Abstract:
A readily disposable aspiration unit that can be connected to various dental instruments of conventional design including ultrasonic scalers. The aspiration unit includes a novel suction means for automatically carrying away from the operative field cooling water and debris generated during the performance of the scaling procedure. The unit further includes a tip-encompassing shroud that uniquely functions as a suction scoop for automatically capturing aerosols in the operative field including aerosols containing saliva, blood, tissue, calculus and like adherent deposits, which are generated during the scaling procedure.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to dental instruments. More particularly, the invention concerns an improved, disposable aspirating unit usable with f dental instruments of conventional construction for cutting, drilling, aspirating and scaling operations. The aspirating unit has at its distal end a vacuum scoop that circumscribes the scaler tip and expeditiously carries away particulate matter generated during operation of the scaler as well as controlling aerosols. 
     2. Discussion of the Invention 
     A number of different types of ultrasonic scalers have been suggested in the past. Typically such devices include a curved tip for supplying high frequency vibrations that effectively remove adherent deposits from the teeth and bits of inflamed tissue from the walls of the gingival crevice. Most of the prior ultrasonic scalers include an electrically operated hand piece and one or more autoclavable tips that can be removably connected to the hand piece. The tip of the scaler is generally interconnected with an electrically operated power unit, which provides high frequency vibration to the tip in the range of between about 5,000 Hertz and about 35,000 Hertz. Exemplary of such ultrasonic scalers are those offered for sale by Dentsply International, Inc. of York, Pa.; J. R. Rand Corporation of Deer Park, N.Y.; and Spartan U.S.A. of Fenton, Mo. 
     During operation of the conventional prior art ultrasonic scalers, substantial aerosol contamination results. More particularly, during the scaling procedure, the prior art devices typically generate a substantial aerosol spray of blood, saliva, tissue, calculus and other particulate matter, which can contaminate large areas of the operative field and adjacent areas. 
     Some prior art ultrasonic scalers are provided with a source of cooling water, which can be directed toward the work area. These devices tend to cause a buildup of water in the patient&#39;s mouth, which must be periodically removed using conventional suction devices. The cooling water also tends to substantially increase the production and spread of aerosols. Generally these devices include an elongated tube having a suction nozzle at one end, which is disposed within the patient&#39;s mouth proximate, the tooth being worked on. These suction devices are generally unwieldy and must be operated by the dental assistant as the dentist performs the scaling procedure. Accordingly, two people, that is the dentist and the dental assistant, are often required during the dental procedure. 
     Various attempts have been made in the past to overcome the drawbacks set forth in the preceding paragraphs by providing a disposable aspiration unit that can be removably interconnected with commercially available scalers of conventional design. One of the most successful of these units was developed by the present inventor and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,722 which was issued to the present inventor. Similarly, attempts have been made in the past to provide suction devices for use with ultrasonic scalers. However, these devices have not received wide acceptance in the field. One such prior art suction device, which has been advertised for use with ultrasonic scalers is a device offered for sale by Periogiene Company of Fort Collins, Co. 
     As will be better understood from the description which follows, the disposable aspiration unit of the present invention comprises a substantial improvement over the unit described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,772 and provides a more compact, easier to use unit that effectively contains and carries away aerosols containing blood, tissue and particulate matter generated during the scaling procedure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved, readily disposable or reusable aspiration unit that can be readily connected to conventional dental instruments such as handpieces, drills, air abrasion units, lasers and to ultrasonic scalers. The aspiration unit uniquely includes a novel suction means for automatically carrying away from the work site cooling water and debris generated during the performance of the scaling procedure. 
     More particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide a compact, easy to use aspiration unit of the aforementioned character which includes a tip-encmompassing shroud that uniquely functions as a suction scoop for automatically capturing aerosols in the operative field including aerosols containing saliva, blood, tissue, calculus and like adherent deposits which are generated during the scaling procedure. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an aspiration unit including a novel suction system that can be connected to a conventional scaler so that the assemblage can be operated by the dentist or dental hygienist using one hand without the aid of a dental assistant thereby decreasing the number of people exposed to any pathogens encountered during the scaling procedure. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an aspiration unit of the class described that is compatible with standard sources of vacuum typically found in dental facilities. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus as described which dramatically decreases the amount of airborne particles, aerosols and other contaminates which may be generated during the scaling procedure. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the aforementioned character that significantly reduces the time required for patient rinsing. Another object of the invention is to provide an aerosol unit of the character described in the preceding paragraph, which is of simple design for ease of manufacture and one, which can be inexpensively produced, in large volume. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an aspiration unit having a lightweight, plastic body portion which is disposable or reusable and can be removably attached proximate one end to a source of vacuum and is provided proximate its other with a suction scoop of novel design. More particularly, one form of the suction scoop includes a plurality of downwardly extending, flexible bristles that enhance the vacuum proximate the tip and efficiently captures the cooling water and the debris generated during the scaling operation. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide finger operated valve means for controlling the degree of vacuum created within said interior space of said elongated outer body. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide finger operated valve means as described in the preceding paragraph in which the valve means comprises a valve element having an aperture formed therein, the valve element being movable between a first position wherein the aperture is in alignment with the flow passageway to a second position wherein said aperture is out of alignment with the passageway. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of one form of aspiration unit of the invention showing the unit interconnected with the conventional scaler unit. 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the assemblage shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a generally perspective view of the forward portion of a scaler of conventional construction of the character with which the aspiration unit of the invention can be used. 
     FIG. 4 is a generally perspective, exploded view of the aspiration unit. 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  5 — 5  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  6 — 6  of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  7 — 7  of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  8 — 8  of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 5, but showing an alternate form of the apparatus of the invention that includes valve means for controlling the degree of vacuum being created at the shroud of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  10 — 10  of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of one form of the valve means of the invention. 
     FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the valve means of FIG. 11 mounted within the apparatus and showing the valve in a fully open position. 
     FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12, but showing the valve in a partially closed position. 
     FIG. 14 is view similar to FIG. 13, but showing the valve moved to a more closed position. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, one form of the aspiration unit of the present invention is there shown operably interconnected with a dental instrument such as a scaler “S” of a conventional design. The assembled unit, which is generally designated by the numeral  12 , comprises an elongated, specifically configured, hand held assemblage  14  having first distal and second proximal end portions  16  and  18  respectively. As is best seen by referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, assemblage  14  includes an elongated, tapered outer body  20  having a circumscribing wall  22 . Attached to and extending radially inwardly from wall  22  are three spaced apart standoffs  24 , the purpose of which will presently be described. 
     Wall  22  progressively increases in diameter from the first end portion  16  to the second end portion  18  so as to define a longitudinally extending interior space  22   a  (FIGS.  4  and  5 ). Provided proximate the first or distal end portion  16  of body  20  is an intake means shown here as a specially configured, partially transparent shroud  26 , having a scoop-like portion  28  that includes an open mouth  30  (FIG.  5 ). Being at least partially transparent, shroud  26  in no way obstructs the vision of the tip during the scaling procedure. 
     An important feature of the present invention is the provision of a multiplicity of downwardly extending, flexible bristles  32  that are attached to the mouth portion  30  of scoop-like portion  28  and are arranged to circumscribe mouth  30  in the manner best seen in FIG.  5 . Bristles  32  act both as a collector for collecting debris and as a suction enhancer for enhancing the suction proximate the operative field. In using the device, the flexible bristles function to conveniently circumscribe the outer surface of the tooth that is subject of the scaling procedure. Preferably bristles  32  are constructed of a flexible plastic filament such as a nylon filament and are preferably between about 0.003 and about 0.0006 inches in diameter. 
     Telescopically received within interior space  22   a  is an elongated, tapered inner body  34  having a circumscribing wall  35  that is generally circular in cross-sectional at any point. Inner body  34  terminates at its first or forward end  34   a  in an inturned flange  36  having a longitudinally extending surface  36   a  that frictionally engages the forward portion of the scaling instrument in the manner best seen in FIG.  5 . Flange  36  here comprises the inner body gripping means for gripping the dental instrument. Affixed at the opposite or second end of inner body  34  is a gripping collar  40  that also includes an inturned flange  42 . Like flange  36 , flange  42  includes a longitudinally extending gripping surface  42   a  that is adapted to frictionally engage the rearward portion of the scaling instrument in the manner shown in FIG.  5 . Flange  42  here comprises a part of the gripping means of the invention for gripping the dental instrument. With the construction thus described, when the scaling instrument is telescopically inserted into the inner body  34 , flanges  36  and  42  function to center and securely hold the scaling instrument in position within the inner body. 
     Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 5, it can be seen that hand held assemblage  14  includes a closure cap assembly  46  is affixed to the proximal end  18  of outer body  20 . Assembly  46  includes an end wall  46   a  and a rearwardly extending connector means or tubular member  48  that is affixed to and extends from end wall  46   a . Member  48  has an interior passageway or space  48   a  that communicates with interior space  22   a  of outer body  20 . As best seen in FIG. 5, inner space  22   a  is defined between the inner surface of wall  22  of body  20  and the outer surface of wall  35  of inner body  34 . As best seen in FIG. 4, end wall  46   a  of cap assembly  46  includes a lower portion that is provided with an opening  52  that is constructed and arranged to closely receive the rearward end of inner body  34 , that is the end within which collar  40  is telescopically received (see FIG.  5 ). Body  20 , body  34 , shroud  26 , collar  40  and cap assembly  46  are preferably all constructed from a moldable plastic. 
     It is to be noted that when cap assembly  46  is connected to outer body  20  with end  34   b  of inner body  34  positioned within opening  52 , inner body  34  is securely held within the outer body  20 . In this secured position, a substantial portion of wall  35  of body  34  is in engagement with and is supported by the previously identified standoffs  24 . In similar fashion, the scaling instrument is centered and held securely in position within inner body  34  by inturned flanges  36  and  42 . With the apparatus assembled in the manner shown in FIG. 5, a suitable source of vacuum can be interconnected with the connector means or tubular member  48  through the use of an elastomeric tube or conduit  56  that can be sealably interconnected with tubular member  48 . The vacuum source “V” (FIG. 1) can comprise any suitable type of vacuum pump of standard construction. In operation the vacuum source creates a substantial vacuum within interior space  22   a  that is sufficient to capture and channel through mouth  30  and space  22   a  both the accumulated cooling water and the particulate contamination located proximate scaler tip “T”. It is to be understood that sources of vacuum other than vacuum pumps can be used. These include in-office high and low-pressure sources of vacuum. For example, through proper design of cap assembly  46 , low-pressure saliva ejection systems of the character typically found in dental offices can be used as the vacuum source. 
     As previously mentioned, scalers of the type shown in FIG. 3 are commercially available from a number of different sources and typically include a hand grip portion “G”, which terminates at one end in a connector portion “C” that enables the scaler to be connected to the power unit and to a conventional source of cooling water “W” via a conduit “X” (FIG.  1 ). Conduit “X” provides both power and cooling water to the sealing tip “T”. 
     With the ultrasonic scaler “S” securely positioned within assemblage  14  and with the vacuum source energized, the unit can be conveniently gripped by the dentist using the conveniently located finger gripping cavities  57  and  59  formed in the outer body and in the shroud  26  respectively. As indicated in FIG. 5, the portion of interior space  22   a  located between the inner surface  20   a  of wall  20  and the outer surface  35   a  of inner body  34  is such as to provide a passageway of substantial volume. As shown in the lower portion of FIG. 5, this passageway is in communication with mouth portion  30  of shroud  26  so that, when a vacuum is formed within interior space  22   a  by the vacuum pump, air will be drawn rapidly into mouth  30  of the shroud. The air will then pass around and about standoffs  24  and will flow smoothly through the passageway toward passageway  48   a  of connector  48 . This inward flow of air into mouth  30  and through internal space  22   a  will efficiently draw into the interior space cooling water as well as particulate contamination generated by the tip “T” during the operation of the scaler device. 
     After the scaling procedure has been completed, conduit  56  can be easily disconnected from connector  48  and cap  46  can be readily separated from outside body  20 . Once cap  46  has been removed, the scaler “S” can be pulled rearwardly from inner body  34  and transferred to the autoclave area for sterilization. This done, cap  46 , collar  40 , inner and outer bodies  34  and  20  and shroud  26 , can be conveniently disposed of in an appropriate safe receptacle along with other contaminated waste generated in the dental office. Alternatively, the components can be sterilized or decontaminated for reuse. 
     Prior to the commencement of the next scaling procedure, a sterilized scaler unit can be conveniently inserted into a new assemblage made up of outer body  20 , inner body  34  and gripping collar  40 . This done, a new cap assembly  46  and a new shroud assembly  26  can be interconnected with outer body  20  in the manner shown in FIG.  5 . This done conduit  56  can be connected to connector tube  48  making the unit ready for use by the dentist. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 9,  10  and  11 , an alternate form of the aspiration unit of the invention is there shown operably interconnected with a scaler of a conventional design. This unit, which is generally designated by the numeral  72 , is similar in many respects to that shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 and like numerals are used in FIGS. 9 through 14 to identify like components. Unit  72  comprises a hand held assemblage  74  having first and second end portions  76  and  78  respectively. As before, assemblage  74  includes a tapered outer body  80  having a wall  82  which is generally circular in cross-sectional at any point. Attached to and extending radially inwardly from wall  82  is a plurality of standoffs  24  that function in the manner previously described to support inner body  83 . Wall  82  progressively increases in diameter from the first end portion  76  to the second end portion  78  so as to define a longitudinally extending interior space  82   a . Provided proximate the first or distal end portion  76  of body  80  is an intake means that is of the construction previously described. 
     Affixed at the rearward end of outer body  80  and inner body  83  is a hollow cap  90  that is of similar construction to cap  46 , but here, along with outer body  80 , carries the novel valve means of the invention the character of which will presently be described. As before, when the scaling instrument is telescopically inserted into the inner body  34 , cap  90  functions to center and securely hold the scaling instrument in position within the inner body. 
     Cap  90  includes a rearwardly extending tubular member  92  that defines an interior flow passageway  92   a  that communicates with interior space  82   a . Cap assembly  90  also includes a lower portion that is provided with an aperture that is constructed an arranged to closely receive the rear end of inner body  83  and the hollow cap  40  that is telescopically received therewithin (see FIG.  5 ). When the inner body  83  is correctly positioned within outer body  80  and when the scaling instrument is correctly positioned within inner body  83 , the apparatus can be interconnected with a suitable vacuum means by a conduit  56  that can be sealably interconnected with tubular member  92 . The vacuum means can comprise any suitable type of vacuum pump of standard construction (not shown). In operation the vacuum pump creates a substantial vacuum within interior space  82   a  that is sufficient to capture and channel through space  82   a  both the accumulated cooling water and the particulate contamination located proximate scaler tip “T”. 
     Referring particularly to FIGS. 9,  10  and  11 , one form of the novel valve means of the invention is there shown. As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the valve means is housed within the hand held assemblage  74  at a location proximate tubular member  92 . In the present form the invention the valve means comprises a generally fan shaped, planar valve element  96  that has an aperture  98  formed therein (FIG.  11 ). Valve element  96  is pivotally movable within hand held assemblage  74  between a first position shown in FIG. 12 where aperture  98  is aligned with flow passageway  92   a  defined by tubular member  92  and a second position shown in FIG. 14 where the aperture is out of alignment with passageway  92 . As indicated in FIG. 13, valve element  98  can also be moved to intermediate positions between the position shown in FIG.  12  and the position shown in FIG. 14 so as to closely control the degree of vacuum created within interior space  82   a  at the shroud any given point in time. 
     As shown in FIG. 11, valve element  96  also includes a finger engaging protuberance  100  that extends outwardly through slots  103  and  104  formed in body portion  74  and closure cap  90 . With this construction, protuberance  100  can be engaged by the finger of the user to move the valve element into various positions, as by way of example, those illustrated in FIGS. 12,  13  and  14 . To enable the desired pivotal movement of the valve element within the apparatus, body portion  83  is provided with a fulcrum  100  that is adapted to be received within a notch  108  formed in the lower portion of valve element  96  (FIG.  11 ). 
     Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.