Fluid supply unit for dental instruments

Claim 2

An auxiliary fluid supply unit for use in conjunction with a dental or medical instrument having a handpiece including an operative tip adapted for simultaneous activation and supplying of fluid through the handpiece as well as the tip, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. dispensing means for pumping fluid and adapted to be coupled to said instrument so that fluid is communicated to the handpiece, B. fluid reservoir means communicating with said dispensing means to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing procedures with the instrument, C. said dispensing means includes pumping means communicating with said reservoir means for pumping fluid under pressure to said instrument, D. remote control means electrically coupling said instrument to said dispensing means for simultaneously energizing the instrument and the auxiliary fluid pumping means and dispensing fluid from said reservoir means by said pumping means through the handpiece, and E. said control means including: (1) switching means electrically coupled to said instrument and said dispensing means for simultaneous energizing and control thereof, (2) remote means operatively connected to said switching means for simultaneously activating the instrument and permitting the flow of fluid therethrough, and (3) connecting means between said control means and said instrument for permitting the remote operation of the instrument by activation of said control means.

Claim 3

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 1, and further including venting means operatively associated with said control means and said dispensing means so as to obtain the removal of any entrapped gas therein prior to pumping fluid to the instrument.

Claim 4

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 1, and further including rinsing means operatively associated with said control means and said dispensing means to activate the instrument and said dispensing means to permit a pumping of fluid from said reservoir means for rinsing of the supply unit and the instrument.

Claim 5

An auxliary fluid supply unit as in claim 1, wherein the instrument is in the form of an ultrasonic dental prophylaxis unit with an ultrasonically vibratable tip.

Claim 6

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 1, wherein said pumping means is adapted to pump air into said reservoir means for pressurizing same.

Claim 7

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 5, wherein said reservoir means includes a container having a sealed closure at one end thereof and said pumping means includes a pair of elements for piercing said closure, one of said elements adapted for the flow of air into said container to pressurize same with the other of said elements adapted to carry the fluid from said container to the instrument.

Claim 8

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 1, wherein said dispensing means includes hydraulic system means including: a. a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to the instrument, and b. a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, such that the operator may activate either valve to vent the auxiliary fluid supply unit or pump fluid therefrom to the instrument.

Claim 9

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 7, wherein said pumping means includes a fluid pump having a chamber therein with spaced apart ports connected to the inlet ports of said first valve and said second valve respectively.

Claim 10

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 1, wherein the instrument is in the form of a dental drill unit having a drill bit forming the tip thereof.

Claim 11

An auxiliary fluid supply unit for use in conjunction with a dental instrument having a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity and simultaneously supplying fluid through the handpiece, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid dispensing means, B. fluid reservoir means communicating with said dispensing means to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting said fluid dispensing means to the dental instrument so that fluid from said fluid dispensing means is communicated to the dental handpiece, D. said dispensing means includes pumping means communicating with said reservoir means for pumping fluid under pressure through said coupling means to the dental instrument, E. remote control means electrically connecting the dental instrument with the fluid dispensing means for simultaneously energizing the dental instrument and the auxiliary fluid supply unit such that fluid from said reservoir means is dispensed through the handpiece, F. said control means including: (1) first switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, and (2) second switch means operatively connected to said first switch means such that activation of said second switch means simultaneously remotely activates the dental instrument to operate the tip thereof and permit the flow of the fluid from said reservoir means therethrough, and G. venting means operatively associated with said control means and said dispensing means so as to obtain a flow of atmospheric air as required.

Claim 12

An auxiliary fluid supply unit for use in conjunction with a dental instrument having a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity and simultaneously supplying fluid through the handpiece, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid dispensing means, B. fluid reservoir means communicating with said dispensing means to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting said fluid dispensing means to the dental instrument so that fluid from said fluid dispensing means is communicated to the dental handpiece, D. said dispensing means includes pumping means communicating with said reservoir means for pumping fluid under pressure through said coupling means to the dental instrument, E. remote control means electrically connecting the dental instrument with the fluid dispensing means for simultaneously energizing the dental instrument and the auxiliary fluid supply unit such that fluid from said reservoir means is dispensed through the handpiece, F. said control means including: (1) first switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, and (2) second switch means operatively connected to said first switch means such that activation of said second switch means simultaneously remotely activates the dental instrument to operate the tip thereof and permit the flow of the fluid from said reservoir means therethrough, and G. venting means operatively associated with said control means and said dispensing means so as to obtain a flow of atmospheric air as required.

Claim 13

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 10, wherein the dental instrument is in the form of an ultrasonic prophylaxis unit with the tip to be ultrasonically vibrated upon energizing of the dental instrument.

Claim 14

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 10, and further including rinsing means operatively associated with said control means and said dispensing means to activate the dental instrument and said dispensing means to permit a pumping of fluid from said reservoir means for rinsing of the supply unit and the dental instrument.

Claim 15

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 10, wherein the dental instrument is in the form of a dental drill with the drill bit forming the tip thereof.

Claim 16

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 10, wherein said pumping means is adapted to pump air into said reservoir means for pressurizing same.

Claim 17

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 14, wherein said reservoir means includes a container having a sealed closure at one end thereof and said pumping means includes a pair of elements for piercing said closure, one of said elements adapted for the flow of air ito said container to pressurize same with the other of said elements adapted to carry the fluid from said container to said coupling means.

Claim 18

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 10, wherein said fluid dispensing means includes a hydraulic system means including: a. a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to said coupling means, and b. a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, such that the operator may activate either valve to vent the auxiliary fluid supply unit or pump fluid therefrom to the dental instrument.

Claim 19

An auxiliary fluid supply unit for use in conjunction with a dental instrument having a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity and simultaneously supplying fluid through the handpiece, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid dispensing means, B. fluid reservoir means communicating with said dispensing means to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting said fluid dispensing means to the dental instrument so that fluid from said fluid dispensing means is communicated to the dental handpiece, D. remote control means electrically connecting the dental instrument with the fluid dispensing means for simultaneously energizing the dental instrument and the auxiliary fluid supply unit such that fluid from said reservoir means is dispensed through the handpiece upon activation of the dental instrument, E. said dispensing means including pumping means communicating with said reservoir means for pumping fluid under pressure through said coupling means to the dental instrument, F. said fluid dispensing means including a hydraulic system means including: (1) a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to said coupling means, and (2) a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, (3) switching means to enable the operator to activate either said first or said second valve to vent the auxiliary fluid supply unit or to pump fluid therefrom to the dental instruments, and G. said switching means including a means for providing a first normally open electrical signal path and a means for selectively providing an additional one of two electrical signal paths.

Claim 20

An auxiliary fluid supply unit for use in conjunction with a dental instrument having a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity and simultaneously supplying fluid through the handpiece, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid dispensing means, B. fluid reservoir means communicating with said dispensing means to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting said fluid dispensing means to the dental instrument so that fluid from said fluid dispensing means is communicated to the dental handpiece, D. remote control means electrically connecting the dental instrument with the fluid dispensing means for simultaneously energizing the dental instrument and the auxiliary fluid supply unit such that fluid from said reservoir means is dispensed through the handpiece upon activation of the dental instrument, E. said dispensing means including pumping means communicating with said reservoir means for pumping fluid under pressure through said coupling means to the dental instrument, F. said fluid dispensing means including a hydraulic system means including: (1) a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to said coupling means, and (2) a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, (3) switching means to enable the operator to activate either said first or said second valve to vent the auxiliary fluid supply unit or to pump fluid therefrom to the dental instruments, and G. said switching means including a means for providing a first normally open electrical signal path and a means for selectively providing an additional one of two electrical signal paths.

Claim 21

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 17, wherein said pumping means includes a fluid pump having a chamber therein with spaced apart ports connected to the inlet ports of said first valve and said second valve respectively.

Claim 22

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 17, wherein said fluid coupling means includes a conduit member adapted to be removably secured to the dental instrument.

Claim 23

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 19, wherein said conduit member is also adapted to be removably secured to the auxiliary fluid supply unit.

Claim 24

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 17, wherein said control means includes: a. first switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, and b. second switch means operatively connected to said first switch means such that activation of said second switch means simultaneously remotely activates the dental instrument to permit the flow of the fluid from said reservoir means therethrough.

Claim 25

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 21, wherein said second switch means includes a footswitch for activating said first switch means.

Claim 26

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 21, and further including rinsing switch means coupled to said first switch means for activating said first means.

Claim 27

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 21, and further including energizing means coupled to said first switch means for powering the fluid supply unit.

Claim 28

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 17, and further including external fluid supply means operatively associated with said fluid coupling means and said remote control means so as to provide the user with the option to select fluid from said reservoir means or an external source.

Claim 29

An auxiliary fluid supply unit for use in conjunction with a dental instrument having a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity and simultaneously supplying fluid through the handpiece, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid dispensing means including pumping means, B. fluid reservoir means adapted to be readily engaged and interchangeable with said fluid dispensing means and communicating with said pumping means to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, said pumping means is adapted to pump air into said reservoir means for pressurizing same, said reservoir means includes a container having a sealed closure at one end thereof and said pumping means includes a pair of elements for piercing said closure, one of said elements adapted for the flow of air into said container to pressurize same with the other of said elements adapted to carry the fluid from said container, C. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting said fluid carrying element from said container to the dental instrument so that fluid from said fluid dispensing means is communicated to the dental handpiece, D. remote control means for electrically connecting the dental instrument with the fluid dispensing means for operation of the dental instrument and the auxiliary fluid supply unit in order to dispense fluid through the handpiece, E. said control means including: (1) first switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, (2) second switch means operatively connected to said first switch means such that activation of said second switch means simultaneously remotely activates the dental instrument and permits the flow of the fluid from said reservoir means therethrough, and (3) said second switch means including a footswitch for activating said first switch means.

Claim 30

An auxiliary fluid supply unit for use in conjunction with a dental instrument having a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity and simultaneously supplying fluid through the handpiece, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid dispensing means including pumping means, B. fluid reservoir means adapted to be readily engaged and interchangeable with said fluid dispensing means and communicating with said pumping means to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, said pumping means is adapted to pump air into said reservoir means for pressurizing same, said reservoir means includes a container having a sealed closure at one end thereof and said pumping means includes a pair of elements for piercing said closure, one of said elements adapted for the flow of air into said container to pressurize same with the other of said elements adapted to carry the fluid from said container, C. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting said fluid carrying element from said container to the dental instrument so that fluid from said fluid dispensing means is communicated to the dental handpiece, D. remote control means for electrically connecting the dental instrument with the fluid dispensing means for operation of the dental instrument and the auxiliary fluid supply unit in order to dispense fluid through the handpiece, E. said control means including: (1) first switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, (2) second switch means operatively connected to said first switch means such that activation of said second switch means simultaneously remotely activates the dental instrument and permits the flow of the fluid from said reservoir means therethrough, and (3) said second switch means including a footswitch for activating said first switch means.

Claim 31

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 26, wherein the dental instrument is an ultrasonic prophylaxis unit with the tip to be ultrasonically vibrated upon energizing of the dental instrument.

Claim 32

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 27, wherein the dental instrument is in the form of a dental drill with the drill bit forming the tip thereof.

Claim 33

A fluid supply unit to remotely activate and control the flow of fluid within a dental instrument comprised of a power supply with fluid control valve and a handpiece with a tip to be inserted within the oral cavity for simultaneously supplying fluid and power from the power supply to the handpiece for operating the tip and providing fluid adjacent the work site, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting the fluid supply unit to the dental instrument so that fluid is communicated through the fluid control valve to the dental handpiece, said fluid coupling means including a conduit member adapted to be removably secured to the dental instrument, B. fluid reservoir means adapted to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid dispensing means operatively associated with said coupling means and said reservoir means, said fluid dispensing means including: (1) pumping means communicating with said fluid reservoir means for pumping fluid from said reservoir means, and (2) hydraulic system means including: (i) a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to said coupling means, and (ii) a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, such that the operator may sequentially activate either of said valves to first vent the fluid supply unit and then pump fluid therefrom to the dental instrument, D. control means for electrically connecting the dental instrument to the fluid dispensing means so as to remotely operate the dental instrument and the fluid supply unit, said control means including: (1) first switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said first and second valves of said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, and (2) second switch means operatively connected to said first switch means such that activation of said second switch means simultaneously remotely activates the dental instrument to obtain power from the power supply to operate the tip extending from the handpiece and opens the fluid control valve to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough. E. said pumping means including a fluid pump having a chamber therein with spaced apart ports connected to the input ports of said first valve and said second valve respectively, and F. energizing means coupled to said first switch means for powering the fluid supply unit independently of the dental instrument.

Claim 34

A fluid supply unit to remotely activate and control the flow of fluid within a dental instrument comprised of a power supply with fluid control valve and a handpiece with a tip to be inserted within the oral cavity for simultaneously supplying fluid and power from the power supply to the handpiece for operating the tip and providing fluid adjacent the work site, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting the fluid supply unit to the dental instrument so that fluid is communicated through the fluid control valve to the dental handpiece, said fluid coupling means including a conduit member adapted to be removably secured to the dental instrument, B. fluid reservoir means adapted to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid dispensing means operatively associated with said coupling means and said reservoir means, said fluid dispensing means including: (1) pumping means communicating with said fluid reservoir means for pumping fluid from said reservoir means, and (2) hydraulic system means including: (i) a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to said coupling means, and (ii) a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, such that the operator may sequentially activate either of said valves to first vent the fluid supply unit and then pump fluid therefrom to the dental instrument, D. control means for electrically connecting the dental instrument to the fluid dispensing means so as to remotely operate the dental instrument and the fluid supply unit, said control means including: (1) first switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said first and second valves of said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, and (2) second switch means operatively connected to said first switch means such that activation of said second switch means simultaneously remotely activates the dental instrument to obtain power from the power supply to operate the tip extending from the handpiece and opens the fluid control valve to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough. E. said pumping means including a fluid pump having a chamber therein with spaced apart ports connected to the input ports of said first valve and said second valve respectively, and F. energizing means coupled to said first switch means for powering the fluid supply unit independently of the dental instrument.

Claim 35

A fluid supply unit as in claim 29, and further including rinsing switch means operatively associated with said first switch means of said control means to simultaneously activate the dental instrument and said fluid dispensing means to permit a rinsing of the supply unit and the dental instrument.

Claim 36

A fluid supply unit as in claim 29, wherein the dental instrument is an ultrasonic prophylaxis unit adapted to vibrate the tip.

Claim 37

A fluid supply unit as in claim 29, wherein the dental instrument is in the form of a dental drill.

Claim 38

A fluid supply unit as in claim 29, wherein said fluid coupling means includes a conduit member adapted to be removably secured to the fluid supply unit.

Claim 39

A fluid supply unit as in claim 29, wherein said second switch means includes a footswitch for activating said first switch means.

Claim 40

A fluid supply unit to remotely activate and control the flow of fluid within a dental instrument comprised of a power supply with fluid control valve and a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity for simultaneously supplying fluid and power from the power supply to the handpiece for operating the tip and providing fluid adjacent the work site, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting the fluid supply unit to the dental instrument so that fluid is communicated through the fluid control valve to the dental handpiece, B. fluid reservoir means adapted to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid dispensing means operatively associated with said coupling means and said reservoir means, said fluid dispensing means including: (1) pumping means communicating with said fluid reservoir means for pumping fluid from said reservoir means, and (2) hydraulic system means including: (i) a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to said coupling means, and (ii) a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, such that the operator may sequentially activte either of said valves first to vent the fluid supply unit and then to pump fluid therefrom to the dental instrument, and D. control means for electrically connecting the dental instrument to the fluid dispensing means for remote operation of the dental instrument and the fluid supply unit, said control means including: (1) first switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said first and second valves of said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, (2) second switch means operatively connected to said first switch means such that activation of said second switch means remotely activates the dental instrument to obtain power from the power supply to operate the handpiece and simultaneously opens the fluid control valvue to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough, and (3`) said first switch means including a means for providing a first normally open electrical signal path and a means for selectively prividing an additional one of two electrical signal paths.

Claim 41

A fluid supply unit to remotely activate and control the flow of fluid within a dental instrument comprised of a power supply with fluid control valve and a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity for simultaneously supplying fluid and power from the power supply to the handpiece for operating the tip and providing fluid adjacent the work site, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting the fluid supply unit to the dental instrument so that fluid is communicated through the fluid control valve to the dental handpiece, B. fluid reservoir means adapted to permit the utilization of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid dispensing means operatively associated with said coupling means and said reservoir means, said fluid dispensing means including: (1) pumping means communicating with said fluid reservoir means for pumping fluid from said reservoir means, and (2) hydraulic system means including: (i) a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to said coupling means, and (ii) a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, such that the operator may sequentially activte either of said valves first to vent the fluid supply unit and then to pump fluid therefrom to the dental instrument, and D. control means for electrically connecting the dental instrument to the fluid dispensing means for remote operation of the dental instrument and the fluid supply unit, said control means including: (1) first switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said first and second valves of said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, (2) second switch means operatively connected to said first switch means such that activation of said second switch means remotely activates the dental instrument to obtain power from the power supply to operate the handpiece and simultaneously opens the fluid control valvue to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough, and (3`) said first switch means including a means for providing a first normally open electrical signal path and a means for selectively prividing an additional one of two electrical signal paths.

Claim 42

A fluid supply unit as in claim 35, and further including external fluid supply means operatively associated with said fluid coupling means and said control means so as to provide the user with the option to select fluid from said reservoir means or said external source.

Claim 43

A fluid supply unit as in claim 35, and further including housing means with said fluid coupling means, said fluid reservoir means, said fluid dispensing means and said control means mounted in operative relationship thereto.

Claim 44

A fluid supply unit for remote activation and control of the flow of fluid within a dental instrument comprised of a power supply with fluid control valve and a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity for simultaneously supplying fluid and power from the power supply to the handpiece for operating the tip and providing fluid adjacent the work site, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. housing means, B. fluid reservoir means adapted to be removably mounted relative to said housing means to permit employment of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting said fluid reservoir means to the dental instrument so that fluid is dispensed to the dental handpiece, D. fluid dispensing means mounted within said housing means and operatively associated with said reservoir means and said coupling means, said dispensing means including: (1) pumping means, and (2) hydraulic system means including: (i) a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to said fluid coupling means, and (ii) a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, such that the operator may activate either valve to vent the auxiliary fluid supply unit or pump fluid therefrom to the dental instrument, and E. control means mounted within said housing means and controllable exteriorally therefrom for electrically connecting the dental instrument with the fluid dispensing means for remote operation of the dental instrument and the auxiliary fluid supply unit, said control means including: (1) switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, and (2) footswitch means operatively connected to said switch means from said housing means, such that activation of said footswitch means simultaneously activates the dental instrument to obtain power from the power supply for operating the handpiece, opens said first valve, and activates said pumping means to permit the flow of the fluid from said reservoir means therethrough, (3) rinsing switch means coupled to said switch means and mounted on said housing for manual engagement by the operator to open said first valve, and activate said pumping means so as to flush the dental instrument and (4) prime switch means coupled to said switch means and mounted on said housing means for manual engagement by the operator to open said second valve and simultaneously activate said pumping means until any air entrapped therein is first dispensed.

Claim 45

A fluid supply unit for remote activation and control of the flow of fluid within a dental instrument comprised of a power supply with fluid control valve and a handpiece with a tip adapted to be inserted within the oral cavity for simultaneously supplying fluid and power from the power supply to the handpiece for operating the tip and providing fluid adjacent the work site, said fluid supply unit comprising: A. housing means, B. fluid reservoir means adapted to be removably mounted relative to said housing means to permit employment of a variety of fluids for performing oral hygienic procedures with the dental instrument, C. fluid coupling means adapted for connecting said fluid reservoir means to the dental instrument so that fluid is dispensed to the dental handpiece, D. fluid dispensing means mounted within said housing means and operatively associated with said reservoir means and said coupling means, said dispensing means including: (1) pumping means, and (2) hydraulic system means including: (i) a first valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port connected to said fluid coupling means, and (ii) a second valve having inlet and outlet ports, said inlet port connected to said pumping means and said outlet port vented to the atmosphere, such that the operator may activate either valve to vent the auxiliary fluid supply unit or pump fluid therefrom to the dental instrument, and E. control means mounted within said housing means and controllable exteriorally therefrom for electrically connecting the dental instrument with the fluid dispensing means for remote operation of the dental instrument and the auxiliary fluid supply unit, said control means including: (1) switch means electrically connected to the dental instrument and said fluid dispensing means and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, and (2) footswitch means operatively connected to said switch means from said housing means, such that activation of said footswitch means simultaneously activates the dental instrument to obtain power from the power supply for operating the handpiece, opens said first valve, and activates said pumping means to permit the flow of the fluid from said reservoir means therethrough, (3) rinsing switch means coupled to said switch means and mounted on said housing for manual engagement by the operator to open said first valve, and activate said pumping means so as to flush the dental instrument and (4) prime switch means coupled to said switch means and mounted on said housing means for manual engagement by the operator to open said second valve and simultaneously activate said pumping means until any air entrapped therein is first dispensed.

Claim 46

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 38, and further including energizing means coupled to said switch means and mounted on said housing means for manual engagement by the operator for powering the fluid supply unit.

Claim 47

An auxiliary fluid supply unit as in claim 38, wherein said switch means includes a relay having a normally open circuit means and a single pole two position circuit means.

Claim 48

A fluid supply unit as in claim 38, wherein said pumping means includes a fluid pump having a chamber therein with spaced apart ports connected to the inlet ports of said first valve and said second valve respectively.

Claim 49

A fluid supply unit as in claim 38, wherein said fluid coupling means further includes a conduit member adapted to be removably secured to the dental instrument.

Claim 50

A fluid supply unit as in claim 42, wherein said conduit member is also adapted to be removably secured to the fluid supply unit.

Claim 51

An auxiliary supply unit as in claim 1 wherein said fluid supply unit is a liquid supply unit and said fluid is a liquid.

Claim 52

An auxiliary supply unit as in claim 1 further comprising valve means intervening between said reservoir means and said handpiece and wherein said valve means is activated simultaneously with said instrument and said dispensing means.

Claim 53

An auxiliary supply unit as in claim 1 for use in conjunction with a dental or medical instrument which has instrument valve means, further comprising pump valve means and wherein said instrument valve means and said pump valve means are activated simultaneously with activation of said instrument.