Method and apparatus for delivery of highly filled, thixotropic sealant to teeth
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for delivery of highly filled, thixotropic resin sealant to tooth surfaces. The apparatus includes a dispenser for holding a quantity of the sealant material and a delivery tip having adjustable bristles at one end. The bristles are slidably secured in a spiral passageway formed by a helical ridge inside the delivery tip, thereby allowing the sealant material to be continuously applied without the need to stop the procedure and rewet the applicator. The applicator permits accurate control of the amount of sealant material applied to the surface. In this way, the surface receives neither an excessive nor an insufficient amount of the sealant material. Moreover, the bristles may be pushed in to permit the sealant material to be applied to a small, irregular surface, such as pits and fissures, or pulled out to permit the bristles to fan out for application to broad surface areas. Delivery of highly filled, relatively viscous, thixotropic sealant materials is made possible by providing the spiral passageway around the bristles so that the coating material does not have to flow through the bristles, and due to sheer thinning caused by forcing the thixotropic material through the spiral passageway.
Inventors
- 👤 Dan E. Fischer
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-09-20 | 1997-03-22 | 1997-09-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-09-20 | 2001-03-22 | 2001-09-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-09-20 | 2005-03-22 | 2005-09-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |