Patent ID: 6470222
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: A61C,G05B

Abstract:
A distributed intelligence system for controlling a plurality of groups of tools and equipment all used in dentistry, said system comprising:(a) control circuitry generating first control signals applied to a first group of said tools and equipment and receiving first status signals from said first group of tools and equipment, said control circuitry including a first microcontroller containing predetermined routines for said generation of said first control signals and for being responsive to said first status signals, said control circuitry having protocol means for accommodating a serial communication bus; (b) one or more foot switches for generating second control signals applied to a second group of said tools and equipment and receiving second status signals from said second group of tools and equipment, said one or more foot switches including a second microcontroller containing predetermined routines for said generation of said second control signals and for being responsive to said second status signals, said one or more switches having protocol means for accommodating a serial communication bus; (c) control console generating third control signals applied to a third group of said tools and equipment and receiving third status signals from said third group of tools and equipment, said control console including a third microcontroller containing predetermined routines for said generation of said third control signals and for being responsive to said third status signals, said control console having protocol means for accommodating a serial communication bus; (d) power supply means connected to said control circuitry, to said one or more foot switches and to said control console, said power supply means generating fourth control signals applied to a fourth group of said tools and equipment and receiving fourth status signals from said fourth group of tools and equipment, said power supply including a fourth microcontroller containing predetermined routines for said generation of said fourth control signals and for being responsive to said fourth status signals, said power supply having protocol means for accommodating a serial communication bus; (e) cable means for interconnecting said protocol means of said control circuitry, said one or more foot switches, said control console and said power supply.