[0001] The present invention generally relates to dental suction pumps. BACKGROUND

[0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Dental suction pumps use air (vacuum) to suck water and saliva from a patient's mouth during a dental procedure.

[0004] A bacterial filter is located upstream of a dental suction pump which not only filters bacteria but also obstructs any tooth solids from reaching the pump. In practice, sharp tooth solids have been known to pass through the systems and damage the pump.

[0005] The preferred embodiment provides a suction pump assembly for reducing the likelihood of pump damage.

[0006] The bacterial filter is periodically replaced. In practice, applicant has perceived that the filter is awkward to replace and otherwise restricts space.

[0007] The preferred embodiment provides a suction pump assembly with a bacterial filter that is straightforward to replace or conveniently located.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental suction pump assembly including:

an air pump for sucking air; and

a separator located upstream of the air pump and for separating liquid and solids from the sucked air. [0009] Advantageously, the separator separates tooth solids from the sucked air upstream of the pump to protect the air pump from damage. The separator may include a bacterial filter for filtering air prior to being sucked into the air pump.

[00010] The bacterial filter may be conveniently located within the separator to conserve on space. The separator may include a container, and a removable lid for fastening to the container. The bacterial filter may be removable and fastened to the lid for straightforward replacement.

[00011] The separator may include a shield for shielding the bacterial filter. The shield may be tubular. The shield may be fastened to the lid.

[00012] The separator may include an inlet configured so that internal air flow is cyclonic.

[00013] The assembly may include a pressure sensor for sensing the line pressure of the separator. The assembly may include an air pump controller for controlling the air pump based upon the sensed pressure. The air pump speed may be increased with decreasing vacuum.

[00014] The separator may further include a filter basket for filtering teeth and solids from the liquid. The filter basket may form a compression fit within the separator. The liquid filter may include a 2mm mesh strainer. A resilient seal may surround the strainer. The assembly may further include a liquid pump for sucking liquid from the separator. The separator may include a liquid level sensor for sensing the level of liquid in the separator. The liquid level sensor may include one or more floats. The assembly may include a liquid pump controller for controlling the liquid pump based upon the sensed liquid level.

[00015] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00016] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to the drawing as follows:

[00017] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a dental suction pump assembly in

accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a dental suction pump assembly 100 as shown in figure 1 . The assembly 100 includes an air pump 102 for sucking air 103 through an air conduit 104. A separator 106 is located upstream of the air pump 102 and separates liquid saliva 108 from the sucked air. The separator lid 1 14 includes a central bacterial filter 1 10 for filtering air prior to being sucked into the air pump 102. Advantageously, the separator 106 separates any tooth solids from the sucked air upstream of the filter 1 10 to protect the filter 1 10 and air pump 102 from damage.

[00019] The bacterial filter 1 10 is conveniently located within the compact separator 106 to conserve on space, and is easy to clean and maintain. The separator 106 includes a base container 1 12, and a removable lid 1 14 for fastening to the container 1 12. The filter 1 10 is removable & fastened to the lid 1 14 for straightforward

replacement using a tie rod 1 16 with clamping nut 1 18.

[00020] The separator 106 also includes a tubular shield 120 for shielding the internal bacterial filter 1 10. The shield 120 is permanently fastened to the lid 1 14. The separator 106 includes an inlet 122 to which the dentist suction tool (not shown) is connected. The inlet 122 is non-radially arranged relative to the cylindrical container 1 12 so that internal air flow is cyclonic thereby facilitating separation of air from liquid and solids.

[00021] The container 1 12 includes an internal pressure sensor for sensing the line pressure of the separator 106. The assembly 100 includes an air pump controller 124 for controlling the air pump 102 based upon the sensed pressure. In particular, the air pump speed is increased with decreasing vacuum to maintain a constant vacuum within the separator 106.

[00022] The separator 106 further includes a lower filter basket 126 for filtering teeth solids from liquid 108. The filter basket 126 forms a compression fit within the separator 106 and is resilient for easy removal. The filter basket 126 includes a central 2mm mesh strainer, and a resilient rubber seal surrounding the strainer.

[00023] The assembly 100 further includes a liquid pump 128 for sucking liquid 108 through outlet 129 and from the separator 106. The separator 106 includes an immersed liquid level sensor 130 for sensing the level of liquid 108 in the separator 106. The liquid level sensor 130 includes floats 132. The air pump controller also includes a liquid pump controller 134 for controlling the liquid pump 128 based upon the sensed liquid level. .

[00024] In practice, the dentist uses his tool to suck liquid saliva from a patient's mouth during treatment. Air, saliva and teeth fragments enter the separator 106 through inlet 122. The cyclonic air throws the heavier saliva and teeth fragments toward the perimeter of the container 1 12. The solid shield 120 also protects the bacterial filter 1 10 from direct impact with the saliva and teeth fragments. Teeth fragments accumulate in the filter basket 126 which allows passage of the liquid into the base of the container 1 12.

[00025] As the sensed air pressure drops, air pump 102 is activated by air pump controller 124 to maintain a vacuum in the separator 106. Air passes through the bacterial filter 1 10 and along the conduit 104 to the pump 102.

[00026] As the sensed liquid level at the bottom of the separator 106 rises, liquid pump 128 is activated by controller 134 to expel the accumulated saliva from the separator 106.

[00027] Periodically, every six months or so, the lid 1 14 can be removed from the container 1 12. The nut 1 18 can be removed from the rod 1 16 so that the disposable bacterial filter 1 10 can be extracted from the shield 120 and replaced. Liquid filter basket 126 laden with teeth fragments can also be removed for cleaning before being returned. [00028] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

[00029] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[00030] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.