摘要:
The interproximal cleaning apparatus includes a gas reservoir (12) containing a compressed gas, such as CO2, in both liquid and gaseous states. A siphon tube (20) extends down into the liquid region of the gas reservoir when the apparatus is in an upright position. The siphon tube connects the reservoir to a metering valve (18) which has a metered volume to accommodate an amount of liquid compressed gas which is sufficient for good liquid droplet cleaning when it decompresses and forms a gaseous stream, without damage to the dental regions of the user. If the apparatus is severely tilted or turned upside down, gaseous CO2 or a combination of gaseous and liquid CO2 will enter the siphon tube and then the metering valve. The size of the metering valve will limit the volume of the gaseous CO2 to a safe amount, both when liquid CO2 or gaseous CO2 are applied to the metering valve.
摘要:
The cleaning apparatus includes a source of gas under pressure (12) and a source of fluid (14), along with associated gas (26) and fluid (34) chambers, adapted for successive single uses. A user-operated metered valve (22) connects the gas reservoir to the gas chamber, while a liquid pump (30) and a one-way valve (32) connects the liquid reservoir to the liquid chamber. When gas is released from the gas reservoir, it expands rapidly from the valve into the gas chamber, resulting in pressure therein sufficient to open a one-way valve (38) connecting the gas chamber to the liquid chamber. The gas in the liquid chamber forces liquid therein through a liquid line (15) to a connecting point with a gas stream line (13) from the gas chamber. The interaction of the fluid with the gas stream results in a spray of liquid droplets (17) which are directed out of the gas stream line exit orifice (16) to the teeth for cleaning.
摘要:
The cleaning apparatus includes a source of gas under pressure (12) and a source of fluid (14), along with associated gas (26) and fluid (34) chambers, adapted for successive single uses. A user-operated metered valve (22) connects the gas reservoir to the gas chamber, while a liquid pump (30) and a one-way valve (32) connects the liquid reservoir to the liquid chamber. When gas is released from the gas reservoir, it expands rapidly from the valve into the gas chamber, resulting in pressure therein sufficient to open a one-way valve (34) connecting the gas chamber to the liquid chamber. The gas in the liquid chamber forces liquid therein through a liquid line (15) to a connecting point with a gas stream line (13) from the gas chamber. The interaction of the fluid with the gas stream results in a spray of liquid droplets (17) which are directed out of the gas stream line exit orifice (16) to the teeth for cleaning.
摘要:
The protective system includes a nozzle portion (20) of the appliance which has a flange (24) at a proximal end thereof which releasably fits into a body portion (12) of the appliance. A cap member (30, 40) which is secured or securable to the appliance has an opening (32, 50) which is configured relative to the flange such that the nozzle can extend therethrough, but not the flange, so that when the cap member is operatively secured to the appliance, the nozzle is prevented from separating and propelling away from the appliance under the force of compressed gas.
摘要:
A multi-switch (24) for an oral care appliance includes a switch housing (28) having a hollow chamber (30) therein, a button actuator (32) with at least two O-rings (42) around the periphery thereof, and inlet and outlet channels (50, 52) connecting a source of compressed gas (18) with the housing chamber and the housing chamber with a mixing chamber (26), respectively. A pump (60) moves fluid from a reservoir (20) to the mixing chamber. The O-rings are positioned so that as the button actuator is actuated and then released, the outlet is closed and the inlet is opened, allowing gas to move into the housing chamber. The pump is actuated, and then the inlet is closed and the outlet opens, allowing gas in the chamber to move to the mixing chamber to produce a stream of fluid droplets, which are directed out through a nozzle portion (16) of the appliance.
摘要:
The method for cleaning dental plaque biofilm from the teeth includes the steps of applying a liquid gellable composition to the teeth, the composition including a positively charged polymer such as chitosan, the liquid composition having a viscosity which results in coverage of substantially all of the exposed areas of the teeth. The liquid composition is then gelled by the addition of a second composition, such as a negatively charged compound. The resulting gelled composition has an adherence to the plaque biofilm which is greater than the adherence between the biofilm and the teeth. The gel layer with the biofilm is peeled off of the teeth, removing the dental plaque.
摘要:
A multi-switch (24) for an oral care appliance includes a switch housing (28) having a hollow chamber (30) therein, a button actuator (32) with at least two O-rings (42) around the periphery thereof, and inlet and outlet channels (50, 52) connecting a source of compressed gas (18) with the housing chamber and the housing chamber with a mixing chamber (26), respectively. A pump (60) moves fluid from a reservoir (20) to the mixing chamber. The O-rings are positioned so that as the button actuator is actuated and then released, the outlet is closed and the inlet is opened, allowing gas to move into the housing chamber. The pump is actuated, and then the inlet is closed and the outlet opens, allowing gas in the chamber to move to the mixing chamber to produce a stream of fluid droplets, which are directed out through a nozzle portion (16) of the appliance.
摘要:
An appliance and corresponding method for delivering antimicrobial agents to the vicinity of dental biofilm and for killing bacteria therein includes a system (18, 20, 24) for delivering polymeric capsules containing gas bubbles and an antimicrobial agent. A source of ultrasonic energy (18) is provided for moving the capsules toward the biofilm, the ultrasonic energy having sufficient intensity for thereafter bursting the capsules, in the vicinity of the biofilm, releasing the gas bubbles and the agent. The gas bubbles vibrate within the ultrasound field, disrupting the biofilm, so that the released agent can act effectively against the bacteria in the disrupted biofilm.
摘要:
The interdental cleaner includes a source of liquid (22) and a control system (42) including a manual pump (26), for moving a selected amount of liquid, suitable for a single use, into a liquid pathway and there to a mixing chamber (53). A source of pressurized gas (30), such as a CO2 cartridge, is used to preload a selected amount of gas into a gas chamber (52). The control system includes a spring-loaded button (18), which upon operation results in the manual pump (26) being operated, forcing the selected amount of liquid into the mixing chamber, and then upon release, permits the pressurized gas in the gas chamber to enter the mixing chamber, breaking up the liquid therein into droplets and a liquid stream, and propelling the resulting liquid out of a nozzle portion (14) of the cleaner into the interproximal area of the teeth.
摘要:
A breast pump insert to receive the breast of a user of a breast pump is disclosed. The insert is formed from inner and outer materials, wherein the outer material exhibits greater hardness than the inner material.