US4048723A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dental explorer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-09-15
•
Granted: 1977-09-20
•
Expires: 1995-09-15
Abstract
Abstract A dental explorer comprising a handle with a generally tapered explorer portion which terminates in a point has been provided with a passage extending through the handle and through and/or alongside the explorer portion so that it terminates spaced from and generally directed against the point of the explorer portion. The other end of the passage is connected to a source of pressurized air through a light and flexible connection. In the passage or the connection is provided at least one valve which may be operated by the dentist for selectively admitting air therethrough. The explorer portion comprising the point may be detachably secured to the handle so as to allow it to be replaced by another similar or different explorer portion.
Inventors
- 👤 Palle Thorup
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:11
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C19/00; A61C19/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
252 words
In a dental explorer assembly for use in dentistry, the explorer including a handle or butt portion and a generally tapered explorer portion terminating in a point which is to be brought into contact with surfaces of teeth of a patient, the improvement comprising a passage having a first orifice and a second orifice, said passage extending at least partially through said handle or butt portion with said first orifice spaced from and directed toward said point for directing a stream of compressed air onto surface of a tooth adjacent said point to blow away chips and maintain this surface dry; a compressed-air source; a light and flexible connection connected between said second orifice of said passage and said compressed air source for feeding compressed air to said passage; at least one valve arranged in said handle or butt portion between said compressed-air source and said first orifice for selectively allowing compressed air to flow through said passage under control of one using the assembly, said valve including a valve seat arranged in axial symmetry in said handle or butt portion and having (1) an axial bore and generally concave seat surface and (2) a valve body in axial position when said valve is closed and having a convex valve surface whose convexity is greater than concavity of said seat surface of said valve seat; means for resiliently urging said valve surface against said seat surface; and finger-operable means for causing displacement of said valve body away from its axial closed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
252 words
In a dental explorer assembly for use in dentistry, the explorer including a handle or butt portion and a generally tapered explorer portion terminating in a point which is to be brought into contact with surfaces of teeth of a patient, the improvement comprising a passage having a first orifice and a second orifice, said passage extending at least partially through said handle or butt portion with said first orifice spaced from and directed toward said point for directing a stream of compressed air onto surface of a tooth adjacent said point to blow away chips and maintain this surface dry; a compressed-air source; a light and flexible connection connected between said second orifice of said passage and said compressed air source for feeding compressed air to said passage; at least one valve arranged in said handle or butt portion between said compressed-air source and said first orifice for selectively allowing compressed air to flow through said passage under control of one using the assembly, said valve including a valve seat arranged in axial symmetry in said handle or butt portion and having (1) an axial bore and generally concave seat surface and (2) a valve body in axial position when said valve is closed and having a convex valve surface whose convexity is greater than concavity of said seat surface of said valve seat; means for resiliently urging said valve surface against said seat surface; and finger-operable means for causing displacement of said valve body away from its axial closed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one valve comprises a valve for selectively varying the volume of air passing through said passage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 1, wherein said explorer portion is removably attached to said handle or butt portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 3, including a plurality of removable and interchangeable explorer portions for selective attachment to said handle or butt portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 1, wherein a portion of said passage is provided within said explorer portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 1, wherein a portion of said passage proximate said first orifice is separate from said explorer portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 6, wherein said portion of said passage proximate said first orifice is adjustable in relation to said point of said explorer portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least said explorer portion is made from thermic sterilizable material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 1, wherein said explorer portion is configured in conventional manner, said point forming an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of said handle or butt portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
59 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 1, wherein said concave seat surface of said valve seat is a truncated cone face having an apex angle, wherein said valve body is a ball having a diameter less than that of said seat surface of said valve seat and several times greater than the diameter of said bore therein.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 1, wherein said apex angle is greater than 120°.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
An improved dental explorer assembly according to claim 1, wherein said valve body is a ball and said valve surface of said valve body is a ball segment face forming part of said ball.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-09-19 | 1981-03-21 | 1981-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-09-19 | 1985-03-21 | 1985-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-09-19 | 1989-03-21 | 1989-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |