Patent ID: 7726699

Claim:
A connecting apparatus for use between a base and a treatment unit of a dental instrument assembly, the treatment unit having lines for supplying water, air or electricity, the connecting apparatus comprising: a translatable portion a first part having connector ports suitable for connection to the lines of the treatment unit; and a second part having connector ports thereof, said second part being suitable for coupling to said first part, said second part having an opening through which said translatable pin is movable, said translatable pin having a first end fixed to a cable, said translatable pin having an outer flanged member and an inner flanged member at a second end thereof, said outer flanged member being in spaced parallel relation to said inner flanged member, said second part having a surface facing said first part, said translatable pin having a spring interposed between said inner flanged member and said surface of said second part so as to support said translatable pin in position relative to said second part, said cable suitable for moving said translatable pin through said opening against a force of said spring, said first part having a first opening of a diameter greater than a diameter of said outer flanged member, said first part having a key slot radially opening to said first opening, said key slot having a diameter that is less than said diameter of said outer flanged member and larger than a diameter of said translatable pin, said key slot suitable for receiving said translatable pin therein an area between said outer flanged member and said inner flanged member so as to lean against said outer flanged member, said cable suitable for pulling on said translatable pin so as to draw said first part toward said second part such that said connector ports of said first part are coupled to said connector ports of said second part.