The current application is a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application and claims a priority to a U.S. provisional application serial number 62/357,621 filed on July 1, 2016. The current application is filed on July 3, 2017 while July 1, 2016 was on a weekend.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to dentistry and endodontic surgery, more particularly to a dental hand piece operated by an individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently, there are numerous ultrasonic, air-sonic, air endodontic systems available in the market to help facilitate the root canal processes. These devices may perform an endodontic procedure rapidly; however, often these devices cause a perforation just as fast. These devices cause perforations as they do not utilize a guided file.

Further, known techniques require a dentist to manually handle a file while performing endodontic procedures to sufficiently complete a root canal. Due to the manual effort and or, various combinations of utilizing the present ultrasonic, air-sonic, air handpieces, with the manual endodontic files system techniques, the process is error- prone and time-consuming.

Moreover, known techniques may cause considerable pain to patients. Therefore, sometimes dentists avoid these procedures, even if the procedures are medically required. The Dentists often refer the root canal procedure to an Endodontic specialist, or they extract the infected tooth instead of completing the favored root canal treatment.

Furthermore, numerous errors can arise with treating any root canal. Be they, perforations, due to mechanical filing/drilling, not filling to the apex of the tooth, not filling the complete root canal system sufficiently, breaking off files/drills inside the tooth, and other various iatrogenic problems that may arise during the root canal treatment. These may lead to lawsuits against dentists.

Accordingly, there is a need for a dental device that allows a dentist to finish a root canal fast, safe and efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

Disclosed is a dental hand piece configured for endodontic treatment. The dental hand piece includes a base comprising a base coupling mechanism and a base tubing assembly. The base coupling mechanism is configured to couple the base tubing assembly to an external supply tube. Further, the dental hand piece includes a handle coupled to the base. The handle comprises a handle tubing assembly connected to the base tubing assembly. Yet further, the dental hand piece includes a guide rod configured to be disposed within a file tube comprised in the handle tubing assembly. Moreover, the dental hand piece includes a hollow file configured to be disposed within the file tube. The hollow file is further configured to enclose at least a longitudinal portion of the guide rod. The hollow file is further configured to be movable in relation to the guide rod.

Further, the dental hand piece includes a file head comprising a neck tubing assembly and a plurality of ports. The neck tubing assembly comprises the file tube. The plurality of ports comprises a file opening configured to allow each of the guide rod and the hollow file to extend outwardly. The neck tubing assembly is connected to the handle tubing assembly. Yet further, the dental hand piece includes a handle coupling mechanism configured to connect the file head to the handle. Further, the dental hand piece includes a driver assembly coupled to the hollow file. The driver assembly is configured to impart a movement to the hollow file. Moreover, the dental hand piece includes a file measurement indicator configured to present a measure of a length of the hollow file protruding outwardly from the file opening.

According to some aspects, the dental hand piece includes a handle, a detachable file head, an adjustable flexible file, and a guide rod. The file may be slid in and out as the user wants. The guide rod may also be slid in and out. The file travels along the guide rod. The handle includes multiple tubes running through it to provide air, light, and suction. The user may control the exact length of file sticking out of the file head. To accomplish this, the dental hand piece includes a thumb slider that locks into place and slides along a ruler. The dental hand piece allows the user to perform root canals without the risk of damaging healthy tissue.

According to some aspects, a guided endodontic hand piece is disclosed that allows a dentist to fully complete a root canal procedure without the possibility of perforating the tooth. The hand piece rapidly cleans and shapes root canals without the possibility of unintended damage to the tooth. Further, the dentists will no longer have to manually hand the file. This will save valuable time, while eliminating broken files or root perforations. Yet further, the hand piece will considerably decrease the time spent by the dentist due to its speed and efficiency. Moreover, the hand piece prevents undue trauma to the patient, thus radically reducing pain that is associated with going to the dentist. The hand piece will drastically slash iatrogenic injuries that dentists cause while treating root canals. Accordingly, the medical negligence lawsuits will drop dramatically.

According to some embodiments, the disclosed dental hand piece may be used during endodontic surgery. The dental hand piece may allow a dentist to perform an entire root canal without changing files. This assists the dentist if a tooth canal has unique proportions. The adjustable length and flexible construction of the dental hand piece is well suited to be used in many unique endodontic surgery situations. The piece will rapidly clean and shape the root canal while maintaining the canal terminus' original position and diameter. Therefore, the piece will not allow a perforation while utilizing a file to allow any dentist to finish a root canal fast, safe and efficiently. Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the applicants. The applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a cross-section side view of a dental hand piece in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the dental hand piece of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top view of the dental hand piece of FIG. 1

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a file measurement guide in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 4B shows a top (or a bottom) view of the file measurement guide of FIG.

4A.

FIG. 4C shows a side view of the file measurement guide of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D shows a front view of the file measurement guide of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of a thumb slider linkage in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5B shows a front view of a holding collar including hex screws of the thumb slider linkage of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of the hex screw of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6A shows a side view of a spring lock system in an open state in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6B shows a side view of the spring lock system of FIG. 6A in a closed state.

FIG. 6C shows a top view of the spring lock system of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 shows a dental hand piece in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGs.8A-8E show various views and configurations of a hollow file and a guide rod in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above - disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being "preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein. Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein— as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term— differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, "a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of the list."

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other

implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of endodontic devices, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

Referencing to FIG. 1, a cross-section side view of a dental hand piece 100 is shown. The dental hand piece 100 includes a handle 102, a file head 104 and a base 106. FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the dental hand piece 100. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the dental hand piece 100. The dental hand piece 100 is a tool used for endodontic therapy. The base 106 includes a base coupling mechanism (not shown) and a base tubing assembly 108. The base coupling mechanism may be configured to couple the base tubing assembly 108 to an external supply tube (not shown). The handle 102 may be coupled to the base 106. The handle 102 may include a handle tubing assembly 110 connected to the base tubing assembly 108.

The handle 102 may also include a handle sheath, which is the outermost portion of the handle 102 that a user (such as a dentist) holds while the dental hand piece 100 is in use. The handle sheath may include a handle coupling mechanism, thumb slider rails, handle thumb slider grooves, a thumb slider slot, a guide rod cam slot, guide rod cam assembly mounts, a handle file measurement slot, file measurement rails, file

measurement grooves, and a file measurement indicator. The handle sheath has exterior features which work together with interior mechanisms allowing the user to adjust the performance of the dental hand piece 100 depending on application.

Further, the dental hand piece 100 may include a guide rod 112 configured to be disposed within a file tube comprised in the handle tubing assembly 110. Yet further, the dental hand piece 100 may include a hollow file 114 configured to be disposed within the file tube. The hollow file 114 may be further configured to enclose at least a longitudinal portion of the guide rod 112, wherein the hollow file 114 may be further configured to be movable in relation to the guide rod 112.

A handle coupling mechanism may be configured to connect the file head 104 to the handle 102. The file head 104 may include the neck tubing assembly and multiple ports. The neck tubing assembly may include the file tube, wherein the multiple ports may include a file opening configured to allow each of the guide rod 112 and the hollow file 114 to extend outwardly, wherein the neck tubing assembly may be connected to the handle tubing assembly 110.

Moreover, the dental hand piece 100 may include a driver assembly 116 coupled to the hollow file 114. The driver assembly 116 may be configured to impart a movement to the hollow file 114. The movement may be one or both of a rotatory movement and a reciprocating movement.

In an embodiment, the hollow file 114 may be configured to provide a finishing and/or a polishing functionality. In other words, the hollow file 114 may function as a "finishing saw". Accordingly, the hollow file 114 in conjunction with the driver assembly 116 may operate as a "powered finishing saw".

Further, the dental hand piece 100 may include a file measurement indicator 118 configured to present a measure of a length of the hollow file 114 protruding outwardly from the file opening. The file measurement indicator 118 may include multiple file measurement grooves 120. Further, the dental hand piece 100 may include a thumb slider 122, which may be used to move the driver assembly 116. Moreover, the dental hand piece 100 may include a spring lock system 124 to position the guide rod 112. The file measurement indicator 118 and the thumb slider 122 are explained in further detail in conjunction with FIGs. 4A-D and FIG. 5 below. The spring lock system 124 is explained in further detail in conjunction with FIGs. 6A-6C below.

Further, each of the base tubing assembly 108, the handle tubing assembly 110 and the neck tubing assembly may include one or more of a water tube 126, a fiber optic tube 128, and a suction tube 130 and a lubricant tube (not shown). Yet further, the multiple ports may further include one or more of a suction port, a lubricant port, a water spout and a fiber optic port.

The dental hand piece 100 may allow the user to adjust the length of the guide rod 112 and the hollow file 114 used when performing root canals. The dental hand piece 100 may allow the user to adjust the operating length of the hollow file 114 without changing files. The dental hand piece 100 may be constructed from sturdy materials that can withstand autoclaving and other maintenance processes required during the lifespan of the dental hand piece.

Referring to FIGs. 4A-D, the file measurement indicator 118 is shown in more detail in accordance with some embodiments. The file measurement indicator 118 includes a file measurement guide 400 that enables the user to indicate the exact length of the hollow file 114 protruding from the file opening. FIG. 4 A shows a perspective view of the file measurement guide 400. FIG. 4B shows a top view (or a bottom view) of the file measurement guide 400. FIG. 4C shows a side view of the file measurement guide 400. FIG. 4D shows a front view of the file measurement guide 400. The file

measurement guide 400 includes a first measurement finger rest 402, a second measurement finger rest 404, a top measurement piston 406, a bottom measurement piston 408, measurement springs 410-412, and a measurement stop piston.

The file measurement guide 400 may fit around the handle 102. The first and second measurement finger rests 402-404 may be positioned around opposite sides of the cylindrical profile of the handle 102. The measurement finger rests 402-404 may be connected through the handle file measurement slot by the measurement stop piston. The first and second measurement finger rests 402-404 may be joined above and below the handle 102 by the top and bottom measurement pistons 406-408, respectively.

Surrounding the measurement pistons 406-408 are the measurement springs 410-412.

When the user applies pressure to (or pinches) the first and second measurement finger rests 402-404, the top measurement piston and bottom measurement pistons 406- 408 may be compressed. During this compression, the first measurement finger rest 402 and second measurement finger rest 404 may disengage the multiple file measurement grooves 120 allowing the user to reposition the file measurement guide 400. The user repositions the file measurement guide 400 to slide the guide rod 112 into position. The first measurement finger rest 402 and the second measurement finger rest 404 reengage the multiple file measurement grooves 120 locking the file measurement guide 400 in place. When the file measurement guide 400 is repositioned, the finger rests 402-404 may be positioned to underscore the measurements noted on the multiple file measurement grooves 120 (including a file measurement scale). The multiple file measurement grooves 120 present the user with an exact measurement of the length of the hollow file 114 protruding from the file opening. The measurement stop piston inhibits the motion of the driver assembly 116, when it is actuated by the thumb slider 122. The user may position the file measurement guide 400 to a desired length. The user may then use the thumb slider 122 to extend the hollow file 114 beyond the file opening until the driver assembly 116 comes into contact with the file measurement stop piston. The measurement stop piston may be configured to restrict forward motion of the driver assembly 116 when the length of the hollow file 114 indicated on the multiple file measurement grooves 120 is extending beyond the file opening.

FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of a thumb slider linkage 500 in accordance with some embodiments. The thumb slider linkage 500 may include the thumb slider 122, a hollow thumb slide rod 502, a hollow screw 504, a holding collar 506 and hex screws 508. FIG. 5B shows a front view of the holding collar 506 including the hex screws 508. FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of one of the hex screw 508. The hollow thumb slide rod 502 includes a hex end 510, wherein the other end 512 of the hollow thumb slide rod 502 includes threads inside. The hex end 510 may lock into the thumb slider 122. Further, the hollow screw 504 may engage with the hex end 510 to join the thumb slider 122 with the hollow thumb slide rod 502. Further, the other end 512 of the hollow thumb slide rod 502 may engage with a screw 514 engaged with the hollow file 114.

According to some embodiments, the thumb slider linkage 500 may include the thumb slider 122, a thumb slider lock, a thumb slider arm, a thumb slider connection tube, and a thumb slider screw. Functionally, the thumb slider linkage 500 connects the thumb slider 122 to the driver assembly 116 by passing through a thumb slider slot into the interior of the handle 102. The displacement of the thumb slider 122 is transferred first to the driver assembly 116. This displacement moves the driver assembly 116 within a driver slide cavity in the handle 102. The movement of the driver assembly 116 is transferred the tip of the hollow file 114 protruding from the hollow file 114 opening of the file head 104. The movement of the driver assembly 116 may affect the overall position of the hollow file tip. A lateral displacement of the driver assembly 116 may not inhibit the reciprocating motion of the hollow file 114. The thumb slider 122 may include a thumb rest 516, thumb slider guides and a thumb slider lock. The thumb slider guides may couple the thumb slider 122 to the thumb slider rails. The motion of the thumb slider 122 may be restricted by the thumb slider rails. The thumb rest 516 is a portion of the thumb slider 122 that may be ergonomically designed to comfortably seat the user's thumb. The ergonomic design of the thumb rest 516 may allow for comfortable use during endodontic therapy. The thumb rest 516 may include a thumb rest connection hole. The thumb rest 516 may connect to the thumb slider arm by means of a thumb rest connector piston. The thumb rest 516 may be secured to the thumb rest connector piston by a thumb rest connection screw, which passes through the thumb rest connection hole. The thumb slider connector piston may further include a thumb rest connection spring. Between the thumb rest 516 and the thumb slider arm, the thumb rest connector piston may act as a push button mechanism. When the user depresses the thumb rest 516, the piston and spring may compress. This depression of the thumb rest 516 may disengage the thumb slider lock from the multiple file measurement grooves 120 beneath the thumb slider. While the thumb rest 516 is depressed, the user may reposition the thumb slider 122 parallel to the handle sheath. The user may move the thumb slider 122 to extend or retract the hollow file tip through the file opening. The distance the hollow file 114 extends beyond the file opening is displayed to the user via the multiple file measurement grooves 120. To reposition the thumb slider 122, the user may apply pressure to depress the thumb rest 516 and disengage the thumb slider lock from the multiple file measurement grooves 120. When the user releases the pressure on the thumb rest 516, the thumb rest connection piston and the thumb rest connection spring apply force in the opposite direction. The user may move the thumb slider 122 up and reengage the thumb slider lock with the multiple file measurement grooves 120. Once the thumb slider lock is engaged, the thumb slider 122 cannot be readjusted. After the user has adjusted the length of the hollow file 114, and reengaged the thumb slider lock, the hollow file's 114 reciprocating displacement will be restricted to motion generated by an actuator disk.

Further, extending from the bottom of the thumb rest connector piston is the thumb slider arm. The thumb slider arm may include the thumb slider arm threaded hole, and thumb slider arm slide guides. The thumb slider arm slide guides of the thumb slider arm may couple to the thumb slider arm rails. This coupling may allow the thumb slider arm to move smoothly, and in unison with the thumb slider. The thumb slider arm may be connected to the driver slide mount by means of the thumb slider connection tube. The thumb slider connection tube may be joined to the thumb slider arm by the thumb slider screw which screws into the threaded end of the thumb slider arm. The thumb slider connection tube may connect to the driver slide mount slider connection threaded member by screwing into one of the thumb slider connection tube threaded hole. By way of the thumb slider, the user may have complete control of the operating length of the hollow file 114. FIG. 6A-C shows the spring lock system 124 in accordance with some

embodiments. FIG. 6A shows a side view of the spring lock system 124 in open state. FIG. 6B shows a side view of the spring lock system 124 in closed state. FIG. 6C shows a top view of the spring lock system 124. The guide rod 112 may pass through the spring lock system 124. Once the guide rod 112 is positioned correctly by the user, then the user may use a tab 602 to close the spring lock system 124. In the closed state, the spring lock system 124 securely holds the guide rod 112.

FIG. 7 shows a dental hand piece 700 in accordance with some embodiments. The dental hand piece 700 is a further embodiment of the dental hand piece 100. The dental hand piece 700 may include a handle 702, a file head 704 and a base 706. The handle 702 may include a handle sheath, a file measurement guide, a water tube 726, a fiber optic tube 728, a suction tube 730 and a lubricant tube (not shown), a hollow file 714, a guide rod 712, a driver assembly 716, a thumb slider linkage, a driver slide cavity, a telescoping tube assembly 710, a guide rod cam assembly 718 and a hinge 711.

The handle 702 may be gripped in the user's hand. While gripping the handle 702, the user may use her thumb to actuate the thumb slider linkage, and the guide rod cam assembly 718. The handle 702 may serve as the connection between the file head 704 and the base 706. The handle 702 may be shaped to allow the user freedom to comfortably maneuver the dental hand piece 700 while performing dental surgery. The handle sheath is the outermost portion of the handle 702 that the user holds while the dental hand piece 700 is in use. The handle sheath may include a handle coupling mechanism, handle thumb slider rails, handle thumb slider grooves, a thumb slider slot, a guide rod cam slot, guide rod cam assembly mounts, a handle file measurement slot, handle file measurement rails, handle file measurement grooves, and a file measurement indicator. The handle coupling mechanism may be positioned at the joint of the handle 702 and file head 704. The handle coupling mechanism may be located at the end of the file head 704 opposite the hollow file face. The handle 702 and the handle coupling mechanism may include a handle tubing assembly, and handle connection threads. The handle coupling mechanism may connect the file head 704 to the handle 702 by coupling to the neck coupling mechanism. The handle tubing assembly may be a collection of tubes that connect to the tubes carrying lubricant, suction, fiber optics, file, and the guide rod 712 of the neck tubing assembly. The handle tubing assembly may include the water tube 726, handle file hole, fiber optic tube 728, and suction tube 730. The tubing assembly may carry lubricant, suction, fiber optics, the file 714, and the guide rod 712 from the handle 702 into the neck and out of the file face. The water tube 726 may connect the handle water coupler to the base water coupler. The handle file hole is an opening for the hollow file 714 and the guide rod 712. The hollow file 714 and the guide rod 712 may pass through the handle file hole from the handle 702 through the neck and out of the file opening. The fiber optic tube 728 may connect the handle fiber optic coupler to the base fiber optic coupler. The suction tube 730 may connect the handle suction coupler to the base suction coupler. The handle coupling mechanism may include handle coupling threads which are of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the handle sheath. The handle connection threads may connect to the neck connection member threads. The user may detach the file head 704 from the handle 702 by unscrewing the neck coupling member and pulling the file head 704 and handle 702 apart. The handle coupling mechanism may ensure that the tubes in the handle align with the tubes in the neck when the user switches out file heads. Therefore, the handle coupling mechanism may let the user easily switch between file heads. The user may quickly and easily transition between file heads. This lowers frustration and surgery time allowing the user to readily adapt to changing circumstances during surgery.

Further, the interior of the handle sheath contains the majority of the working components of the dental hand piece 700. Within the interior of the handle sheath may be a driver slide cavity. The driver slide cavity may include the driver slide rails. The driver slide cavity is the area within the handle sheath that is between the driver assembly 716 and the handle coupling mechanism. As the user actuates the thumb slider linkage, the driver assembly 716 may be moved into the driver slide cavity. The motion of the driver assembly 716 may be directed along the driver slide rails, which may be aligned parallel to the handle sheath and run the entirety of the driver slide cavity. The driver slide rails may be connected to the interior walls of the handle sheath. The user may manipulate the position of the hollow file driver allowing the user to control the depth the attached hollow file 714 will bore into an intended material. Using this functionality, the user may bore a hole into a tooth without having to estimate the depth of the hollow file 714 within a tooth. This will greatly decrease the likelihood of iatrogenic injury during dental surgery. The interior of the handle sheath may also include slide grooves 715.

Yet further, the driver assembly 716 may include a motor (or turbine) used to drive the motion of the hollow file 714. An oval shaped element 717 shows a magnified rear view of the driver assembly 716. The driver assembly 716 may include a driver air connection, a driver exhaust connection, O-rings, a driver slide mount, an impeller, a spindle, a chuck, and a file connection bolt. The impeller may be actuated by a supplied air flow. The driver slide mount may include driver slide guides, driver slide guide hole, spindle bearings, and driver slide mount slider connection threaded member. The driver slide mount may house the spinning, and air flow components of the driver assembly 716. The driver air connection and driver exhaust connection may protrude from the driver slide mount and connect to a telescoping air tube and a telescoping exhaust tube (within the telescoping tube assembly 710), respectively. The driver slide mount slider connection threaded member protrudes from the driver slide mount and connects the driver slide mount to the thumb slider connection tube. The driver slide guides fit into the driver slide rails on either side of the driver slide mount. The slide guides prevent the driver slide assembly from moving in any direction other than parallel to the handle sheath. Within the driver slide mount, the chuck passes through the spindle which then passes through the O-rings, the spindle bearings, the impeller, and driver slide guide hole. The components within the driver slide mount are pressed into place on either side by the driver slide guides. The chuck may include an actuator disk, and a file connection shaft. As the impeller spins, the chuck rotates the actuator disk. The actuator disk connects the file and driver by way of the file connection shaft which passes through the file coupling connector and is held in place by the file connection bolt. The file connection bolt screws into the file connection shaft. When engaged, the file connection bolt secures the file coupling connector to the driver assembly 716. The rotary motion generated by the driver assembly 716 is translated to reciprocating motion by way of the actuator disk, file connection shaft, and the file coupling connector. Therefore, the hollow file 714 does not spin, rather it moves in a reciprocating motion. The driver assembly 716 may also include slide ridges 719. Further, the user may reposition the driver assembly 716 without disconnecting the air and exhaust tubes 710 used to force air over the impeller. The telescoping tube assembly 710 comprises the telescoping air tube and the telescoping exhaust tube. The path of the airflow is kept continuous by means of the telescoping tube assembly 710. An oval shaped element 721 shows a magnified rear view of the telescoping tube assembly 710. The user may adjust the length of the hollow file 714 protruding from the file head 704 will cause lateral displacement in the driver assembly 716. To maintain an unbroken airflow during this movement, the members of the telescoping tube assembly 710 extend and retract in the direction of the movement. The telescoping air tube connects to the driver assembly 716 at the driver air connection. The telescoping exhaust tube connects to the driver assembly 716 at the driver exhaust connection. The airflow within the handle sheath follows the path created by the telescoping tube assembly 710. Air flows from the base air coupler through the telescoping air tube into the driver air connection and then over the impeller. Expended air is expelled out of the driver exhaust connection through the telescoping exhaust tube and passes through the base exhaust coupler to leave the hand piece. The driver assembly 716 may also include a wheel 723.

The dental hand piece 700 lets the user file away decaying tissue, but also features that let the user probe the depth and path of a tooth root canal. Specifically, the guide rod 712 allows the user this functionality. The guide rod 712 may include a tip, a guide rod body, and a guide rod base. The guide rod 712 is positioned parallel to, and within, the handle sheath. The guide rod base is positioned behind the guide cam wheel 718. The guide rod 712 runs from the guide rod cam assembly 718 through the file guide hole. It then travels within the hollow chamber of the hollow file 714 and extends beyond the file tip hole. The guide rod tip is the portion of the guide rod 712 that passes through the file opening and is positioned outside of the file head 704. The user may adjust the length of the guide rod tip by means of the guide rod cam assembly 718. A lower cam pinch 725 may be disposed opposite to the guide rod cam assembly 718. The guide rod 712 may be a flexible smooth file of small diameter. The user may extend the guide rod tip and insert it into an opening in a tooth. By extending and retracting the guide rod tip, the user may probe the depth and direction of a tooth root canal. Once the guide rod 712 is in place and the depth and configuration of the root canal are known, the user may extend the flexible hollow file 714 into tooth knowing the exact dimensions required. The hollow file 714 follows the path of the guide rod 712. More specifically, the guide rod 712 directs the path of the hollow file 714 without inhibiting its trans-linear motion. A guide rod stop 727 may prevent the guide rod 712 from exiting entirely into the hand piece 700. Further, as shown in FIG. 8D, the guide rod tip incorporates a fitted plastic grip 802. The fitted plastic grip 802 acts as a stop measure for the motion of the file. The fitted plastic grip 802 is a measure used to limit the occurrence of iatrogenic injury caused during a root canal. The combination of a flexible file, a flexible guide rod to direct the file, and a fitted plastic grip make the dental hand piece 700 not only useful, but also safe.

Further, the user may adjust the length of the guide rod tip by means of the guide rod cam assembly 718. The guide rod cam assembly 718 may include the cam lock, cam wheel, camshaft, guide rod guide, the lower cam pinch 725, and the guide rod stop 727. The guide rod cam assembly 718 may provide an easy way for the user to manipulate the guide rod 712. The user may simply rotate the cam wheel to actuate the guide rod 712. The upper portion of the cam wheel may extend through the guide rod cam slot above the handle sheath. The user may rotate the cam wheel in the direction parallel to the handle sheath. Within the handle sheath, the cam wheel may be supported by the cam shaft which fit into the guide rod cam assembly mounts. The cam shaft may be aligned normal to the plane of the cam wheel, and it is about this axis that the cam wheel spins. Beneath the cam wheel is the guide rod 712 which may rest upon the lower cam pinch 725. The lower cam pinch 725 may provide an opposing force to the cam wheel and pinches the guide rod 712 securely between the two. Friction between the cam wheel and the guide rod 712 may cause the guide rod 712 to extend and contract when the cam wheel is rotated. When the cam lock is engaged, the cam wheel is no longer free to rotate, thus preventing any changes in the length of the guide rod tip. Disengaging the cam lock may allow the cam wheel to spin freely, and the user may again manipulate the guide rod 712. A file measurement guide 729 may be engaged with the guide rod cam assembly 718. The guide rod guide may include a stem and a guide rod guide hole. The guide rod guide may be positioned in front of the lower cam pinch 725 and acts as an alignment system for the guide rod 712. The stem of the guide rod guide may extend from the interior wall of the handle sheath collinear with the lower cam pinch 725. From the file guide hole, the guide rod 712 may pass through the guide rod guide hole atop the stem then between the cam wheel 718 and the lower cam pinch 725. Behind the lower cam pinch 725 is the guide rod stop 727. The guide rod stop 727 may be a rigid extension from the interior wall of the handle sheath that stops the guide rod's 712 motion past a certain point. By using the cam wheel and thumb slider, the user may adjust the exact length of guide rod tip and the hollow file 714 that extend beyond the file opening of the file head 704. The hinge 711 may be a piece of rigid material that extends outward from the handle sheath directly above the base 706 and allows the dental hand piece 700 to be hung up while not in use.

Further, the base 706 may be located on the end of the handle sheath opposite the handle coupling mechanism. The base 706 may include the base coupling mechanism, and the base tubing assembly 708. The base coupling mechanism is meant to connect to a connection end of an air supply tube. The base tubing assembly 708 may include the base water coupler, base fiber optic coupler; base suction coupler, base air coupler, and base exhaust coupler. The base tubing assembly 708 may connect to the tubing connector of an air supply tube. Through this connection, the air may be pushed in and expelled from the hand piece. Water, fiber optic light, and suction may also be supplied through this connection.

Further, the file head 704 may be located above the handle 702. The file head 704 may include the file face, neck, and neck coupling mechanism. The file head 704 may be removed for cleaning. The file face may be located at the uppermost end of the file head 704. The file face includes multiple ports. The multiple ports may include a suction port, a lubricant port, a water spout, a fiber optic port, and a file opening. The multiple ports may extend from the file face allowing the user to, disperse lubricant, suck away debris, and illuminate the working area. Within the fiber optic port is one end of the fiber optic strand. The strand may deliver light to the working area. The file opening is the port in the file face through which the hollow file 714 and the guide rod 712 extend. The file opening may allow the reciprocating motion of the hollow file 714 to take place unhindered. The file face may be above the neck of the file head 704 connected as one uniform body. The neck may include a neck sheath, and neck coupling mechanism. The neck sheath may be the cylindrical outermost layer of the file head 704 and is made from sturdy materials that can withstand autoclaving and other maintenance processes required during the lifespan of the dental hand piece 700. Within the neck sheath is a compartment containing the other working components of the neck. The neck coupling mechanism may be located at the end of the file head 704 opposite the file face. The neck coupling mechanism may include the neck tubing assembly, neck connection threads, and neck connection member. The neck coupling mechanism may connect the file head 704 to the handle 702 by coupling to the handle coupling mechanism. The neck tubing assembly may be a collection of tubes that connect to the tubes carrying lubricant, suction, fiber optics, the file 714, and the guide rod 712 of the handle tubing assembly. The neck tubing assembly may include the neck water tube, file tube, neck fiber optic tube, and neck suction tube. The tubing assembly may carry lubricant, suction, fiber optics, the file 714, and the guide rod 712 from the handle 702 into the neck and out of the file face. The neck water tube may connect the neck water coupler to the water spout. The file tube may be a hollow pathway for the file 714 and the guide rod 712. The hollow file 714 and the guide rod 712 may travel in the file tube from the handle 702 through the neck and out of the file opening. The neck fiber optic tube may connect the neck fiber optic coupler to the fiber optic port. The neck suction tube may connect the neck suction coupler to the suction port. The neck coupling mechanism may have neck coupling threads which are of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the neck sheath. The neck connection threads may connect to the neck connection member threads. The neck connection member may be a hollow piece of cylindrical material with a diameter equal to that of the handle sheath and neck sheath. The neck connection member may include the neck connection member threads and the neck connection O-ring. The neck tubing assembly may connect to the handle tubing assembly within the chamber of the neck connection member. The neck tubing assembly and handle tubing assembly may pass through the neck connection O-ring and neck connection member. The neck connection member threads may mate to the neck connection threads as well as the handle connection threads. The neck connection O-ring may serve as a gasket for the neck connection member between the neck coupling mechanism and handle coupling mechanism.

FIG. 8A shows a side view of a hollow file 800. FIG. 8B shows a rear view of a hollow file 800. The hollow file 800 may be used to shape and bore holes within tooth mater. The hollow file 800 may include a connection mount 804, a file body 806, and a tip 808. The hollow file 800 is 3D micro textured, flexible, hollow, and tapered. The hollow file 800 may be manufactured using various materials, and fabrication processes such as woven tube sleeve (FIG. 8C), a woven mesh of Nickel-Titanium (FIG. 8D), or laser cut precision manufactured hollow tapered file (FIG. 8E). The woven mesh of Nickel-Titanium may be manufactured utilizing a micro manufacturing process.

Additionally, the metal may be spun into a "spring coil" with a serrated tip. The micro- thin strands may be woven to form the 3D micro flexible, hollow, tapered file. Further, an electrical discharge machine may micro laser holes in pre-cast precision-manufactured files. Yet further, micro-manufacturing may be used to create a micro-cannulated, threaded, hinged, hollow, tapered, perforated file. Despite the materials or fabrication processes listed in this disclosure it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The hollow file 800 may be easily disposed of and replaced. The hollow file 800 may be meant to move in a reciprocating motion pushing in and out of a tooth to remove the desired amount of tooth material. The hollow file 800 is hollow so that a guide rod (such as the guide rod 712) may pass through the entirety of the hollow file 800 and protrude from both the file tip 808, and file guide hole. Beginning at the tip 808 of the hollow file 800 positioned closest to the file opening, the file body 806 flares until it reaches the file base. The file base is the portion of the hollow file 800 that connects the hollow file 800 to the file connection mount 804. The file connection mount 804 may include the file coupling connector, and file guide hole. The file connection shaft may pass through the file connection mount 804 and links the file to the actuator disk. The file connection mount 804 is held in place by the file connection bolt. The flexibility of the hollow file 800 may allow the hollow file 800 to fit into a wide variety of cavity shapes and sizes. Because of its flexible nature, the hollow file 800 may self adjust to conform to the dimensions of many tooth nerve canals. The hollow chamber within the hollow file 800 allows the guide rod to pass through the hollow file 800 without inhibiting its reciprocating motion.

In some embodiments, an ultrasonic driver may be used to achieve rotary motion of the hollow file (such as the hollow files 114 and 714). The ultrasonic driver may work in conjunction with the thumb slider (such as the thumb sliders 122 and 722). Further, an ultrasonic control tuning knob may be provided that allows the user to adjust the frequency of the ultrasonic driver.

In some embodiments, the handle sheath may incorporate a driver assembly door. The user may open the driver assembly door to access the driver assembly within the sheath.

In some embodiments, the hollow file may screw into the file connection mount. Further, the hollow file may be connected to the file connection mount via file connection mount pins.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A dental hand piece configured for endodontic treatment is provided. The dental hand piece may comprise a base including a base coupling mechanism and a base tubing assembly. Further, the base coupling mechanism may be configured to couple the base tubing assembly to an external supply tube. Further, the dental hand piece may include a handle coupled to the base. Further, the handle may include a handle tubing assembly connected to the base tubing assembly. Further, the dental hand piece may include a guide rod configured to be disposed within a file tube comprised in the handle tubing assembly. Further, the dental hand piece may include a hollow file configured to be disposed within the file tube. Further, the hollow file may be further configured to enclose at least a longitudinal portion of the guide rod. Further, the hollow file may be configured to be movable in relation to the guide rod. Further, the dental hand piece may include a file head including a neck tubing assembly and a plurality of ports. Further, the neck tubing assembly may include the file tube. Further, the plurality of ports may include a file opening configured to allow each of the guide rod and the hollow file to extend outwardly. Further, the neck tubing assembly may be connected to the handle tubing assembly. Further, the dental hand piece may include a handle coupling mechanism configured to connect the file head to the handle. Further, the dental hand piece may include a driver assembly coupled to the hollow file. Further, the driver assembly may be configured to impart a movement to the hollow file. The movement may include one or both of a rotatory movement and a reciprocating movement. Further, the dental hand piece may include a file measurement indicator configured to present a measure of a length of the hollow file protruding outwardly from the file opening.

In some embodiments, each of the base tubing assembly, the handle tubing assembly and the neck tubing assembly may include one or more of a water tube, a lubricant tube, a fiber optic tube, and a suction tube.

In some embodiments, the plurality of ports may include one or more of a suction port, a lubricant port, a water spout and a fiber optic port.

In some embodiments, the movement may be one or more of a rotatory movement and a reciprocating movement.

In some embodiments, the driver assembly may include an impeller configured to be actuated by an air flow.

In some embodiments, the driver assembly further may include a driver air connection, a driver exhaust connection, a telescoping air tube and a telescoping exhaust tube. Further, the telescoping air tube may be connected to the driver air connection. Further, the telescoping exhaust tube may be connected to the driver exhaust connection. Further, each of the telescoping air tube and the telescoping exhaust tube may be configured to maintain an airflow independent of a position of the driver assembly along the handle.

In some embodiments, the handle may include a driver slide cavity and a driver slide rail disposed in the driver slide cavity. Further, the driver slide rail may be configured to slidably mount the driver assembly and a thumb slider connected to the driver assembly. Further, a displacement of the thumb slider may be transferred to the driver assembly.

In some embodiments, the driver assembly may include a driver slide mount connected to the thumb slider, a spindle, a chuck including an actuator disk and a file connection shaft. Further, the chuck may be coupled to the impeller. Further, the chuck passes through the spindle; and a file connection bolt configured to screw into the file connection shaft. Further, the file connection bold may secure a file coupling connector of the hollow file to the driver assembly.

In some embodiments, the handle may include a file measurement guide which may further include a first measurement finger rest; a second measurement finger rest; a top measurement piston; a bottom measurement piston; a plurality of file measurement grooves; a plurality of measurement springs coupled to each of the top measurement piston and the bottom measurement piston. Further, compression of the first measurement finger rest and second measurement finger rest may disengage the plurality of file measurement grooves allowing the file measurement guide to be repositioned. Further, a measurement stop piston may be configured to inhibit motion of the driver assembly against the displacement of the thumb slider.

In some embodiments, the dental hand piece may include a thumb slider linkage. Further, the thumb slider linkage may include the thumb slider, a thumb slider lock, a thumb slider arm, a thumb slider connection tube and a thumb slider screw. Further, the thumb slider linkage connects the thumb slider to the driver assembly by passing through a thumb slider slot into an interior of a handle sheath comprised in the handle.

In some embodiments, the handle further may include a guide rod cam assembly configured to adjust a length of the guide rod protruding outwardly from the file opening.

In some embodiments, the guide rod cam assembly may include a cam wheel configured to be rotated and a lower cam pinch. Further, the guide rod may be disposed between the cam wheel and the lower cam pinch. Further, friction between the cam wheel and the guide rod causes the guide rod to extend and contract when the cam wheel may be rotated. A cam lock may be configured to prevent the cam wheel from rotating and as a result preventing any change in the length of the guide rod protruding outwardly from the file opening.

In some embodiments, the guide rod cam assembly may include a guide rod guide and a guide rod stop. Further, the guide rod guide may be configured to facilitate alignment of the guide rod. Further, the guide rod stop may be configured to prevent movement of the guide rod beyond a predetermined point within the handle.

In some embodiments, the guide rod may include a guide rod tip, a guide rod body and guide rod base. Further, the guide rod tip may include a fitted plastic grip configured to stop the hollow file from moving beyond the fitted plastic grip.

In some embodiments, the file head may include a file face located at a first end of the file head. Further, the file face may include the plurality of ports. Further, the plurality of ports extend from the file face, a neck and a neck coupling mechanism located at a second end of the file head. Further, the neck coupling mechanism may be configured to removably attach to the handling coupling mechanism.

In some embodiments, the driver assembly may include an ultrasonic driver and an ultrasonic control tuning knob configured to adjust a frequency of the ultrasonic driver.

In some embodiments, the handle may include a driver assembly door configured to provide access to the driver assembly.

In some embodiments, the hollow file may be micro textured, flexible and tapered.

In some embodiments, the hollow file may include a woven mesh of Nickel-

Titanium.

According to some embodiments, a dental hand piece configured for endodontic treatment is provided. The dental hand piece may include a base including a base coupling mechanism and a base tubing assembly. Further, the base coupling mechanism may be configured to couple the base tubing assembly to an external supply tube; a handle coupled to the base. Further, the handle may include a handle tubing assembly connected to the base tubing assembly; a guide rod configured to be disposed within a file tube comprised in the handle tubing assembly. Further, the guide rod may include a guide rod tip, a guide rod body and guide rod base. Further, the guide rod tip may include a fitted plastic grip; a hollow file configured to be disposed within the file tube. Further, the hollow file may be further configured to enclose at least a longitudinal portion of the guide rod. Further, the hollow file may be further configured to be movable in relation to the guide rod. Further, the fitted plastic grip may be configured to stop the hollow file from moving beyond the fitted plastic grip; a thumb slider coupled to the hollow file. Further, the thumb slider may be configured to adjust a position of the hollow file along the guide rod; a file head including a neck tubing assembly and a plurality of ports.

Further, the neck tubing assembly may include the file tube. Further, the plurality of ports may include a file opening configured to allow each of the guide rod and the hollow file to extend outwardly. Further, the neck tubing assembly may be connected to the handle tubing assembly; a handle coupling mechanism configured to connect the file head to the handle; a driver assembly coupled to the hollow file. Further, the driver assembly may be configured to impart a reciprocating movement to the hollow file, a guide rod cam assembly configured to adjust a length of the guide rod protruding outwardly from the file opening; and a file measurement indicator configured to present a measure of a length of the hollow file protruding outwardly from the file opening.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred

embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.