Patent Abstract:
Described herein are various embodiments of a dental delivery system. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a rear dental delivery system through which at least one of water, air and vacuum are delivered for use by a care giver in treating a patient occupying a nearby dental chair can include at least one movable arm that is pivotably mounted to a pivot connection and an upright mounted to the at least one movable arm. The pivot connection can be mounted at approximately a floor level and the at least one movable arm can be configured to pivot slightly above the floor level so as to reduce obstruction in a space separating the dental chair from the dental delivery system.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/691,314, filed Jun. 15, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This application relates to dental equipment for practicing dentistry, and in particular to dental delivery systems and related components used in the practice of dentistry. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Dental delivery systems refer to the systems used to provide water, air, vacuum, electrical power, etc. for use in dental procedures. 
     Delivery systems typically encompass a stationary portion (e.g., a mount to a wall, floor, cabinet, dental chair, etc.) and a movable portion allowing a working end of the system to be positioned convenient to the care provider(s) (e.g., dentist, dental assistant, surgeon, etc.) administering treatment to a patient, who typically occupies the dental chair. Known delivery systems are mounted to the dental chair, to an adjacent side wall or cabinet, or to a wall or cabinet located to the rear of the patient, i.e., near the head end of the dental chair (also referred to as the “12 o&#39;clock position”). Side or rear mounted delivery systems are referred to as non-chair mounted delivery systems. 
     Delivery systems are typically used in most every dental procedure, and they must occupy a portion of the space close to the patient. Therefore, designing delivery systems such that the care providers have optimal workspaces within which they can administer treatment and have the implements and equipment close at hand is important. 
     Delivery systems include the conduits, lines, connections and implements for supplying water, air and vacuum. Today, such systems also include data lines for communicating data and the associated electronic devices, computer systems and peripherals used by care providers. 
     At the working end, the delivery system typically has an array of tools and instruments used by the care givers and structures for holding these implements when they are not in use. For general dentistry, these implements would typically include one or more of the following: air/water syringes, vacuum devices, hand pieces (including dental drills), oral cameras, controls for the dental chair and other equipment, displays, etc. These implements may be provided for use at separate locations, i.e., where some are configured for use from the dentist&#39;s work position and some from the dental assistant&#39;s position, or some commonly used implements may be provided at each work position. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed toward all new and non-obvious features and method acts disclosed herein both alone and in novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The disclosure is not limited to constructions which exhibit all of the advantages or components disclosed herein. The embodiments set forth herein provide examples of desirable constructions and are not to be construed as limiting the breadth of the disclosure. 
     Described herein are various embodiments of a dental delivery system that overcomes at least several of the drawbacks of the prior art. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a rear dental delivery system through which at least one of water, air and vacuum are delivered for use by a care giver in treating a patient occupying a nearby dental chair can include at least one movable arm that is pivotably mounted to a pivot connection and an upright mounted to the at least one movable arm. The pivot connection can be mounted at approximately a floor level and the at least one movable arm can be configured to pivot slightly above the floor level so as to reduce obstruction in a space separating the dental chair from the dental delivery system. 
     In some implementations, the rear dental delivery system can include a work surface coupled to the upright. In specific implementations, the work surface can be generally circular and pivotably coupled to the upright at a pivot point spaced apart from a central axis of the work surface. In specific implementations, the work surface has a periphery with at least a portion of the periphery being curved. The work surface can be pivotably coupled to the upright at a pivot point positioned near the periphery. In yet certain implementations, an auxiliary tool holder can be selectively positionable along an edge of the work surface. 
     In certain implementations, the delivery system can include a housing positioned adjacent a junction between the at least one movable arm and the upright. 
     In specific implementations, an arm can be pivotably coupled to the work surface and comprise a tool holder that is movably coupled to the arm. The tool holder can have at least one movable tool clamp. In at least one implementation, the tool holder includes a control pad that is capable of controlling at least one dental chair function. 
     In some implementations, the rear dental delivery system can include a second upright that can be positioned closer to the pivot connection than the first mentioned upright. In certain implementations, the second upright can support an extension arm that is movable relative to the second upright. In specific implementations, the first upright supports implements generally used by a dental assistant and the second upright supports implements generally used by a dentist or dental hygienist. 
     In certain implementations, the second upright is coupled to the first upright at a point spaced above the at least one arm. The delivery system can also include a housing that covers a junction between the at least one movable arm, the first upright and the second upright. The second upright can be coupled to the first upright in a spaced apart relationship via a bracket. 
     In certain implementations, the pivot connection of the rear dental delivery system is positioned rearwardly and approximately aligned with a head end of a dental chair. In specific implementations, the pivot connection is positioned adjacent a cabinet and does not extend above a level of cabinet access openings, thereby allowing the cabinet access openings to be accessed while rear dental delivery system is installed. In specific implementations, the dental chair is a reclineable dental chair and, when in the reclined position, a distance between the dental chair and the cabinet is between approximately 20 inches and approximately 26 inches. 
     In some implementations, the distance between the floor level and the at least one movable arm is less than approximately six inches. In some implementations, the pivot connection includes an attachment portion configured for attachment to a horizontal surface. 
     In certain implementations, the delivery system includes air and vacuum connections extending through the pivot connection, the at least one movable arm and the upright. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, a rear dental delivery system through which at least water, air and vacuum are delivered for use by a care giver in treating a patient occupying a nearby dental chair can include at least one movable arm pivotably mounted to a pivot connection positioned substantially at a floor level. The delivery system can also include an upright mounted to the at least one movable arm and a work surface mounted at an off-center location to the upright. The work surface can have a periphery where at least a portion of the periphery is curved. An arm can be pivotably mounted to an approximate center of an underside of the work surface and protruding beyond the curved periphery. The arm can assist in holding implements used by the care giver in convenient storage positions. 
     One exemplary embodiment of a method of delivering water, air and a vacuum line to a dental operatory having a dental chair and a rear area adjacent a head end of the chair can include pivotably mounting a swing arm to pivot close to a horizontal surface at a step-over height. The method can also include mounting an upright member to the swing arm proximate a distal end of the swing arm. The method can further include mounting a work surface to the upright member to pivot about a location offset from a central axis of the work surface. The work surface can be elevated above the swing arm and a knee space accommodating a seated practitioner can be defined below the work surface and above the swing arm. 
     The foregoing and other features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective depiction of one exemplary embodiment of a dental operatory having a side mounted delivery system and a rear mounted delivery system. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged elevational view of the rear mounted delivery system of  FIG. 1  shown mounted adjacent a cabinet. 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the rear mounted delivery system of  FIG. 1  in various configurations as depicted by dashed lines. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the rear mounted delivery system of  FIG. 1  showing the work surface in various configurations as depicted by dashed lines with certain components of the delivery system not shown for clarity. 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a rear mounted delivery system mounted to a cabinet and having a second upright member. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of the rear mounted delivery system of  FIG. 5  in various configurations depicted by dashed lines. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an auxiliary tool holder removably attached to a work surface of a rear mounted delivery system. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an auxiliary tray movably attached to a work surface of a rear mounted delivery system. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial plan view of an exemplary dental operatory showing a dental assistant and dentist in a variety of positions relative to the dental chair and the rear mounted dental delivery system. 
         FIG. 10  is an elevational view of an exemplary dental operatory having a rear mounted dental delivery system, dental chair, dentist chair and cabinet. 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view of the dental operatory of  FIG. 9  showing the dentist in a standing position and the dental chair in an inclined position. 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of the dental operatory of  FIG. 1  shown with the side mounted dental delivery system extended for use by a dentist. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged elevational view of the rear mounted delivery system of  FIG. 5  shown with a cover removed to expose an interior of the system. 
         FIG. 14  is an elevational view of a monitor mount with an attached monitor suitable for use with a rear mounted delivery system. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an in-cabinet mounting for a dental rinse water supply bottle suitable for use with a rear mounted delivery system. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a dental line cleaning system integrated in a cabinet and suitable for use with a rear mounted delivery system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein are various embodiments of rear and side mounted dental delivery systems suitable for use in a dental operatory. For example, in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a dental operatory  100  having a dental chair  120 , side mounted delivery system  140  and a rear mounted delivery system  160 . The operatory  100  can have an opening  158  between the end of a rear wall  143  and an adjacent side wall  141 . This represents one possible doorway for care providers and patients to access the operatory  100 . Of course, the doorway may be positioned at another location, or there may be multiple doorways. 
     As shown, the side mounted delivery system  140  can be positioned to one side of the dental chair  120 , which is shown in the reclined position, and the rear mounted delivery system  160  can be positioned to the rear of the dental chair, i.e., adjacent its head end  122 , or approximately at the twelve o&#39;clock position. 
     The side mounted delivery system  140 , which typically includes the implements used by the dentist, is pivotally attached to a wall  141 , such as via a cabinet  142 , adjacent the chair  120  as shown. In  FIG. 1 , the side mounted delivery system  140  is shown in a storage position, which is spaced apart from the dental chair to provide a walkway for care providers and patients. When in use, the side mounted delivery system  140  is typically pivoted to a position closer to the dental chair  120  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     In relation to the dental chair  120 , the rear mounted delivery system  160  is pivotably attached to an adjacent rear wall  143  or cabinet, such as the cabinet  144 , at a rear centerline, or 12 o&#39;clock position, indicated at  145  in  FIG. 3 . Although not specifically shown, the operatory  100  need not have a cabinet attached to the rear wall  143  and the rear mounted delivery system can extend transversely from the rear wall. In some implementations having a cabinet attached to the rear wall  143 , such as cabinet  144 , the cabinet can have separate portions, such as a lower cabinet  154  and an upper cabinet  156  as shown in  FIG. 1 , or it may be a single structure such as is shown, for example, in  FIG. 14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the rear mounted delivery system  160  has a pivot connection  146 , a pivotable arm  148 , an upright  150  attached to the arm  148 , a work surface  152  supported by the upright  150 , and an arm  170  pivotably supported by the work surface. 
     Preferably, the pivot connection  146  is generally positioned at a low level, e.g. near the level of the floor  147  as shown. In the exemplary implementations, a stationary, or attachment portion, of the pivot connection  146  is mounted to a secure stationary horizontal surface, such as the floor  147 , by fasteners, such as fasteners  149  (see  FIG. 3 ). Alternatively, or in addition to mounting the stationary portion of the pivot connection  146  to the floor, the stationary portion can be mounted to a cabinet, such as cabinet  144 , which in turn is securely mounted to a stationary and secure object, such as a wall and/or a floor. 
     The pivot connection  146  can be mounted to the floor such that a portion of the connection is positioned at least partially underneath the cabinet  154  and a portion extends transversely away from the cabinet. The arm  148  can be pivotably coupled to the portion extending away from the cabinet and be generally horizontal as shown. This configuration of the pivot connection  146  and the arm  148  provides sufficient ease and flexibility in repositioning equipment, but increases the work space available to the care providers by positioning the arm and pivot connection away from the areas of their knees and hips. For example, a leg and knee space  151  defined between the underside of the work surface  152  and the upper surface of the support arm  148  can allow for uninhibited movement of a care provider&#39;s legs into various positions required for operation on a patient. 
     In some implementations, the horizontal extent of the arm  148  can be about as great as one half the width of the cabinet. In other implementations, the arm is longer than one half the width of the cabinet. Of course, the arm could be shorter than one half the width of the cabinet. 
     The upright  150  pivotably supports at least one member, such as work surface  152 , extending laterally and capable of supporting equipment. In the illustrated implementations, the work surface  152  is pivotably supported by the upright  150  and extends horizontally relative to the ground. As illustrated, a pivot connection  112  defining a pivot point, which can be positioned at the approximate center of the pivot connection, can couple the work surface to the upright and be coupled to an underside of the work surface at a location offset from the center of the work surface. As shown in  FIG. 16 , in some embodiments, the pivot connection  112  can include a structural member  153 , which can also act as a cover. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the work surface  152  can be raised or lowered as desired. For example, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the upright  150  can include an adjustment mechanism  161  for conveniently adjusting the height of the work surface  152  relative to the arm  148  or ground level. The adjustment mechanism  161  can include a cylindrical portion  163  insertable into a top portion  165  of upright  150 . The cylindrical portion  163  can have multiple axially displaced external grooves mateable with a bracket  167  having an annular tooth or protrusion portion and being removably attachable to the cylindrical portion. When attached, the tooth portion of the bracket  167  is matingly received in a respective groove of the cylindrical portion  163  thus preventing the bracket from movement in the axial direction. The cylindrical portion  163  is lowered into the top portion  165  of upright  150  until the bracket  167  contacts the upright to prevent the cylindrical portion from movement in the downward direction. The work surface  152  is adjustable by matingly attaching the bracket  167  to one of the grooves associated with the desired height of the work surface. In other implementations, the adjustment mechanism can be another type of mechanism, such as a ratcheting type mechanism, commonly known in the art. 
     As shown in the exemplary implementations, the arm  170  is pivotably supported by the work surface  152  via a pivot connection  114  defining a pivot point, which can be at an approximate center of the pivot connection. In the illustrated embodiments, the pivot connection  114  between the arm  170  and the work surface  152  is located on the underside of the work surface at its approximate center. The arm  170  can support a tool holder  172  as shown. In some implementations, the tool holder  172  can be pivotably supported by the arm  170  via a pivot connection  116  defining a pivot point, which can be at an approximate center of the pivot connection. In some embodiments, the pivot connection  116  is coupled to the tool holder  172  at a location midway along the length of the tool holder  172 , while in the illustrated embodiments, the pivot connection is coupled to the tool holder proximate one of the two ends of the tool holder. Moreover, a control, or touch, pad  179  for controlling various characteristics of the system can be mounted to the pivot connection  116  or directly to the tool holder  172 . 
     The non-chair mounted delivery systems, i.e., the side mounted delivery system  140  and the rear mounted delivery system  160 , are preferred by some care providers for providing space-saving benefits. For example, when a side mounted delivery system is provided, it typically replaces a chair mounted system. Similarly, when a rear mounted delivery system is provided, it also typically replaces a chair mounted system. Of course, it would be possible to use one or both of the delivery systems  140  and  160  in conjunction with a chair mounted delivery system if desired. 
     Of particular value is the ability of a user to customize the positioning of one or more of the various components of the rear and side mounted dental delivery systems described herein. More specifically, the increased range of motion of the rear mounted delivery system results in better visibility, less stretching and reduced extraneous motion for a user of the delivery system. Further, the multi-tiered or multi-layered approach to positioning the various components of the rear mounted delivery system provides additional customizability, convenience and space-saving benefits over conventional delivery systems.  FIGS. 3 and 4  show some of the possibilities for positioning the rear delivery system  160  and its components. 
     In  FIG. 3 , the arm  148  has been pivoted approximately 90-degrees about pivot connection  146 , which defines a pivot point, from the position of the arm shown in  FIG. 1  (also indicated in dashed-line in  FIG. 3  as extending generally parallel to the cabinet and to the right of the pivot connection  146 ) such that the arm extends generally transversally from the cabinet  144 . The arm  148  can be pivoted from this position to a position in which the arm extends generally parallel to the cabinet and to the left of the pivot connection  146  as indicated in dashed-line in  FIG. 3 . As can be recognized, the arm  148  also can be pivoted into any position intermediate the positions shown in  FIG. 3 . In other words, the arm  148  can be pivoted, or rotated, about pivot connection  146  into any position within a range of about 180 degrees. 
     The ability to pivot the arm  148  to either side can be used, among other purposes, to adapt the rear delivery system for use by right-handed or left-handed care providers. Further, the pivot arm  148  can be positioned at an intermediate point between the two extremes as shown in  FIG. 3 , which is a position that might be used when the head end of the chair remains elevated (see  FIG. 11 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , arm  170  is pivotable approximately 270-degrees about pivot connection  114  independent of pivot arm  148 . In other implementations, however, the arm  170  can be pivotable more or less than 270-degrees about pivot connection  114 . Likewise, the tool holder  172  is pivotable about pivot connection  116  independent of pivot arm  148  and arm  170 . As shown, in some implementations, the tool holder  172  is pivotable approximately 270-degrees about pivot connection  116 . In some implementations, however, the tool holder  172  is pivotable more or less than 270-degrees about pivot connection  116 . In some embodiments, the arm  170  and the work surface  152  can be sized as shown such that the tool holder  172  remains close to the edge of the work surface and conveniently within grasp. 
     In some implementations, the tool holder  172  includes multiple tool clamps  173  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2 ) placed laterally along an axis of the tool holder  172 . Each tool clamp  173  is configured to removably secure a single dental implement as shown, or multiple implements in other implementations. The tool clamps  173  can be individually movable relative to an axis of the tool holder  172 , such as by being rotatable about the axis of the tool holder, and sustainable in one of various positions about the axis by an internal latching mechanism (not shown). In this manner, the tool clamps can be rotated independently of each other to place a respective implement in a desired and convenient orientation for access by a user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the work surface  152  is pivotable approximately 360-degrees about pivot connection  112  independent of pivot arm  148 , arm  170  and tool holder  172 . 
     As has been described, the pivot arm  148 , work surface  152 , arm  170 , tool holder  172  and tool clamps  173  can be movable independently of each other. In other words, the rear delivery system  160  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  can be described as having five degrees of adjustability or positionability. 
     While  FIG. 1  shows a configuration in which there is a separate side mounted delivery system  140  specifically configured for use by, for example, a dentist (or hygienist), and a rear mounted delivery system  160  specifically configured for use by, for example, a dental assistant (or hygienist),  FIG. 5  shows a two-position rear delivery system  162  designed to provide two work positions, i.e., the work position for the hygienist or assistant and the work position for the dentist or hygienist, as well as the required implements used in each position. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the rear delivery system  162  includes some features that are similar to the features of rear delivery system  160 . Corresponding similar features have matching reference numerals unless otherwise noted. 
     The rear delivery system  162  includes a second upright  164 . In some implementations, the second upright  164  is attached to the arm  148  and, in the illustrated implementations, the second upright  164  is coupled to the upright  150  via a bracket  175  (see  FIG. 13 ). As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 5 , a cover  167  can be positioned as shown to at least partially enclose an interior  181 , which as will be discussed below in greater detail, can include the bracket  175  (see  FIG. 13 ). A knee space  159  defined between the underside of the work surface  152  and the upper surface of the cover  167  can allow for uninhibited movement of a care provider&#39;s knees into various positions during operation on a patient. 
     As shown, the second upright  164  pivotably supports an extension arm  166  at an upper end via a pivot connection  118  defining a pivot point, which can be at the approximate center of the pivot connection. Alternatively, in some implementations, the upright  164  and extension arm  166  are integrally formed, i.e., formed of a one-piece monolithic construction, and the upright  164  is pivotably coupled to the upright  150 , such as via bracket  175  (see  FIG. 13 ) or support arm  148 . 
     The extension arm  166  can pivotably support a tool holder  168  via a pivot connection  119  defining a pivot point, which can be at the approximate center of the pivot connection. The pivot connection  119  can be coupled to the tool holder  168  at one of the ends of the tool holder or at a location intermediate its ends. Moreover, a control, or touch, pad  169  for controlling various characteristics of the system can be mounted to the pivot connection  119  or directly to the tool holder  168 . 
     Similar to the upright  150 , the height of the second upright  164  and thus the extension arm  166  and tool holder  172  can be adjusted. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the upright  164  can include an adjustment mechanism  80  for conveniently adjusting the height of the extension arm  166  relative to the arm  148  or ground level  147 . The adjustment mechanism  80  can include a cylindrical portion  82  insertable into an opening  84  in the cover  167 . The cylindrical portion  82  can have multiple axially displaced external grooves mateable with a toothed bracket  86  removably attachable to the cylindrical portion. When attached, the bracket  86  contacts a second upright mounting bracket  175 , as will be described in more detail below, to prevent the cylindrical portion  82  from movement in the downward direction. The extension arm height is adjustable by matingly attaching the bracket  86  to one of the grooves associated with the desired height of the extension arm  166 . In other implementations, the adjustment mechanism can be another type of mechanism, such as a ratcheting type mechanism commonly known in the art. 
     In addition to the same possibilities for positioning the arm  148 , arm  170 , tool holder  172  and work surface  152  as described above in relation to rear delivery system  160 , the rear delivery system  162  is also capable of other positioning possibilities. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the extension arm  166  is pivotable about pivot connection  118  independently of the pivot or support arm  148 , work surface  152 , arm  170  and tool holder  172 . In the illustrated implementation, the extension arm  166  is rotatable approximately 180-degrees about pivot connection  118  with complete rotation being inhibited by first upright  150 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , in one specific implementation, the tool holder  168  is rotatable about pivot connection  119  independently of arm  148 , work surface  152 , arm  170 , tool holder  172  and extension arm  166 . Further, similar to tool holder  172 , tool holder  168  can have multiple independently movable tool clamps  177  (see  FIG. 5 ) for removably securing dental implements. 
     As has been described, the pivot arm  148 , work surface  152 , arm  166 , tool holder  168 , arm  170 , tool holder  172  and tool clamps  177  can be movable independently of each other. In other words, the rear delivery system  162  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  can be described as having seven degrees of adjustability or positionability. 
     As indicated generally at  171  in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , various implements and their associated conduits and cables, can be positioned as shown relative to the holder  172  and the holder  168 . Each one of the various implements and associated conduit or cable can provide, for example, a fluid, such as air and water, or a vacuuming line. Desirably, at least a portion of the conduits and cables extend through at least one of the members, e.g., the arm  148 , the upright  150 , the arm  170 , the second upright  164 , the arm  166 . In some implementations, at least some of the conduits and cables extend through at least one of the pivot connections, or arm connectors,  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  119 . In this manner, portions of the cables and conduits can be hidden or contained within the arms and arm connectors to minimize extraneous exposure of cables and conduits to dentists, dental assistants and patients. 
     Optionally, in some implementations, the rear delivery system as described herein can include an auxiliary tool holder  190 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , which is adapted for temporary attachment at any point along the periphery of the work surface  152 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the rear mounted delivery system, e.g., delivery system  160 , can have additional components, such as auxiliary tray  176 , to provide added flexibility in positioning the rear delivery system. Auxiliary tray  176  is pivotally connected to an edge of the work surface  152  for positioning above the work surface. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show the rear delivery system, which in this example is delivery system  162 , in use during a range of typical dental procedures to illustrate the functionality of the various components. In the figures,  FIG. 90  is portraying the dentist&#39;s role, and  FIG. 92  is portraying the dental assistant&#39;s role. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , it can be seen that the extension arm  166  (obscured in the figure) has been positioned such that the tool holder  168  is conveniently positioned for the dentist  90  and the tool holder  172  is conveniently positioned for the dental assistant  92 . 
     As shown in solid lines, the dentist  90  is operating from a 10 o&#39;clock position relative to the patient. The dentist  90  can move to his left from the 10 o&#39;clock position to the 11 o&#39;clock position, indicated in dashed lines, without requiring the assistant to change her position or the position of the work surface  152 . Although not specifically shown, the work surface  152  and tool holder  168  can be moved from the position shown in  FIG. 9  such that the dentist  90  can operate from the 12 o&#39;clock position and freely move between the 12 o&#39;clock position and the 10 o&#39;clock position without requiring repositioning of the work surface or tool holder. 
     In some specific implementations, the operatory  100  of  FIG. 1  can be configured such that a distance D between the cabinet  154  and the head end  122  of the chair  120  (see  FIG. 9 ) is between approximately 20 and 26 inches. Such a distance D allows the dentist  90  or assistant  92  to easily position him/herself in the 12 o&#39;clock position between the cabinet and the dental chair  120 . Further, as shown, the dentist  90  also can move to his/her right from the 10 o&#39;clock position to about the 8 o&#39;clock position, indicated in dashed lines, relative to the patient. In other words, in some implementations, the dentist  90  can move between various positions relative to the patient without requiring adjustment of any of the various components of the rear dental delivery system. 
     Since the arm  148  is at a step-over height, i.e., between zero and six inches, the arm does not impede movement of the dentist  90  by blocking the dentist&#39;s legs. More specifically, the leg or knee spaces  151 ,  159  allow a dentist&#39;s or assistant&#39;s legs to move freely between the arm  148  and the work surface  152  as the dentist or assistant moves between various positions relative to a patient. For example, as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 10 , dentist  90  is sitting on a conventional chair, or stool,  94  in an operating position. When in the operating position and while sitting down, there is sufficient clearance between the arm  148  and the work surface  152  such that the dentist can freely position his legs between the arm and the work surface without undesirable contact with the components of the rear delivery system or requiring adjustment of the delivery system. 
     Alternatively, if desirable, as the dentist  90  moves from one position to another, such as from the 11 o&#39;clock position to the 8 o&#39;clock position, he can grab and pivot the arm  166  toward him to provide him more convenient access, e.g., to the tool holder  168 . As also shown in  FIG. 9 , the assistant  92  has the tool holder  172 , and specifically the control pad  179 , positioned within convenient reach of her right hand. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 11 , the dentist  90  is operating from a standing position instead of a seated position, such as during treatment of a patient who cannot be reclined. As shown, with the dentist chair  120  in the inclined position, the arm  148  has been swung to an intermediate position, e.g., approximately transverse to the cabinet  154 , such that the work surface  152  and the tool holder  168  remain within convenient reach. With the arm  148  in the intermediate position, an assistant (not shown) in the standing position can conveniently reach the tool holder  172 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an exemplary position of the rear mounted delivery system  160  and side mounted delivery system  140  in use. As shown, the dentist  90  is using the tools held by the side mounted delivery system  140  and the dental assistant  92  is using the tools held in the tool holder  172  of the rear mounted delivery system  160 . 
       FIG. 13  shows the rear delivery system  162  with a portion of the cover  167  removed to expose the interior  181 . Within the interior  181 , there is a main control unit having various pneumatic and electronic circuits used in controlling the various implements and/or other equipment, such as the chair, a cuspidor, etc. In addition, room is provided for positioning additional components in the event that other circuits are required, such as, e.g., an add-on oral camera. Manual controls  96  for the fluid or electrical systems can be provided on or extend from an outer surface of the cover  167 . 
     In typical dental delivery systems, the control unit is placed within the cabinets and occupies space that could otherwise be used for storage. Positioning the main control unit of the rear mounted delivery system  162  external to the cabinetry, e.g., in a space between the support arm  148  and the first upright  150 , frees up space within the cabinetry for storage of other systems, objects or supplies, such as an in-cabinet mounting for a dental rinse water supply bottle and a dental line cleaning system as will be described in more detail below. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 13  is an optional method of coupling the second upright  164  to the first upright  150 . A bracket  175  is mounted to the upright  150 . The bracket  175  has a second upright receiving portion  191  extending laterally from the first upright  150 . The second upright  164  can be secured within the second upright receiving portion  191 , for example, by resting the bracket  86  on the receiving portion  191  such that the second upright is offset from and extends generally parallel to the first upright  150 . The upright can be rotatable within and relative to the receiving portion  191  of the bracket  175 . 
       FIG. 14  shows an optional monitor mount  200  with an attached monitor  98  suited for use with the rear delivery system. The monitor mount  200  can be coupled as shown to an underside of the upper cabinet  156 . The monitor mount  200  provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution to laterally positioning the monitor at any position along the width between the ends of the cabinet (as shown in dashed lines), and also allows the monitor to be positioned “around the corners” of the cabinet (as shown in dashed lines). The angle of the monitor relative to a level axis can also be adjusted. 
       FIG. 15  shows an optional in-cabinet mounting  210  for a dental rinse water supply bottle suited for use with a non-chair mounted delivery system. Use of the in-cabinet mounting  210  allows the water supply bottle to be moved from another location, e.g., attached to the dental chair or the delivery system, to the less obtrusive position within the cabinet  144 . 
       FIG. 16  shows an optional dental line cleaning system  220  integrated in the cabinet. When activated with an attached line, the line cleaning system  220  dispenses a selected amount of cleaner into the line. In the exemplary implementation, the dental line cleaning system  220  includes three fittings (in three standard sizes) for coupling to cleaning lines  99  and injecting a cleaning fluid. 
     In view of the many possible embodiments to which the above principles may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the invention is intended to encompass all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents as may be included in the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0