Patent Publication Number: US-2021190215-A1

Title: Disposable dental valve device having a socket end

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/984,758, filed on May 21, 2018, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 10,925,701, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/925,749, filed on Oct. 28, 2015, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 10,799,694, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates to a valve for a dental instrument and more particularly to a disposable dental valve device having a socket hose receiving end for providing enhanced maneuverability of the dental valve device during a dental procedure. 
     During a dental procedure it is important to be able to remove saliva, blood, tooth fragments, metals, and other debris from the mouth of a patient. Removal of this matter allows a dentist to be able to perform a procedure in an unobstructed manner. Various systems or devices have been developed to remove liquid and solid materials from a mouth during a dental procedure. One device that is capable of removing saliva is known as a saliva ejector. A saliva ejector typically comprises a plastic flexible tube for placement in the mouth of a patient. The saliva ejector tube is connected to a valve which in turn is connected to a source of vacuum. Opening of the valve allows saliva to travel from the mouth of a patient through the saliva ejector, the valve, and tubing connected to the valve. In this manner, saliva is passed through the ejector tube and the valve to be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Once the procedure is completed, the ejector should be discarded and the valve should be sterilized by autoclaving to be used again. Although it is suggested to autoclave the valve after use, it is known that autoclaving is hardly ever done. Another device that is capable of removing solid materials is a high volume evacuator device or tip. The high volume evacuator tip is larger than the saliva ejector to be able to remove solid materials from a mouth of a patient. A high volume evacuator device generally consists of a tube that may be inserted into a mouth of a patient with the tube connected to a valve which is connected to a source of vacuum. As can be appreciated, opening of the valve allows solid materials to travel from the mouth of a patient through the high volume evacuator device, the valve, and tubing connected to the valve. Again, in this manner, debris may be removed from the mouth of the patient. After the dental procedure, the high volume evacuator tip is disposed of and the valve should be sterilized for reuse. However, although it is suggested to sterilize the valve after use, it is known that this suggested procedure is hardly ever followed. As can be appreciated, the saliva ejector and the high volume evacuator are used to remove liquids and debris from a mouth of a patient to prevent a patient from swallowing or aspirating liquids and debris produced during a dental procedure. 
     The saliva ejector valve and the high volume evacuator valve each has a valve body having a tip receiving end, a passage, a valve sealing member, and a hose receiving end. The valve sealing member has an opening that may be aligned with the passage to allow saliva and other material to pass when the valve sealing member is in an opened position. When the valve sealing member is in a closed position, the source of vacuum is cut off by the valve sealing member blocking the passage through the valve body. In this manner, the saliva ejector valve and the high volume evacuator valve may be opened or closed. However, due to the construction of the valve sealing member, an opening is formed through the valve body that is perpendicular to the passage formed in the valve body. The valve sealing member is inserted into the opening from either end of the opening when the valve is assembled. 
     Also, the hose receiving end of the dental valve is connected to a vacuum or suction hose which is connected to a source of vacuum. It is sometimes necessary to use a tailpiece between the hose receiving end of the dental valve and the hose. In either case, maneuvering the dental valve during a dental procedure is difficult because there is no freedom of movement between the dental valve and the hose. At times, in order to obtain a preferred positioning of the dental valve the hose may have to be bent or angled. This can constrict the hose, which may interrupt the flow of saliva or other materials from a mouth of a patient. The constricting of the hose should be avoided. 
     Although these devices and systems are beneficial, one disadvantage associated with their use is that the valves need to be cleaned after each use. During a dental procedure the valves invariably collect debris, body fluids, blood, and solids that adhere and accumulate upon the internal surfaces of the valve. The detritus that adheres to the internal surfaces of the valve can become a breeding ground for microbial contaminants. This buildup also contains microorganisms that remain in the valve system unless the valves are disassembled, the internal accumulated debris removed, and the valve sterilized. 
     As can be appreciated, if the valve is not cleaned and sterilized after each procedure there is the possibility of cross-contamination from one patient to another patient. In order to control infection and disease, the valve must be removed from service, disassembled, cleaned, sterilized, reassembled, checked, and then returned to service. To complicate matters, the valve may have various O-rings that need to be replaced in order for the valve to function properly. For example, the valve sealing member may include two O-rings that assist in holding the valve sealing member within the opening formed in the valve body. When disassembling the valve sealing member from the valve body, it is possible that the O-rings may become damaged. If this were to occur then the O-rings would have to be replaced. It is also possible that the O-rings may deteriorate over time and air may leak through the opening and the valve sealing member. If this were to occur then it is possible that the valve and the valve sealing member may malfunction during a dental procedure or operation. For example, the valve sealing member may be ejected from the valve body and any saliva, liquid, blood, or debris may spray out of the opening where the valve sealing member should be. Malfunctioning of the valve during an operation should be avoided because the operation will have to be paused or stopped and the operating room will have to be cleaned. 
     As pointed out above, a further disadvantage associated with the use of these known valves is that there is the possibility of cross-contamination between patients and/or dental care professionals. In order to prevent cross-contamination it becomes necessary to process these valves by cleaning and decontamination. Cleaning requires that all of the debris be removed from the valve as well as any organic and inorganic contamination. 
     Removal of debris and contamination may be achieved either by scrubbing with a surfactant, detergent, and water, or by an automated process using chemical agents. One example of an automated process is the use of an ultrasonic cleaner. The valve also needs to be sterilized after debris and contaminants are removed. Since the valves are constructed of metal they are heat-tolerant and may be sterilized by use of such methods such as steam under pressure (autoclaving), dry heat, or unsaturated chemical vapor. As can be appreciated, protecting against cross-contamination can be an expensive and time consuming proposition. Further, as noted above, the valves contain a number of O-rings that may need to be replaced. In order to accomplish this, an inventory of O-rings needs to be maintained. Also, in order to replace some of the O-rings, a lubricant may have to be used. Again, the lubricant will have to be inventoried so that a supply is readily available for use by service technicians. Having to inventory various supplies that may be required to service such valves is a cumbersome operation that many healthcare facilities may want to avoid. 
     As can further be appreciated, the saliva ejector and the high volume evacuator are used to remove liquids and debris from a mouth of a patient to prevent a patient from swallowing or aspirating liquids and debris produced during a dental procedure. Typically, when using these evacuator devices there is no backflow back into the mouth of a patient. However, there are times when backflow or a reverse flow may take place and previously removed liquids and debris may flow back into the mouth of the patient. It is also possible that if the systems are not properly maintained that fluids and debris from a previous patient may flow back into the mouth of a subsequent patient. These situations may be dangerous, are undesirable, and should be avoided. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to have a valve for a dental instrument that is capable of easy movement and maneuverability during a dental operation. Another advantage would be that the dental valve be capable of preventing backflow. It would also be advantageous to have a valve for a dental instrument that is easy to install or insert on suction or vacuum tubing. It would further be desirable to have a valve that is disposable and can be easily removed from suction or vacuum tubing after a dental procedure has been completed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In one form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental valve device comprises a valve body having an interior, a tip receiving end for receiving a tip, a socket hose receiving end for receiving a tube having a beaded end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the socket hose receiving end, and a partial opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to be inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the socket hose receiving end. 
     In another form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental valve device comprises a valve body having an interior, a tip receiving end for receiving a tip, a socket hose receiving end for receiving a tube having a beaded end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the socket hose receiving end, and a partial opening formed in the valve body and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to be inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the socket hose receiving end, the bore having a bore tip opening and a check valve for closing the bore tip opening. 
     In yet another form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental valve device comprises a valve body having an interior, a tip receiving end for receiving a tip, a socket hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the socket hose receiving end, and a partial opening formed in the valve body, a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to be inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the socket hose receiving end, and a vacuum tube having a beaded end, the beaded end for insertion into the socket hose receiving end. 
     The present disclosure provides a disposable dental valve device for a dental instrument that is suitable for one time use and may be discarded after use. 
     The present disclosure provides a disposable dental valve device that is easy to install on and remove from a hose connected to a source of vacuum. 
     The present disclosure provides a valve for a dental instrument that is small, lightweight, easy to handle, easy to install, easy to move, and easy to operate. 
     The present disclosure also provides a valve for a dental instrument which is of simple construction and design and which can be easily employed with highly reliable results. 
     The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental valve device that does not require sterilization and prevents against cross-contamination. 
     The present disclosure provides a disposable dental valve device that may have an antimicrobial agent or chemical incorporated into the device to prevent any bacterial growth on the device. The antimicrobial agent or chemical may also be a coating applied to the disposable dental valve device. 
     The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental valve device that may be constructed of plastic that is recyclable or biodegradable to reduce the cost of the device and to allow the device to be disposable and discarded after a single use. 
     The present disclosure provides a disposable dental valve device that may be connected to or installed on tubing that is connected to a source of vacuum and also has a check valve for preventing a backflow condition. 
     The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental valve device that has a valve sealing body that is easy to manipulate during a dental operation to open or close the valve. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a disposable dental valve device that has a socket hose receiving end that is capable of accepting or receiving a vacuum hose having a beaded end for providing maneuverability of the dental valve device during a dental procedure or operation. 
     The present disclosure is further directed to a disposable dental valve device that is constructed using a minimum number of parts to reduce the cost of manufacturing the disposable dental valve device. 
     The present disclosure provides a disposable dental valve device that provides freedom of movement between the dental valve device and a hose connected to the dental valve device. 
     The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental valve device having a check valve that has a valve sealing body that is easy to manipulate during a dental operation to open or close the valve and also incorporates a check valve to automatically prevent backflow of saliva, liquid, or other material. 
     These and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a disposable dental valve device constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a disposable dental valve device constructed according to the present disclosure with a valve sealing body removed; 
         FIG. 3  a side perspective view of a valve sealing body constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is another side view of the valve sealing body constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the disposable dental valve device constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial side view of a disposable dental valve device constructed according to the present disclosure adjacent to a hose having a beaded end; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial side view of a disposable dental valve device constructed according to the present disclosure having the hose having the beaded end inserted into a socket hose receiving end of the disposable dental valve device; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial side view of a disposable dental valve device constructed according to the present disclosure having the hose having the beaded end inserted into a socket hose receiving end of the disposable dental valve device and a protective sheath inserted over the hose, the beaded end, and the socket hose receiving end; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a valve sealing body constructed according to the present disclosure with a check valve in a closed position; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the valve sealing body shown in  FIG. 9  with a check valve an opened position; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the valve seal body constructed according to the present disclosure with the check valve shown in the closed position; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the valve seal body constructed according to the present disclosure with the check valve removed from the valve seal body and shown in an exploded view; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve sealing device having a check valve shown in a closed position constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve sealing device having a check valve shown in a partially open position constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a rotatable valve sealing device having a check valve with the check valve shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of the rotatable valve sealing device shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable valve sealing device shown in  FIG. 15  taken along the plane of line  17 - 17 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view of the rotatable valve sealing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number  10  identifies a disposable dental valve device for use with a dental system constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now to  FIG. 1 , the valve  10  comprises a valve body  12  having a tip receiving end  14 , a socket hose receiving end  16 , and a rotatable valve sealing body  18 . The tip receiving end  14  is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device (not shown) such as a saliva ejector or a high volume evacuator. The socket hose receiving end  16  is adapted to receive a vacuum line or a hose (not shown) which is connected to a suction system (also not shown). The device  10  is constructed of material that allows the device  10  to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The device  10  also has a handle  22  for manual operation of the rotatable valve sealing body  18  of the device  10 . Manual operation of the handle  22  will open the device  10 , close the device  10 , or partially open the device  10 , as will be discussed more fully herein. As can be appreciated, a suction system provides suction through an evacuator tip device, the device  10 , and a hose so that any debris or saliva that is introduced into an evacuator tip device is removed through an evacuator tip device, the valve  10 , and a hose when the rotatable valve sealing body  18  of the device  10  is in an opened state or a partially opened state. The valve body  12  also has an opening  24  at the tip receiving end  14  and a passage or lumen  26  formed in the valve body  12 . The lumen  26  continues through the valve body  12  to the socket hose receiving end  16 . The tip receiving end  14  has an interior surface  28  that may be tapered so that the device  10  is capably of receiving various sized and shaped evacuator tip devices. In this manner, there is no need for an O-ring to be used or for the device  10  to have engineered therein an interior annular ring for receiving the O-ring for retaining a tip therein. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , the device  10  is shown with the rotatable valve sealing device  18  being removed. The valve body  12  has the lumen  26  and a socket end opening  28  at the socket hose receiving end  16 . As has been described, the lumen  26  continues through the valve body  12  to the tip receiving end  14 . The valve body  12  also has a partial opening  30  formed on a top side  32  of the valve body  12 . The partial opening  30  does not go all the way through the valve body  12 . The partial opening  30  is blocked by a bottom  34  of the valve body  12 . An opening  36  is also shown in the lumen  26  between the tip receiving end  14  and the opening  30 . Although not shown, a similar opening is also provided in the lumen  26  between the socket hose receiving end  16 . An annular channel or ring  38  is formed in the opening  30  which is used to retain the rotatable valve sealing device  18  in place, as will be explained in further detail herein. The device  10  has numerous ribs  40  positioned about the valve body  12  to add strength to the device  10 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the rotatable valve sealing body  18  removed from the device  10  in an opened position. The rotatable valve sealing body  18  has a top  42 , a central body portion  44  having a bore  46 , and a bottom  48 . The handle  22  is part of the top  42 . The central body portion  44  also has an annular ridge portion  50  near the top  42 . The ridge portion  50  is capable of fitting into the ring  40  ( FIG. 2 ) in a snap fit engagement to secure the rotatable valve sealing body  18  within the valve body  12 . The central body portion  44  has an upper end  52  and a lower annular ring end  54  with the central body portion  44  tapering inwardly from the upper end  52  toward the lower end  54 . The tapering of the central body portion  44  facilitates the insertion and removal of the rotatable valve sealing body  18  from the device  10 . The bottom  48  has a chamfer  56  which also assists in insertion of the rotatable valve sealing body  18 . The bore  46  is adapted to be aligned with the lumen  26  of the valve body  12 . When the bore  46  is aligned with the lumen  26 , the device  10  is in an opened position and the source of vacuum will draw any fluid or debris from the tip receiving end  14  through the lumen  26  and the bore  46  and out through the socket hose receiving end  16 . In this manner, fluid and debris may be removed from a mouth during a dental procedure or operation. Although the ridge  50  is shown, it is possible that an annular ring may be formed in the central body portion  44  and an O-ring may be used to hold the valve sealing body  18  in place. Also, although one ridge  50  is depicted, it is contemplated that another ridge  50  may be formed on the central body portion  44  near the bottom  48  and another ring  40  be formed in the opening  30  near the bottom  36  to receive the second ridge  50  to further secure the valve sealing body  18  in place. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the rotatable valve sealing body  18  is illustrated removed from the device  10  in a closed position. The rotatable valve sealing body  18  has the top  42 , the central body portion  44  having a first opening  58  and a second opening  60 , and the bottom  48  having the chamfer  56 . The openings  58  and  60  are aligned with the bore  46  ( FIG. 3 ). When the rotatable valve sealing body  18  is in the closed position, the central body portion  44  will block any air flow through the valve body  12 . In essence, the bore  46  is no longer aligned with the lumen  26  formed in the valve body  12 . The rotatable valve sealing body  18  is moved into the closed position by use of the handle  22 . The openings  58  and  60  are concave which allows the rotatable valve sealing body  18  to rotate. The central body portion  44  is also shown having the upper end  52  and the lower annular ring end  54 . The central body portion  44  tapers inwardly from the upper end  52  toward the lower end  54 . The upper end  52  has a width and the lower end  54  has a width with the width of the upper end  52  being greater than the width of the lower end  54 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the disposable dental valve device  10  with the rotatable valve sealing body  18  in the closed position. The device  10  has the valve body  12  having the rotatable valve sealing body  18  mounted therein. The rotatable valve sealing body  18  is held in place by use of the ridge  50  being snapped into place within the ring  40 . The bottom  48  of the rotatable valve sealing body  18  is adjacent to the bottom  36  of the valve body  12 . In this manner, the rotatable valve sealing body  18  is able to rotate within the valve body  12 . Further, the bottom  36  ensures that the opening  32  ( FIG. 2 ) is a partial opening and the opening  32  does not go all the way through the valve body  12 . The opening  32  reduces the risk that the rotatable valve sealing body  18  will become disengaged during use or that the valve  10  will fail during use. The rotatable valve sealing body  18  also has the bore  46  formed therein between the openings  58  and  60 . As previously described, the openings  58  and  60  are concave and the sealing body  18  has the lower end  54  of the central body portion  44  that is engaged by friction near the bottom  36  within the opening  32  formed in the valve body  12 . The valve body  12  also has exterior ribs  62  that add strength to the valve body  12  and also assist in forming the valve body  12 . The handle  22  is also shown as being part of the device  10 . The bottom  36  has a central indentation  64  formed within the lower annular ring end  54 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , a partial view of the disposable dental valve device  10  is shown just prior to a vacuum hose  70  having a beaded or ball end  72  being inserted into the socket hose receiving end  16 . The vacuum hose  70  is connected to a source of vacuum (not shown). The socket hose receiving end  16  has the opening  30  and a hemispherical cavity  74 . The socket hose receiving end  16  also has a tapered cylindrical outer side  76  that tapers from the opening  30  toward the rotatable valve sealing device  18 . The beaded end  72  is capable of being inserted or snapped into the socket hose receiving end  16  by forcing the beaded end  72  into the hemispherical cavity  74  through the opening  30  so that there is a press fit engagement between the socket hose receiving end  16  and the beaded end  72 . The beaded end  72  has an exterior surface  78  that is sized and shaped to contact the hemispherical cavity  74  so that the socket hose receiving end  16  may rotate, swivel, or be easily maneuvered. In particular, during a dental procedure, it may be desired to move the disposable dental valve device  10  to orientate a tip (not shown) in a mouth of a patient. The beaded end  72  and the socket hose receiving end  16  also provide a seal so that no air, saliva, or other materials escape out from the socket hose receiving end  16 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a partial view of the disposable dental valve device  10  with the beaded end  72  being inserted into the socket hose receiving end  16 . The disposable dental valve device  10  is at an angle with respect to the hose  70 . The beaded end  72  and the socket hose receiving end  16  also provide a seal between each other so that no air, saliva, liquids, blood, tooth particles, or other matter may escape out from the socket hose receiving end  16 . With the beaded end  72  snapped into the socket hose receiving end  70  the device  10  is capable of being easily maneuvered, swiveled, or rotated to any desired position or orientation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a protective sheathing  80  has been inserted over the hose  70 , the beaded end  72 , and the socket hose receiving end  16  of the disposable dental valve device  10  to protect the hose  70  and the beaded end  72  from any contaminants. The protective sheathing  74  may be used so that the hose  70  and the beaded end  72  do not have to be changed after each dental procedure. With the protective sheathing  74  in place, the protective sheathing  74  does not interfere with the operation of the valve device  10  or the socket hose receiving end  16  and the hose  70 . 
     In operation of the device  10 , the beaded end  72  of the hose  70  is inserted into the socket hose receiving end  16  through the opening  30 . The exterior surface  78  of the beaded end  72  contacts the hemispherical cavity  74  to secure the beaded end  72  in the opening  30 . The beaded end  72  is capable of being inserted or snapped into the socket hose receiving end  16  by forcing the beaded end  72  into the hemispherical cavity  74  through the opening  30  so that there is a press fit engagement between the exterior surface  78  and the hemispherical cavity  74 . An evacuator tip (not shown) is inserted into the tip receiving end  14  and then placed in a mouth of a dental patient. The handle  22 , which may include an indicator to indicate the closed position and the opened position, is manually operated to open the device  10 . Once the device is in the opened position, air is allowed to flow through the tip, the tip receiving end  14 , the lumen  26 , the bore  46  of the rotatable valve sealing body  18 , the socket hose receiving end  16 , the beaded end  72 , the hose  70 , and into a suction system (not shown). When suction is not needed during a dental procedure, the handle  22  is moved to the closed position. Further, once a dental procedure has been completed, the handle  22  is moved to the closed position, the device  10  is easily separated from the beaded end  72  to disconnected the device  10  from the hose  70 . Once disconnected, the device  10  may be disposed of by any suitable manner. A new device  10  is then connected to the beaded end  72  of the hose  70  to perform or initiate another dental procedure. 
       FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of another rotatable valve sealing body  100  that may be used with the disposable dental valve device  10 . The body  100  has been removed from the valve body  12 . The rotatable valve sealing body  100  has a top  102 , a central body portion  104  having a bore  106 , and a bottom  108 . A handle  110  is part of the top  102 . The central body portion  104  also has an annular ridge portion  112  near the top  102 . The ridge portion  112  is capable of fitting into the ring  40  ( FIG. 2 ) in a snap fit engagement to secure the rotatable valve sealing body  100  within the valve body  12 . The bore  106  is adapted to be aligned with the lumen  26  of the valve body  12 . The bore  106  of the rotatable valve sealing body  100  also has a first opening  114  and a second opening  116 . The first opening  114  is used to be aligned with the opening  38  ( FIG. 2 ) in the valve body  12 . The second opening  116  is used to be aligned with the lumen  26  ( FIG. 2 ) of the valve body  12 . The second opening  116  has a check valve  118  positioned therein to selectively open or close the second opening  116 . The check valve  118  is provided for allowing liquid, saliva, or debris to pass from the tip receiving end  14 , the check valve  118 , the bore  106 , the first opening  114 , and out the socket hose receiving end  16  when the check valve  118  is opened. However, the check valve  118  also prevents any liquid, saliva, or debris from passing or traveling from the socket hose receiving end  16 , the first opening  114 , the bore  106 , and through the check valve  118  when the check valve  118  is closed. The check valve  118  will close when a reduced pressure occurs from an interaction of a mouth of a patient on an evacuator tip device. For example, a patient may be requested to close the mouth of the patient around the evacuator tip device. When this occurs, a reduced pressure results in which a backflow may occur. The check valve  118  is sensitive to this pressure differential and will close to prevent backflow. The check valve  118  is shown in the closed position in  FIG. 9 . 
     As can be appreciated, when the bore  106  is aligned with the lumen  26 , the device  100  is in an opened position and the source of vacuum will draw any fluid, saliva, or debris from the tip receiving end  14  through the lumen  26  and the bore  106  and out through the socket hose receiving end  16 . The check valve  118  is in an opened position or configuration at this particular time. In this manner, fluid, saliva, and debris may be removed from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure or operation. Although the ridge  112  is shown, it is possible that an annular ring may be formed in the central body portion  104  and an O-ring may be used to hold the valve sealing body  100  in place. Also, although one ridge  112  is depicted, it is contemplated that another ridge  112  may be formed on the central body portion  104  near the bottom  108  and another ring  40  be formed in the opening  32  near the bottom  36  to receive the second ridge  112  to further secure the valve sealing body  100  in place. 
     The rotatable valve sealing body  100  also has an annular ring  120  formed in the bottom  108 . A central indentation  122  is formed within the annular ring  120 . The annular ring  120  has a surface  124  that contacts an interior surface (not shown) of the bottom  36  of the valve body  12 . The annular ring  120 , the central indentation  122 , and the surface  124  facilitate smooth and easy rotation of the rotatable valve sealing body  100  within the valve body  12 . The annular ring  120 , the central indentation  122 , and the surface  124  further allow rotation of the body  100  without being bound up within the valve body  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the check valve  118  of the rotatable valve sealing body  100  is illustrated in the opened position. The check valve  118  comprises a housing  126  having a flap portion  128  being connected at an end portion  130 . The connection of the flap portion  128  at the end portion  130  allows the check valve  118  to open or close. The end portion  130  may be a hinge device that allows the flap portion  128  to move relative to the housing  126 . The housing  126  also has retaining rib openings  132  formed in the housing  126 . The rotatable valve sealing body  100  has retaining ribs  134  formed in the second opening  116 . The openings  132  are used to receive the ribs  134  therein for retaining the check valve  118  in the second opening  116 . In this manner, a snap fit engagement of the check valve  118  within the second opening  116  is provided. Although the openings  132  and the ribs  134  are shown, it is possible that other retention or engagement type constructions are contemplated, such as using an adhesive or forming the check valve  118  and the body  100  as a unitary piece or construction. As can be appreciated, when the flap portion  128  is in the opened position the flap portion  128  will only be within the bore  106  of the body  100 . The rotatable valve sealing body  100  is also shown having the top  102 , the central body portion  104  having the first opening  114  and the second opening  116 , the bottom  108 , the annular ring  120 , the central indentation  122 , and the surface  124 . The openings  114  and  116  are concave and this provides for smooth rotation of the body  100  within the valve body  12 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the rotatable valve sealing body  100  with the check valve  118  in the closed position. The housing  126  is positioned in or on the second opening  116 . The flap portion  128  is positioned up against the housing  126 . With the flap portion  128  in this position, the closed position, no fluid, saliva, or debris will flow through the body  100 . The body  100  has the central body  104   44  having an exterior surface  136 . The annular ridge portion  112  is positioned near the top  102 . Also, the handle  110  is part of the top  102 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 12 , a perspective view of the rotatable valve sealing body  100  is shown with the check valve  118  removed from the second opening  116 . The check valve  118  is also depicted in an exploded view in that the housing  126  and the flap portion  128  have been separated. As has been discussed, the housing  126  and the flap portion  128  may be a unitary construction. The housing  126  has a front surface  138  that is concave to follow the concave second opening  116  so that the front surface  138  is flush with the exterior surface  136  when the housing  126  is inserted into the second opening  116 , as is depicted in  FIG. 11 . The housing  126  also has a center portion  140  and a back  142 . The center portion  140  and the back  142  have the openings  132  formed therein. Although four openings  132  are shown, it is contemplated that more or less openings  132  may be provided in the housing  126 . The flap portion  128  has a front side  144 , a center portion  146 , and a back side  148 . The front side  144  and the center portion  146  are sized and shaped to fit over the center portion  140  and the back  142  of the housing  126 . As can be appreciated, the flap portion  128  is a solid piece and the housing  126  has a central opening  150 . The flap portion  128  is used to cover or close the central opening  150 . It is also possible that the back  142  may have a recess, groove, or rabbet formed therein to receive or seat the flap portion  128  therein. The flap portion  128  may be connected to the housing  126  in any suitable manner. The second opening  116  has the ribs  134  that are used to capture the openings  132  to hold the housing  126  in place in or around the second opening  116 . Although four ribs  134  are depicted, as with the openings  132 , more or less ribs  134  are possible. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate another embodiment of a rotatable valve sealing body  200  constructed according to the present disclosure. The rotatable valve sealing body  200  is shown in cross-section in both  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Also, the rotatable valve sealing body  200  may replace the rotatable valve sealing body  18  and be inserted into the body  12 . The rotatable valve sealing body  200  comprises a top  202 , a central body portion  204  having a bore  206 , and a bottom  208 . A portion of handle  210  is shown which is part of the top  202 . The central body portion  204  also has an annular ridge portion  212  near the top  202 . The bore  206  is adapted to be aligned with the lumen  26  of the valve body  12 . The bore  206  of the rotatable valve sealing body  200  also has a first opening  214  and a second opening  216 . The first opening  214  is used to be aligned with the opening  38  ( FIG. 2 ) in the valve body  12 . The second opening  216  is used to be aligned with the lumen  26  ( FIG. 2 ) of the valve body  12 . The second opening  216  has a check valve  218  positioned therein to selectively open or close the second opening  216 . The check valve  218  is provided for allowing liquid, saliva, or debris to pass from the tip receiving end  14 , the check valve  218 , the bore  206 , the first opening  214 , and out the socket hose receiving end  16  when the check valve  218  is opened. However, the check valve  218  also prevents any liquid, saliva, or debris from passing or traveling from the socket hose receiving end  16 , the first opening  214 , the bore  206 , and through the check valve  218  when the check valve  218  is closed. The check valve  218  will close when a reduced pressure occurs from an interaction of a mouth of a patient on an evacuator tip device. As has been indicated, a patient may be requested to close the mouth of the patient around the evacuator tip device. When this occurs, a reduced pressure results in which a backflow may occur. The check valve  218  is sensitive to this pressure differential and will close to prevent backflow. 
     The check valve  218  has a flap portion  220  that seals against a top seat portion  222  and a bottom seat portion  224  that are formed in the body  200 . The flap portion  220  is connected to a bottom plate member  226 . The bottom plate member  226  snaps into an opening  228  formed in the bottom  208  of the body  200 . The flap portion  220  may be connected to the bottom seat portion  224  by use of a hinge  230  or by any other suitable connection means. When manufacturing the body  200 , the flap portion  220  is inserted into the opening  228  and then the bottom plate member  226  is snapped into place in the opening  228  in the bottom  208 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a rotatable valve sealing device having a check valve  300 . The device  300  is capable of being inserted into the valve body  12  ( FIG. 2 ). The device  300  has a rotatable valve sealing body  302  having a top  304 , a central body portion  306  having a bore  308 , and a bottom  310 . A handle  312  is attached to or part of the top  304 . The central body portion  306  also has an annular ridge portion  314  near the top  304 . The ridge portion  314  is capable of fitting into the ring  40  ( FIG. 2 ) in a snap fit engagement to secure the device  300  within the valve body  12 . The bore  308  is adapted to be aligned with the lumen  26  of the valve body  12 . The bore  308  of the device  300  also has a first opening  316  that is used to be aligned with the tip receiving end  14  ( FIG. 2 ) in the valve body  12 . In the bore  308  is a check valve  318  positioned therein to selectively open or close the bore  308 . The check valve  318  is provided for allowing liquid, saliva, or debris to pass from the tip receiving end  14 , the bore  308 , the check valve  318 , and out the socket hose receiving end  16  ( FIG. 2 ) when the check valve  318  is opened. However, the check valve  318  also prevents any liquid, saliva, or debris from passing or traveling from the hose receiving end  16 , the bore  308 , and through the check valve  318  when the check valve  318  is closed. The check valve  318  will close when a reduced pressure occurs from an interaction of a mouth of a patient on an evacuator tip device. For example, a patient may be requested to close the mouth of the patient around the evacuator tip device. When this occurs, a reduced pressure results in which a backflow may occur. The check valve  318  is sensitive to this pressure differential and will close to prevent backflow. The check valve  318  is shown in the closed position in  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a side perspective view of the rotatable valve sealing device  300 . The device  300  has a second opening  320  that is used to be aligned with the opening  38  ( FIG. 2 ) of the socket hose receiving end  16  in the valve body  12 . The device  300  is also shown to have the rotatable valve sealing body  302  having the top  304 , the central body portion  306 , and the bottom  310 . The handle  312  is attached to or part of the top  304 . The central body portion  306  also has the annular ridge portion  314  near the top  304 . The first opening  316  is also shown. The check valve  318  is further shown extending out of the bottom  310  of the device  300 , as will be explained in detail further herein. 
       FIG. 17  depicts a cross-sectional view of the rotatable valve sealing device shown in  FIG. 15  taken along the plane of line  17 - 17 . The device  300  has the bore  308  that extends through the central body portion  306  between the first opening  316  and the second opening  320 . The check valve  318  comprises a flap portion  322  and a retention portion  324 . The check valve  318  is inserted into the bore  308  through an opening  326  formed in the bottom  310 . As can be appreciated, the check valve  318  is located within the bore  308  and offset from the first opening  316 . The retention portion  324  is retained against the bottom  310 . The bore  308  has an upper seat or stop portion  328  against which the flap portion  322  may be positioned when in the closed position. The upper stop portion  328  prevents the flap portion  322  from moving past a vertical position or toward the first opening  316 . In this manner, when a reduced pressure occurs from an interaction of a mouth of a patient on an evacuator tip device the flap portion  322  of the check valve  318  will press against the upper stop portion  328  and prevent a backflow condition from occurring. The flap portion  322  prevents any liquid, blood, saliva, or debris present in the suction system, the hose, or the bore  308  from flowing into a mouth of a patient. The bore  308  may also be comprised having a lower seat or stop portion  360  against which the flap portion  322  may be positioned when in the closed orientation. The bore  308  has an upper slanted surface  362  that slants downward from the first opening  316  toward the upper stop portion  328 . The bore  308  also has a lower slanted surface  364  that slants upwardly from the first opening  316  toward the lower stop portion  360 . Also, the first opening  316  may be smaller in diameter than the second opening  320 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 18 , an exploded view of the rotatable valve sealing device  300  is shown. In this particular view, the check valve  318  has been removed from the bore  308  and the opening  326  formed in the bottom  310 . The check valve  318  has the flap portion  322  and the retention portion  324 . The flap portion  322  is generally hemispherical in shape. The retention portion  324  has a first end  330 , a central portion  332  having an extension member  334 , and a second end  336 . The bottom  310  of the device  300  has the opening  326 , a first ledge member  338 , and a second ledge member  340  having a first ledge portion  342 , a central indented ledge portion  344 , and a second ledge portion  346 . The central indented ledge portion  344  is for capturing the central portion  332  to retain the retention portion  324  in the bottom  310  of the device  300 . The first ledge member  338  and the second ledge member  340  are also used to hold the retention portion  324  in place on the bottom  310  of the device  300 . The flap portion  322  is sized and shaped to fit through the opening  326  to slide the flap portion  322  in place within the bore  308 . The bottom  310  has an annular ring  348  formed in the bottom  310 . A central indentation  350  is formed within the annular ring  348 . The annular ring  348  has a surface  352  that contacts an interior surface (not shown) of the bottom  34  of the valve body  12 . The annular ring  348 , the central indentation  350 , and the surface  352  facilitate smooth and easy rotation of the rotatable valve sealing body  302  within the valve body  12 . The annular ring  348 , the central indentation  350 , and the surface  352  further allow rotation of the body  302  without being bound up within the valve body  12 . The surface  352  may also be eased or chamfered. 
     In operation of for example the device  10 , with the body  300  as part of the device  10 , the socket hose receiving end  16  of the device  10  has the beaded end  72  of the hose  70  inserted therein. The hose  70  is connected to a suction system (not shown) and an evacuator tip (not shown) is inserted into the tip receiving end  14  and then placed in a mouth of a dental patient. The handle  312 , which may include an indicator to indicate the closed position and the opened position, is manually operated to open the device  10 . Once in the opened position, air is allowed to flow through the evacuator tip, the tip receiving end  14 , the lumen  26 , the check valve  318 , the bore  308  of the rotatable valve sealing body  300 , the socket hose receiving end  16  and into a suction system. In the event that reduced pressure occurs from an interaction of a mouth of a patient on an evacuator tip device, the check valve  318  will close and no backflow will be allowed from the suction system or the valve device  10 . When suction is not needed during a dental procedure, the handle  312  is moved to the closed position. Further, once a dental procedure has been completed, the handle  312  is moved to the closed position, and the device  10  is easily separated from the beaded end of the hose  70 . Once the device  10  is disconnected from the beaded end  72  of the hose  70 , the device  10 , which includes the check valve  318 , may be disposed of by any suitable manner. A new device  10  is then connected to the beaded end  72  of the hose  70  by use of the socket hose receiving end  16 . With the new valve device  10  installed, another dental procedure may be initiated. 
     The disposable dental valve device  10  and the various components described herein, such as the rotatable valve sealing devices  100 ,  200 , and  300 , may be formed of any suitable material such as plastic, polyethylene, and high density polyethylene or any other suitable material that is disposable and recyclable. It is also possible that the device  10  may be constructed of a material that will allow the device  10  to be reused after the device  10  is cleaned or sanitized. Any suitable plastic may be used to construct the device  10  so that the device  10  may withstand use in a dental operation or procedure. It is also possible and contemplated to incorporate an antimicrobial agent or chemical in the plastic or to provide a coating of an antimicrobial agent on the plastic to further prevent cross-contamination when using the device  10 . As can be appreciated, the antimicrobial agent may be incorporated into any of the components of the device  10 . 
     From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a disposable dental valve device which fulfills the various advantages sought therefore. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject disposable dental valve device are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.