Patent ID: 6484959
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: A61G,H02G,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for selectively retracting and releasing dental tubing and dental cabling, whereby said dental tubing and dental cabling is retracted into a cabinet when not in use, and is released so as to be extended to a work site when in use, said apparatus comprising:a single acting pneumatic cylinder having a cylinder rod which is freely moving axially within said cylinder when said cylinder is disconnected from a source of pneumatic pressure, and wherein the cylinder rod is extended from said cylinder when said cylinder is actuated by being connected to the source of pneumatic pressure; an actuator arm connector secured to the outer end of said cylinder rod, and moveable therewith; an actuator arm having first and second ends, said first end being pivotally connected to said actuator arm connector, and said second end having a guide loop pivotally attached thereto; and a pneumatic actuator switch mounted on the cabinet for selective actuation of said pneumatic cylinder; wherein said actuator arm is pivotally mounted on a pivot axis which is located at a point intermediate said first and second ends, in such a manner that when said pneumatic cylinder is actuated by being connected to the source of pneumatic pressure, said second end of said actuator arm is located at a position behind said pivot axis; and when said pneumatic cylinder is deactivated by being disconnected from the source of pneumatic pressure, whereby said cylinder rod is freely axially movable within said cylinder, said second end of said actuator arm may be located at a position in front of said pivot axis; wherein a length of dental tubing or a length of dental cabling is passed through said guide loop in such a manner that when said pneumatic cylinder is actuated by said pneumatic actuator switch connecting said pneumatic cylinder to the source of pneumatic pressure, said guide loop is behind said pivot axis, and the dental tubing or dental cabling is retracted into the cabinet within which said apparatus is mounted; and when said pneumatic cylinder is deactivated by being disconnected by said pneumatic actuator switch from said source of pneumatic pressure, said dental tubing or dental cabling may be withdrawn from said cabinet so as to be extended to a work site by a dental practitioner.