Abstract:
Conversion assemblies enable a disposable tip to connect to an existing air/water dental syringe configured to receive a non-disposable tip. A conversion kit enabling an air/water syringe body to receive a disposable tip includes a retainer body having a distal opening into which the proximal end of the elongated disposable tip is inserted, and one or more internal components with cut-outs, grooves or channels to direct air and water from the syringe body to the air-carrying channels and water-carrying tube of the disposable tip. All of the components internal to the retainer are installed through the proximal opening in the retainer, enabling the proximal end of the retainer to be adjacent to the syringe body, such that there are no seams in the outer surface of the retainer from the syringe body to the distal end of the retainer that might collect pathogens or dirt.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/841,280, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/619,578, filed Apr. 3, 2012, the entire content of both applications being incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to air/water syringes and, in particular, to adapter units that enable replaceable, disposable tips to be used with various handle assemblies including European style syringes. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Dental syringes are hand-held instruments which deliver water and air under pressure into a patient&#39;s mouth for washing and drying purposes. Such instruments are widely used by dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, dental hygienists and dental assistants. A typical dental includes a head unit which is coupled to hoses that supply water at about 40 PSI and air at about 80 PSI. An elongated tip coupled to the head unit is inserted into a patient&#39;s mouth, and buttons on the head unit are operated to discharge water or air through the distal end of the tip. 
         [0004]    Cross contamination is one of the principal problems encountered with dental syringes. Bacteria and viruses can be communicated from patient to patient unless the syringe tip is adequately sanitized. The safest and most desirable approach is to replace the syringe tip from the head after each patient treatment. In addition, it is desirable to be able to replace worn tips or change to tips of different configurations quickly and easily. 
         [0005]    Several decades ago, dental syringe tips were not readily removable from the syringe head units. Removal often necessitated the unscrewing of a coupling from the head and the sliding of the coupling off of the tip. Around this time, the tip once removed and the associated coupling were autoclaved. A number of small elastomeric O-rings had to be removed before autoclaving because they could not withstand the heat and pressure of the autoclaving process. The entire process was a time consuming, often frustrating experience. 
         [0006]    Around 1980, dental syringe quick-disconnect tips were invented. U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,589, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a dental syringe that includes a head  10 , a coupling  12 , and a removable, replaceable tip  14  ( FIG. 1 ). The head  10  has internal water and air passages  16  and  18  in communication with an internally threaded cylindrical cavity  22  in the top frontal surface of the head ( FIG. 2 ). The head and tip include a corresponding number of fluid passages. The coupling  12  includes a cylindrical base and a lock nut which screws over the base. The base and the lock nut define an axially extending bore which communicates with the passages through the head and removably receives the rearward portion of the tip  14 . An elastomeric O-ring is positioned between the base and the lock nut and surrounds the bore. When the rearward portion of the tip is fully inserted in the bore the O-ring seats in a groove surrounding the rearward portion of the tip. When the lock nut is fully screwed over the base, deformation of the O-ring is substantially prevented and the tip cannot be withdrawn or ejected from the coupling. 
         [0007]    The tip  14  comprises inner and outer elongate, coaxial, spaced apart pipes  36  and  38  which define water and air passages  40  and  42 , respectively. The forward portions of the pipes are angled with respect to the rearward portions. The forward end  44  of the inner pipe  36  is open and the forward end  46  of the outer pipe  38  is bent inwardly and is sealed to the inner pipe  36 . The forward end  46  has a plurality of annularly spaced nozzle apertures such as  48 . 
         [0008]    The rearward portion  50  of the outer pipe  38  terminates short of the rearward portion  52  of the inner pipe  36  and is bent inwardly and sealed to the rearward portion  52 . The rearward end  53  of the inner pipe  36  is open and coaxial with the water passage  16  and abuts the bottom of the cavity  22  when inserted in the coupling  12 . The periphery of the rearward portion  50  is formed with a pair of axially spaced, rearward and forward annular grooves  54  and  56 . A pair of diametrically positioned inlet apertures  58  and  60  extend through the wall of the outer pipe  38  in the groove  54 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0009]    Ducts  82  and  84  in the base  62  extend from the bore  72  in the base to a chamber  80 . When the rearward portion of the tip is fully inserted in the bore  72 , air can flow from the air passage  18  into the chamber  80 , through the ducts  82  and  84 , into the bore  72 , through the apertures  58  and  60 , into the air passage  42  and through the tip. 
         [0010]    Push buttons  24  and  26  on the top rear surface of the head are coupled to normally closed valves and are selectively hand-operated to discharge water, air, or both through the distal end  28  of the tip  14 . A handle  30  can be threaded with the shank  20  to connect water and air supply hoses  32  and  34  to the water and air passages  16  and  18 , respectively. When the push buttons  24  and  26  are simultaneously depressed water spray mist is produced. 
         [0011]    Since the development of the quick-release syringe tip system just described several improvements have taken place. Central to such improvements is the development of the disposable tip which is retrofittable to the older metal units which must be autoclaved to reuse. Disposable air/water syringe tips resemble bent, plastic straws with multiple cannulations to receive and deliver air and water from existing hand-held units. One leading manufacturer is Crystal Tip of Irvine, Calif. 
         [0012]    As with the earlier, autoclavable metal syringe tips, the proximal end of the Crystal Tip includes a central, protruding tube to receive water which, like its predecessors, seals against an O-ring in the syringe body. However, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the tip does not have proximal side ducts through which the air flows; rather the proximal end surrounding the water tube does not ‘bottom out’ within the syringe body, allowing air to enter the cannulations surrounding the central water tube. Crystal Tips are designed to be used directly on common U.S. and Canadian syringes. In particular, Crystal Tips fit syringes from Adec (Newberg, Oreg.), DCI International (Newberg, Oreg.) and Unic/Heka (Ishøj, Denmark) without the need for any so-called adapter units. 
         [0013]    Currently in Europe, however, most syringes use autoclavable tips. As a result, there has been little attempt to upgrade to new standards that have been in place for years. As such, disposable tips, including Crystal Tips, cannot be used directly on any European syringe. Syringes with autoclavable tips use a variety of routing patterns to deliver air and water to the tip. However, all U.S. disposable tips receive their air flow through the base of the tip that is inserted into the syringe. Autoclavable tips route air flow through a side port (hole) directly below an O-ring grove on the metal tip. As such, without some type of conversion, disposable tips are incompatible with European-style syringes that use autoclavable tips. 
         [0014]    Given that there are numerous proprietary designs outside North America, it would be advantageous to provide these syringes with appropriate adapter kits enabling them to utilize standard, disposable quick-release air/water tips. 
         [0015]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/841,280, filed Mar. 15, 2013, discloses numerous conversion kits enabling disposable tips to be used on multiple different syringe bodies, including European designs that use autoclavable tips. However, the embodiments described in this previous application use two subassemblies—a cap subassembly that receives the disposable tip, and an adapter subassembly that couples the cap to the syringe body after the non-disposable or autoclavable tip has been removed. 
         [0016]    The cap subassembly  402 , shown in  FIG. 4 , includes an outer body  403  with a distal end to receive the tip  400  and a proximal end configured to receive a ferrule  420  shown in  FIG. 5 . The ferrule includes a cup-shaped receptacle that receives the proximal end of the disposable tip once inserted into the cap body  403 . The disposable tip is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6  at  400 . View  401  is an end view showing the central water-carrying tube  404  surrounded by air-carrying channels  406 . In the tip shown, a Crystal Tip from Westside Resources of Irvine, Calif., the water tube protrudes from the proximal end of the tip at  408 , facilitating an additional O-ring seal at  410  for enhanced air/water separation. The proximal end of tip  400  includes a tapered region to ensure that the tip end does not “bottom out” against the bottom of the ferrule cup. This allows air to flow through side grooves  502  and into the air-carrying channels  406  of the tip. Again, however, as long as access to the air-carrying channels is provided, such a tapered region is not necessarily required. 
         [0017]    While the conversion kits disclosed in the &#39;280 Application effectively allow disposable tips to be used in conjunction with multiple different syringe systems, the use of two subassemblies including a separate cap and adapter results in a seam around the completed assembly. If this seam could be eliminated, the result would be a more streamlined solution with the potential for easier cleaning and/or sterilization. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    This invention resides in conversion assemblies enabling a disposable tip to connect to an existing dental syringe configured to receive a different type of tip such as an autoclavable tip. The tip has proximal and distal ends with a central, water-carrying tube surrounded by air-carrying channels. The tip, typically constructed from extruded or molded plastic, may be straight or bent, and may have flat flush ends or a water tube that extends outwardly from the proximal end. 
         [0019]    A conversion kit enabling an air/water syringe body to receive a disposable tip includes a retainer body having a distal opening into which the proximal end of the elongated disposable tip is inserted, and one or more internal components with cut-outs, grooves or channels to direct air and water from the syringe body to the air-carrying channels and water-carrying tube of the disposable tip. 
         [0020]    In accordance with the invention, all of the components internal to the retainer are installed through the proximal opening in the retainer, enabling the proximal end of the retainer to be adjacent to the syringe body, such that there are no seams in the outer surface of the retainer from the syringe body to the distal end of the retainer that might collect pathogens or dirt. The completed assembly is preferably autoclavable in the absence of the disposable tip. 
         [0021]    The configuration of the retainer and internal components are varied in alternative embodiments to accommodate a wide variety of syringe styles. As examples, the completed conversion kit may include a proximal receptacle to receive a stem on the syringe body; a proximal stem insertable into the syringe body; one or more proximal air- or water-carrying tubes insertable into the syringe body; or a threaded connection to the syringe body. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of a prior art dental syringe showing its quick-release tip withdrawn; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged side elevational view of the dental syringe of  FIG. 1  with portions broken away; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a drawing in partial cross section showing an existing cap subassembly and disposable tip; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a ferrule used in the cap subassembly of  FIG. 4 , showing side grooves configured for the passage of air; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view illustrating how the invention replaces an autoclavable tip on a generic, European-style with a conversion kit and disposable tip; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of a threaded ferrule constructed in accordance with the present invention, also including side grooves configured for the passage of air; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a two-piece ferrule construction applicable to disposable Crystal Tips having extended proximal water-carrying tubes; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7C  illustrates an alternative two-piece ferrule construction applicable to disposable Crystal Tips having extended proximal water-carrying tubes; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7D  illustrates a three-piece ferrule construction applicable to disposable Crystal Tips having extended proximal water-carrying tubes; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7E  illustrates an alternative three-piece ferrule construction applicable to disposable Crystal Tips having extended proximal water-carrying tubes; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7F  illustrates a two-piece ferrule construction that accommodates tips without extended water tubes such as the Sani-Tip®; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7G  illustrates an alternative two-piece ferrule construction that accommodates tips without extended water tubes such as the Sani-Tip®; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7H  illustrates a three-piece ferrule construction that accommodates tips without extended water tubes such as the Sani-Tip®; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7I  illustrates an alternative three-piece ferrule construction that accommodates tips without extended water tubes such as the Sani-Tip®; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 8A-8G  illustrate syringe systems to which the invention is applicable that feature stems protruding from the syringe body; 
           [0038]      FIGS. 9A-9C  illustrate syringe systems to which the invention is applicable that feature threaded connections between the syringe body and the tip which is removed; 
           [0039]      FIGS. 10A-10F  illustrate syringe systems to which the invention is applicable that feature stems protruding from the removed tip and into the syringe body; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 11A-11D  illustrate syringe systems to which the invention is applicable that feature tube projections from the removed tip and into the syringe body; 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a cross section of a Castellini syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a cross section of a Cefla F3 LUZ syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  is a cross section of a Cefla F6 Anthos syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is a cross section of a Chirana syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is a cross section of a Faro SM03 syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is a cross section of a Faro SYR syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  is a cross section of a Kayo 1056 syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0048]      FIG. 19  is a cross section of a Kayo 1056S syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0049]      FIG. 20  is a cross section of a Kayo 6F syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0050]      FIG. 21  is a cross section of a Kayo Systematica (with light) syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0051]      FIG. 22  is a cross section of a Kayo Systematica (without light) syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0052]      FIG. 23  is a cross section of a Kayo K4 syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0053]      FIG. 24  is a cross section of a Kayo Esthetica syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0054]      FIG. 25  is a cross section of a Sirona 4000 syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0055]      FIG. 26  is a cross section of a Sirona C8 Teneo syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0056]      FIG. 27  is a cross section of a Ritter Topjet syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0057]      FIG. 28  is a cross section of a Luzzani Mini Assistant syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0058]      FIG. 29  is a cross section of a Luzzani Mini Mate syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0059]      FIG. 30  is a cross section of a Luzzani Mini Light syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0060]      FIG. 31  is a cross section of a Luzzani Mini Brite syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0061]      FIG. 32  is a cross section of a Morita WS66 syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0062]      FIG. 33  is a cross section of a Morita WS97 syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; 
           [0063]      FIG. 34  is a cross section of a Morita WS 12 syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips; and 
           [0064]      FIG. 35  is an exploded view of a Takara Belmont syringe body and a conversion kit enabling the syringe to accept disposable tips 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0065]    This invention improves upon existing air/water syringe instrumentation by providing conversion kits that enable replaceable, disposable tips to be used with various syringe assemblies, including European-style syringes. The invention is also applicable to disposable tips with disposable tips having extended proximal water tubes as well as tips with flush air/water passages on opposing flat proximal and distal ends. Nor is the invention limited in terms of the number of air-carrying channels surrounding the central water-carrying tube. 
         [0066]      FIG. 6  is a simplified drawing showing a generic syringe body  602  with air/water control buttons  604 . The figure also shows a generic autoclavable tip  606  which is removed from the body  602  and replaced with a retainer body  610  having a distal end  612  to receive disposable tip  400 . The retainer is illustrated in broken-line form because it is a generic example with specific embodiments being described below with respect to detailed cross-sectional drawings. In all embodiments, however, air/water directing components internal to the retainer are installed through a proximal opening  614  in the retainer, such that the proximal portion  616  of the retainer can be flush against a corresponding portion  618  of the syringe body so that the outer surface  620  of the retainer can be smooth and seamless from the syringe to the distal end  612 . 
         [0067]    The components associated with the retainer body span a range of parts and complexity depending upon the type of syringe and the tip being replaced. That said, the invention accommodates all current styles and may be extended to yet-to-be developed designs with appropriate engineering modification. In particular, the invention includes conversion kits with retainers and components to accommodate syringe systems with stems that protrude from the syringe body, as exemplified in  FIGS. 8A-8G ; syringe systems that feature threaded connections between the syringe body and the tip without any prominent protrusions, as depicted in  FIGS. 9A-9C ; syringe systems with stems protruding from the removed tip, as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10F ; and syringe systems that feature tube projections from the removed tip, as shown in  FIGS. 11A-11D . 
         [0068]    One component internal to the retainer body is a cup-shaped ferrule to receive the proximal end of the disposable tip once inserted into the distal end of the retainer. Such a ferrule, shown in  FIG. 7A , may include a central opening through which water passes into the water-carrying tube of the disposable tip and one or more side cut-outs  702  through which air passes into the air-carrying channels of the disposable tip. The ferrule may further include a central opening to receive a water-carrying tube extending from the proximal end of the disposable tip. As with the other components internal to the retainer body, the ferrule is installed through the proximal opening in the retainer and preferably threaded at  704  to maintain its position. 
         [0069]    While  FIG. 7A  illustrates a one-piece threaded ferrule applicable to the invention, two and three-piece designs are shown in  FIGS. 7B-7I .  FIGS. 7B-7E  are applicable to disposable Crystal Tips with extended proximal water-carrying tubes, whereas  FIGS. 7F-7I  relate to ferrules that accommodate tips without extended water tubes such as the Sani-Tip®.  FIG. 7B  illustrates a two-piece ferrule comprising threaded portions  710 ,  712 . Portion  710  preferably includes a tapered guide sleeve  711 . Stops  714  create air gaps  716  enabling air to flow through diagonal channels  713  and into tip  400 . The extended water-carrying tube is shown at  408 . The use of stops to create air gaps, thereby preventing the proximal end of the tip from “bottoming out” is, by itself, unique in the industry and patentably distinct. So, too, is the use of double/multiple O-ring seals as evident in certain of the ferrule designs described herein and below. 
         [0070]      FIG. 7C  illustrates a two-piece ferrule comprising threaded portions  720 ,  722 , with portion  720  preferably including a tapered guide sleeve  721 . Cuts in portion  722  enable air to flow through channels  723  and into tip  400 .  FIG. 7D  illustrates a three-piece ferrule comprising threaded portions  730 ,  732  and  734 . Portion  730  preferably includes a tapered guide sleeve  731 . Stops  735  create air gaps  736  enabling air to flow through diagonal channels  733  and into tip  400 .  FIG. 7E  illustrates a three-piece ferrule comprising threaded portions  740 ,  742  and  744 . Portion  740  preferably includes a tapered guide sleeve  741 . The spacing between components  742 ,  744  create channels enabling air to flow into tip  400 . Stops  746  prevent bottom ferrule tightening. 
         [0071]      FIG. 7F  illustrates a two-piece ferrule comprising threaded portions  750 ,  752 . Portion  750  preferably includes a tapered guide sleeve  751 . Stops  754  create air gaps  756  enabling air to flow through diagonal channels  753  and into disposable tip  401  of the Sani-Tip® type. Water-carrying channel  759  carries water in the center tube of the tip  401 . Designation  758  refers to countersunk O-rings.  FIG. 7G  illustrates a two-piece ferrule comprising threaded portions  760 ,  762 , with portion  760  preferably including a tapered guide sleeve  761 . Cuts in portion  762  enable air to flow through channels  763  and into tip  401 . Conduit  769  carries water into the center of the tip  401 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 7H  illustrates a three-piece ferrule comprising threaded portions  770 ,  772  and  774 . Portion  770  preferably includes a tapered guide sleeve  771 . Stops  773  create air gaps  776  enabling air to flow through diagonal channels  775  and into tip  401 .  FIG. 7I  illustrates a three-piece ferrule comprising threaded portions  780 ,  782  and  784 . Portion  780  preferably includes a tapered guide sleeve  781 . The spacing between components  782 ,  784  create channels enabling air to flow into tip  401 . Stops  786  prevent bottom ferrule tightening. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 12 to 35  are detailed cross-sectional drawings that show conversion kits for particular syringe styles and, in some cases, modified ferrules depending upon the design requirements. In these drawings, the existing syringe body is shown without cross-hatching, whereas the cap and adapter subassemblies are cross-hatched. Air and water flows are also illustrated with text in each cross section. All conversion kits further include multiple O-rings, depicted as black circles. In terms of materials, the ferrules are preferably constructed of a brass alloy to achieve demanding tolerances, whereas the other hard components may be constructed of aluminum or hard plastic. Although certain of the conversion kits provide three or more components in addition to the O-rings, those of skill in the art will recognize that fewer pieces may be used through appropriate machining. For example, the ferrule and end cap may be formed of an integral unit by machining a single piece of brass or aluminum. While such fabrication may complicate the manufacturing process somewhat, the end result eliminates O-rings and simplifies assembly by the user. 
         [0074]    While  FIGS. 12 to 38  are well-understood and apparent to those of skill, comments will be made about incidental features and structures.  FIG. 12  is a cross section of a Castellini syringe body and conversion kit. Note in this case that since the syringe body  1202  expects to receive elongated air/water tubes from the removed tip, they are provided at  1204 ,  1206  extending from internal component  1208 . Threaded ferrule  1210  within retainer body  1200  receives the proximal end of the tip. 
         [0075]    The Cefla Anthos F3 syringe body  1300  from Luzzani and conversion kit of  FIG. 13  includes a stem component  1302  that guides air and water flows through angled channels to cavities around ferrule  1310 . The configuration produces a radial air flow at  1312 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 14  is a cross section of a Cefla F6 Anthos syringe body and a conversion kit. The handpiece and screw-in insert are depicted at  1402 . A separate component  1404  threads into the retainer body  1400  which, in turn, provides threads to receive ferrule  1410 . Component  1406  provides a stem  1406  expected by the handpiece. As with the Cefla Anthos F3, a radial air flow is produced at  1412  prior to entry into the disposable tip. 
         [0077]    The Chirana syringe body and conversion kit of  FIG. 15  provides an anticipated threaded connection at  1504  with no prominent protrusions as with the tip being replaced. The radial air flow at  1512  in this case is guided to ferrule  1510  through stem component  1506  which threads into retainer  1500 . Ferrule  1510  in turn threads into the stem component  1506  as shown. 
         [0078]    The Faro SM03 syringe of  FIG. 16  qualifies as having a stem ( 1604 ) on the syringe body  1602 . The OEM O-rings in this case are left on the stem  1604 . Air is delivered through threaded insert  1606  to ferrule  1610 . Ferrule  1610  threads into insert  1606  which threads into the retainer body  1600 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 17  is a cross section of a Faro SYR syringe body and a conversion kit. Retainer body  1700  makes a threaded connection to the syringe body  1702  at  1704 . Ferrule  1710  screws into insert  1706  which threads into the retainer body  1700 . The ferrule in this case includes three air slots to ensure compatibility with the design. 
         [0080]      FIG. 18  is a cross section of a Kayo 1056 syringe body and a conversion kit. Ferrule  1810  is threaded into the retainer body  1800  as shown. A stem component  1706 , threaded over the ferrule includes a proximal cavity  1808  to receive a stem  1804  on the hand piece  1802 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 19  is a cross section of a Kayo 1056S syringe body and a conversion kit which is quite simple, requiring only retainer body  1900  and ferrule  1910 . The retainer is threaded onto the syringe handpiece  1902  such that a radial air flow is produced at  1912 . 
         [0082]    The Kayo 6F syringe body  2002  of  FIG. 20  also includes a stem  2004  received by the conversion kit. A component  2006 , threaded within retainer body  2000  receives the stem  2004 . An OEM retaining ring  2008  is kept for use with the conversion kit. Ferrule  2010  is threaded into the retainer  200  prior to installation of component  2006  which also produces a radial air flow at  2012 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 21  is a cross section of a Kayo Systematica (with light) syringe system and the conversion kit for that unit. A component  2104 , threaded into the retainer body  2100 , includes a cavity  2106  to receive a stem on the syringe. The kit in this case includes a nylon plug  2108  to produce a radial air flow at  2112  and into ferrule  2110 . In this case, a radial water flow is also produced at  2114 . 
         [0084]    The conversion kit for the Kayo Systematica (without light) syringe of  FIG. 22  is similar to the lighted version depicted in  FIG. 21 . Ferrule  2210  screws into the retainer body  2200 , followed by component  2204  including a cavity  2206  to receive a stem  2208  protruding from the syringe system. A radial air flow is produced at  2212  but without a radial water flow. 
         [0085]      FIG. 23  illustrates a conversion kit applicable to the Kayo K4 syringe. Note that in this and other embodiments of the invention, not all of the OEM O-rings provided on the stem  2308  of the syringe  2302  are replaced once removed to receive the conversion components. Ferrule  2310  screws into the retainer body  2300 , followed by component  2304  including stepped cavities to receive the stepped stem protruding from the syringe system. A radial air flow is produced at  2312 . 
         [0086]    The Kayo Esthetica syringe body shown in  FIG. 24  includes an elongated stem on the syringe body  2402 , with air flowing out the side of the stem and into component  2404  which threads into retainer  2400 . Component  2404  and ferrule  2410  cooperate to guide air and water to their respective destinations into the tip as shown. The system includes an OEM plug  2406  which is retained in the design. 
         [0087]    The Sirona 4000 system, shown in  FIG. 25 , includes a cavity  2504  to receive a stem component  2508  which is threaded into retainer body  2500 . Ferrule  2510  threads into component  2508 . An OEM spring clip  2506  is retained in the design. A radial air flow is produced at  2512 . 
         [0088]    The Sirona C8 system of  FIG. 26  is somewhat similar to the 4000 system of  FIG. 25 , with one exception being that both air and water are brought in through the sides of stem component  2604 . In addition a slightly modified ferrule  2610  is used in this design. The ferrule  2610  is threaded into stem component  2604  which, in turn, is threaded into retainer body  2600 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 27  is a cross section of a Ritter Topjet syringe body  2702  and a conversion kit. Ferrule  2704  threads into a stem component  2704  which threads into retainer body  2700 . A radial air flow is produced at  2712 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 28  relates to the Luzzani Mini Assistant syringe. The OEM receiver body less the handpiece is shown at  2802 . The conversion kit in this case is also quite simple, requiring only ferrule  2810  threaded into retainer body  2800 . The retainer body screws onto the syringe body  2802 . A radial air flow is seen at  2812 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 29  is directed to the Luzzani Mini Mate system, with the OEM receiver indicated at  2902 . Two views are shown to provide a complete picture. The upper drawing is rotated 90 degrees from the lower drawing. Air is brought in through a central passage  2920 , while water is brought in through opposing side ports  2922 . As shown in the upper drawing, water is channeled to a central region in insert  2904  which is threaded into retainer body  2900 . As shown in the lower drawing, air is routed through diagonal channels and into ferrule  2910 . The ferrule screws into the insert  2904  which is received by threads in the retainer body  2900 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 30  is directed to the Luzzani Mini Light syringe body with associated conversion kit. The OEM receiver is indicated at  3002 . Two views are again shown to provide a complete picture. The upper drawing is rotated 90 degrees from the lower drawing. Air is brought in through a central passage  3020 , while water is brought in through opposing side ports  3022 . As shown in the upper drawing, water is channeled to a central region in insert  3004  which is threaded into retainer body  3000 . As shown in the lower drawing, air is routed through diagonal channels and into ferrule  3010 . The ferrule screws into the insert  3004  which is received by threads in the retainer body  3000 . 
         [0093]    The Luzzani Mini Light is very similar to the Mini Mate except that the Mini Light includes a light source. In this case, at least a portion of the disposable tip may be constructed from a plastic such as Lucite which acts as a light pipe to conduct the illumination from the distal tip of the optical fiber to the distal end of the tip. As an alternative way to retain the illumination feature, the adapter subassembly may include along its length an optical fiber or solid light to conduct the illumination from the distal tip of the optical fiber to a light-emitting port disposed on the side of the adapter unit. 
         [0094]      FIG. 31  is a cross section of a Luzzani Mini Brite syringe body and conversion kit which includes a component  3110  an elongated stem that extends deep into the syringe body  3102 . The retainer body is shown at  3100 , which mounts to the OEM receiver body with jam nut  3112 . Note that the component  3110  amounts to an elongated ferrule in this case. 
         [0095]      FIG. 32  depicts a conversion kit for the Morita WS66 syringe body  3202 . Ferrule  3210  threads into a stem component  3206  which threads into retainer body  3200 . A radial air flow is seen at  3212 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 33  depicts a conversion kit for the Morita WS97 syringe body  3302 . A modified ferrule  3310  with three slots threads into a stem component  3306  which threads into retainer body  3300 . Air comes in between a set of O-rings, through component  3306  and into ferrule  3310 . Water comes up directly through the center of the assembly. 
         [0097]      FIG. 34  depicts a conversion kit for the Morita WS97 syringe. The OEM arbor-less handpiece is shown at  3410 . Ferrule  3410  threads into stem component  3406  which threads into retainer body  3400 . Radial air flows  3412  are produced in two regions, as shown. 
         [0098]      FIG. 35  illustrates a Takara Belmont syringe body  3502  and associated conversion kit. Ferrule  3510  threads into the retainer body  3500  which screws onto the OEM receiver. Component  3506  is trapped between the retainer and syringe bodies when the assembly is tightened. A radial air flow is produced at  3512 .