Patent ID: 6171108
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
In a rotary handpiece for cleaning and enlarging a root canal of a tooth having a rotary drive connected to a chuck assembly for rotating an endodontic file disposed in the chuck assembly, the improvement which comprises:a latch assembly for holding said endodontic file while allowing said chuck assembly to rotate said file about its axis, said latch assembly being movably attached to said handpiece and positioned adjacent to said chuck assembly whereby when said handpiece and said endodontic file are positioned so that said file will enter said root canal and said latch assembly is moved towards or away from said chuck assembly, said endodontic file is advanced into or retracted from said root canal; andmeans attached to said handpiece and to said latch assembly for moving said latch assembly toward and away from said chuck assembly and thereby advancing and retracting said endodontic file at controlled rates so that said file does not become excessively loaded while said root canal is being cleaned and enlarged.