WO1998044861A1

WO1998044861A1 - Multipurpose dental unit

Info

Publication number: WO1998044861A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/007146
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ben J. Gallant
Original assignee: American Dental Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 1997-04-08
Filing date: 1998-04-08
Publication date: 1998-10-15
Also published as: AU6895898A

Abstract

A multipurpose dental unit (40) is disclosed which provides a plurality of dental power tools (11-17) and the means to operate the tools in one self-contained and relatively compact housing. The dental power tools provided include pneumatic drills, a dental laser, an air abrasive system, a laryngoscope, and a plasma arc curing light among others. Individual handpieces associated with each power tool are removably mounted on the housing in a non-operative position. Removal of any handpiece is detected through a respective sensor associated with each handpiece. The sensor signals a microprocessor based control system that a particular handpiece is being used. The microprocessor issues commands which temporarily disable incompatible power tools on the unit, activates the operating means for the particular tool being used, and links the particular tool to a common manual or pedal control interface.

Description

MULTIPURPOSE DENTAL UNIT

Related Applications

This application is based on and claims the benefit of prior filed co-pending provisional application Serial No. 60/042,806, filed April 8, 1997.

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to dental equipment and more particularly to multipurpose dental units adapted to provide dentists with quick, ready and safe access to a multitude of powered dental tools.

Background of the Invention

The tools used by dentists and dental hygienists in the care and treatment of teeth and gums fall into two general classifications: hand tools and power tools. While hand tools remain important in modern dental practice, power tools of numerous types have become increasingly important. As used herein, the term "power tool" refers to those instruments used by dentists and/or hygienists which rely upon an external source of energy, that is, energy provided by other than the manipulation of the dentist's hand.

Although the proliferation of power tools in the dentist's office has contributed significantly to improvement in dental techniques over the years, it has also created difficulties in the effective and efficient operation of a dentist's office. For example, the power tools currently used by dentists are diverse not only in the source of power required, but also in the size and shape of the unit being used. As a result, it is not uncommon to have a cluttered, confusing array of diverse dental equipment surrounding the dentist and/or hygienist during the course of the patient treatment. Moving such diverse equipment into and out of operative placement with respect to the patient being treated is not only inefficient for the dentist, it can be highly intimidating to the patient being treated.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a dental apparatus which generally comprises a housing containing all or substantially all of the components necessary to operate a plurality of dental handpieces. The housing further preferably contains a handpiece mounting panel for removably holding the handpieces provided with the device. According to important aspects of preferred embodiments of the invention, the device includes means for monitoring the intention of the dentist, hygienist and/or dental technician with respect to the use of the dental apparatus and means for controlling the operation or not of each handpiece depending upon the input, at least in part, from said monitoring means. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front and side of a dental apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a full frontal perspective view of the dental apparatus illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a transparent, front elevation showing schematically the internal components of the dental apparatus in accordance with Figure 1; Figure 4 is a transparent side elevation showing in semi-schematic form internal components of the dental apparatus illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a transparent plan view showing in semi-schematic form the internal components of the dental apparatus illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is an illustration of a control panel display in accordance with one embodiment of a dental apparatus of the present invention; and

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the dental apparatus of Figure 1 depicting a monitoring and control system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments With reference to Figures 1-6, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a single housing, designated generally as 10, which contains and/or carries substantially all of the components necessary to operate a plurality of dental handpieces 11-17. As used herein, the term dental handpiece refers to the operative portion of a dental power tool which is adapted for use inside and/or in juxtaposition to the patient's mouth. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing is provided with a set of wheels 20a-20d which facilitate movement of the present apparatus for optimizing the position of the unit with respect to a particular patient being treated and/or for transport of the unit from one patient location to another patient location. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that in other embodiments, wheels 20a-20d need not be provided, in which case the unit may be free- standing or, in the alternative, mounted to a fixture which, itself, could be free-standing or moveable. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that dental apparatus having compact size is highly desirable from many points of view. For example, a small unit occupies a smaller amount of space in the dental environment and is also more portable and therefore more flexible than a unit of larger size. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing 10 of the present dental apparatus unit is preferably from about 10 to about 15 inches wide, from about 20 to about 30 inches long, from about 25 to about 45 inches high and from about 15 to about 20 inches in depth. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that wide variations in these dimensions may be utilized and that all such dimensions are within the scope of the present invention.

As best illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 6, the housing includes a support arm 30 extending upwardly and forwardly from the top portion thereof and a control panel 35 attached to the support arm.

The dental apparatus of the present invention also preferably includes a handpiece mounting panel 40 for removably holding the handpieces provided with the device. Thus, the dental device of the present invention includes means which is preferably attached to the housing 10 for removably retaining the handpiece in a fixed, non-operative position. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting panel comprises a wedge-shaped panel which extends from the front of the housing and is located below the control panel.

According to preferred embodiments, the dental apparatus also includes means (not shown) for connecting the apparatus to external sources of power and/or other materials. In the most preferred embodiment, the dental apparatus of the present invention is substantially self-contained and includes only means for connecting the apparatus to a source of electrical energy, preferably electrical power in the form of alternating current. In such preferred embodiments, water, bactericide and other materials which are required for operation of the dental apparatus are contained within the housing and may be replenished and/or replaced as needed by the dentist, dental hygienist or dental technician. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that in certain embodiments, external connections to sources of air, water and the like may be provided to the dental unit in accordance with the present invention. The number and type of power tools, and hence handpieces, which will be associated with any particular embodiment of the present dental apparatus may vary depending upon the desired application for any particular case. In preferred embodiments of the type illustrated in Figures 1-7, however, the dental device of the present invention includes an air and water syringe 11, a plasma arc curing light 12 and air/abrasive handpiece 13, a high-speed drill 14, a low-speed drill 15, illuminating laryngoscope 16 and a dental laser handpiece 17. Each of the handpieces is operatively associated by connection means lla-17a and lib with an operating means which each handpiece requires to perform its respective function.

Pneumatic tubing 11a connects air and water syringe handpiece 11 with the pneumatic unit 200, which is preferably a compressor for supplying compressed air to the syringe but could also be a compressed air bottle. Hose lib connects syringe handpiece 11 to a source of water, preferably a water reservoir 201 contained within housing 10. The water source could also be the water service provided in the dental operatory, however. Other reservoirs such as 202 are appended to hose lib and hold supplies of bactericides or fluoride solutions which can be dispensed from the syringe handpiece.

Plasma arc curing light handpiece 12 is connected to an electrical power supply 203 via electrical conductor 12a. Preferably power supply 203 is housed within housing 10.

Air/abrasive handpiece 13 is connected via pneumatic tubing 13a to pneumatic unit 200, which also has a reservoir 204 for holding abrasive powder for use with handpiece 13 and means, preferably comprising a mixing valve and powder conduit 204a, for entraining the abrasive powder in the compressed air stream to the handpiece 13.

Both the high and low speed drills 14 and 15 are connected to pneumatic unit 200 by respective pneumatic tubing 14a and 15a, compressed air from unit 200 operating the drill handpieces.

Laryngoscope 16 is connected via an electrical line 16a to another electrical power supply 205, also contained within housing 10. Preferably, laryngoscope 16 comprises a mirror capable of being inserted into the patient's mouth, an elongated mirror support member connected to the mirror, a light source and a light transmitting means for directing a beam of light from the light source onto the surface of the mirror. The light beam is arranged at an angle to the plane of the mirror and is offset from the central axis of the mirror. The mirror reflects the light beam onto a target within the patient's mouth, and light reflected from the target is reflected back to an observer via the mirror. A preferred laryngoscope of the type described above is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,090,506, herein incorporated by reference. Lastly dental laser handpiece 17 is connected to a laser diode 206 which generates the laser light which is conveyed to laser handpiece 17 via an optical fiber cable 17A. As with all of the associated operating means the laser diode 206 is preferably arranged within housing 10.

Power supply 205 is a general power supply and provides electrical power for all requirements of the invention and, thus, will have connections as required to the various associated operating means such as the laser diode 206, the pneumatic unit 200 and any other item requiring electrical power.

One important aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is the provision of means for safely controlling, monitoring and operating the plurality of power tools associated with the present apparatus.

Although those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous means are adaptable to perform these functions within the scope of the present invention, one preferred means for controlling and monitoring the plurality of power tools is illustrated schematically in Figure 7. According to the preferred embodiment, the control and monitoring means includes a sensor, which is preferably located in operative association with the mounting panel 40, for providing a signal indicative of the position of each handpiece. Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment having seven such sensors 51- 57 and the seven handpieces 11-17 described above. Each sensor 51-57 may comprise a switch, button or the like which is alternatively closed and opened as each handpiece is placed in and withdrawn from its particular receptacle in the mounting panel 40. Sensors 51-57 are operatively connected to means 70 via respective communication links 51a-57a. The sensors are preferably located within housing 10, for detecting removal of each handpiece from the mounting panel 40 and for ensuring that the operating means necessary for operation of the handpiece are in a ready state when the handpiece is removed from the mounting panel. Although those skilled in the art will appreciate that different means may be utilized to achieve this result, it is preferred that the means 70 comprises a computer and/or microprocessing unit.

Central processing unit 70 is preferably implemented by means of a Palm Pilot, Apple Newton or other such small computer which is programmed to monitor the status of the various handpieces, detect which handpiece is currently in use, link that handpiece to a common control interface to provide for user control and temporarily disable other handpieces so as to prevent simultaneous use of incompatible devices.

To give a specific example of the operation of the system, if the dentist removes the high speed drill 14 from the non-operative position in its receptacle on the mounting panel 40 of housing 10, the sensor 54 associated with the drill is tripped which sends a signal to the computer. Software on the computer interprets this signal and sends a signal to pneumatic unit 200 within the housing to provide compressed air to the drill. The computer also sends signals which prevent the low speed drill 15 from being used simultaneously in order to ensure sufficient compressed air pressure to properly run the high speed drill. The computer further links drill 14 to a common control interface, preferably foot pedal 83 shown in Figure 7. Thus, after removing the drill from its non-operative position the handpiece is ready for use, the pneumatic unit is supplying compressed air, the foot pedal controls the drill speed and other handpieces are disabled temporarily to prevent simultaneous use.

The ability of the computer to prevent simultaneous use of incompatible power tools also provides a safety feature. For example, it is generally known in the dental arts that a dentist would not and should not simultaneously use an air abrasive cavity preparation system (handpiece 13) and a laser soft tissue ablation unit (handpiece 17) at the same time on a single patient. Accordingly, the central processing unit 70, as implemented by the small computer described above, provides means for detecting and preventing such simultaneous use via a software system or a hardware system, or a combination of both. The software allows the foot pedal 83 to control each of the handpieces, in turn, as they are removed from the non-operative position in their respective receptacles. Thus, for example, when the dentist removes drill 14 from the housing, sensor 54 sends the signal to the computer indicating that the dentist is using the high speed drill. The computer then links foot pedal 83 to the drill 14 for controlling the speed of the drill. When the drill is replaced into its non- operative position, the appropriate signal is sent to the computer by sensor 54. The computer then severs the control link between the drill and the foot pedal. If the dentist next removes the air abrasive handpiece 13 from its non-operative position, sensor 53 sends a signal to the computer which in turn links foot pedal

83 with air abrasive handpiece 13 for control purposes.

In essence, therefore, the present invention includes means for monitoring the intention of the dentist, hygienist and/or dental technician with respect to use of the present dental apparatus. In the preferred embodiment described above, this monitoring means comprises means for detecting whether preselected handpieces are located in their respective receptacle in the mounting panel 40. In the preferred embodiment, therefore, the presence of the handpiece in its receptacle is an indication that the user of the device has no present intention of utilizing that handpiece. On the other hand, the absence of the handpiece from its receptacle is interpreted by the monitoring means of the present invention as indicating the operator's intention to use that device.

Thus, in the operation of the preferred embodiments, the sensors 51-57 are in communication with the central processing unit 70 which monitors the signal from the sensor associated with the handpieces. The central processing unit 70 also is connected to auxiliary control interfaces 80 and 81, seen in Figure 7. In preferred embodiments of the type illustrated in Figures 1-6, control interfaces 80 and 81 comprise touch-pad controllers for controlling the operation of the handpiece which the dentist intends to use. Thus, central processing unit 70 also monitors the condition of one or more control interfaces 80, 81, 83 and implements the control function to the appropriate handpiece. It is also preferred that the present apparatus include display means 90 and 91 connected to the central processing unit 70 for providing a visual indication of the control parameters provided by the operator through control interfaces 80, 81 and 83. Such display means preferably comprises the display screen of the Palm Pilot or Apple Newton computer but could also include other LED, LCD displays as well as gauges, indicator lights and the like. With reference now to Figure 6, a control pad for operating a dental unit in accordance with the preferred aspects of the present invention is illustrated. This control pad includes a shared control interface 100, means for controlling the air abrasive handpiece (designated as "KPC Controls" in the figures) 110 and means 120 for controlling the laser handpiece. The shared control interface 100 is adapted to control all handpieces other than the air abrasive handpiece and the laser handpiece. The preferred control panel of the present invention also includes override switches 200-206 for each handpiece for bypassing the operation and control function normally provided by the central processing unit 70.

In the particular embodiment disclosed in Figures 1-6, the auxiliary control interfaces and the display means of the present invention are contained on a control panel 35 attached to the housing 10. Applicants contemplate, however, that in certain preferred embodiments, the control interface and/or the display means may be contained on the handpiece itself. In such embodiments, therefore, the need for a shared control interface 100 can be reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, such embodiments may provide other advantages such as more immediate control and ease of use.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a dental apparatus which can safely and effectively permit a dentist easy and ready access to a large plurality of power tools through a simple and effective monitoring and control mechanism.

It is contemplated that the particular type of plasma arc curing light 12 used in any embodiment will vary widely, depending on the needs and desires for the particular application, and all such devices are within the scope of the present invention. Curing lights which are adaptable for use in accordance with the present invention are disclosed in the following patents, each of which is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent No. 4,839,566 to Herold, et al and U.S. Patent No. 4,957,441 to Brian. A preferred device for use in this regard is described in copending Application No. 08/285,907, which is assigned to the Assignee of the present application.

Likewise, it will be appreciated that numerous types of air abrasive cavity and cleaning systems are adaptable for use in accordance with the present invention. Such air/water abrasive cleaning and cutting systems and components thereof are disclosed in the following United States patents, each of which is incorporated herein by reference: 4,635,897; 4,708,534; 4,733,503; 4,893,440; 5,275,561; 5,330,354; 5,334,016; 5,334,019; 5,350,299; 5,525,058. Likewise, any one of the well-known types of hand drills, both high-speed and low-speed, are adaptable for use in accordance with the present invention. Pneumatically powered hand drills are especially preferred.

Similarly, fiber optic systems which are available for use in accordance with the present invention are also presently known to those skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, the dental unit may include an articulating arm 150 which carries an illuminating device 160, such a fiber optic light, as shown in Figures 5 and 7.

Likewise, dental lasers are widely available and known to those skilled in the art, and all such lasers are adaptable for use in accordance with the present invention. Preferred laser for use with the present invention, and the components thereof, are those described in the following United States patents, each of which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and each of which is incorporated herein by reference U.S. Patent Nos. 4,521,194; 4,818,230; 4,940,411 5,055,048; 5,122,060; 5,123,845; 5,180,340; 5,207,576 5,228,852; 5,232,367; 5,257,935; 5,275,564; 5,310,344 5,324,200; 5,324,198; 5,390,204; 5,507,739.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A multipurpose dental unit, comprising: a housing; a plurality of dental power tools, each said power tool comprising a respective handpiece and an associated operating means for operating said handpiece, each said power tool further comprising a connection means extending between said respective handpiece and said associated operating means; mounting means for removably mounting each said handpiece onto said housing in a non-operative position; and a control means operatively associated with said power tools for controlling the operation of each said power tool.

2. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim

1, further comprising sensing means operatively associated with each said handpiece and communicating with said control means, said sensing means being operative to determine the presence and absence of each said handpiece in said non-operative position and signaling said presence or said absence to said control means.

3. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim

2, wherein said sensing means comprises a plurality of switches positioned on said mounting means, each of said switches engaging a respective handpiece, each of said switches having a first state indicating the presence of said respective handpiece in said non- operative position, and a second state indicating the absence of said respective handpiece from said non- operative position, each of said switches changing between said states when a respective handpiece is removed from or replaced onto said mounting means, said first and second states providing a signal indicative of the position of each said handpiece.

4. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim

1, wherein said control means is arranged within said housing.

5. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim

4 , wherein said control means comprises a microprocessor.

6. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim

5, further comprising a control panel mounted on said housing and communicating with said control means for manually adjusting respective control parameters of said power tools.

7. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim

5, further comprising a foot pedal communicating with said microprocessor, said foot pedal being useable by an operator to control a handpiece once removed from said non-operative position.

8. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim

6, further comprising a display means mounted on said control panel and communicating with said control means for providing a visual indication of said respective control parameters.

9. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 1, wherein one of said dental power tools comprises an air and water syringe.

10. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 9, wherein said associated operating means comprises a water source and said connection means comprises a hose connected between said water source and said air and water syringe.

11. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 10, wherein said water source comprises a reservoir arranged within said housing.

12. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 11, wherein said associated operating means further comprises a second reservoir arranged within said housing and connected to said hose, said second reservoir for holding a second fluid.

13. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 12, wherein said second fluid comprises a bactericide.

14. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 12, wherein said second fluid comprises a fluoride solution.

15. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 9 , wherein said associated operating means comprises a compressed air source and said connection means comprises a pneumatic line connected between said compressed air source and said air and water syringe.

16. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 15, wherein said compressed air source comprises a pneumatic unit arranged within said housing.

17. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 1, wherein one of said dental power tools comprises a plasma arc curing light, said associated operating means comprises an electrical power supply and said connection means comprises an electrical conductor between said power supply and said plasma arc curing light.

18. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 17, wherein said electrical power supply is arranged within said housing.

19. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 1, wherein one of said dental power tools comprises an air/abrasive handpiece, said associated operating means comprises a compressed air source, a reservoir for storing an abrasive powder, said connection means comprising a pneumatic line between said compressed air source and said air/abrasive handpiece for delivery of a stream of compressed air to said handpiece and means for entraining said abrasive powder in said air stream.

20. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 19, wherein said compressed air source comprises a pneumatic unit, said reservoir and said pneumatic unit both being arranged within said housing.

21. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 1, wherein one of said dental power tools comprises a pneumatically powered high speed drill, said associated operating means comprises a compressed air source and said connection means comprises a pneumatic line between said compressed air source and said high speed drill.

22. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 21, wherein said compressed air source comprises a pneumatic unit arranged within said housing.

23. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 1, wherein one of said dental power tools comprises a pneumatically powered low speed drill, said associated operating means comprises a compressed air source and said connection means comprises a pneumatic line between said compressed air source and said low speed drill.

24. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 23, wherein said compressed air source comprises a pneumatic unit arranged within said housing.

25. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 1, wherein one of said dental power tools comprises a laryngoscope, said associated operating means comprises an electrical power supply and said connection means comprises an electrical conductor between said power supply and said lamp.

26. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 25, wherein said electrical power supply is arranged within said housing.

27. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 1, wherein one of said dental power tools comprises a dental laser handpiece, said associated operating means comprises a laser diode, and said connection means comprises a fiber optic cable between said laser diode and said handpiece.

28. A multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 27, wherein said laser diode is arranged within said housing.

29. A method of operating a multipurpose dental unit comprising a housing, a plurality of handpieces removably mounted on said housing in a non-operative position, an operating means associated with each of said handpieces, a control means for controlling said handpieces, said method comprising the steps of: removing a first handpiece from said non- operative position; sensing that said first handpiece has been removed from said non-operative position; signalling to said control means that said first handpiece has been removed from said non- operative position; activating said operating means associated with said first handpiece; adjusting control parameters of said first handpiece; using said first handpiece; replacing said first handpiece into said non- operative position; sensing that said first handpiece has been replaced to said non-operative position; and signalling to said control means that said first handpiece has been replaced to said non-operative position.

30. A method of operating a multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 29, further comprising the steps of: determining which other handpieces are not useable simultaneously with said first handpiece; and preventing said other handpieces from being used simultaneously with said first handpiece.

31. A method of operating a multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 29, further comprising providing a microprocessor for said control means.

32. A method of operating a multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 29, further comprising providing a plurality of switches for sensing the presence and absence of each of said handpieces in said respective non-operative positions.

33. A method of operating a multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 29, further comprising providing a control panel for manually adjusting control parameters of said handpieces.

34. A method of operating a multipurpose dental unit according to Claim 29, further comprising providing a display means for displaying control parameters of said handpieces.