US 5,474,450 AGranted

Dental instrument

OwnerStephen H. Chronisterinventor

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Abstract

A dental instrument including separable spray and suction mechanisms. The spray mechanism is preferably an air and water syringe of the type conventionally found in a dentist office. The spray mechanism has an elongate nozzle. The suction mechanism includes a tubular structure joined to a valve which is in turn joined to a suction or vacuum source. The tube includes an interior passageway and a forward suction opening into the passageway. The tube also includes a bend and has an aperture at the bend for removeably receiving the spray nozzle. In this manner the spray nozzle can be selectively inserted within the passageway of the suction mechanism. A user is then able to actuate either the spray mechanism and/or the suction mechanism utilizing a single hand that is holding the instrument 1. Alternatively, the mechanism may be removed from the suction mechanism and be utilized as an independent tool.

Claims3

Dependent claims

A dental instrument comprising:

a) a water spray mechanism flow connectable to a water supply and having a user operable water valve for controlling flow of water therethrough;
b) a water distribution nozzle on said spray mechanism having an internal fluid passageway flow connected to said water valve;
c) a suction mechanism;
said suction mechanism including a suction passageway flow connected to a suction control valve that in turn is flow connectable to a suction generating source;
said suction mechanism including a mounting aperture to allow said water distribution nozzle to be selectively and removeably inserted through said aperture, said water spray mechanism having a mounted position, such that when in the mounted position, said water nozzle is at least partially located within said vacuum passageway;
said water spray mechanism having a non-mounted position wherein said water spray mechanism and said suction mechanism are unjoined and separably usable;
d) said water spray mechanism includes a handle and said water distribution nozzle is flow connected to an air source;
e) said spray mechanism further includes a valve for the control of air into said water distribution nozzle fluid passageway;
and including
f) water source means connected to said water valve and suction generating means connected to said suction control valve.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.