separating device or separator. Means are provided
for preventing backflow of unfiltered air from the separator into
the unused evacuation devices, and consequently into the dental
office. The separator provides for very effective separation of
gas, liquid, and solids by being structured so as to generate a
cyclone or whirlpool motion of debris being discharged into the
separator. The separated gas is exhausted through a filtered
exhaust port into the dental office, while liquid is discharged
through a separate liquid discharge line or hose, and solids
accumulate in the bottom of the separator. The collection of solids
contained within the bottom of the separator is easily removed by
disconnecting a cap on the bottom of the separator without the
necessity of first disconnecting the liquid discharge line. Further
objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the
detailed description below.
In the drawings
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a dental evacuation
unit illustrating the major components of the present invention
mounted in their respective holders.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the overall air evacuation system of the
present invention with the separator being shown in section.
FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
2, and showing the arrangement of the debris conducting passageways
within the separator.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken through line 4--4 of FIG. 2
showing the top of the separator with connections thereto.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram indicating the direction of flow within
the unit upon the utilization of a selected dental evacuation
device.
Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a dental evacuation unit
indicated generally by the numeral 10. Mounted upon this dental
evacuation unit is a plurality of dental evacuation devices which
includes a cuspidor 12, an aspirator 14 and a saliva ejector 16.
Each of these evacuation devices is operated from a coordinated air
operated evacuation system utilizing the venturi principle,
designated generally by the numeral 18. These devices conduct
debris extracted from a patient's mouth through debris conducting
lines 20, 22, and 24 into a common separating device or separator
designated generally by the numeral 26. As stated above, the
present dental evacuation unit operates on the venturi principle,
each of the conducting lines having a venturi disposed therein, the
respective venturis being mounted to the top of the separator 26;
the respective venturis are designated generally by the numerals
28, 30, and 32. Separator 26 receives debris extracted from a
patient's mouth and separates the same into its component parts
discharging gas and liquid through separate passageways while
solids accumulate within the bottom of the separator for easy
removal.
Referring to FIG. 2, the overall air evacuation system will be
described in more detail. Compressed air or gas is directed from a
source through gas inlet line 31 and into manifold 34; the pressure
of the gas within the manifold is uniformly maintained by the
presence of a pressure regulator 36 connected thereto. Connected to
the manifold 34 are three solenoid controlled flow control valves
designated by the numerals 38, 40, and 42. Actuation of one of the
valves delivers a flow compressed gas into a selected one of gas
supply lines or conduits designated by the numerals 44, 46, and 48,
each of the gas supply lines being connected to its respective
venturi mounted on top of the separator 26. Thus there are a
plurality of gas supply means or passageways extending between the
source of compressed gas or air, and the venturis mounted on top of
the separator 26, there being one passageway associated with each
of the venturis. Each of these passageways is adapted to direct the
flow of gas toward the separator.
Each of the venturis 28, 30 and 32 are identical in construction
and operation; thus only venturi 32 shown in section on the left
will be described. Venturi 32 includes a restricted annular zone
52, and an enlarged passage 53 located downstream thereof.
Compressed air or gas enters annular zone 52, and is directed past
passage 50 toward the separator 26 via the enlarged passage 53.
Thus, a suction or negative pressure is created upstream in the
saliva ejector 16, saliva ejector 16 being connected to conducting
line 24. As a result saliva is directed through line 24, passage
50, through the enlarged passage 53 and toward separator 26. It is
noted that venturi 32 is threadably connected to separator 26,
having a gasket 58 disposed therebetween to insure a good
fluid-tight seal with the separator.
The top of the separator 26 is closed by a removably mounted
closure 54 having an annular groove disposed around the periphery
thereof, this groove having an O-ring 56 mounted therein.
Extending between closure 54 and a transverse partition 66 located
within the separator is a plurality of intermediate lines or
passageways represented by the numeral 59. Intermediate lines 59
connect each of the venturis mounted to the top of the separator
with a separation chamber to be later described. Each of the
intermediate lines 59 is identical in construction; thus, only the
intermediate line shown in section on the left will be described.
This includes a tubular member 60 having a diverging passage as it
extends downwardly into the separator. Tubular member 60 has an
annular groove disposed around the circumference thereof, this
groove having an O-ring 62 mounted therein. Tubular member 60 mates
with and extends into a tubular member 64 which extends upwardly
from transverse partition 66. Thus, a plurality of intermediate
passageways extend between each of the venturis mounted on top of
the separator, and separation chamber 68 located immediately below
transverse partition 66.
An exhaust chamber 70 communicates with separation chamber 68 via a
connecting passageway which includes a downwardly extending tubular
passageway or member 72, a connecting chamber 73, and a laterally
extending line 74. Mounted within exhaust chamber 70 is a filtering
means 76. Connecting exhaust chamber 70 with the exterior thereof
is an exhaust port or passageway 78. It is noted that filtering
means 76 is mounted between line 74 and exhaust port 78.
Referring in more detail to separation chamber 68 (FIG. 2), it can
be seen that the chamber is divided into an upper portion 80 having
an inner annular surface of uniform diameter, an intermediate
portion 82 having an inner annular surface of decreasing diameter
as it extends downwardly, and a lower portion 84 having an inner
annular surface of uniform diameter. Extending into the separation
chamber 68 is a plurality of discharge lines or passageways
represented by the numeral 86. Discharge line 86 are connected to
intermediate lines 59 for the purpose of conducting matter from the
intermediate lines into the separation chamber. Each of the
discharge lines is identical in construction, and only the line
shown in section on the left will be described. As can be seen
discharge line 86 connects with tubular member 64, line 86
terminating with a curved portion disposed adjacent to the inner
annular surfaces of the separation chamber, and having
substantially the same center of curvature as the inner annular
surfaces (FIG. 3). All of the described portions of the separation
chamber have inner annular surfaces having the same center of
curvature. Thus, matter of debris directed through discharge line
86 exits through opening 88, swirling around the inner annular
surfaces of the separation chamber in a generally whirlpool fashion
or manner. Thus, it can be seen that there is a plurality of debris
conducting passageways extending from the evacuation devices into
the separation chamber, each passageway terminating with a curved
portion disposed adjacent to the inner annular surfaces of the
separation chamber.
Connected to the lower portion 84 of the separation chamber is a
cap designated generally by the numeral 90. Cap 90 includes a
receptacle portion 92 having threads 94 at the upper end thereof
for threadably connecting the cap to the separator. Surrounding the
outer surface of the receptacle portion 90 is an annular L-shaped
structure 96 defining an annular upwardly facing channel 98.
Extending from the lower portion 84 of the separation chamber, and
disposed above the upper edge of the receptacle portion 92 of the
cap, is a liquid discharge line 100. Liquid and solids within the
separation chamber 68 descend into the lower portion 84, the solids
settling within the receptacle portion 92 of the cap, while liquid
is simultaneously discharged through line 100. Any air entrained in
the liquid being discharged is vented to the atmosphere via venting
passageway 102, filtering means 76, and exhaust port 78.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the operation of the unit will now
be described in detail. Any one of the dental evacuation devices
may be selectively utilized by lifting the device from its holder
in the dental unit which (by means not shown) will actuate the
solenoid operated flow control valve associated therewith. For
example, assume the cuspidor is selected for utilization. Lifting
the cuspidor 12 from its holder in the dental unit actuates its
associated solenoid operated flow control valve 42 to direct a flow
of gas through the respective gas supply passageway extending
between the source of compressed gas and venturi 28, and toward the
separator 26. As previously explained, this flow of gas through
venturi 28 creates a suction or negative pressure upstream of
venturi 28 in the cuspidor, which sucks debris into conducting line
20, through venturi 28, and into the separator 26. As explained
above, debris matter discharged into the separation chamber 68
through one of the discharge lines 86 swirls about the inner
annular surfaces of the separation chamber in a whirlpool fashion.
This action more effectively separates the gas, liquid, and solid
components. The gas being lighter will rise within chamber 68,
expand, and release additional moisture. The liquid and solids
descend into the lower portion 84, the liquid discharging through
liquid discharge line 100, while solids settle within the
receptacle portion 92 of the cap (FIG. 2). The separated gas is
directed to exhaust chamber 70 via a connecting passageway which
includes tubular member 72, connecting chamber 73, and line 74. The
gas then passes through filtering means 76, and exhaust port 78 to
the surrounding atmosphere. The filtering means 76 serves not only
to muffle the noise of the exhausting gas, but is also treated to
prevent a buildup of germs, since a portion of the gas being
exhausted has come from a patient's mouth. Gas which did not
separate in chamber 68, but became entrained with the discharging
liquid, is vented through a venting passageway 102 extending
between liquid discharge line 100 and exhaust chamber 70. As can be
seen in FIG. 2, this gas also passes through filtering means 76
before being discharged into the surrounding atmosphere.
Because cap 90 is disposed below liquid discharge line 100,
separator 26 has a faster draining capacity in that the discharging
liquid does not pass through a solids collector screen prior to
discharge. It is to be noted that since cap 90 is disposed below
the liquid discharge line, there would ordinarily be a danger of
spillage upon removal of the cap to remove the solids contained
therein. This is prevented in the present invention by the
provision of compensating means in the form of an annular channel
98; this channel serves to capture liquid disposed above the upper
edge of the receptacle portion 92 upon removal of the cap.
As debris is discharged into chamber 68 from the cuspidor (the
device selected for utilization), it separates into gas, liquid,
and solids as explained. Since the gas rises within chamber 68, a
portion of this separated gas would ordinarily exit through the
unused evacuation devices and into the dental office via discharge
lines 85, intermediate lines 59, and the respective conducting
lines. Since a portion of this separated gas comes from the
patient's mouth, this would generate unsanitary conditions by
discharging unfiltered gas from the separator into the dental
office. This is prevented in the present invention by providing
distributing means for diverting a minor portion of the gas flow
from the selected gas supply passageway, and directing it to the
unused venturis to produce a minor suction at the unused evacuation
devices while the major suction is created at the device selected
for utilization.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that this distributing
means includes a diverting or bias block 104 having an internal
cavity 106 therein, and three restricted passageways 108, 110, and
112 connecting the cavity with the exterior of the block. The
distributing means further includes three conduits 114, 116, and
118 connecting each restricted passageway within the block to one
of the gas supply passageways.
Thus, in the present example, a minor portion of the gas flowing
through the gas supply passageway extending between the source of
compressed gas and venturi 28, is diverted via conduit 114, block
104, and conduits 116 and 118 to the other gas supply passageways.
Thus, a minor flow of gas is directed through each of the venturis
30 and 32 which produces a minor suction at the unused devices,
i.e., the saliva ejector and the aspirator. Due to this minor
suction created at the unused devices, a reverse bias is created
within each of the respective conducting passageways which tends to
suck air from the surrounding atmosphere into separator 26, thus
preventing unfiltered gas within separator 26 from exiting through
these devices. This process occurs independent of which evacuation
is selected for utilization.
Although I have described my invention with a certain degree of
particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has
been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the
details of construction and combination, and arrangement of parts
may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *