Patent ID: 6068476
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A disposable saliva ejector assembly for use in connection with a vacuum source for withdrawing saliva and bioburden from the oral cavity of a dental patient, said saliva-ejector assembly comprising:a) a flexible hollow tube including an initially sterilized tube first end provided with a suctioning tip and a tube second end adapted for connecting to a vacuum source;b) a cover-slip made of thin flexible plastic material, wherein said cover slip includes:i) a first end fixedly attached to said tube at a distance inwardly of said tube second end sufficient to permit a friction fit connection of said tube second end to a tube receiving fixture of said vacuum source;ii) a second free end sealingly covering said sterilized tube first end; andiii) said cover-slip upon opening of said second free end adapted to be movable between a first, pre-use position, wherein said cover-slip envelopes said tube with said second free end extending beyond said suctioning tip, and a second, use position wherein said cover slip has been peeled inside out to expose said suctioning tip and to protectively cover said tube second end, said tube receiving fixture and a portion of vacuum tubing connected to said tube receiving tubing.