The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 22, 2000
Filed:
Oct. 17, 1997
John Michael Brassil, Glenview, IL (US);
John Andrew Lake, Evanston, IL (US);
Andrew C Burroughs, Kenosha, WI (US);
Stephen D Barry, Plainfield, IL (US);
Shu Kun Chang, Evanston, IL (US);
Roberto Giovanni Fraquelli, London, GB;
David Howard Annett, Harrogate, GB;
DENTSPLY Research & Development Corp., Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
A system for treating teeth and associated tooth structure using a pressurized air propellant mixed with abrasive material includes a manifold which defines air passages leading from the pressurized air source to dispensing chambers which hold the abrasive material. The manifold further provides a convenient structure for mounting a number of the system components. The manifold simplifies assembly of the system and improves the integrity of air passages within the system. The air abrasion system also has a mixing block and continuous purge feature which eliminate crosstalk and backflow problems when switching between abrasive materials. Evacuation apparatus incorporating a cyclone separator is integrally provided with the system which requires minimal regular maintenance and maximizes suction flow through the apparatus. A boost feature of the system is provided to selectively increase the ratio of abrasive material to air in an air-abrasive material mixture, thereby increasing the rate of tooth reduction, without requiring additional air pressure.