Patent ID: 7306460

Claim:
An assembly for collection and removal of solids, amalgam and particulate matter from a dental operatory air stream created by a vacuum means comprising: a first separation chamber positioned between a vacuum means and said dental operatory, said first separation having an inlet means for the introduction of air, effluent, solids, amalgam and particulate matter from said dental operatory, a first outlet means in communication with said vacuum source for the exhaust of said air, said first outlet means closed or opened by a float valve within said separation chamber; a second outlet means and valve means from said first separation chamber in communication with a second chamber for the exhaust of effluent, solids, amalgam and particulate matter to said second chamber for the separation of effluent from solids, amalgam and particulate matter and collection of solids, amalgam and particulate matter by gravitational sedimentation in the said second chamber, an outlet means from said second chamber for said fluid discharge to a sewer, said second chamber removably replaceable allowing for the recycling and recovery of solids, amalgam and particulate matter collected therein; an orifice plate in said outlet means of said second chamber retarding the flow of effluent to establish a residence time in said second chamber for the gravitational sedimentation of said solids, amalgam and particulate matter.