US20080096159A1 - Support System For Dentistry - Google Patents

Abstract

A dental lamp boom hinge includes a pivot supporting a dental lamp head and a base supporting the pivot where the pivot may be rotated about a substantially vertical axis with respect to the base. The rotational movement between the pivot and the base is damped with a damping device. The damping device in one embodiment is adjustable to provide a variable level of damping.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/173,371, filed on Tune 30, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. Nos. 60/585,224, filed Jul. 2, 2004, entitled “Dental Light Devices With Phase Change Heat Sink”; 60/641,462, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Boom Hinge For A Dental Lamp”; 60/647,725, filed Jan. 26, 2005, entitled “Automatic Control for a Dental Whitening Lamp”; 60/647,723, filed Jan. 26, 2005, entitled “Boom Hinge For A Dental Lamp”; 60/658,517, filed Mar. 3, 2005, entitled “Apparatus and Method For Radiation Spectrum Shifting in Dentistry Application”; 60/641,469, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Lamp For Dentistry Applications”; 60/647,580, filed Jan. 26, 2005, entitled “Light Guide For Dental Whitening Lamp”; 60/641,461, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Support Structure For A Dental Lamp”; 60/641,468, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Light Guide For A Dental Whitening Lamp”; 60/647,612, filed Jan. 26, 2005, entitled “Light Path Apparatus For A Dental Lamp”; 60/647,593, filed Jan. 26, 2005, entitled “Support Structure For A Dental Lamp”; U.S. design patent application Ser Nos. 29/220,642, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Lamp For Dentistry Applications”; 29/220,680, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Light Guide For Dentistry Applications”; 29/220,679, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Power Pack For Dentistry Applications”; 29/220,712, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Support Structure For A Lamp For Dentistry”; 29/XXX,XXX filed on Jun. 22, 2005 entitled, “Support Structure For Dental Applications; 29/XXX,XXX filed on Jun. 22, 2005 entitled, “Support Structure for Dental Applications”; U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/604,577, filed Aug. 25, 2004, entitled “Lip Retractors”; 60/594,297, filed Mar. 25, 2005, entitled “Curing Light Having A Detachable Tip”; 60/631,267, filed Nov. 26, 2004, entitled “Curing Light Having A Reflector”; 60/594,327, filed on Mar. 30, 2005, entitled, “Curing Light”; and 60/664,696, filed Mar. 22, 2005, entitled “Curing Light Having A Detachable Tip”; the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
• This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/173,371, filed on Tune 30, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of the following U.S. design application Ser Nos. 29/220,642, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Lamp For Dentistry Applications”; 29/220,680, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Light Guide For Dentistry Applications”; 29/220,679, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Power Pack For Dentistry Applications”; 29/220,712, filed Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Support Structure For A Lamp For Dentistry”; 29/XXX,XXX filed on Jun. 22, 2005 entitled, “Support Structure For Dental Applications; 29/XXX,XXX filed on Jun. 22, 2005 entitled, “Support Structure for Dental Applications”; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
• The present application includes claims that may be related to the claims of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser Nos. 10/XXX,XXX, to be concurrently filed, entitled “Dental Light Devices Having an Improved Heat Sink”; 10/XXX,XXX, to be concurrently filed, entitled “Voice Alert System for Dentistry Applications”; 10/XXX,XXX, to be concurrently filed, entitled “Retracting Devices”; 10/XXX,XXX, to be concurrently filed, entitled “Curing Light Capable of Multiple Wavelengths”; 10/XXX,XXX, to be concurrently filed, entitled “Curing Light”; 10/XXX,XXX, to be concurrently filed, entitled “Illumination System for Dentistry Applications”; and 10/XXX,XXX, to be concurrently filed, entitled “Light Guide for Dentistry Applications”; 10/XXX,XXX, to be concurrently filed, entitled “Automatic Control For Dental Applications”; the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to dental equipment and more particularly to positioning apparatus for dental equipment.
BACKGROUND
• The practice of dentistry remains highly labor-intensive. Moreover, the labor involved is highly skilled. Although some activities can be delegated and others automated, many of the important activities in dentistry must still be performed by a dentist. Whether a dental procedure is performed by a dentist or by other dental professional, the dentist or other dental professional must operate in a time-efficient manner in order to provide desired dental services at a sustainable cost.
• This need for efficient operation is reflected in the design of the dental office. An adjustable dental chair allows for positioning of a patient in an orientation that permits easy access to the patients mouth. Dental instruments are provided in pre-packaged kits adapted for use in particular dental procedures. Storage cabinetry for materials and dental tools are placed in proximity to the patient for ready access by the dentist and/or his or her assistant.
• In addition, work trays and shelves for supporting dental instruments and work lights for illuminating the patients' mouth are provided with adjustable support structures that are adapted to keep the instruments within easy reach and the work area well illuminated.
• It is known to use a variety of articulated support structures in the context of a dental office. Examples of these structures are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,013,328 to Wolf, 4,097,919 to Bobrick et al., 4,260,376 to Litel et al., 4,332,557 (reissued as 31548 to Watanabe, 4,437,144 to Guenther, 4,494,177 to Matthews, 4,581,698 to Oram, 4,934,933 to Fuchs, 5,497,295 to Gehly, 5,803,905 to Allred et al., 6,213,671 to Chang et al., 6,361,320 to Yarborough, 6,543,914 to Sander and 6,568,836 to Wahl. The disclosures of the foregoing patents are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.
• The support structures described in these references include a variety of articulating joints adapted to provide adjustable spatial positioning of a load, such as a lamp or instrument tray. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,919 shows a track-mounted illumination system with a telescoping boom. U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,914 shows a boom and strut arrangement mutually coupled to a gas pressure spring for supporting a surgical microscope and lamp. U.S. reissue Pat. No. 31548 shows a dental operatory system in which a dental operatory lamp is suspended from a pivotable bracket, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,437,144 shows a height adjustable support arm with a parallelogram linkage.
• These afore-mentioned load-supporting systems offers certain characteristics that may be beneficial in the context of a particular use. They show by their variety, the importance of the problem of effective load positioning in allowing economically efficient dental activities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In light of the background discussed above, the present invention is related to improving the efficiency of operations in a dental office.
• The present invention includes a support system for dentistry applications adapted to support a variety of dental process equipment and ancillary dental equipment including, for example, a dental whitening system, a dental curing system, a dental examination system, a dental viewing and cleaning instrument; an imaging equipment; an X-ray equipment, a root canal apex locator, or similar, or combinations thereof.
• The support system includes a mast and boom system, with the boom being pivotally mounted on a mast about a location spaced away from its ends. The boom includes at least one formation adapted for engaging with at least one corresponding inter-engaging formation towards one end of the mast to form the pivot mount.
• In one aspect, the boom includes at least one formation towards one end, adapted for inter-engaging at least one formation of a dental instrument or equipment; and at least one formation towards a second end adapted for engaging a counterbalancing object or weight including at least one correspondingly inter-engaging formation, for counterbalancing the dental instrument or equipment and permitting the dental instrument or equipment to be balance in a series of varying positions.
• In one embodiment, the invention includes a support system adapted to support a plurality of dental instrument or equipment adapted for performing a varying series of dental processes including at least one formation for inter-engaging the corresponding formation on the boom, where the plurality of instrument or equipment may be adapted for interchangeable connection with the support system by varying the counter-balancing object or weight.
• In one aspect, the support system may be adapted to cooperate in a novel fashion with novel and/or conventional equipment to establish and maintain respective position of processing equipment and a patient's mouth, through the use of, for example, a reference device and/or a spacer.
• In another aspect, the support system provides an integrated system for the support, presentation and operation of various dental processing equipment, individually or concurrently.
• In another embodiment, a system according to the invention includes an organized storage system for storing and retaining interchangeable process equipment when not in use.
• In a further embodiment, the support system includes an integrated power and control module referred to, for example, as a power pack. The power pack may be adapted to provide power such as electrical power to the one or more dental instrument or equipment adapted to be supported by the support system of the present invention. The power pack includes at least one formation for inter-engaging at least one corresponding formation of the mast spaced away from the ends.
• In one aspect, the power pack may be adapted to provide control functionality including, for example, operative control communications between the power pack and one or more dental processing apparatus.
• In another aspect, the power pack may be adapted to provide intelligent communications with one or more dental processing apparatus such that an operative control communications between the power pack and the dental processing apparatus may be adapted to include communication features appropriate to a particular processing apparatus.
• In a further aspect, the power pack may include user interface components adapted to receive control inputs from an operator and provide status and control feedback to the operator.
• In other aspects, the features of the support system of the present invention may include desirable ergonomics, transportability, strength, optimal weight, ease of assembly, storability, maintainability, adjustability or positionability, one or more of which may contribute in varying degrees to the efficacy of resulting dental processing.
• The present invention also provides a support system that is unobtrusive, enabling an office to be equipped with a number of such support systems, thus improving the efficiency of operations in a dental office.
• The present invention further includes a boom hinge for allowing easy adjustment of any dental equipment adapted to be mounted on the support system, for example, a dental whitening illumination source. In various aspects, the boom hinge may be adapted to provide equipment positioning suitable for a wide variety of dental patients and dental professionals. In other aspects, a boom hinge according to the invention may be readily adjusted to allow a particular spatial positioning of any dental equipment, and once positioned, to hold the equipment substantially fixedly in space until a further adjustment of equipment position is desired.
• In one embodiment, the invention includes a boom hinge for a dental whitening lamp having a pivot, a yoke with two sides, a shaft, and at least one internally threaded knob adapted to compress the two sides of the yoke onto the pivot.
• In another embodiment, the invention further includes a plug to receive the shaft, for the pivot to rotate with respect to the plug.
• In another embodiment, the invention includes a device for damping the rotational motion of the pivot. In one aspect, the device for damping may be a friction washer disposed between the pivot and the plug. In another aspect, the device for damping includes a friction pad disposed between the pivot shaft and the plug.
• In a further embodiment, a spanner plug may be adapted to push the pivot shaft against the friction pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the spanner plug may be adjustable thereby providing adjustable damping of the rotational movement of the pivot with respect to the plug. In another aspect of this embodiment, a spring may be adapted to push the friction pad against the shaft.
• In yet another embodiment of the invention, the shaft includes a damping device. In one aspect of this embodiment, friction rings may be mounted to the shaft.
• These and other advantages and features of the invention will be more readily understood in relation to the following detailed description of the invention, which is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 shows, in perspective view, a support structure for dentistry equipment according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 2 shows, in sectional elevation, various aspects of a dentistry support structure;
• FIG. 3a-3dshow various aspects of a dentistry support structure;
• FIG. 4 shows a support structure for dentistry applications according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 5 shows, in perspective view, a base adapted for inclusion in a dentistry support structure;
• FIG. 6 shows, in perspective view, a counterweight mounting shaft for a support structure for dentistry equipment;
• FIG. 7 shows, in perspective view, a boom joint for a dentistry support structure;
• FIG. 8 shows, a boom joint in side elevation;
• FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a boom joint according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a boom joint pivot according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a boom hinge yoke according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 12 shows a boom joint horizontal shaft according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIGS. 13aand13bshow boom joint washers according to respective embodiments of the invention;
• FIG. 14 shows, in perspective view, a boom joint knob according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 15 shows, in perspective view, a boom joint according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 16 shows, in ventral perspective view, a mast top plug according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 17 shows a top view of a mast top plug according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 18 shows, in cross-section, a mast top plug according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 19 shows, in assembly view, a mast, boom and boom joint according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 20 shows, in cross-section, a boom joint according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 21 shows, in cross-section, a boom joint according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 22 shows, in cross-section, a boom joint according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 23 shows a boom joint shaft according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 24 shows a table of empirical values illustrating a functional relationship between patient push out force, joint torque, spring force and spring deflection according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 25 shows, in graphical form, a functional relationship between spring deflection and patient push out force according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 26 shows, in graphical form, a functional relationship between spring force and spring displacement according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 27 shows, in elevation, a pivot and mast top plug assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 28 shows, in cross-section, a pivot and mast top plug assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 29 shows, in ventral perspective view, a pivot according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 30 shows, in ventral perspective view, a vertical pivot shaft according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 31 shows, in cross-section, a vertical pivot shaft according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 32 shows, in ventral perspective view, a vertical pivot shaft according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 33 shows, in cross-section, a vertical pivot shaft according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 34 shows, in top view, a spanner nut according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 35 shows, in side view, a spanner nut according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 36 shows, in ventral perspective view, a bushing according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 37 shows, in top view, a spanner nut according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 38 shows, in ventral perspective view, a mast-top plug according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 39 shows, in cross-section, a mast-top plug according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 40 shows, in top view, a mast-top plug according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 41 shows, in assembly view, a mast-top plug and pivot assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 42 shows, in perspective view, various components of a ball joint according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 43 shows, in exploded perspective view, a forward assembly for a dentistry equipment support structure boom;
• FIG. 44 shows, in sectional perspective view, components of a ball joint according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 45 shows, in perspective view, a nut plate and spring assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 46 shows, in ventral perspective view, a ball cup according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 47 shows, in perspective view, a ball cup according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 48 shows, in perspective view, a ball joint assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 49 shows, in perspective view, a ball joint knob according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 50 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment including a dental whitening lamp according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 51 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment including a dental whitening lamp according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 52 shows a portion of a support structure for dentistry equipment including a dental whitening lamp according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 53 shows a device for coupling a patient's lips to a dental whitening lamp, and hence to a support structure for dentistry equipment according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 54 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment including an endoscopic device such as an endoscopic tooth planer according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 55 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment including an endodontic apex locator device according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 56 shows a portion of a support structure for dentistry equipment including an x-ray film support structure according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 57 shows a portion of a support structure for dentistry equipment including an electronic x-ray imaging sensor support structure according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 58 shows a support structure for dentistry equipment including an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 59 shows a dental composition tray for use with a support structure according to principles of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices and materials are now described.
• All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the designs and methodologies that are described in the publications which might be used in connection with the presently described invention. The publications listed or discussed above, below and throughout the text are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.
• The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred device provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be practiced or utilized. Rather, it is to be understood, that the same or equivalent functions and components may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
• The support system of the present invention may be adapted to support a wide variety of equipment for dentistry. For example, the support structure of the present invention is adapted to support Chemical activation equipment such as dental whitening and dental curing radiation sources; dental imaging equipment such as x-ray positioning equipment, x-ray sensing equipment including film and electronic sensors, endoscopic imaging equipment, ultrasonic imaging equipment, and various other imaging equipment such as now exists or may come to exist in the field of dentistry.
• The support system includes a boom, a mast, and a base in, for example, a modular form.
• The boom includes at least one formation spaced away from its ends, adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation towards one end of the mast for pivotally mounting the boom to the mast, when the mast and the boom become apposed.
• The boom includes at least one formation towards one end, adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation on a dental instrument or equipment, for mounting the dental instrument to the boom, when the boom and the instrument become apposed.
• The boom further includes at least one formation towards a second end, adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation of a counter-balancing object or weight, when the boom and object become apposed.
• The mast includes at least one formation spaced away from its ends, adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation on a power pack when the mast and the power become apposed.
• The mast includes at least one formation towards a second end, adapted for inter-engaging a corresponding formation of a support base when the mast and the support base become apposed.
• The word formation as used herein in relation to the reference device, spacer, the lamp system, the mast, the boom, the power pack, the base and the counter-balance object or weight or any other components of the support system refers to the portion of one component which is shaped to inter-fit with a corresponding part of an adjoining component. It includes portions of the above listed components which may be shaped by molding, casting, machining, or any other appropriate method, or portions which are formed separately and then subsequently assembled.
• Suitable inter-engaging formations include, but is not limited to, tongues and grooves, posts and sockets, swingable hooks and sockets, resilient clips and sockets, tongue or wing-like members and slots, ball and cavity, ball and socket, screw and washer, depressions and protrusions, channels and rods or cables, and so on, some of which are more specifically exemplified in detail below.
• The light system of the present invention may be easily aligned to a subject and is ergonomically compatible for both right-handed and left-handed users. Further, the pieces of the light system are separable and modular, as mentioned above, so that the light system is easy to assemble, disassemble, pack, ship or transport. In addition, individual pieces or modules may be sent in for repair or for updating.
• FIG. 1 shows asupport structure100 for dentistry equipment according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, thesupport structure100 includes abase102 and an articulatedsupport member104. According to one embodiment of the invention, the base includes abody portion106. Thebase102 is adapted to be coupled to the articulatedsupport member104 by receiving a coupling feature108 (seeFIG. 3abelow) of the articulatedsupport member104. Thecoupling feature108 is adapted to substantially fixedly couple the articulatedsupport member104 to thebody portion106.
• In one embodiment, the articulated support member includes amast101 and aboom103. Themast101 andboom103 are coupled to one another by a boom joint105 that includes boomjoint knobs109,111.
• In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, an anterior end of theboom103 includes a formation such as an instrument or apparatus-coupling feature98. Although a wide variety of apparatus-coupling features are within the scope of the invention, the illustrated apparatus-coupling feature is a ball joint.
• In various embodiments, theboom103 of thesupport structure100 includes a second formation, such as a boom-control feature adapted to offset a gravitational torque produced by a load mass being coupled to the apparatus-coupling feature. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a posterior end of theboom103 includes aboom counterweight107. One of skill in the art will appreciate, however, that a wide variety of boom-control features, such as for example torsion springs and tension springs, are applicable to control of theboom103, and are within the scope of the invention.
• In one embodiment, as illustrated, thebody portion106 includes a plurality ofbeams110 disposed in a radial orientation with respect to one another, such that a respective plurality of proximal ends112 of thebeams110 are disposed proximate to thecoupling feature108, and a respective plurality ofdistal ends114 of thebeams110 are disposed distal to thecoupling feature108. In various embodiments, thebeams110 and/or thebody portion106 may consist of a single integral member, or may be an assembly of discrete components.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated, thebase102 includes fivebeams110 arranged radially in a substantially symmetrical, substantially coplanar, substantially horizontal orientation. A different number of beams is also envisioned.
• In another embodiment of the invention, thebody portion106 may include a component having a disk shape, a hemispherical shape, a truncated hemispherical shape, a hemi-ellipsoid shape, a truncated hemi-ellipsoid shape, a conical shape, a truncated conical shape, and a wide variety of other shapes according to the various requirements, including functional and aesthetic requirements, of a particular embodiment.
• In a further aspect, according to one embodiment of the invention, thebase102 includes a bearing device adapted to facilitate motion of the dentalequipment support structure100 with respect to a supporting surface, such as a floor. According to one embodiment, as illustrated, the bearing device includes a plurality ofcaster wheels116. In one embodiment, the plurality of caster wheels is disposed at respective ends114 of the plurality ofbeams110. In another embodiment, the caster wheels are disposed adjacent a periphery of a disk shaped base.
• In still another embodiment of the invention, the plurality ofcaster wheels116 includes a respective plurality of braking devices. In a further aspect, each of the plurality of braking devices includes adiscrete activation lever120. In another embodiment of the invention, a single, common activation device is adapted to engage each of the plurality of braking devices.
• In still another embodiment of the invention, a single common braking device is used. For example, according to one embodiment of the invention,base102 includes a brake shoe mechanism adapted to urge a break shoe downwardly from adjacent a lower surface of thebody106 towards a floor, such that when the break shoe engages the floor, a frictional force between a lower surface of the break shoe and the floor inhibits lateral motion, with respect to the floor, of thesupport structure100.
• In a further aspect, according to one embodiment of the invention, the plurality ofcaster wheels116 includes a respective plurality oftires122. In various embodiments, these tires may be formed of various materials used alone or in combination. Such materials include, for example, elastomers such as natural latex rubber, Kraton® rubbers such as styrene-butadiene and styrene-isoprene, nitrite rubber, polyurethane, neoprene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene; thermoplastics and thermosets, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE—Teflon), polyvinyldifluoride (PVDF), polyamide (Nylon), polyaramid (Kevlar), acetal plastic (Delrin), polystyrene, polyester, bakelite; and reinforced composites including, for example, any of the foregoing along with reinforcing materials such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, cellulose, hemp, and any other reinforcing material such as may be known in the art.
• According to particular embodiments of the invention, thetires122 of thecaster wheels116 may be pneumatic, semi-pneumatic, or solid. In still further embodiments, thecaster wheels116 may be un-tired, and may have circumferential surfaces of metal, or polymer coated metal, such as, for example, epoxy-coated steel.
• It should be noted, however, that the bearing device may include no caster wheels at all, but may include an air bearing formed by actively pumping or releasing compressed air through channels and/or apertures in a lower surface of the base and adapted to reduce friction between lower surface of the base and the floor. Other non-caster bearing devices include, according to respective embodiments of the invention, polymer glides formed of, for example reinforced PTFE or of UHMWPE.
• FIG. 2 shows, in sectional elevation, anapparatus support200 for dentistry applications according to one embodiment of the invention. TheFIG. 2 illustration presents, in some detail, the components of articulatedmember104 ofFIG. 1.
• In one illustrated aspect, theapparatus support200 includes a boom having a formation, for example, a boom joint such as apivotal boom hinge202 having at least two degrees of freedom. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, theboom hinge202 has a first degree of freedom including rotational motion about a substantially vertical axis, and a second degree of freedom including rotational motion about a substantially horizontal axis. In the embodiment shown, rotation about the substantially horizontal axis may be effected by including within theboom hinge202 at least one formation, which may include at least one or all of the following, for example, a boomjoint yoke204 and boomjoint pivot206 assembly having ahinge shaft208 disposed between the boomjoint yoke204 and boomjoint pivot206.
• Rotation about the substantially vertical axis is effected by including within the boom hinge202 aboom pivot shaft210 disposed within a substantially vertical bore of aboom top plug212. Exemplary embodiments and aspects of boom hinges according to the invention are discussed in additional detail below.
• As discussed above, in relation toFIG. 1, the articulated support member includes amast101 and aboom103. In the illustrated embodiment, as is visible inFIG. 2, both the mast and the boom are curved.
• According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curve of theboom103 is a substantially circular curve. According to another embodiment of the invention, the curve of a boom may include a non-circular curve such as, for example, an elliptical curve, an ovoid curve, and a non-monotonic curve such as an “S” curve.
• One advantage of the illustrated curvature of the mast and boom is that it optimizes the use of floor space in what may be an otherwise crowded dental examining room. For example, the curvature of themast101 may allow a larger portion of the base102 to be received within arecess215 under, for example a dental examiningchair150, table, or another piece of dental examining room equipment. In this way, otherwise usable space outwardly of therecess215 is conserved. In another aspect, the curvature of themast101 andboom103 may be aesthetically pleasing, and therefore contribute to the decor of the dental office. Nevertheless, the mast, and/or the boom may be substantially straight according to particular embodiments of the invention.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, both the mast and the boom may be adapted to support signal devices and/or mass transfer devices. Exemplary signal devices may include filamentary signal carriers such as some metallic, ceramic, or conductive polymer wires, or optical fibers. In addition exemplary signal devices may include non-filamentary signal carriers such as radiofrequency waveguides. Exemplary mass transport devices include, for example, flexible polymer or metallic tubing adapted to the transportation of pressurized air or water.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the mast and boom are also adapted to support power wiring for the dental instrument or apparatus.
• According to one embodiment, the mast may include a concave side and a convex side, defining a curve in a plane perpendicular to the floor. At least one power pack having at least one formation, such as a mounting cable, may be attached to a formation of the mast, for example, a channel, on a convex side of the curved mast. As illustrated, the power pack includes a controller for controlling the lamp system.
• FIG. 3ashows a rear elevation view of anexemplary mast101 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the mast includes awire channel152 disposed longitudinally in an external surface of the mast. In the illustrated embodiment, thiswire channel152 may extend from a lower end of themast101 to an upper end of themast101.
• FIG. 3bshows, in cross-section, amast101 according to one embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 3ba profile of thewire channel152 is visible, showing that it includes a recessed cavity disposed inwardly of an otherwise substantially elliptically cylindricalouter surface154 of themast101. Thewire channel152 may include first andsecond lips156. The first andsecond lips156, according to the illustrated embodiment, may extend substantially along the length of thewire channel152 from the lower end to the upper end of themast101. According to other embodiments, however, thelips156 may be indented, to form intermittent projections along the length of thewire channel152.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, the mast may be formed of a metal or metallic alloy, such as stainless steel, extruded aluminum, an alloy such as Ni/Ti alloy; any amorphous metals including those available from Liquid Metal, Inc. or similar ones, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,611, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0121283, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
• According to another embodiment of the invention, the mast may be formed of any polymeric material. Suitable polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, polyester, acrylic polymers, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, or polyetherimide like ULTEM®; a polymeric alloy such as Xenoy® resin, which is a composite of polycarbonate and polybutyleneterephthalate or Lexan® plastic, which is a copolymer of polycarbonate and isophthalate terephthalate resorcinol resin (all available from GE Plastics), liquid crystal polymers, such as an aromatic polyester or an aromatic polyester amide containing, as a constituent, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid (such as hydroxybenzoate (rigid monomer), hydroxynaphthoate (flexible monomer)), an aromatic hydroxyamine and an aromatic diamine, (exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,242,063, 6,274,242, 6,643,552 and 6,797,198, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), polyesterimide anhydrides with terminal anhydride group or lateral anhydrides (exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,377, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference) or combinations thereof.
• In addition, any polymeric composite such as engineering prepregs or composites, which are polymers filled with pigments, carbon particles, silica, glass fibers, conductive particles such as metal particles or conductive polymers, or mixtures thereof may also be used. For example, a blend of polycarbonate and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) may be used for the lamp housing and head.
• FIG. 3cshows, in cross section, achannel cover225 according to one embodiment of the invention. The channel cover ofFIG. 3cincludes aplate member226 and first andsecond projections227,236. The first andsecond projections227,236 are disposed substantially perpendicular to arear surface238 of theplate member226. In addition, first and second projections are disposed inwardly oflongitudinal edges239,241 of theplate member226. Each projection,227,236, includes anangled barb243,245 with arespective back surface249,251. Consequently, each side of thechannel cover225 includes a respectivelongitudinal recess253,255 adapted to be mechanically coupled to a respective one of thelips156 of thewire channel152. This mechanical coupling may result in retention of thechannel cover225 adjacent to thewire channel152 and effects closure of thewire channel152.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, thechannel cover225 is relatively inflexible, and the closure of thewire channel152 is substantially permanent. According to another embodiment of the invention, thechannel cover225 is relatively flexible, and thechannel cover225 is therefore easily removable and replaceable subsequent to an initial installation.
• In one embodiment of the invention, thechannel cover225 may be formed of a material including an elastomer such as those mentioned above.
• According to another embodiment of the invention, thechannel cover225 may be formed of a metallic substance such as, for example, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or those materials mentioned above in connection with the construction of the mast. According to still other embodiments of the invention, combinations of the foregoing materials, or of other materials, along with or exclusive of the foregoing materials, may be used according to the requirements of a particular embodiment.
• In another embodiment of the invention, the boom103 (as shown inFIG. 2) may also include a wire channel in a manner similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3bwith respect to themast101. In such a case, achannel cover225 like that ofFIG. 3cmay also be employed to cover the wire channel of theboom103.
• FIG. 3dshows, in cross-section, aboom103 according to one embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 3d, theboom103 does not include a wire channel. Instead, theboom103 is substantially hollow, having anaxial cavity259 disposed therewithin. According to one embodiment of the invention, wires and/or tubing, for example, may be disposed and supported within theaxial cavity259.
• The boom may be formed of one or more of the same materials as mentioned above for the construction of the mast, or of a different material. According to one embodiment of the invention, the boom may be formed of extruded aluminum.
• Referring again toFIG. 3a, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, themast101 includes a formation orcoupling feature108. Thecoupling feature108 may be adapted to couple themast101, at its lower end, to a base106 (as shown, for example, inFIG. 2). According to one illustrated embodiment of the invention, thecoupling feature108 includes aplug264. In the illustrated embodiment, theplug264 includes a substantially cylindrical outer surface, and may be adapted to be received within a formation in thebase106, such as a cavity having a substantially cylindrical inner surface266 (as shown, for example, inFIG. 2).
• According to one embodiment of the invention, theplug264 may be substantially solid and formed, for example, as an integral casting. According to another embodiment of the invention, theplug264 may be formed as an assembly of components.
• According to still another embodiment of the invention, the coupling feature may include a projecting portion (not shown). The projecting portion may be adapted to be received within theinterior cavity268 of themast101. The projecting portion may be retained within theinterior cavity268 by, for example, a frictional force fit or by one or more threaded fasteners, or by spring pins, or other fastening means, according to various embodiments of the invention.
• In a further aspect of the invention, according to one embodiment, thecoupling feature108 may include analignment device269. In one embodiment of the invention, thealignment device269 may be a dowel or pin, such as a steel machine pin. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin may be a substantially cylindrical steel pin disposed within a bore and aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of theplug264. In other embodiments (not illustrated here) thealignment device269 may be a pin of rectangular cross section, a rectangular key, Woodruff key, roll pin, or other alignment device such as is known to one of skill in the art.
• In one aspect of the invention, thealignment device269 serves to maintain themast101 in a particular orientation with respect to the base102 (as shown inFIG. 1). According to one embodiment, this orientation maintains the plane of curvature of the mast aligned with one of thebeams110 of the base.
• In one embodiment, themast101 may have a uniform outer dimension along its length, as shown inFIG. 1. In another embodiment, themast101 may have a non-uniform outer dimension along its length, as shown inFIG. 4.
• FIG. 4 shows a dental equipment support structure according to another embodiment of the invention. As is apparent from the illustration ofFIG. 4, the configuration of the mast, and also the boom, need not be strictly tubular. For example, thesupport structure100′ ofFIG. 4 includes amast262 that has sides which diverge and subsequently converge with respect to one another as a function of height along the mast. Consequently, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a cross-sectional area of the mast in acentral region263 is larger than the respective cross sections of the mast at an upper265 region and alower region267.
• InFIG. 4, the mid-section of themast101 is of a larger dimension than other parts of the mast. In one aspect, this mid-section may coincide with the mounting position of thepower pack261. In another aspect, the wider portion of themast101 may be flattened to accommodate apower pack261. In a third aspect, the wider portion may be sunken or recessed to accommodate apower pack261 so that thepower pack261 does not protrude far from the general profile of themast101.
• In one embodiment of the invention, theboom103 andmast101 may be positioned such that their footprint does not exceed the footprint of thebase106. Specifically, when theboom103 is rotated to a minimally vertical angle, whereby the lamp head is at its lowest elevation in proximity to the base, a projection of the lamp system on the floor falls entirely within the circumference of thebase106.
• In another embodiment, theboom103 andmast101 may be positioned such that their footprint exceeds the footprint of the base106 with the center of gravity of the dental lamp system falling within thebase106.
• In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the outward-most surface of thecounterweight107 does not extend beyond the circumference of the base107 in any angular position of theboom103.
• In one aspect of the invention, themast262 inFIG. 4 includes a cavity, or hollow region, within thecentral region263. According to one embodiment of the invention, this hollow region is adapted to receive equipment such as, for example, a control module or power pack therewithin. Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, a streamlined and integrated support structure results. Such a support structure is advantageous in a dental office where projecting edges or equipment can snag clothing or otherwise interfere with professional activities.
• FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a base106 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, thebase106 includes a formation, for example, a cavity having a substantially cylindricalinner surface266. As noted above, this cavity may be adapted to receive thecoupling feature108 therewithin. InFIG. 5, there is also visible aslot279 that opens into the cavity withinbase106. According to one embodiment of the invention, this slot may be adapted to receive thealignment device269 that projects from the substantially cylindrical outer surface of thecoupling feature108. According to one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated, asingle slot279 is present in the base. In other embodiments, a plurality of slots may be provided to receive a corresponding plurality ofalignment devices269.
• Referring again toFIG. 2, and to the embodiment of the invention of illustrated therein, acounterweight107 is disposed at a posterior end of theboom103. In the illustrated embodiment, thecounterweight107 includes anaxial bore306 disposed inwardly from an aperture in an anterior surface of the counterweight.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the boom includes aninternal bulkhead299 fixedly coupled to aninternal surface301 of the boom (seeFIG. 3d) by, for example, welding or by the use of rivets or threaded fasteners. In other embodiments of the invention, the internal bulkhead is integrally formed as part of an extruded or molded boom structure.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, theinternal bulkhead299 includes an internally threaded bore304 disposed laterally therethrough. In one embodiment, the internally threadedbore304 is disposed substantially coaxially with a longitudinal axis of a local region of theboom103.
• In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, acounterweight shaft305 is mutually disposed within thebore306 of thecounterweight107 and within the internally threaded bore304 ofbulkhead299. As shown, a further internally threadedbore308 is disposed within thecounterweight107. Internally threaded bore308 is disposed between respective apertures atbore306 andouter surface310 ofcounterweight107. The further internally threadedbore308 is disposed substantially perpendicular to bore306. According to one embodiment of the invention, an externally threadedsetscrew312 is disposed withinbore308, and is adapted to be advanced inwardly from thesurface310 of thecounterweight107 such that an inward end of thesetscrew312 is disposed against anexternal surface314 of thecounterweight shaft305.
• FIG. 6 shows thecounterweight shaft305 in additional detail according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, thecounterweight shaft305 includes aposterior portion320 adapted to be received within theaxial bore306 of thecounterweight107. Thecounterweight shaft305 also includes ananterior portion322 adapted to be received within the internally threaded bore304 ofbulkhead299. In the illustrated embodiment, theanterior portion322 includes a plurality ofexternal threads324. The plurality ofexternal threads324 is adapted to be threadingly coupled to a corresponding plurality of internal threads of the internally threaded bore304 of thebulkhead299.
• In a further aspect, according to one embodiment of the invention, thecounterweight shaft305 includes at least one flat326 disposed on anexternal surface328 thereof. The flat326 is adapted to receive a wrench, or other tool for the application of an axial torque about a longitudinal axis of thecounterweight shaft305. The application of this axial torque effects tightening, and therefore substantially fixed engagement, of theexternal threads324 of the counterweight shaft and the internal threads of the internally threaded bore304 of thebulkhead299.
• As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the fixed engagement of theexternal threads324 of the counterweight shaft with the internally threaded bore of thebulkhead299 may be further enhanced by the use of, for example, a lock washer, such as a split washer or a crown washer, or a thread locking solution as is known in the art.
• In still another aspect, according to theFIG. 6 embodiment, theexternal surface328 of thecounterweight shaft305 includes acircumferential groove330. In one embodiment of the invention,circumferential groove330 includes at least oneside332 that is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of thecounterweight shaft305. According to one aspect of the invention, a corresponding oblique angle provided on a truncated conical inward end of setscrew312 (as shown inFIG. 2) is effective to urge the counterweight into a fixed lateral position along a longitudinal axis of thecounterweight shaft305 with respect to, for example thebulkhead299 as thesetscrew312 is advanced inwardly.
• FIG. 7 shows, in perspective view, aboom joint340 for a dentistry equipment support structure. Theboom joint340 includes ayoke342 and apivot344. In the illustrated boom joint340, the yoke includes first346 and second348 side members, having respective first and second bores disposed substantially horizontally therethrough. In like fashion, thepivot344 includes third350 and fourth352 side members with respective third and fourth bores disposed substantially horizontally therethrough. The first, second, third and fourth bores are adapted to be aligned with an axle such as, for example, acarriage bolt354 disposed coaxially therethrough. In this way, theyoke342 and pivot to344 are mutually supported in a pivoting relationship to one another by theaxle354.
• Theyoke342 includes, for example, afemale coupling feature356. Thefemale coupling feature356 is adapted to be coupled to, for example, an upper end of amast358, such as the yoke is supported by the mast. As illustrated, thepivot344 is coupled to aboom360 by one ormore bolts362.
• Afirst handle364, has afirst lever arm366 and an internally threaded bore. The internally threaded bore may be adapted to receive an externally threaded end of theaxle354, whereby rotation of the handle serves to compress or release theside members346,348 of the yoke with respect to the correspondingsides350,352 of the pivot. A friction washer may be disposed between the side members and sides to modify the friction characteristics between side members and sides.
• Compression of theside members346,348 serves to inhibit rotation about theaxle354 of thepivot344 with respect to theyoke342. Conversely, releasing theside members346,348 allows rotation about theaxle354 of thepivot344 with respect to theyoke342.
• Asecond handle368 has asecond lever arm370. Referring now toFIG. 8, one sees handle368 in additional detail. As illustrated, thehandle368 includes an internally threaded bore adapted to receive an externally threaded bolt such as, for example, acarriage bolt376. Thefemale coupling356 includes first372 and second374 flanges, each with a respective bore therethrough. The bores inflanges372 and374 are substantially aligned with one another, and adapted to receive thebolt376. As will be clear to one of skill in the art,rotating handle368 serves to compress and release theflanges372,374 with respect to one another. Compression of theflanges372,374 serves to inhibit rotation about themast358 of theyoke342 with respect to themast358. Conversely, a releasing offlanges372,374 permits rotation of theyoke342 with respect to themast358.
• One of skill in the art will appreciate that operation of the boom joint ofFIGS. 6 and 7 over an extended period of time will result in wear on one or more of the outer surface ofmast358, the corresponding formation, for example, the inner surface offemale coupling feature356, the outer surfaces of the third350 andfourth side members352 of thepivot344 and the corresponding inner surfaces of theside members346,348 of theyoke342. As such wear takes place, the frictional forces present at the respective interfaces changes accordingly. Consequently, the damping and resistance to motion response characteristics of the boom joint also change over the life of the support structure in ways that may be unpredictable and/or undesirable. The present invention aims to minimize such changes in such response characteristics. Other solutions are also possible, though some of them may be more, more difficult to produce, or more difficult to maintain in stable condition.
• FIG. 9 shows, in cross-section, boom joint105, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, theboom joint105 includes a boomjoint pivot210, and a boomjoint yoke212. The boom joint pivot includes ahorizontal bore214 that is adapted to receive a boomjoint shaft216. Thehorizontal bore214 is defined by an internal substantiallycylindrical wall218. According to the present embodiment, thewall218 includes aslot220. Referring again toFIG. 2, theslot220 may be adapted to receive a portion of a fixturing device such as aWoodruff key222.
• The Woodruff key222 aims to prevent rotation of theshaft216 about anaxis224 that is common to both theshaft216 and thebore214. As will be seen more clearly in relation to further drawings discussed below, theyoke212 may also include a bore that may be disposed about a portion of theshaft216. In the embodiment of the invention presently under consideration, the yoke is not fixedly coupled to the Woodruff key222 during use of the support structure. Consequently, theyoke212, and theboom108 that is fixedly coupled to theyoke212, are rotatably supported by theshaft216. Theshaft216 may be, in turn, supported by thepivot210 andshaft216.
• Themast101 and theboom108 of the present invention may be made of any polymeric material, preferably a polymer that can be molded or cast; or a metal or metallic alloy. Suitable metal or metallic alloys, polymers and polymeric composite include those mentioned above.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the boomjoint pivot210 includes abase portion230 as well as anupper portion232. In various embodiments, thebase portion230 and theupper portion232 ma be formed as a single integral unit, or as an assembly of separate components. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase portion230 may include avertical shaft234. Again, in various embodiments, thebase portion230 andvertical shaft234 may include separate components, or they may form a single integral unit.
• In one embodiment of the invention, themast101 may includes a substantially hollow bore orcavity240. Amast top plug242 may be disposed, fully or partially, withincavity240. The masttop plug242 may include anaxial bore244 defined by a substantially cylindricalinternal surface246. The radial diameter of theaxial bore244 may vary along the length of the bore such that a diameter of the bore is larger at afirst location248 than at asecond location250. Where the diameter of thebore244 changes along the length of the bore, aledge252 exists.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, abushing254 may be disposed within theaxial bore244. Thebushing254 may include a substantially cylindricalouter surface256 disposed in substantially coaxial spaced relation to a substantially cylindricalinner surface258.
• In one exemplary embodiment, thebushing254 may include and oil-filled porous bronze material. In another exemplary embodiment, thebushing254 may include a polymer having a low coefficient of friction. This polymer may be selected from a variety materials including, but not limited to, for example, polyethylene, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), acetyl polymer materials and fiber reinforced acetyl polymer materials (Delrin), polyamide (Nylon), polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluroethylene (Teflon), and other polymers of similarly desirable and appropriate characteristics, as well as those polymers, engineering prepregs and filled polymeric composites mentioned above for the construction of the mast and boom.
• In another embodiment of the invention, thebushing254 may include a material having a relatively high coefficient of friction, or an intermediate coefficient of friction, such that by interaction withouter surface260 andinner surface248, the bushing serves to damp and otherwise restrain a rotary motion of thevertical shaft234 about its longitudinal axis.
• As shown, a substantially cylindricalouter surface260 of thevertical shaft234 of the boomjoint pivot210 bears on, and is supported by, the substantially cylindricalinner surface258 of thebushing254. In addition, a substantially flat portion of alower surface270 of thebase portion230 of the boomjoint pivot210 bears on, and is supported by a substantially flat portion of anupper surface272 of masttop plug242.
• A retainingdevice274, such as a split-ring (c-ring) retaining washer may be mutually disposed within agroove276 of thevertical shaft234 and against afurther ledge278 of the substantially cylindrical surface of theaxial bore244. The retainingdevice274 retains thevertical shaft234 within thebore244, and prevents the boomjoint pivot210 from moving upwardly with respect to the masttop plug242.
• According to this arrangement, the masttop plug242 supports and retains the boomjoint pivot210 while allowing the boomjoint pivot210 to rotate about a mutual axis of the mast top plug bore244 and boomjoint pivot shaft234.
• In the illustrated embodiment, this rotation may be damped by the frictional action of afriction washer280 disposed within a substantiallycircular recess282 of theupper surface272 of the masttop plug242. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an outer circumference of thefriction washer280 may have any one of a wide variety of shapes including, but not limited to, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a sinusoidal shape, a toothed shape, and other shapes adapted to reduce rotation of the friction washer with respect to the masttop plug242.
• In various embodiments, the friction washer is formed to include a corresponding variety of materials including, but not limited to polyurethane, polybutylene, latex rubber, or other rubber materials that can be either natural or synthetic rubber. Synthetic rubbers are preferably elastomeric materials and include various copolymers or block copolymers (Kratons®) available from Kraton Polymers such as styrene-butadiene rubber or styrene isoprene, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, nitrile (acrylonitrile butadiene) rubber and the like, and other elastomers, cork, wood, ceramic materials, and other materials, or in combination, that are appropriate to the function of the friction washer. In addition the friction washer may include fibrous materials such as, for example, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or mineral fiber materials among others.
• In one embodiment of the invention, the damping frictional forces exerted between thefriction washer280, or other friction element, and the masttop plug242 and the boomjoint pivot210 are sufficient to allow rotation of the boomjoint pivot210 when a force of between about 2 pounds and 5 pounds is exerted laterally against, or in proximity to the supported dental equipment.
• In a further aspect of the invention, according to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, apin290, such as a substantially cylindrical pin, is disposed mutually within abore292 in theupper surface272 of the masttop plug242, and within anarcuate slot294 in thelower surface270 of thebase portion230 of the boomjoint pivot210.
• Turning now toFIG. 10 which shows the boomjoint pivot210 in a lower aspect of a perspective view, thearcuate slot294 is more clearly visible. In the illustrated embodiment, thearcuate slot294 includes a substantially verticalinner wall296 and a substantially verticalouter wall298. Thearcuate slot294 also includes substantiallyvertical end walls300,302. When viewed in relation toFIG. 9, it will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that when the boomjoint pivot210 may be assembled to the masttop plug242, the boomjoint pivot210 will rotate freely to the extent that thepin290 is disposed within thearcuate slot294, away from theend walls300,302. When an outer surface of thepin290 comes into contact with one or the other of theend walls300,302, rotation of the boom joint pivot, in a corresponding direction, is arrested.
• FIG. 10 also shows alower surface270 of the boomjoint pivot210 that is supported by theupper surface272 of the masttop plug242. In addition,FIG. 10 shows the location of theslot294 and theinner wall296. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that alternative locations for theslot294 will also serve. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, an arcuate slot similar to slot294 may be provided inupper surface272 of mast top plug242 (as shown inFIG. 9). Correspondingly, a bore similar to that shown292 in masttop plug242 is provided inlower surface270 of boomjoint pivot210 with apin290 disposed therein.
• FIG. 11 shows the boomjoint yoke212 in a ventral aspect of a perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, theyoke212 has a substantially cylindricalouter surface400. Anaperture402 in the outer surface is defined by anedge404 shaped substantially as a projection of a rectangle oncylindrical surface400.
• Theaperture402 opens upon an internal cavity within theyoke212. Referring again toFIGS. 9 and 10, one sees that arear wall406 of thecavity402 is configured to be disposed in spaced relation to anouter surface408 of boomjoint pivot210.
• As shown inFIG. 11, theyoke212 also includes first410 and second412 (not visible) substantially circular end surfaces. According to one embodiment of the invention, the end surfaces410 and412 are substantially flat. Eachend surface410,412 has arespective bore414,416 disposed coaxially through the surface and normal thereto.
• Eachbore414,416 is defined by a respective substantiallycylindrical wall418,420. As is discussed above, in relation toFIG. 9,walls418 and420 serve to rotatably support theyoke212 onshaft216.
• It is noted that, whilewall418 is shown to have akeyway slot422, and while according to various embodiments, bothwall418 andwall420 include such a keyway slot, the keyway slot is merely to allow the Woodruff key222 (as shown inFIG. 9) to pass throughyoke212 and intoslot220 of boomjoint pivot210. Accordingly,shaft216 is rotationally fixed with respect to boomjoint pivot210, but is rotatable with respect to theyoke212.
• FIG. 12 shows the boomjoint shaft216 in a cutaway view. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft may include twocavities500,502 adapted to receive two respective Woodruff keys. In another embodiment, the shaft may include a single Woodruff key cavity and only a single Woodruff key is employed. In still another embodiment of the invention, a slot, adapted to receive a machine screw, runs all or part of the length of thesurface504 of the boomjoint shaft216. One of skill in the art will understand that the use of machine keys or Woodruff keys is merely exemplary of the many ways in which the boomjoint shaft216 may be maintained rotationally fixed with respect to the boomjoint pivot210.
• Also shown areexternal threads506,508 on the outer surface of the boomjoint shaft216. These threads are adapted to receiveknobs109 and111 (as shown inFIG. 1) respectively. According to one embodiment of the invention, thethreads506,508 are configured with a spacing of, for example, about 20 threads per inch, however any number of standard or non-standard thread sizes may be employed as appropriate.
• Theshaft504 ofFIG. 12 also may include first2200 and second2202 circumferential grooves as illustrated. Thecircumferential grooves2200,2202 may be adapted to receive respective retaining devices therewithin. For example, eachgroove2200,2202 may be adapted to hold a snap ring retainer.
• In addition,shaft504 includes first2204 and second2206 flat regions. As will be explained in additional detail below theflat regions2204,2206 are adapted to minimize or prevent rotation of boom joint washers with respect to theshaft504.
• FIG. 13ashows a boomjoint washer2208 according to one embodiment of the invention. The boomjoint washer2208 may include anouter surface2210 and an inner surface (not shown). A hole through the washer may be bordered by an edge having a first substantiallycircular portion2212 and a second substantiallyflat portion2214. In one embodiment of the invention, a profile of the substantiallyflat portion2214 may be adjusted by adepression2216 in the outer surface of the washer. In the illustrated example, this depression may be formed by the application of a punch to the outer2210 surface. By thus adjusting the profile of the substantially flat portion, a tight fit to theshaft504 having minimal play may be achieved.
• FIG. 13bshows another boomjoint washer2218 according to another embodiment of the invention. The boomjoint washer2218 includes a hole having an edge with two substantiallyflat portions2220,2222. As will be discussed below, the use of two flats and improved manufacturing tolerances obviates the need to adjust a profile of theflat portions2220,2222 according to one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of aboom hinge knob600 according to one embodiment of the invention. According to the illustrated embodiment, theboom hinge knob600 may include a substantially hemi-ellipsoidouter surface604. In the embodiment shown, a plurality ofprojections602 may be disposed around theouter surface604 of theboom hinge knob600. Theprojections602 provide a gripping surface for a user of the supported dental equipment, making it easy for the user to turn theknob600 in order to make adjustments to theboom joint105. In an alternative embodiment of theboom hinge knob600, theouter surface604 is fluted instead which also provides a gripping surface for the dental whitening lamp user. In a further embodiment, a plurality of raised or depressed striations can also be provided on the gripping surface to facilitate gripping.
• A plurality ofribs606 on the inside of theboom hinge knob600 provide structural reinforcement for theknob600 and also support acylinder608 with internal threads. Eachrib606 may include an outwardly facingsurface606. As will be described in additional detail below, the outwardly facing surface may be adapted to contact the surface (e.g.,2210) of the boom joint washer. The threadedcylinder608 may be centered inside theboom hinge knob600 and may be shaped and configured to receive the threadedend508 of the boomjoint shaft216. This arrangement enables adjustment of theboom joint105.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, the internally threadedcylinder608 may be coupled to theknob600 by a frictional press fit. In another embodiment of the invention, the internally threadedcylinder608 may be coupled to theknob600 by means of ultrasonic welding during an assembly operation. In still another embodiment of the invention, theknob600 may be formed of a durable material capable of supporting threads formed directly in an internal surface of the knob.
• FIG. 15 shows in perspective view, a portion of a boom joint according to one embodiment of the invention. Theboom joint105 includes ayoke212 having a substantiallyflat surface410 with a substantiallycircular perimeter411. Also shown is afriction washer2250 with a substantially circular perimeter and a boomjoint washer2208 as discussed above in relation toFIG. 13a. A boomjoint shaft216 is shown supporting theyoke212,friction washer2250 and boomjoint washer2208. In addition asplit ring retainer2252 is shown disposed within agroove2202 of the boomjoint shaft216.
• The boomjoint shaft216 may include a plurality ofexternal threads508. The external threads are adapted to receive a boomjoint knob600 such as that described above in relation toFIG. 14.
• One of skill in the art will appreciate that the presence of respective retaining devices e.g.,2252 ingrooves2200 and2202 of the shaft504 (as shown inFIG. 12) substantially prevents axial motion of theshaft506 with respect to theyoke212. Also, rotation of theshaft506 about its long axis is substantially prevented by the presence of a woodruff key (or other device) coupling theshaft506 to the boomjoint pivot210.
• Rotation of the boomjoint washer2208 with respect to theshaft216 is prevented by the action offlat surface2206 ofshaft216 onflat surface2212 of thejoint washer2208.
• Rotation of the boomjoint knob600 may cause the knob to advance axially inwardly with respect toshaft216. Consequently surfaces605 of the boom joint knob may impinge onsurface2210 of the boomjoint washer2208. Thewasher2208, may thus be urged axially inwardly to compress thefriction washer2250 between the inwardly facingsurface2254 of the boom joint washer and an adjacent face of the friction washer. The friction washer may correspondingly be urged against thesurface410 of theyoke212.
• Friction between thefriction washer2250,surface410 of theyoke212 andsurface2254 of the boom joint washer tends to couple the yoke to the boom joint washer. A chain of mechanical coupling is thus established from theboom103 andyoke212, which are substantially fixedly coupled to one another, through thefriction washer2250 to the boomjoint washer2208, and, by way of theflat surface2212 of thewasher2208 and theflat surface2206 of theshaft216, through the shaft and woodruff key222 to the boomjoint pivot210, and thus to themast101 which supports the boom joint pivot. In view of the foregoing, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the resistance to relative motion betweenmast101 andboom103 is adjustable by rotation of the boomjoint knob600.
• FIG. 16 shows a ventral aspect, in perspective view, of a masttop plug242. As described above, the masttop plug242 is adapted to be disposed within ahollow bore240 of themast101. The masttop plug242 has a generally cylindrically-shapedunderside540 that tapers down to a key-shapedportion542 that has a first flat544 and a protrusion. A second flat548 is located above the protrusion under the upper surface550 of the masttop plug242.
• In the present embodiment of the masttop plug242, the masttop plug242 may be shaped and configured to fit into thehollow bore240 of themast101 in one orientation. The first flat544, second flat548 andprotrusion546 may determine an orientation of insertion into thehollow bore240 of themast101.
• The masttop plug242 may include anaxial bore244 defined by a substantially cylindricalinternal surface246. Theaxial bore244 receives theshaft234 of the boomjoint pivot210. Theaxial bore244 may include aledge278 in the substantiallycylindrical surface246. The retaining device274 (described inFIG. 9) around theshaft234 of the boomjoint pivot210 may rest against theledge278. As described above with regard toFIG. 2, the retainingdevice274 may retain theshaft234 within theaxial bore244. Accordingly, the masttop plug242 supports and retains the boomjoint pivot210 while allowing the boomjoint pivot210 to rotate about a mutual axis of thebore244 andvertical shaft234.
• In one embodiment of the masttop plug242, the masttop plug242 may fit snugly to themast101. In an alternative embodiment of the masttop plug242, the upper edge of the masttop plug242 may have a groove552 holding an O-ring. The O-ring554 provides a tight fit in thehollow bore240 of themast101.
• FIG. 17 shows a top view of masttop plug242. The top of the masttop plug242 may be oval-shaped in the present embodiment of the invention to match the oval configuration of themast101. Other general shapes are contemplated within the scope of the invention. Themast101 and masttop plug242 are not limited to the shape shown inFIG. 17.
• Theupper surface272 of the masttop plug242 is substantially flat and, as described above, supports the substantiallyflat surface270 ofbase portion230 of the boomjoint pivot210. According to one embodiment, afriction washer280 is disposed within arecess282 in the upper surface22 (seen inFIG. 10). Thefriction washer280 damps the rotation of the boomjoint pivot210 in relation to the masttop plug242. As described above, in one embodiment of the invention, the damping frictional forces exerted between thefriction washer280 and the masttop plug242 and the boomjoint pivot210 are sufficient to allow rotation of the boomjoint pivot210 only when a force of between about 2 pounds and 5 pounds is exerted laterally against, or in proximity to the payload apparatus.
• The masttop plug242 may include an aperture opening to abore292 at theupper surface272 and extending into the masttop plug242. Thebore292 may be shaped and configured to receive apin290. As shown inFIG. 9, thepin290 is disposed mutually within abore292 in theupper surface272 of the masttop plug242, and within anarcuate slot294 in thelower surface270 of thebase portion230 of the boomjoint pivot210.
• FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the masttop plug242, as taken along the long axis of the plug. The masttop plug242 includes theaxial bore244 shaped so that there are twoledges252,278.Ledge278 bears the retainingdevice274 disposed in thegroove276 of the boomjoint pivot210 as seen inFIG. 2. Therecess282 in theupper surface272 coaxial with theaxial bore244 may receive the friction washer280 (shown inFIG. 17). In this embodiment, the masttop plug242 includes arim560 that encircles anupper surface272 of the masttop plug242. A lower surface561 ofrim560 rests on top of themast101. Therim560 may be shaped and configured to match an upper surface of themast101 so that the masttop plug242 fits flush to themast101.
• FIG. 19 shows an assembly view of amast101,boom103 and boom joint105 according to one embodiment of the invention. The masttop plug242 is disposed within themast101. The boomjoint pivot210 is shown assembled into theboom103. Aknob600 on either side of theboom joint105 serves to fix and release an angular orientation of theboom103 to be adjusted in angle with respect to themast101.
• FIG. 20 shows, in cross-section, a mast-top plug andpivot assembly800 according to another embodiment of the invention. Thepivot802 includes avertical bore816 adapted to receive apivot shaft804. The pivot may further include ahorizontal bore806 that is adapted to receive a boom joint shaft216 (not shown) in similar fashion to the embodiment of a boom joint200 shown inFIG. 2. Thebore806 may include aslot808 adapted to receive a portion of a fixturing device, again, in similar fashion to the embodiment of the boom joint200 shown inFIG. 2. Thepivot802 has a substantially flatlower surface810. Thelower surface810 may include a firstarcuate slot812 and a secondarcuate slot814 located in opposition around thevertical bore816. The firstarcuate slot812 may be adapted to receive afirst pin818. The secondarcuate slot814 may be adapted to receive asecond pin820.
• Thefirst pin818 andsecond pin820 are mounted in a masttop plug822. The masttop plug822 includes anaxial bore824 defined by a substantially cylindricalinternal surface826. The radial diameter of theaxial bore824 varies along the length of the bore such that a diameter of the bore is larger at afirst location828 than at asecond location830. According to one embodiment of the invention, abushing832 is disposed within theaxial bore824. Thebushing832 may include a substantially cylindrical outer surface disposed in substantially coaxial spaced relation to the substantially cylindricalinner surface826 of theaxial bore824. The bushing may be made from, for example, a material having a low coefficient of friction. Thepivot shaft804 is disposed within thebushing832 within theaxial bore824. Thepivot shaft804 has afirst groove834 and asecond groove836. Afriction ring838 is disposed within thefirst groove834. Thefriction ring838 is, for example, made of rubber. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, there are two or more friction rings disposed within thefirst groove834. A retainingdevice840, such as a split-ring (c-ring) retaining washer is mutually disposed within thesecond groove836 of thepivot shaft804 and against aledge842 of the substantially cylindrical surface of theaxial bore244. The retainingdevice840 retains thepivot shaft804 within thebore824, and prevents thepivot802 from moving upwardly with respect to the masttop plug822. In one embodiment of the invention, thepivot shaft804 is welded to thepivot802 atpoint844. In another embodiment of the invention, thepivot shaft804 is retained in thepivot802 with a screw in a fashion similar to the embodiment described with regard toFIG. 18.
• According to this arrangement, the masttop plug822 supports and retains thepivot802 while allowing thepivot802 to rotate about a mutual axis of the mast top plug bore824 andpivot shaft804. The rotational movement in this embodiment is limited by the movement allowed by thefirst pin818 andsecond pin820 within the firstarcuate slot812 and secondarcuate slot814 respectively. The movement is, for example, limited to 180 degrees.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the rotational movement is damped by the frictional action of thefriction ring838 disposed within thefirst groove834 on thepivot shaft804 in side theaxial bore824.
• FIG. 21 shows, in cross section, a boomjoint pivot620 and masttop plug622 for a boom joint according to another embodiment of the invention.
• The boomjoint pivot620 may include anupper portion624 and abase portion626. Theupper portion624 of the boomjoint pivot620 includes ahorizontal bore628 that is adapted to receive the boomjoint shaft216 in similar fashion to the embodiment of a boom joint105 shown inFIG. 30. Thebore628 includes aslot630 adapted to receive a portion of a fixturing device, such as a woodruff key in similar fashion to the embodiment of the boom joint105 shown inFIG. 9.
• FIG. 22 shows, in cross section, a further embodiment of a boomjoint pivot1620 according to the invention. As shown inFIG. 20, thepivot1620 includes a bore formed therethrough. The bore is adapted to receive a boom jointhorizontal pivot shaft1622. Theshaft1622 of the present embodiment does not include a woodruff keyway such as that identified as502 in the boomjoint pivot shaft216 ofFIG. 12. Rather, theshaft1622 of the present embodiment includes abore1624 may be formed within theshaft1622 and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of theshaft1622. According to one embodiment of the invention, thebore1624 includes an internal surface bearing threads or other feature adapted to retain a fastener within thebore1624.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener is shown as a flathead machine screw1626. One of skill in the art will appreciate, however, that a wide variety of other fasteners may be substituted for themachine screw1626. For example, the fastener employed may include one or more of a roll pin, a headless hex screw (set screw) a cap screw, a rivet, and a dowel such as a steel dowel, among others.
• FIG. 23 shows the boom jointhorizontal pivot shaft1622 in additional detail. As shown, the shaft includes a throughhole1624 as well as externally threaded ends506,508. In various embodiments of the invention, the throughhole1624 may be internally threaded to receive a machine screw or smooth to receive a fastener such as a roll pin.
• Referring again toFIG. 22, in one embodiment of the invention, an adhesive material may be disposed at aninterface1628 between an external surface of theshaft1622 and an inwardly facing surface of the bore within which theshaft1622 may be disposed. In various embodiments, the adhesive material may include a cyanoacrylate based material such as, for example Loc-Tite™ or Super Glue™, other structural bonding adhesives including an epoxy, one or two part, polyurethane adhesives, one or two parts, or a foam mounting adhesive. The foam mounting adhesive may also aid in shock absorption.
• In another embodiment of the invention, the bore within thepivot1620 that receives thescrew1626 or other fastener may include a recessed region such as, for example, a countersunkregion1632. The recessed region is adapted to receive a head of a fastener, so as to prevent interference between the head of the fastener and a yoke, such as that shown as212 inFIG. 11. In still another embodiment of the invention, thebore1630 traverses theshaft1622 and extends into thepivot1620 at the far side of the shaft. In a further embodiment of the invention, thebore1630 extends completely through thepivot1620.
• Thebase portion626 ofFIG. 21 includes a vertical bore opening632 and ahorizontal bore opening634. Thebase portion626 further includes anarcuate slot636, which can be seen more clearly inFIG. 29.
• Referring again toFIG. 21, a vertical bore opening632 may be adapted to receive apivot shaft638 having a through-hole640. The horizontal bore opening634 may be adapted to receive ascrew642. In a first embodiment of the invention, the horizontal bore opening634 has a threadedportion644 adapted to mate with threads on thescrew642. In an alternative embodiment, the through-hole640 of thepivot shaft638 may be threaded and mates with threads on thescrew642.
• Thepivot shaft638 is generally cylindrical in shape and may include the through-hole640 at one end and aflange646 at the other end. In one embodiment of the invention, thepivot shaft638 has afirst portion648 having a smaller diameter and asecond portion650 having a larger diameter.
• The masttop plug622 may include a generallycylindrical opening652 axially located and extending from theupper surface654 of the masttop plug622. Theopening652 may configured to receive afriction pad656. Thefriction pad656 provides greater friction resistance with increasing compressive force against it. Thefriction pad656 may for example, made of an elastomeric material. Theopening652 may further configured to receive thepivot shaft638 where theflange646 of thepivot shaft638 contacts thefriction pad656. Theopening652 may partially threaded near theupper surface654 of the masttop plug622. Abushing658 fits over thepivot shaft638. Theopening652 may be still further configured to receive aspanner nut660. Thespanner nut660 has anupper portion662 that is threaded and alower portion664 that is not threaded. Thelower portion664 of the spanner nut contacts thebushing658 while the threadedportion662 of thespanner nut660 screws into theopening652.
• In operation, the boomjoint pivot620 is fixedly joined to thepivot shaft646 with thescrew642. Thepivot shaft646 rotates within thebushing658 inside the masttop plug622. The rotation of thepivot shaft646 may be damped by the frictional action of thepivot shaft646 against thefriction pad656. The force needed to rotate thepivot shaft646 may be adjustable by adjusting the amount of compression of thepivot shaft646 against thefriction pad656 provided by thespanner nut660.
• In one embodiment of the invention, the characteristics of thefriction pad656 may be selected to provide a desirable resistance to rotation of the boom with respect to the mast. Smooth and predictable motion of the boom with respect to the mast is of significant value in the dental practitioner's office. It turns out that a patient's ability to push away dental equipment, such as a whitening lamp head, leads, anecdotally, to surprisingly increased comfort levels for the patient during a dental procedure.
• At the same time, it is advantageous that the motion of the boom be sufficiently damped so that the lamp head may remain in a substantially fixed position until its motion is desired by the patient or dental practitioner. For example, a boom hinge embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 15 shows significantly improved characteristics as compared to other boom hinge arrangements such as, for example, that ofFIG. 7 or that found in exemplary published conventional lamp support structures such as that of U.S. Pat. No. 3,031,215 issued Apr. 24, 1962 to Vance, or U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,478 issued Jun. 9, 1987 to Schoenig et al., the disclosures of which are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.
• Consequently, calculations as to the characteristics of the joint have been performed with respect to one exemplified embodiment. The calculations performed serve to characterize the forces applied to thefriction washer656 by the various components of the boom joint, and the expected performance of the assembly, including projected operative lifetime of thefriction washer656.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that patient push out force is a surprisingly important factor in overall patient comfort and effectiveness of a dental equipment support structure. The optimal support structure must provide sufficient resistance to displacement to effectively support equipment and, in some embodiments, maintain it substantially immobile with respect to the teeth of a patient. At the same time, the support structure may allow the patient to displace the equipment without unreasonable effort when desired. Also, in some embodiments, it is desirable to have sufficient mobility of the support structure to allow the supported equipment to accommodate minor and/or involuntary movements of the patient. Further, it is desirable that, subject to initial adjustment, the support structure be capable of adjustment by the application of forces near and/or on the supported equipment, such that there is no need for constant referral to portions of the structure that are relatively remote from the equipment, such as the boom joint or caster locks.
• This combination of features and functions is surprisingly important to the overall perception of functionality and ease of use by the patient and dental practitioner and is not satisfied by the various conventional support mechanisms known to be available. Furthermore, achieving an optimal combination of characteristics has been found to surprisingly sensitive to aspects of the invention as embodied in particular design features.
• For example, an embodiment of the invention including the boom joint ofFIG. 19 is found to provide highly linear and stable load bearing characteristics that maintain consistency and repeatability over a large number of operative cycles. Thus it is found that the application of particular forces at the load (i.e., the equipment being supported by the equipment support structure) results in a load displacement that is surprisingly consistent and repeatable over a large number of operative cycles. In this way, the problem of maintaining effective support and control of an article of dental equipment, while allowing appropriate repositionability and patient push-out characteristics is solved by application of the present invention in its various aspects.
• FIG. 24 shows a table offorces2000. The table2000 relates to the force applied at the load end of the boom to produce a responsive motion of the boom with respect to the mast. This applied force, identified as patient push out2002, represents a force required to patient to, for example, push a whitening lamp head that may be coupled to the boom away from the patient's mouth.
• The joint torque corresponding to a particular push out force is shown as2004. Also shown are the spring force2006 (in pounds) applied to the friction washer in one embodiment of the invention, and the corresponding spring deflection (in inches)2008 for a particular Bellevue washer spring. Thus, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, a spring force of about 355 pounds may produce a spring deflection of about 0.022 inches. The resulting joint torque is 48 pounds which translates into a patient push out force of 2 pounds.
• FIG. 25 shows a graphical representation of the relationship2010 between spring deflection2012 (in inches) and patient push out force (in pounds)2014. In the illustrated embodiment, this relationship is substantially linear.
• FIG. 26 shows a graphical representation of aspring force function2016 characteristic of a boom joint apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. The vertical axis represents aforce2006 applied to the spring in a substantially axial direction. The horizontal axis represents adisplacement2008 in inches of the spring responsive to the appliedforce2006. As shown inFIG. 26, the displacement of a spring, such as a Bellevue washer, according to the illustrated embodiment, is substantially proportional to theaxial force2006 applied to the spring. Accordingly, the graphical line representing therelationship2016 is substantially linear. One of skill in the art will appreciate that springs, including integral and composite springs, having other spring force characteristics may be applied in various embodiments of the invention.
• FIG. 27 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the boomjoint pivot620 and an alternative embodiment of the masttop plug622 shown inFIG. 21. InFIG. 27, the side of the boomjoint pivot620 having thescrew642 is shown. The boomjoint pivot620 may be mounted on the masttop plug622 as described above. Thescrew642 may attach the boomjoint pivot620 to the pivot shaft638 (as seen inFIG. 21).
• FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment boomjoint pivot620 and an alternative embodiment masttop plug622. The boomjoint pivot620 includes the vertical bore opening632 and thehorizontal bore opening634. The boomjoint pivot620 further includes thearcuate slot636 that receives thepin666 set in the masttop plug622. Thepivot shaft638 is in position in thevertical bore opening632. The through-hole640 in thepivot shaft638 may be aligned with the horizontal bore opening634, i.e., in position to receive the screw642 (not shown).
• The masttop plug622 may be seen in greater detail than inFIG. 21. The generallycylindrical opening652 axially is shown to be located and extending from theupper surface654 of the masttop plug622. Theopening652 may receive elements of the inventive damp that may enable the boomjoint pivot620 to pivot with respect to the masttop plug622 but may also damp the rotation of the boomjoint pivot620. As can be seen inFIG. 21, theopening652 may be configured to receive thefriction pad656, thebushing658, andspanner nut660. Thefriction pad656 may provide greater frictional resistance with increasing compressive force against it. Thefriction pad656 may be, for example, made of an elastomeric material, such as those materials suitable for the friction washer, as described above. Thebushing658 may be, for example, made of a material having a low coefficient of friction such as a plastic material including those described above for use in thebushing254 inFIG. 9. Awasher670 and aspring672 such as a Belleville washer may be located between thefriction pad656 and the bottom of theopening652.
• As described above, thespanner nut660 may be screwed down against thebushing658 which may press down on theflange646 of thepivot shaft638. Theflange646 of thepivot shaft638 contacts thefriction pad656. Thespring672 provides force pressing the friction pad against theflange646 from below. Thepivot shaft638 is rotatable within thebushing658 while thefriction pad656 damps the rotation of thepivot shaft638. Thespanner nut660 enables the damping of the rotation of thepivot shaft638 to be adjustable as the damping may be increased when thespanner nut660 is screwed down more tightly on thepivot shaft638.
• FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the alternative boomjoint pivot620. Thearcuate slot636 that receives thepin666 may be clearly seen as is thevertical bore opening632.
• FIG. 30 is a perspective view of thevertical pivot shaft638. The vertical pivot shaft includes thefirst portion648 having a smaller diameter than thesecond portion650. Theflange646 is contiguous to thesecond portion650. The through-hole640 may be a horizontal bore through thefirst portion648 of thevertical pivot shaft638. Thevertical pivot shaft638 also includes aflange646 contiguous to thesecond portion650 of thevertical pivot shaft638. Thevertical pivot shaft638 is, for example, made of metal or ceramic or polymeric material, including, among others, those suitable for the boom and mast as described above.
• FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of thepivot shaft638. Thepivot shaft638 includes thefirst portion648 having a smaller diameter than thesecond portion650. Theflange646 is contiguous to thesecond portion650. The through-hole640 may be shown having one chamferedend680. Alternatively, both ends of the through-hole640 may be chamfered.
• FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a pivot shaft according to another embodiment of the invention. Thepivot shaft690 includes acylindrical portion692 contiguous with aflange694. Thecylindrical portion692 includes a through-hole696. The through-hole696 is shaped and configured to receive the screw642 (not shown).
• FIG. 33 shows, in cross-section, thepivot shaft690, as shown inFIG. 32. As described above, thepivot shaft690 includes thecylindrical portion692, theflange694 and through-hole696. In this view, the through-hole696 is counter-sunk and chamfered at both ends698.
• FIG. 34 shows, in top view, thespanner nut660. Thespanner nut660 may also be referred to as a compression plug. Thespanner nut660 may be substantially circular in shape. In one embodiment, thespanner nut660 may have twocurved notches700 located symmetrically about thecircumference702 of thespanner nut660. Thenotches700 extend from theupper surface704 of thespanner nut660 and end at a point before the bottom surface (not seen in this view). Thenotches700 may be shaped and configured to receive pins to prevent thespanner nut660 from unscrewing from the opening of the masttop plug622. In an alternate embodiment, thespanner nut660 may only have one curved notch. In a further alternate embodiment, thespanner nut660 may have several curved notches, typically symmetrically placed around the circumference of thespanner nut660.
• FIG. 35 shows, in side view, thespanner nut660 according to principles of the invention. Thespanner nut660 includes the upper threadedportion662 and thelower unthreaded portion664. Onenotch700 can be seen extending from theupper surface704 of thespanner nut660 and ending in thelower unthreaded portion664.
• FIG. 36 shows abushing2270. Thebushing2270 may include atubular member2272 with inner2274 and outer2276 substantially cylindrical surfaces disposed in coaxial spaced relation to one another. Thebushing2270 also may include aflange portion2278 disposed radially outwardly fromouter surface2276.
• FIG. 37 shows aspanner nut660 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Thespanner nut660 includes first2280 and second2282 arcuate slots in aupper surface2284. Theslots2280,2282 are adapted to receive a tool for rotation of thespanner nut660. In contrast to theslots700 of thespanner nut660 shown inFIG. 34,slots2280 and2282 do not interrupt thethreads700 of the nut. Accordingly, the nut of theFIG. 37 embodiment may be less likely to experience cross-threading or other damage during installation than thespanner nut660 ofFIG. 34.
• FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the masttop plug622 according to principles of the invention. The masttop plug622 includes a generally cylindrical-shapedstructure710 substantially centered in the masttop plug622. A first arc-shapedstructure712 and a second arc-shapedstructure714 are disposed on either side of thecenter structure710. The center structure is shaped and configured to hold the pivot and friction pad assembly described above. The first and second arc shapedstructures712,714 serve to align the masttop plug622 within the hollow bore in themast101.
• FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the masttop plug622. Thecenter structure710 of the masttop plug622 includes the generallycylindrical opening652 axially located and extending from theupper surface654 of the masttop plug622. Theopening652 is configured to receive thespring672,washer670,friction pad656,pivot shaft638,bushing658 andspanner nut660 as described above. Aprotrusion716 in the bottom of theopening652 enables alignment of the spring and washer. Theopening652 is threaded near theupper surface654 to mate with the threads of thespanner nut660. The masttop plug622 further includes the first arc-shaped structure and the second arc-shaped structure that are used to align the masttop plug622 in themast101.
• FIG. 40 shows a top view of the masttop plug622 according to principles of the invention. The top of the masttop plug622 is oval-shaped in the present embodiment of the invention to match the oval configuration of themast101. Theupper surface654 of the masttop plug622 is substantially flat. The masttop plug622 includes anopening652 extending from theupper surface654 of the masttop plug622. Thespanner nut660 is in position in theopening652. Thespanner nut660 includes anotch700. Thenotch700 receives a pin (not shown) that prevents thespanner nut660 from moving once thespanner nut660 is screwed down into theopening652 to the desired position. The masttop plug622 further includes a bore opening668 including apin666.
• FIG. 41 shows, in assembly view, a mast-top plug andpivot assembly750 according to another embodiment of the invention. The assembly includes thepivot620 and thespanner nut660, thepivot shaft690, thefriction pad656, thewasher670, thespring672, the masttop plug622 and thescrew642. Thebushing658 is located inside thespanner nut660.
• FIG. 42 shows, in perspective view, components of a ball and socket joint according to one embodiment of the invention. The ball and socket joint (also referred to as a ball joint)902 includes ahead tube908 having afirst opening910 and asecond opening911 at opposite ends of thehead tube908. Theopenings910,911 also includegrooves910a,911arespectively. Athird opening912 is present in the side of thehead tube908. The ball joint902 further includes afirst ball cup914 and asecond ball cup915 to be received into the first andsecond openings910,911, respectively. Apivot mount906 that holds the dental whitening lamp head (not shown) connects to the ball joint902 by aball swivel904. The first and second ball cups914,915 are configured to receive theball swivel904 through thethird opening912 in thehead tube908. The ball joint902 will be described in more detail below.
• According to one embodiment, eachball cup915 may include acontact plate2290. In various embodiments of the invention, the reinforcing plate may be integrally molded with theball cup915, or coupled to a surface of theball cup915 with an adhesive or an adhesive tape, or by a fastener such as a screw or rivet.
• The first andsecond openings910,911 may be adapted to receive the first and second ball cups914,915 respectively. Apivot mount906 that is adapted to hold the dental instrument or equipment connects to the ball joint902 by aball swivel904. The first and second ball cups914,915 may be configured to receive theball swivel904 through thethird opening912 in thehead tube908. The ball joint902 will be described in more detail below.
• FIG. 44 shows, in sectional perspective view, components of a ball joint (also referred to as a ball joint) according to one embodiment of the invention. The ball joint902 is shown with a cutaway view of thehead tube908. Thefirst ball cup914 is in place inside thehead tube908. Theball swivel904 of thepivot mount906 is shown inserted through thethird opening912 of thehead tube908.
• One of skill in the art will appreciate that a ball joint, such as that illustrated, for example, in aboveFIGS. 42 and 44, is merely exemplary of the various formations or coupling features which may be used to couple a dental instrument or apparatus or device to an end of theboom103. For example in an alternative embodiment a flexible member, such as a gooseneck member, is disposed between the payload apparatus and the anterior end of the boom. The support structure of invention may include any flexible coupling device appropriate to a particular application and payload apparatus.
• FIG. 43 shows, in exploded perspective view, aforward assembly900 for a dentistry equipment support structure boom, enabling separable attachment between the instrument (not shown here) and theboom103. Thehead tube908 may be attached to the end of theboom103. Theinstrument connector assembly900 may be a socket joint including a ball joint902 adapted to receive theball swivel904 ofpivot mount906 on the supported equipment as shown, for example, inFIG. 44.
• Thehead tube908 may be attached to the end of theboom103. Thehead tube908 has three openings, the first and thesecond opening910,911 on each end of the tube to receive the pieces that create the ball joint and thethird opening912 at the front of thehead tube908 to receive theball swivel904 on the dental equipment to be supported (not shown).
• Theforward assembly900 of the present embodiment includes a first and asecond ball cup914,915, a first and asecond spacer916,917, a first and asecond spring918,919, a first and asecond nut plate920,921 and a first and a second balljoint knob922,923. Eachball cup914,915 has a curved surface so that when the ball cups914,915 are mated at the curved surfaces a substantially spherically-shaped space configured to receive theball swivel904 is formed.
• To form the ball joint, the ball cups914,915 are inserted into thehead tube908 so that the spherically-shaped space aligns with thethird opening912 of thehead tube908. Thespacers916,917 are inserted intoopenings910 and911 respectively and positioned on either side of the mated ball cups914,915. The first andsecond springs918,919 are placed against the first andsecond spacers916,917 respectively.
• Thenut plates920,921 are attached on opposing ends of thehead tube908 over the first andsecond openings910,911. Thenut plates920,921 each may have acentral opening918,919 that may be threaded.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, each of theknobs922,923 may include an ultrasonically welded stud having an externally threaded distal end. The screws of theknobs922,923 are screwed through the central openings of thenut plates920,921 and press against thesprings918,919,spacers916,917, and ball cups914,915 to press the ball cups914,915 against theball swivel904. When theknobs922,923 are tightened down, the receivedball swivel904 may not move inside the mated ball cups914,915. When theknobs922,923 are loosened, the receivedball swivel904 may move inside the mated ball cups914,915.
• A first alternative embodiment of the ball socket involves relying on spring strength rather than pressure from a screw to put pressure against the ball cups914,915. Further, thesprings918,919 shown here are coil springs. Alternatives to coil springs include, for example, spring washers, and other mechanisms for applying linear force, as known to those of skill in the art.
• FIG. 45 shows, in additional detail, a nut-plate920,921 andspring subassembly918 according to one embodiment of the invention. The spring assembly is adapted for supplying the spring tension for compressing the ball cups914,915 in response to the rotations of theabsent knobs922,923, allowing the freedom of movement of theball swivel904 to be varied.
• FIG. 46 shows an enlarged view of theball cup915, which is a mirror image of theball cup914. Theball cup915 includes an internal space915cthat, when mated with the corresponding space inball cup914, forms a substantially spherical space that may retain the ball swivel904 (as shown inFIG. 44). Anaperture915aallows the shaft connecting to theball swivel904 to exit thehead tube908 through opening912 (as shown inFIG. 44). Theball cup915 also includes aridge915bthat restricts the orientation of insertion as well as rotation of theball cup915 in theopening911 ofhead tube908 by fitting intogroove911a(as shown inFIG. 42).
• FIG. 47 shows another embodiment of aball cup2300 according to another embodiment of the invention. During assembly of the assembly900 (as shown inFIG. 43), thecontact plates2290 must be mounted to the ends of the ball cups914,915. This may be achieved by using a double sided adhesive tape or other forms of adhesives. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 47, thecontact plate2310 includes acentral hole2312. During mounting of thecontact plate2310 to theball cup2300, the central hole may come to rest upon theformation2302 on the mountingsurface2304 of theball cup2300. Theformation2302 may be of any shape, such as a cross or other multi-pointed form, but is slightly larger in width than the diameter of thecentral hole2312 of thecontact plate2310. To achieve fixture of thecontact plate2310, compression may be used to force theformation2302 to fit within the confines of thecentral hole2312. This fit may be a compression or frictional fit, such that thecontact plate2310 is substantially fixed to theball cup2300.
• FIG. 47 shows an alternative embodiment of a ball joint according to another embodiment of the invention. Thehead tube2400 may serve substantially the same purpose as thehead tube908 ofFIG. 42, but is of square, rectangular or other angled shape in cross-section, rather than circular or elliptical as inFIG. 42. The angled shape of theopening2410 allows a ball cup to be inserted in a similar manner as that depicted inFIG. 42, however a ridge, such as theridge915bshown inFIG. 46 and itscorresponding groove911aare not necessary to prevent rotation of the ball cup within the head tube due to the irrotatable nature of angled fits.
• One of skill in the art will appreciate that a ball joint, such as that illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 42-44, is merely exemplary of the various coupling features which may be used to couple a dental apparatus or device to an end of theboom103. For example in an alternative embodiment a flexible member, such as a gooseneck member, is disposed between the payload apparatus and the anterior end of the boom. The support structure of invention may include any flexible coupling device appropriate to a particular application and payload apparatus.
• FIG. 49 shows a balljoint knob922, according to one embodiment, in additional detail. The ball joint knob includes a body having a semi-ovoidexternal surface930. The interior of the balljoint knob922 is partially hollow, and includes a plurality ofribs934 disposed between an innercylindrical member936 and an inner surface of the body. The inner cylindrical member has a first longitudinal axis, and ashaft938 with a second longitudinal axis is disposed within the innercylindrical member936, such that the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially coincident. As illustrated, the shaft includes a substantially cylindrical outer surface bearing a plurality ofthreads940 on a portion thereof. Thethreads940 are adapted to be coupled tointernal threads924 of a corresponding nut-plate920, as shown inFIG. 45.
• The various inventive embodiments of a dentistry support structures heretofore described will be understood by one skill in the art to be adaptable to the support of a wide variety of conventional and novel dentistry apparatus. The resulting novel combinations provide not only effective dentistry related functionality, but our efficient in that they allow for the interchange of functional modules and reuse of the support structure for a wide variety of procedures and functions.
• Thus, one of skill will appreciate that a dentistry support structure according to the present invention is used in various embodiments to support a dental whitening lamp, a dental composition during lamp, a dental imaging system for endoscopic imaging as in, for example, endoscopic root planing, an ultrasonic imaging system, and a support system for x-ray film and/or electronic x-ray sensors adapted for use in x-ray imaging of dental x-ray-graphic subjects.
• FIG. 50 shows a support structure for dental equipment according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated embodiment includes adental whitening lamp1100. The dental whitening lamp has alamp head1102 with ahousing1104. Thelamp head1102 also has ashaft1105 that serves to couple the lamp head to a ball joint1107. The ball joint1107 is, in turn, coupled to a distal end of aboom1108. Amast1110 supports theboom1108 andlamp head1102. Themast1110 is coupled at its upper end to theboom1108 by aboom joint1200. Themast1110 is, in turn, supported at its lower end by abase1112. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase1112 includes a plurality ofarms1118 extending from acenter1116 where themast1110 is attached. Acaster wheel1120 is attached to the end of each of the plurality ofarms1118 away from thecenter1116. Thecaster wheels1120 contact the floor thereby support the entire dental whitening lamp.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thelamp head1102 is adapted to be removably coupled to the body of a patient. In one exemplary embodiment, a lip retracting device, such as a lip retractor, is connected to a light guide that is in turn coupled to thelamp head1102. Consequently, the present invention allows the lamp head to be supported in a way that allows its position to be extensively adjusted, so that the lamp head may be properly aligned with the patient for the dentistry process. This alignment will be maintained, even allowing for slight movement of the patient's head. This is possible because the lip retracting device is removably engaged with the light guide, and is positioned but not fixed to allow for this slight movement of the patient's head.
• FIG. 51 shows an assembly relationship between the ball joint902 thelamp head1102, alight guide1120, and alip retractor device1122 according to one embodiment of the invention. Apivot mount906 is coupled between thelamp head1102 and the ball joint902. The ball joint allows the lamp head to be swiveled in space such that an optical axis of the curing lamp is aligned with the target teeth of a dental whitening subject.
• Alight guide1120 is adapted to be coupled to an anterior end of thelamp head1102. In one embodiment, thelight guide1120 includes aninner surface region1122 that is adapted to be held in proximity to anouter surface region1124 of thelamp head1102. According to one embodiment of the invention, a projecting member, or bump, oninner surface1122 is adapted to be urged into a recessedregion1126 ofouter surface region1124 so as to maintain the proximity ofsurface regions1122 and1124.
• In one embodiment of the invention, thelight guide1120 includes an elasticallycompressible cushion1128 at an anterior edge thereof. The elasticallycompressible cushion1128 serves to soften an interface between a dental whitening process subject (not shown) and the light guide.
• In a further aspect of the invention, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the light guide includes first andsecond slots1130 and1132. These slots are adapted to receive projectingwings1134,1136 of alip retractor1138 so as to stabilize a relationship between the dental whitening subject and the lamp head.
• Thelip retractor1138 includeschannels1140,1142 adapted to support the lips of a dental whitening subject during the whitening process, and anelastic member1144. Theelastic member1144 is coupled to thechannels1140,1142 and adapted to urge the channels outwardly towards the lips, so as to couple the whitening subject to the lip retractor.
• When the whitening subject is coupled to thelip retractor1138, and the lip retractor is coupled to thelight guide1120 by the insertion ofwings1134,1136 inrespective slots1130,1132, the whitening subject is spatially stabilized with respect to thelamp head1102. In this way the support structure serves to support the lamp head in a substantially stable spatial relationship to the whitening subject.
• As discussed above, this spatially stabilized relationship between a subject and the support structure of the invention is found in other embodiments of the invention and in relation to various apparatus and processes.
• In one embodiment, input/output cables may be used to provide a first electrical connection between the light source to the power pack and power cables to provide a second electrical connection between the power pack and an external power source, such that the input/output cables and the power cables are removably attached to the power pack.
• FIG. 52 shows a dental illumination source according to another embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the dental illumination source is a dental whitening illumination source. The reader will appreciate, however, that a dental composition curing source might equally well be shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball joint902 is coupled to alight housing1150. Thelight housing1150 includes a firstelongate portion1152 having at its posterior end the ball of the ball andsocket joint902. An anterior end of thehousing1150 includes, in the illustrated embodiment, anarcuate surface1154.
• Arcuate surface1154 support a one ormore illumination sources1156. In one embodiment of the invention the one ormore illumination sources1156 includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In another embodiment of the invention, the one ormore illumination sources1156 includes one or more miniature arc lamps such as, for example, halogen arc lamps. In still other embodiments of the invention, the one or morelight sources1156 includes one or more incandescent lamps such as, for example, halogen incandescent lamps, and in still other embodiments of the invention, the one or more light sources includes one or more optical fibers coupled to a remote light source and/or one or more optical wavelength transformer such as those described in U.S. patent application No. 60/658,517, the disclosure of which is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.
• In the illustrated embodiment, asignal cable1170 is coupled at one end to thelight housing1150. The signal cable may include a power cable adapted to provide power for the one ormore illumination sources1156. The single cable may also include an optical light guide such as an optical fiber adapted to transmit light to the one or more illumination sources from a remote light source. In at least one embodiment of the invention, thesignal cable1170 includes a strain-relief feature1172.
• In one embodiment, the power cables may provide a connection from a power source external to the dental instrument and the power pack, and the power cables are substantially contained in the mast, and are removable from the external power source.
• Illustrating another aspect of the invention, the embodiment ofFIG. 52 shows first and second wing-coupling members1158,1160. Each wing-coupling member1158,1160 includes arespective slot1162,1164. Theslots1162,1164 are adapted to receive correspondingwings1134,1136 of alip retractor1138, as illustrated inFIG. 53.
• When thelip retractor1138 is worn by a dental procedure subject, insertion of thewings1134,1136 into theslots1162,1164 serves to stabilize a spatial relationship between the subject and the one ormore illumination sources1156.
• FIG. 54 illustrates a support structure for dentistry according to another embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 54, thesupport structure100″ is shown coupled to components of an endoscopicendodontic apparatus1180. Theapparatus1180 of the illustrated embodiment is an endoscopic root planer. One of skill in the art will appreciate that it is known to perform an endodontic procedure in which the soft gum tissue of a patient is detached and drawn away from the patient's teeth to expose the roots of the teeth. Thereafter, a dental instrument such as a scaler is used to remove deposits of plaque or other material from the exposed roots. Ultimately, the patient's gum tissue is repositioned over the roots, sutured in place, and allowed to heal. Unfortunately, because of the invasive nature of the procedure the healing process tends to be lengthy and painful.
• In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 54, thesupport structure100″ supports an endoscopicroot planing system1180. The endoscopicroot planing system1180 includes ahandpiece1182. The handpiece has adistal end1184 that includes a root planing tool and an optical device.
• The optical device is adapted to illuminate a small spatial region adjacent a tip of the root planing tool and receive reflected light. The reflected light received by the optical device is, in turn, received by a sensor either directly, or by way of an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber.
• The sensor converts the received light into a signal that is amplified and displayed as an image on adisplay screen1186 of the system. Although thehandpiece1182 is shown coupled to the balance of theroot planning system1180 by anumbilical cable1180, a wireless handpiece is also within the scope of the invention disclosed herewith.
• In one aspect of the invention, the root planing system of the invention is adapted to allow removal of plaque and other detritus from between the gum and root of a patient without surgical removal, and subsequent reattachment, of the gum.
• In one aspect of the invention, the root planing system includes atray1190 adapted to the convenient storage of various dental instruments and/or materials. According to one embodiment of the invention, thetray1190 is readily removable to allow sterilization of the tray as in, for example, an autoclave.
• In another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, themonitor screen1186 of the system is pivotally and/or removably coupled to theboom103 of the support structure at ball joint902. In still another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the endodontic root planing system includes apower pack1192. According to one embodiment of the invention, the power pack supplies operative electrical power to the balance of the root planing system by way of anelectrical cable1194. Still further embodiments of the invention include digital processing apparatus such as, for example, a microprocessor within thepowerpack1192. The digital processing apparatus is adapted to control and process signals of the endodontic root planning system.
• In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 55, thesupport structure100″ supports an endodonticapex locator system1200. The endodonticapex locator system1200 includes a signal transmission medium such as acoaxial signal wire1202. Thesignal wire1202 is adapted to be coupled to an apexlocator fixturing device1204.
• The apexlocator fixturing device1204 includes asupport clamp portion1206, aninsulator portion1208 and acontactor portion1210. Thesupport clamp portion1206 is adapted to be removably but firmly coupled to atooth1212 of a dental patient. Thesupport clamp portion1206 is adapted to support theinsulator portion1208 which, in turn, is adapted to support thecontactor portion1210.
• During the performance of a root canal procedure, an endodontic file, reamer, or otherappropriate tool1214 is used to excavate a pulp chamber and root of thetooth1212. A surface of thetool1214 comes into contact with thecontactor1210 and an electrical signal received from thesignal wire1202 is electrically coupled to thetool1214.
• Thesignal wire1214 is coupled at a second end to aprocessing device1216 that is adapted to generate the electrical signal and produce a measurement based on, for example, an impedance of thetool1214 andtooth1212 system.
• In response to the measured impedance, or other signal, theprocessing system1216 produces an image on adisplay screen1218 of the system. In various embodiments, the image is textural and/or graphical, and represents a spatial location of thetool1214 with respect to aroot canal1218 of thetooth1212. Although the apexlocator fixturing device1204 is shown coupled to the balance of theapex locator system1200 bysignal wire1202, a wireless apex locator fixturing system is also within the scope of the invention disclosed herewith.
• In one aspect of the invention, the apex locator system of the invention is adapted to allow excavation and shaping of theroot canal1218 without perforation of the root wall or of the portion of the periodontal membrane located at theapex1222 of the root.
• In one aspect of the invention, the apex locator system includes atray1190 adapted to the convenient storage of various dental instruments and/or materials. According to one embodiment of the invention, thetray1190 is readily removable to allow sterilization of the tray as in, for example, an autoclave.
• In another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, themonitor screen1218 of the system is pivotally and/or removably coupled to theboom103 of the support structure at ball joint902. In still another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, theapex locator system1200 includes apower pack1192.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, the power pack supplies operative electrical power to the balance of the apex locator system by way of anelectrical cable1194. Still further embodiments of the invention include digital processing apparatus such as, for example, a microprocessor within thepower pack1192. The digital processing apparatus is adapted to control and process signals of the endodontic apex locator system.
• In one embodiment the invention includes the combination of asupport structure100″ with an endodontic apex locator system such as that disclosed in U.S. patent application No. 60/594,388 the disclosure of which is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.
• FIG. 56 shows another embodiment of the invention including thedental support structure100 ofFIG. 1 that is adapted to support a dentalimaging fixturing system1230. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball joint902 is coupled to asupport member1232. Thesupport member1232 includes a firstelongate portion1234 having at its posterior end the ball of the ball andsocket joint902. An anterior end of thesupport member1232 includes, in the illustrated embodiment, first and second wing-coupling members1236,1238. Each wing-coupling member1236,1238 includes arespective slot1240,1242. Theslots1240,1242 are adapted to receive correspondingwings1244,1246 of alip retractor1248.
• When thelip retractor1248 is worn by a dental procedure subject, insertion of thewings1244,1246 into theslots1240,1242 serves to stabilize a spatial relationship between the subject and the one or more x-ray sources.
• According to one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated, thelip retractor1248 includes first andsecond bite members1250,1252. Eachbite member1250,1252 has a respective one or more film support clips1253 adapted to support a respective x-ray film package.
• In operation, at least one x-ray film package is coupled to the one or more film support clips1253. The x-ray film package, as is known in the art, includes a sheet of chemical x-ray film enclosed in a light-tight package. Thelip retractor1248 is coupled to a dental x-ray subject by placing the lips of the patient into the lip-receiving channels of thelip retractor1248. The subject then bites down on the bite members to further secure the lip retractor in a stable spatial relationship to the teeth of the subject. By inserting thewings1244,1246 intoslots1240,1242, thelip retractor1248 is stabilized with respect to thedental support structure100. This serves to stabilize the teeth of the subject and thex-ray film package1256 with respect to the floor, and thus with respect to an x-ray source. Consequently, the well-known tendency of x-ray subjects to move during exposure of the x-ray film with a resulting non-uniformity of film exposure is reduced.
• FIG. 57 shows a further embodiment of the invention including thedental support structure100″ ofFIG. 54 that is adapted to support a dentalimaging fixturing system1230.
• Unlike the embodiment ofFIG. 56, theFIG. 57 embodiment includeselectronic x-ray sensors1280,1282 coupled to thebite members1250,1252 respectively. Detecting and imaging x-rays with an electronic image sensor may be preferable to using chemical film because electronic image sensors tend to be more sensitive than chemical film, no chemical developing process is required, and the digital images produced by most electronic image sensors are immediately ready for digital manipulation.
• In one embodiment of the invention, electronic image sensors each include a respective signal cable with a removable plug.
• FIG. 58 shows the dentalequipment support structure100″ ofFIG. 54 including anultrasonic imaging system1300 according to one embodiment of the invention. The support structure includes animaging handle1310 that supports anultrasonic transducer1312, and animaging screen1314. The ultrasonic transducer is adapted to be positioned in proximity to a tooth and/or bone region. Ultrasonic vibrations generated and received by the transducer are used by thesystem1300 to produce an image of the tooth and/or bone region on thescreen1314.
• FIG. 59 shows adental composition tray1350 according to one embodiment of the invention. The dental composition tray includes first and secondlip receiving channels1358,1360. A thirdtooth receiving channel1354 is disposed in a substantially normal orientation to the lip receiving channels and adapted to receive, within a concave region thereof, the upper or lower teeth of a patient. First andsecond fixturing wings1362,1364 are coupled to the first and secondlip receiving channels1358,1360, respectively. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, acoupling member1356 is disposed between, and mutually coupled to the first and secondlip receiving channels1358,1360 and thetooth receiving channel1352. One of skill in the art will appreciate that, in various embodiments, the dental composition tray includes a pair of tooth receiving channels arranged to receive both upper and lower teeth simultaneously.
• In use, thedental composition tray1350 is adapted to receive a dentistry composition, such as a dental whitening composition or a dental casting composition within theconcave region1354 of thetooth receiving channel1352.
• While exemplified embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (11)

1-54. (canceled)

55. A dental support system comprising:

a first bearing adapted to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis of a yoke;

a second bearing adapted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis of a pivot member; and

a damper adapted to retard pivotal motion about said substantially vertical axis.

56. The dental support system ofclaim 55 wherein said yoke comprises a boom.

57. The dental support system ofclaim 55 wherein said pivot member comprises a mast.

58. The dental support system ofclaim 56 wherein said boom comprises at least one formation adapted to inter-engage a corresponding formation on the yoke.

59. The support system ofclaim 55 wherein said yoke comprising a first braking surface, said shaft comprising a second braking surface, said first and second braking surfaces being adapted to mutually engage a friction member.

60. The support system ofclaim 59 wherein said friction member comprises a friction washer, said friction washer including an internal surface defining a through-hole, said through-hole being adapted to receive a portion of said shaft therethrough.

61. The support system ofclaim 60 wherein said washer comprises an anti-rotation feature, said anti-rotation feature being adapted to minimize a rotational motion of said washer about a longitudinal axis of said shaft, whereby said washer is substantially rotationally fixed with respect to said mast.

62. The support structure ofclaim 60 wherein said anti-rotation feature comprises a first substantially flat region of said internal surface, and said shaft comprises an external surface including a second substantially flat region, said first substantially flat region being adapted to engage said second substantially flat surface.

63. The support structure ofclaim 57 wherein the mast comprises at least one formation adapted to inter-engage at least one corresponding formation of a power pack which is electrically connected with at least one dental instrument.

64. The support structure ofclaim 63 wherein the power pack comprises user interface components adapted to receive control inputs from an operator and provide status and control feedback to the operator.

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