Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol suction device, and particularly, but not exclusively, an aerosol suction device for a dental chair.

Background

Dentistry is potentially one of the workplaces with the greatest risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 due to the use of rotary equipment and air-water syringes during dental treatment, generating 'bio-aerosols'. Bio-aerosols are airborne biological materials which can contain bacterial cells, fungal spores, fungal hyphae and viruses and in the dental surgery are produced as a result of bodily fluids being present. Therefore, there is an increased risk of the spread of infectious diseases (A. Raghunath, 2016]. The dental community is aware of the risk of airborne infection and implement a comprehensive regime of cross infection control procedures to minimise risks however studies have shown that during operational hours C02, total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs] and Particular Matter (PM] become very elevated during dental treatment (C.G. Helmis, 2007]

To minimise the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in dental surgeries, the regulatory bodies have provided details of what mitigation factors should be implemented and how this impact the surgery fallow time required after the treatment. Mitigating factors include both procedural and environmental and will contribute to the dilution of bioaerosol during and after dental treatment. It is recommended that dental surgeries should now have between 10 and 12 air changes per hour to allow for a fallow time of less than 1 hour. Air purifiers which combine HEPA filters and UVC lights also contribute to the improved IAQ and the reduced fallow time (College of General Dentistry and Faculty of General Dental Practice, 2020].

For many dental practices, the implementation of 10 -12 air changes per hour will be inhibitively expensive or impractical due to the premises' physical constraints. As the new requirements were issued quickly, alternative solutions have not been considered, or even if the requirements fully address the dental setting's issues. Ten air changes per hour are likely to consume a high amount of energy as most systems as well as allowing the bioaerosol to disperse throughout the entire space rather than being removed at source, allowing the bioaerosol to settle on worksurfaces increasing the cross -contamination and risk occupants.

Ten to twelve air changes per hour means that both a supply and an extract fan will be operational the entire working day which uses a lot of energy, is noisy and cools the air temperature which can be problematic in the winter. Not only is this solution not environmentally friendly it is also expensive to install and operate as well as not being physically possible in some dental surgeries due to the building layout.

Mobile extraction units have been utilised in some dental surgeries, but these exhaust through a HEPA filter back into the surgery which causes a maintenance issue as well as not removing 100% of airborne particles. Mobile extraction units are also expensive and physically large which can get in the way of the dental staff and patients.

Summary

There is provided an aerosol suction device for a dental chair, wherein the aerosol suction device comprises: a hose with an inlet and an outlet, a hose connector for fluidly connecting the outlet of the hose to a suction pump of the dental chair, and hose support means configured to allow movement of the inlet between a range of positions relative to the outlet and configured to support the hose inlet in each of the range of positions.

The aerosol suction device may further comprise a suction nozzle fixable to the inlet of the hose.

The dental chair may comprise a saliva suction device and the suction pump may be configured to supply a negative pressure to the saliva suction device and/or other suction devices. When the hose connector fluidly connects the outlet of the hose to the suction pump, the suction pump of the dental chair causes air to flow into the inlet of the hose, through the hose, out of the outlet of the hose, into the suction pump of the dental chair.

The aerosol suction device can be used during a dental procedure to collect aerosols ejected from the patient's mouth by placing the suction nozzle near to the patient's mouth. The collection of ejected aerosols reduces the build-up and spread of aerosols around the dental practice and reduces possible contamination of work surfaces. This protects dental practitioners, other patients and staff who may enter the practice from possible infection by viruses which the patient may be carrying.

All dental surgeries have a suction pump which is used to suction water and saliva created during drilling procedures. These suction pumps have a high pressure with high flow rate and are designed to be able to be capable of providing enough suction to effectively operate at least two suction devices at a time. A typical suction pump such as the DURR VSA300 is capable of extracting 3001/hour at 180bar. By connecting the aerosol suction device to the suction pump of the dental chair, infrastructure that is already in place in the dental practice can be utilised. So, the device is efficient in use of resources and space.

Further, suction pumps in dental chairs often eject the collected air to the outside environment, so by connecting the aerosol suction device to the suction pump of a dental chair, aerosols can be ejected to the outside environment where risk of infection via aerosols is much reduced.

The use of the aerosol suction device collects aerosols at their source and so may reduce the requirement on ventilation of the whole dental surgery and fallow time of the surgery between patients.

The aerosol suction device may further comprise a handle attached to the suction nozzle and/or the hose. The handle may be a ring handle. The handle may be attached around the circumference of the hose. The handle may be attached to the outlet of the hose. The handle may be attached around the circumference of the outlet of the hose. The handle assists the user in moving the hose inlet to the desired position in the range of positions. The hose provides a closed air flow path from the inlet to the outlet. The hose may be a plastic or metal hose.

The hose support means allow that the hose inlet is movable by a user relative to the hose outlet but the suction nozzle and hose inlet stay still when the user lets go. The hose support means supports the weight of the hose and suction nozzle. The hose support means is advantageous because, in use, a dental practitioner can move the suction nozzle to a desired position within the range of positions at which the hose is supported by the hose support means, thereby leaving both hands of the dental practitioner free to carry out the required dental procedure.

The hose support means may be integral with the hose such that the hose is self-supporting. The hose may be bendable and self-supporting. The hose may be a metal or plastic hose. The hose may be an articulated hose. The hose may be a self-supporting directional hose. The hose may be extendable. The diameter of the hose may be between 20mm and 80mm and may be 30mm or 60mm. The length of the hose may be between 100cm and 180cm and may be 132cm. The hose is beneficially hygienic and easily cleaned thereby ensuring that no dirt or bacteria builds up on the surface of the hose.

The hose support means may comprise a moveable arm attached to the hose and configured to support the inlet of the hose.

The aerosol suction device may further comprise an aerosol suction switch, the switch configured to control air flow through the hose. The switch means that air flow through the hose may be controlled independently of air flow through any other suction devices which may be connected to the suction pump, for example, the saliva suction device.

The switch may be configured to control the air flow through the hose by switching between the air flow being on and the air flow being off. The switch may further be configured to switch between one or more intermediate air flow rates. The switch may comprise an automatic mechanism. The automatic mechanism may be configured to control air flow through the hose in response to a measured air particle level. The measured air particle level may be a measure of indoor air quality based on particulate matter contained within the air. For example, levels of C0 _2, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde may be monitored to determine an air particle level or air quality. The automatic mechanism may be configured to turn on air flow through the hose when a measured air particle level exceeds a first threshold. The automatic mechanism may be configured to turn off air flow through the hose when a measured air particle level falls below a second threshold. The automatic mechanism may be configured to increase air flow through the hose when a measured air particle level exceeds a first threshold. The automatic mechanism may be configured to decrease air flow through the hose when a measured air particle level falls below a second threshold. The first and second threshold may have the same value or the first threshold may be a higher air particle level than the second threshold.

The switch may comprise a user input mechanism, such as a button. The user input mechanism may be configured to override the automatic mechanism.

The switch may comprise a dental light switch of the dental chair. In this way, the air flow in the aerosol suction device may be turned on and off with the dental light. As the dental light is used in most, if not all, dental procedures, the aerosol suction device will be automatically operational when needed.

The switch may comprise a chair recline switch of the dental chair. In this way, the air flow in the aerosol suction device may be turned on when the chair is reclined and off when the chair is returned to its upright position. As the dental chair is always reclined for dental procedures, the aerosol suction device will be automatically operational when needed.

The switch may comprise a cuspidor suction switch of the dental chair. For example, when the aerosol suction device has been installed by replacing the cuspidor suction device of the dental chair, the existing cuspidor suction switch may be utilised to control the aerosol suction device. The hose connector may comprise a T connector which may be installable in a pipe of a suction pump system of the dental chair. In this way, all the existing suction devices on the dental chair can continue to be used and the aerosol suction device is added to the suction device(s) of the dental chair system.

Alternatively, the hose connector may be configured to connect to a suction pump manifold. This may be the case when a new dental chair is manufactured with the aerosol suction device as a part of the original dental chair. The aerosol suction device may replace an existing suction device on the dental chair, such as a cuspidor suction device and in this case may connect to the suction pump manifold in place of the replaced suction device. Cuspidors may provide a cross-infection risk, so the cuspidor may be removed and the cuspidor suction device may be disconnected from the suction pump manifold. The aerosol suction device may be connected to the suction pump manifold using the existing cuspidor connection. By removing the cuspidor, a possible point of cross-infection can be removed, thereby further reducing infection risk in the dental practice.

The hose connector may comprise one or more hose reducers to allow connection to a hose of a smaller diameter. The hose connector may comprise a link tube which links the hose to the manifold or T connector. The hose connector may comprise a push fit connection mechanism and/or a compression connection mechanism.

The hose connector may comprise securing means configured to secure the outlet of the hose in a fixed position. The securing means may comprise a clamp. The securing means may comprise a sheath attached to a plate. The sheath may be configured to engage the circumference of the hose and the plate may be attachable to the dental chair or to the clamp. The plate may be attachable to the clamp or dental chair via bolt holes in the plate. Alternatively, the plate may be secured to the dental chair by the clamp. Using the clamp, the hose may be easily fixed to a structural part of the dental chair, for example a strut or arm making installation of the aerosol suction device simple. Once fixed, the hose may be upstanding from the hose connector. The hose may be bendable towards the head rest of the dental chair. The hose may also be bolted or clamped directly to the floor of the dental surgery and the hose may be connected to the suction device under the floor.

Alternatively, the securing means may be integral with the dental chair. This may be the case when a new dental chair is manufactured with the aerosol suction device as an original part.

The suction nozzle may be fixed to the inlet of the hose. The suction nozzle may be removable from the inlet of the hose. This allows easier cleaning of the nozzle and/or replacement of the nozzle.

The device may further comprise a replacement suction nozzle. The replacement suction nozzle may have a different shape to the suction nozzle.

When negative pressure is applied to the outlet of the hose by the suction pump, air flows into an upstream end of the suction nozzle, through the suction nozzle, out of a downstream end of the nozzle and into the inlet of the hose. The downstream end of the nozzle may be fixable to the inlet of the hose. The upstream end of the suction nozzle may form the entrance of the suction nozzle.

The suction nozzle and/or the replacement suction nozzle may be a general-use suction nozzle.

A general-use suction nozzle has a funnel shape such that an internal area of the upstream end of the suction nozzle is larger than an internal area of the downstream end of the suction nozzle. The area is measured perpendicularly to the air flow direction through the nozzle. The internal area of the upstream end of the suction nozzle may be more than 50%, or more than 100% or more than 200% larger than an internal area of the downstream end of the suction nozzle. A general-use suction nozzle may effectively collect aerosol ejected from a patient's mouth during routine and/or low intensity procedures such as a dental check-up. The suction nozzle and/or the replacement suction nozzle may be a targeted suction nozzle.

A targeted suction nozzle has a narrow shape such that an internal area of the upstream end of the targeted suction nozzle is smaller than or the same as an internal area of the upstream end of the suction nozzle. In this application, two areas may be considered the same if the larger of the two areas is less than 30% larger than the smaller of the two areas.

The narrow shape of the targeted suction nozzle may enable the aerosol suction to be more effective during high-aerosol procedures such as drilling where a large amount of aerosol may be ejected from a small area in the patient's mouth. The suction can be more focussed on the small area in which the aerosol is produced by the dental procedure.

The device may further comprise an inline fan. This may assist with air flow through the hose. The inline fan may be connected between the outlet of the hose and the hose connector. In this case, the hose connector is indirectly connected to the outlet of the hose via the inline fan.

The aerosol suction device may be fixed to the dental chair.

When the aerosol suction device is fixed to the dental chair, the range of positions may include a position above a patient's mouth, with the patient being led on the dental chair. The range of positions may include a position above a head rest of the dental chair. The range of positions may include a position 30cm from the patient’s mouth. The range of positions may include a position 30cm or 50cm from a head rest of the dental chair.

There is further provided a dental chair comprising a saliva suction device, a suction pump configured to supply a negative pressure to the saliva suction device, and an aerosol suction device as described above, wherein the outlet of the hose is fluidly connected to the suction pump of the dental chair by the hose connector.

The suction pump may be configured to eject collected air to the outside environment. There is further provided an aerosol extraction system comprising an aerosol suction device or dental chair as described above and an air monitor.

Using this system, the operation of the aerosol suction device may be modified according to the air quality in the dental surgery. The air monitor may be an air particle monitor. The air particle monitor maybe configured to measure 2.5 pm and/or 10 pm particulate matter.

The air monitor may be configured to indicate a measured air particle level to the switch and/or a computing device such as a server, laptop, desktop computer, smartphone or tablet.

The air monitor may be configured to indicate the measured air particle level at regular intervals, and/or when the air particle level exceeds or falls below a threshold and/or when prompted by the user and/or the computing device.

The air monitor may be communicatively connected to the switch and/or the computing device, for example via a wired connection or a wireless connection such as WiFi or Bluetooth™. The air monitor may be communicatively connected to the switch directly or indirectly, for example via the computing device.

The air monitor may be positioned in a room in which the aerosol suction device is positioned, for example the dental surgery. The air monitor may be attached to the aerosol suction device or dental chair. The air monitor may be positioned between 1 and 5 metres from the aerosol suction device. In this way the air quality measured may be indicative of the build-up of particles and/or aerosol in the room.

The aerosol extraction system may comprise the computing device.

The computing device may have access to a patient record database and/or scheduling database. The computing device may be configured to store the measured air particle level in a corresponding record in the patient record database and/or scheduling database. This allows tracking of the air particle level for each appointment and/or patient so that in the event of infection of the patient and/or a member of staff risk of cross infection can be analysed based on the aerosol level present in the surgery during the patient's appointment.

There is further provided a method of installing an aerosol suction device on a dental chair, the method comprising: providing an aerosol suction device as described above and fluidly connecting the outlet of the hose to the suction pump of the dental chair using the hose connector.

The hose connector may comprise a T connector and fluidly connecting the outlet of the hose to the suction pump of the dental chair may comprise installing the T connector in a pipe of a suction pump system of the dental chair, such that the hose forms a branch of the pipe of the suction pump system. In this way, all the existing suction devices on the dental chair can continue to be used and the aerosol suction device is added to the suction device(s) of the dental chair system.

The hose connector may be configured to connect to a suction pump manifold and fluidly connecting the outlet of the hose to the suction pump of the dental chair may comprise connecting the hose connector to the suction pump manifold. This may be the case when a new dental chair is manufactured with the aerosol suction device as a part of the original dental chair or when the aerosol suction device connects to the suction pump manifold in place of a replaced suction device such as a cuspidor suction device.

The hose connector may comprise securing means and the method of installing may further comprise securing the outlet of the hose to the dental chair using the securing means. Securing the outlet of the hose may comprise clamping and/or bolting the securing means to a structural part of the dental chair, such as a strut or an arm.

There is further provided a method of manufacturing a dental chair, the method comprising: providing an aerosol suction device as described above and fluidly connecting the outlet of the hose to a suction pump of the dental chair using the hose connector. The method of manufacture may further comprise securing the hose connector integrally with a structural part of the dental chair, such as a strut or arm.

There is further provided a method of using the aerosol suction device and/or dental chair and/or aerosol suction system described above, the method comprising: moving the hose inlet to a desired position within the range of positions and activating air flow through the hose.

Activating air flow through the hose may comprise actuating the aerosol suction switch. When the switch comprises an automatic mechanism, actuating the aerosol suction switch may be performed automatically in response to a measured air particle level. When the switch comprises a user input mechanism, such as a button, actuating the switch may comprise a user actuating the user input mechanism.

Further features and advantages of the aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the claims and the following description.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams, in which: -

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol extraction system in a dental surgery,

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the aerosol extraction system of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the hose connector of the aerosol extraction system of Fig.l,

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the hose connector and part of the dental chair of the aerosol extraction system of Fig.l,

Fig. 5A shows a side view of securing means of an aerosol suction device,

Fig. 5B shows a section side view of the securing means of Fig. 5A,

Fig. 5C shows a plan view of the securing means of Fig. 5A,

Fig. 6A shows a side view of a securing means of an aerosol suction device,

Fig. 6B shows a section side view of the securing means of Fig. 6A, Fig. 6C shows a plan view of the securing means of Fig. 6A,

Fig. 7A shows a side view of a hose connector of an aerosol suction device, Fig. 7B shows a side section view of the hose connector of Fig. 7A,

Fig. 8 shows a plan view of a ring handle,

Fig. 9 shows an exploded, schematic view of an aerosol suction device,

Fig. 10 shows a side view of the aerosol suction device of Fig. 9,

Fig. 11 shows a plan view of a dental chair and an aerosol suction device, Fig. 12 shows a plan view of a dental chair and an aerosol suction device, Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of an aerosol suction device.

Detailed Description

A number of different embodiments of the disclosure are described subsequently. In order to minimise repetition, similar features of the different embodiments are numbered with a common two-digit reference numeral and are differentiated by a third digit placed before the two common digits. Such features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have similar functions unless otherwise indicated.

Figures 1 to 4 show an aerosol extraction system 101 in a room of a dental practice. The aerosol extraction system 101 comprises an aerosol suction device 102 attached to dental chair 103 and an air monitor 104. The air monitor 104 is shown secured to a stand within the dental practice. However, it is envisaged that the air monitor 104 may be mounted closer to the aerosol suction device 102. For example, the air monitor 104 could be mounted to the dental chair 103 or aerosol suction device 102 such that the air monitor 104 may detect the air quality in the vicinity of the patient and aerosol suction device 102.

The aerosol suction device 102 has a self-supporting hose 105 with an inlet 106 and an outlet 107, a hose connector 108 fluidly connecting the outlet 107 of the hose to a suction pump of the dental chair. The self-supporting hose 105 is able to bend so that the inlet 106 of the hose can move between a range of positions relative to the hose outlet 107. The hose can support itself in each of the range of positions. The aerosol suction device has a suction nozzle 109 fixed to the inlet of the hose.

The dental chair 103 has a saliva suction device and the suction pump is configured to supply a negative pressure to the saliva suction device and other suction devices via a suction manifold 110. The suction pump of the dental chair causes air to flow into the inlet 106 of the hose, through the hose 105, out of the outlet 107 of the hose, through the hose connector 108, through the suction manifold 110 and into the suction pump of the dental chair.

The aerosol suction device 102 can be used during a dental procedure to collect aerosols ejected from the patient's mouth by placing the suction nozzle 109 near to the patient's mouth.

The suction pump is a DURR VSA300 and is capable of extracting 3001/hour at 180bar. The suction pump ejects the collected air to the outside environment, so by connecting the aerosol suction device to the suction pump of a dental chair, aerosols can be ejected to the outside environment where risk of infection via aerosols is much reduced.

The hose 105 is a metal articulated hose.

The aerosol suction device 102 has an aerosol suction switch configured to control air flow through the hose independently of air flow through the other suction devices connected to the suction pump. The switch is a button actuatable by a user to turn the air flow through the hose on and off.

The hose connector 108 is connected to the suction pump manifold 110 by a threaded connection. The hose connector includes a linking hose 112 of a smaller diameter than hose 105. So, the hose connector also includes hose reducers 111 which connect to the hose 105 and the linking hose 112. The hose connector 108 includes securing means which secure the outlet of the hose in a fixed position on the dental chair 103. The securing means includes a clampll3 and a sheath 114 attached to a plate 115. The sheath 114 engages the circumference of the hose 105 and the plate is attachable to the clamp via bolt holes in the plate through which bolts are secured. The clamp is fixed to strut 116 of the dental chair 103. The hose 105 is upstanding from the hose connector and is bendable towards the head rest of the dental chair 103.

The suction nozzle 109 is fixed to the inlet of the hose 105 by a friction fit and the suction nozzle is removable from the inlet of the hose by pulling the nozzle from the inlet 106.

The suction nozzle 109 is a general-use suction nozzle with a funnel shape such that an internal area of the upstream end of the suction nozzle is larger than an internal area of the downstream end of the suction nozzle.

The suction nozzle 109 may be replaced by a replacement suction nozzle that may be a targeted suction nozzle with a narrow shape.

The air monitor is an air particle monitor configured to measure 2.5pm and 10 mih particulate matter. In other embodiments, the air monitor may be connectable to a computing device or an automatic mechanism in the aerosol suction switch. In this embodiment, the air monitor may be viewed by a user to ensure that the air particle level is below a safety threshold for testing of the effectiveness of the aerosol suction device suction device or dental chair. The air monitor is positioned two metres from the aerosol suction device 103.

In use, the inlet 106 is moved to a desired position and air flowthrough the hose is activated by the user actuating the switch to turn on air flow.

Tests of the aerosol extraction system 101 have shown effectiveness of the system in reducing particles in the air of a dental surgery. Testing was conducted using the air monitor measuring 2.5mih and 10 mhi Particulate Matter. Air particle level measurements were taken prior to treatment in an empty surgery first thing in the morning and at various times during and after aerosol generating procedures [AGP] AGPs were carried out for 10, 20 and 30 minutes with rubber dam and high-volume suction using the saliva suction device of the dental chair. Measurements of air particle level were taken during each treatment, immediately after each treatment, and after 10 minutes fallow time after each treatment. AGPs were also carried out for 10, 20 and 30 minutes with rubber dam and high volume suction along with the aerosol suction device during each treatment, immediately after each treatment and after 10 minutes fallow time after each treatment.

At each time, measurements were taken adjacent to the dental chair at the head end, one metre from the head of the reclined chair North, South, East and West, and two metres from the head of the reclined chair North, South, East and West.

Air particle levels in the AGPs with the aerosol suction device were much lower that air particle levels in corresponding AGPs where the aerosol suction device was not used. It has been found that where the aerosol suction device was used during AGPs air particle levels were maintained at a low level that was comparable if not better than what could be achieved using ten air changes per hour within the dental surgery. These results show that most of the aerosols produced in the AGPs were captured by the aerosol suction device with the remaining large droplets falling within a short distance of the dental chair leaving the remaining air within the surgery with low levels of particulate matter. Thus the need for ventilation of the dental surgery is much reduced when the aerosol suction device is utilised during AGPs.

Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C show an example of securing means of a hose connector. The securing means secure the outlet of the hose in a fixed position on the dental chair. The securing means comprise a sheath 214 attached to a plate 215. The sheath 214 engages the circumference of the hose outlet 207 via hose reducer 217. The plate 215 is attachable to the dental chair strut 216 via bolt holes in the plate.

In order to install the securing means of Fig. 5A, B and C, the outlet of the hose is attached to the hose reducer 217 and the hose reducer 217 is inserted into the sheath 214. The plate 215 is bolted to the strut 216 of the dental chair and the linking tube 212 of the hose connector is attached to hose reducer 217 such that it passes through a gap in the strut 216.

Figs. 6A. 6B and 6C show another example of securing means of a hose connector. The securing means secures the outlet of the hose in a fixed position on a part 316 of the dental chair. The securing means comprises a sheath 314 attached to a plate 315. The sheath 314 engages part of the circumference of the hose reducer 307 and the plate 315 is attachable to the dental chair via bolt holes in the plate. The sheath 314 is a partial sheath as it does not engage the entire circumference of the hose.

In order to install the securing means of Fig. 6A, B and C, the outlet of the hose is attached to the hose reducer 317 and the hose reducer is inserted into the sheath 314. The plate 315 is bolted to the strut 316 of the dental chair and the linking tube 312 of the hose connector is attached to hose reducer 317 such that it passes out of the sheath.

Figs. 7A and 7B show securing means that may be used when the aerosol suction device replaces a cuspidor suction device on a suction manifold. Hose outlet 407 is simply connected to hose connector 408 which is attached to the cuspidor suction device port on the suction pump manifold 416 of the dental chair. The hose connector 408 functions both as a securing means and to fluidly connect the hose outlet 407 to the suction pump of the dental chair.

Fig. 8 shows an example of a ring handle 801. The handle may be attached to an aerosol suction device around the circumference of the hose. For example, at the hose inlet. The central gap 802 may be sized to match the outer circumference of the hose such that the ring handle can be attached to the hose by a friction fit.

Fig. 9 shows an example of an aerosol suction device 902. The aerosol suction device 902 has a self-supporting hose 905 with an inlet 906 and an outlet 907, a hose connector 908 for fluidly connecting the outlet 907 of the hose to a suction pump of the dental chair. The self-supporting hose 905 is able to bend so that the inlet 106 of the hose can move between a range of positions relative to the hose outlet 907. The hose can support itself in each of the range of positions. The aerosol suction device has a suction nozzle 909 fixed to the inlet of the hose.

The hose connector 908 includes a linking hose 912 of a smaller diameter than hose 905. So, the hose connector also includes a hose reducer 911 which connect to the hose 905 and the linking hose 912.

The device has an optional inline fan 918 which may assist with air flow through the hose 905. The inline fan 918 is connected to the outlet 907 of the hose and the hose connector 908, so the hose connector 908 is indirectly connected to the outlet 907 of the hose via the inline fan.

The hose connector 908 includes the securing means of Figures 6A, 6B and 6C. Optionally, the ring handle of Fig. 8 may be connected to the hose 905 and the suction nozzle 909.

The suction nozzle 909 is fixed to the inlet of the hose 105 and/or the ring handle by a friction fit and the suction nozzle is removable from the inlet of the hose by pulling the nozzle from the inlet 906. The suction nozzle 909 is a general-use suction nozzle with a funnel shape such that an internal area of the upstream end of the suction nozzle is larger than an internal area of the downstream end of the suction nozzle. The suction nozzle 909 may be replaced by a replacement suction nozzle that may be a targeted suction nozzle with a narrow shape.

Fig. 10 shows a side view of the aerosol suction device of Fig. 9 without the optional inline fan 918.

Fig. 11 shows an example of an aerosol suction device 502 attached to a dental chair 501. The aerosol suction device is fixed to the dental chair at a strut by the securing means shown in Fig. 6A, 6B and 6C. The hose connector 508 includes a link tube and a T-connector which connects to a suction system pipe in the dental chair. The hose of the device is bent to a desired position above the head rest of the chair and the hashed area shows a volume proximal to the suction nozzle which will experience ten air changes per hour due to the aerosol suction device 502.

Fig. 12 shows an example of an aerosol suction device 602 attached to a dental chair 601. The aerosol suction device is fixed to the dental chair at a strut by the securing means shown in Fig. 7A and 7B. The hose connector 608 includes manifold connector which connects to the cuspidor suction port in the suction manifold of the dental chair. The hose of the device is bent to a desired position above the head rest of the chair and the hashed area shows a volume proximal to the suction nozzle which will experience ten air changes per hour due to the aerosol suction device 602.

Fig. 13 shows an example of a hose 705 and a suction nozzle 709 which are formed of articulated plastic. The suction nozzle is a general use suction nozzle.

Although particular embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration only. The aforementioned embodiments are not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appended claims.

It is contemplated by the inventors that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.