A system for driving an electric handpiece in response to a pneumatic control signal may provide for fast interchange of handpieces, self-calibration and wide dynamic range of operation with precise speed control. The system may be incorporated into virtually any dental treatment center using traditional pneumatic drive handpieces, and a conversion kit may facilitate such conversion. The system may provide not only for controlling the speed and torque of a tool coupled to an electric drive handpiece responsive to a pneumatic control signal, it may also provide for coupling cooling air and treatment media, such as air and/or water to the handpiece. Coupling of a handpiece to an operating base of the system, including coupling of media lines and electrical connections may be made with a simple press and twist action using quick connection structure.

A dental device is disclosed comprising a dental handpiece, a controller including a microcontroller and a foot control pressure sensor, and a foot pedal. The foot pedal is in communication with the controller and controls the dental handpiece. The dental device is arranged to configure between at least two of a speed limiting mode, a feathering mode, and a standard mode. In the speed limiting mode, the controller proportions air flow so as to limit the speed of the dental handpiece to a specified speed. In the feathering mode, the foot pedal proportions air to the controller which then transmits the air to the dental handpiece such that the foot pedal controls the speed of the dental handpiece. In the standard mode, the speed of the dental handpiece is set without limiting by the controller and without feathering by the foot pedal.

An apparatus for seamlessly activating an on-demand function related to a fluid-driven instrument connects to an output of control valve regulating system pressure during normal operation of the instrument. The apparatus includes a fluid-operated bistable circuit that is switchable from a standby mode to an actuating mode by a brief drop in system pressure. In the actuating mode the circuit acts on a switch or valve to activate the function. Turning off system pressure to a longer time returns the circuit to its standby mode. The circuit includes a two-port biased actuator responsive to pressure imbalance between its ports, which are separately pressurizable through, respectively, an actuator-controlled valve and a flow control module.

A foot control unit enables a dentist to operate a dental hand piece using the dentist's knowledge of selected positions of the control unit, along with the ability of the dentist to feel when the control unit is in a selected position.

The present invention includes an apparatus and method for a hands-free foot pedal to attenuate and interrupt suction that attaches externally around suction tubing, in the context of any system where the flow of suction is through tubing.

A motor-driven dental device has a motor control that is responsive to a load placed upon the motor. More specifically, the invention relates to a dental device having motor that drives a tool, wherein the tool is activated or otherwise controlled in response to a load placed upon the motor through the tool, such as by touching the tool to a surface. The tool may also be controlled by the sustenance, over a predetermined time period, of an increase or decrease in motor current beyond a predetermined hysteresis current threshold. The motor may be an electric motor, a rotary electric motor, and air driven motor, an ultrasonic device or the like.

Embodiments of the invention include a handpiece system including a detachable cable that can receive at least power, and a detachable cable connector, where the detachable cable connector and detachable cable are reversibly attachable to each other. In some embodiments, the system includes an interchangeable laser module, where the laser module and detachable cable connector are reversibly attachable to each other. Further, the interchangeable laser module is configured and arranged to receive at least the power via the cable connector when coupled to the cable connector, and to be removed from the detachable cable connector and replaced with another laser module. In some embodiments, the system further includes an interchangeable handpiece which is reversibly attachable to the interchangeable laser module. Further, the interchangeable handpiece is configured and arranged to be removed from the interchangeable laser module and replaced with another interchangeable handpiece.

An orthodontic system and method for aligning at least one tooth of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of a patient. In the system and method at least one orthodontic appliance can be provided which may include at least one force exerting member for applying a force to move the at least one tooth, a tooth movement sensor for obtaining tooth movement data, and a tooth movement monitor for calculating at least one of the distance the at least one tooth has moved and a current position of the at least one tooth from the tooth movement data. An electronic control console may be operatively connected to the force exerting member and in data communication with the tooth movement monitor, for controlling the operation of the force exerting member using the at least one of the distance the at least one tooth has moved and the current position of the at least one tooth.

A handpiece assembly for laser treating a target surface and a laser system are disclosed. A handpiece assembly for laser treating a target surface includes a cable connector that is detachably coupled to a power supply and control module. The cable connector is configured to receive power and control signals from the power supply and control module. The handpiece assembly includes a laser module configured to receive the power and control signals from the cable connector and to generate electromagnetic energy based on the received power and control signals. The laser module is a replaceable module that is detachably coupled to the cable connector and a handpiece. The replaceable module allows a particular laser module to be removed from the handpiece assembly and replaced with another laser module. The handpiece assembly further includes the handpiece configured to receive the electromagnetic energy from the laser module and to direct the electromagnetic energy to the target surface.

A dental preparation instrument having a pneumatic turbine (1) with a rotor (5) for driving a tool (1.1), wherein the rotor (5), which is mounted in a turbine chamber (18) for rotation about an axis of rotation (4), is impinged by compressed air from a compressed-air nozzle (22). A first radial partition (23) has an opening (17) via which an annular space (8) is in flow connection with an outlet duct (19).