BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of this invention relates to suction systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a filter and universal adapter for aspirator tips used in the dental field.

In the field of dentistry, an aspirator is used to remove saliva, water, and solid waste particles such as "amalgam" from the mouth of the patient during dental procedures. The aspirator is typically a hand-held, flexible suction hose attached to a powered suction system. Before using the aspirator on a patient, the dentist attaches either a high-speed suction tip or saliva ejector tip to the hand-held end of the suction hose. The tip is usually a sterile apparatus which is placed directly into the mouth of the patient during use. When the procedure has been completed, the tip is discarded. High-speed suction tips and saliva ejector tips are available in several types and sizes. This assortment of tips is needed to accommodate the particular needs of various dental procedures. However, some of sizes will not fit a standard-sized suction hose on the dentist's aspirator system, thus limiting the choice of tips the dentist may use with his or her system. In particular, some of the tips have a cross-sectional diameter that is

too wide or too narrow to be attached to the suction hose. While some tips are sold with adapters which remedy the lack of fit, these adapters are made to correspond with only one size of saliva ejector or suction tip. Thus, a variety of adapters must be kept on hand in order to ensure that the various tips can be used.

In general, aspirator systems can be difficult to maintain. Dental aspirators, for example, typically utilize an amalgam separator located near the centralized vacuum source of the system. The amalgam separator uses a mesh container or other filter media to prevent dental amalgam from exiting the system and contaminating water waste lines. The separator is cleaned often to remove the buildup of amalgam and must be disinfected between such cleanings. Infrequent cleaning or disinfecting of the separator can result in bacterial contamination of the suction lines in addition to the water waste lines. The contamination may subsequently reach the patient. This is unacceptable in the sterile environment dentistry demands.

To prevent excessive amounts of amalgam from reaching the central amalgam separator, some manufacturers of saliva ejector tips have incorporated small basket-type filters into their tips. These filters, however, are not effective to filter smaller- sized amalgam particles because the support structure for the filter has large openings. Furthermore, the

filter basket cannot be used with differing sizes of saliva ejector tips or high-speed suction tips.

Therefore, there is a need for an inexpensive, sanitary, and easily accessible filtering device for preventing excessive build-up of amalgam within the amalgam separators in dental suction systems.

Furthermore, there is a need for a filter-adapter which allows a variety of high-speed suction tips and saliva ejector tips to be attached to a standard-sized suction hose in a dental aspirator system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein provides a disposable filter for connection between several sizes of dental aspirator tips and the suction hose of a dental aspirator system. Different types of tips may comprise a single size.

In one aspect of the present invention, the filter- adapter includes a substantially cylindrical, hollow body with a flowpath defined within the body. A substantially planar filter element is secured across the flowpath inside the filter-adapter to substantially prevent amalgam from entering the suction hose. A first end of the filter-adapter is configured to receive several sizes of the various disposable aspirator tips available. The first end has an outer surface diameter which can receive one size of disposable saliva ejector tip sealably fitting over the end of the filter-adapter.

The first end of the filter-adapter also has an inner surface diameter which sealably fits to a smaller size of disposable saliva ejector tip into the interior of the filter-adapter. The opposite, or second end of the filter-adapter has an outer surface diameter configured so that the second end sealably fits inside a standard- sized suction hose from the suction system. A protruding ledge on the outside of the filter-adapter prevents it from being drawn into the suction hose. In another aspect of the present invention, the first end of the filter-adapter is also supplemented by a smaller inner surface diameter located inside the middle portion of the filter-adapter. This smaller diameter is sized to receive a third size of disposable saliva ejector tip through the end of the connector. An inner ledge prevents the saliva ejector tip from being drawn through the filter-adapter or possibly harming the filter element.

In another aspect of the present invention, the second end of the filter adapter sealably fits over the terminus end of the suction hose.

In another aspect of the present invention, the filter-adapter is molded from a thermoplastic rubber compound to allow flexibility and a secure friction-fit of the various components to the filter-adapter. The filter element is preferably a nylon mesh screen molded into the sides of the filter-adapter.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a dental aspiration system filters amalgam from a dental procedure using a filter-adapter sealably connected between an aspirator tip and the suction hose of the system.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon the review of the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodi¬ ment of the filter-adapter of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top plan view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the filter- adapter of the present invention and its attachment to a suction hose and high-speed suction tip.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view like Figure 5 showing registration of the filter-adapter with a cross- sectional view of an outer diameter-fitting high-speed suction tip.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view like Figure 5 showing registration of the filter-adapter with a cross- sectional view of a first inner diameter-fitting saliva ejector tip. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view like Figure 5 showing registration of the filter-adapter with a cross- sectional view of a second inner diameter-fitting saliva ejector tip.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view like Figure 5, but of a second embodiment of a filter-adapter of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the filter-adapter of the present invention. Figures 11 (a) through (c) are perspective views of a high-speed suction tip and two types of saliva ejector tips.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the filter-adapter of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. Preferably, filter and universal adapter 20 includes a hollow body

23 of substantially cylindrical shape and circular cross-section. The body 23 has a first end 24, a second end 25, and a middle portion 26. Body 23 also has an outer surface 28 and an inner surface 29. The inner surface 29 defines a flowpath (represented by arrows 30) through the body 23 of filter-adapter 20.

A filter element 35, preferably comprising a mesh screen, is positioned to intersect flowpath 30 within the middle portion 26 of body 23. The cross-sectional view in Figure 5 shows the filter element 35 mounted perpendicularly to flowpath 30. Filter element 35 is preferably made of woven nylon fiber, although molded plastic or woven metal wire are also contemplated. Filter element 35 is preferably molded to the inner surface 29 of the body 23 by insert injection molding. Figures 11(a) -(c) illustrate three examples of aspirator tips manufactured by A.B. Kaltoplast. High¬ speed suction tip 21 is for example a SURG-O-VAC model used for general manual saliva aspiration of the oral cavity. Tip 21 comprises a tapered portion 81 and connecting end 88 for attachment to a suction hose. Saliva ejector tip 61 is a SCANFLEX model used for saliva removal while stationarily positioned within the oral cavity. The device comprises a flexible plastic tube 64 which includes a metal wire (not shown) molded along its length. The wire allows plastic tube 64 to retain its shape when bent to remain within a patient's mouth. Slotted end piece 66 prevents aspiration of the

soft tissues of the mouth, and connecting end 68 is for attachment to a suction hose. Finally, saliva ejector tip 71 is used when more detailed shaping of the tip is desired for a particular dental procedure. Tip 71 comprises a thin length of wire-stiffened plastic tubing partially curled into a helical shape. Holes 79 are defined within the tip 71 to suction saliva through the sides of the tube. Saliva ejector tips 21, 61, and 71 each have connecting ends of different cross-sections and outside diameters.

Figure 4 shows the positioning of the filter- adapter 20 in relation to hose 22 and disposable high¬ speed suction tip 21. As shown in the figure, the second end 25 of body 23 is sized to accept the terminus end 46 of suction hose 22. The filter-adapter 20 filters the liquid and solid particles drawn by suction through the suction tip 21 during general dental procedures and substantially prevents amalgam from entering the suction hose 22. Referring now to Figures 1-5, first end 24 of body 23 is interfaceable with several sizes of aspirator tips such as those shown in Figures 11(a) -(c). Preferably, the first end 24 has an outer surface diameter 31 and a first inner surface diameter 32. Outer surface diameter 31 is sized so that the connecting end 88 of the high¬ speed suction tip of the type 21 shown in Figures 4 and 11(a) will fit over the outer surface diameter 31. Figures 4 and 6 show the registration of the elongated

high-speed saliva ejector tip 21 with the outer surface diameter 31 of the first end 24 of filter-adapter 20.

In addition to the outer surface diameter 31, the first end 24 of the filter-adapter 20 is also configured to receive various sizes of saliva ejector tips into the interior of the filter-adapter 20. In particular, Figures 1, 2 and 5 show a first inner surface diameter 32 defined within first end 24 inside a first cavity 50. The first inner surface diameter 32 extends from the lip 42 of the first end 24 sufficiently into body 23 to allow a stable, frictional seal and grip on a saliva ejector tip inserted into cavity 50. The diameter of the flowpath 30 is reduced near the middle portion 26 of the body 23. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, ledge 37 is formed where flowpath 30 reduces to second inner surface diameter 36, which defines second cavity 51. First inner ledge 37 forms the junction between first cavity 50 and second cavity 51. Flowpath 30, having second inner surface diameter 36, continues through the middle portion 26 of body 23 until flowpath 30 intersects the filter element 35. Figure 5 shows filter element 35 molded into the wall 43 of body 23. A second inner ledge 38 projects inwardly from wall 43 immediately adjacent to the filter element 35. In this first preferred embodiment, the second end 25 fits within a standard-sized suction hose 22. Outer ledge 34 meets the lip of the suction hose terminus 46

to prevent the filter-adapter 20 from being drawn into the suction hose 22.

Figure 6 illustrates the registration of high-speed suction tip 21 with the outer surface 28 of first end 24. As shown in the figure, connecting end 88 fits over first end 24 of filter-adapter 20 and is held frictionally in this position. Because the area of contact between the connecting end 88 and the outer surface 28 is relatively large, the filter-adapter 21 is resistant to being pushed too far into the tip 21.

The registrations of various sizes of disposable saliva ejector tips with the interior of the first end 24 of filter-adapter 20 are shown in Figures 7 and 8. In particular, Figure 7 shows a SCANFLEX saliva ejector tip 61 (also shown in Figure 11(b)) fitted within first cavity 50 of first end 24. The tip 61 is held within cavity 50 by friction, and first inner ledge 37 acts as a stop for the end 68 of the saliva ejector tip 61, preventing it from being inserted too far into the body 23 and possibly puncturing the filter element 35 and being drawn into suction hose 22.

Figure 8 shows for example a Hygoformic curled saliva ejector tip 71 (also shown in Figure 11(c)) fitted within second cavity 51 of first end 24. Similar to the attachment to first cavity 50, the tip 71 is held within cavity 51 by friction. Second inner ledge 38 prevents the saliva ejector tip 71 from puncturing filter element 35 and being drawn into suction hose 22.

In this first preferred embodiment, the outer surface diameter 31 is .310 inches, the first inner surface diameter 32 is .248 inches, and the second inner surface diameter 36 is .148 inches. The outer surface diameter 33 of second end 25 is .255 inches and has a wall thickness of .055 inches. First cavity 50 is .200 inches deep, measured from lip 42 to first inner ledge 37. Second cavity 51 is .200 inches deep, measured from first inner ledge 37 to second inner ledge 38. The connecting end 88 of high-speed suction tip 21 fits over the outside of first end 24, saliva ejector tip 61 fits within the first inner surface diameter 32 of first end 24, and curled saliva ejector tip 71 fits within the second inner surface diameter 36. Alternatively, the first inner surface diameter 32 may be .255 inches to accommodate only a saliva ejector tip 61.

A standard-sized suction hose from an aspirator system manufactured by various suppliers will fit over the outer surface diameter 33 second end 25. These dimensions have been found to provide secure fit and seal with the saliva ejector tips 21, 61 and 71 shown in Figures 11(a)-(c), while allowing ease of insertion and removal of the tips from the filter-adapter 20.

The measurements described herein do not limit the intended scope of the invention. Such measurements may vary to a wide degree depending on manufacturing tolerances and the fit acceptable for a particular type of saliva ejector tip or suction tube. Moreover, the

flexibility of the material used for the filter-adapter may require variances in the measurements. The filter- adapter of the present invention can thus be constructed to fit a variety of tips, in many combinations. For example, in addition to the measurements listed above, the outer surface diameter 31 may be .365, .560, or .500 inches; the first inner surface diameter 32 may be .500, .440, .250, .255, or .450 inches; the second inner surface diameter 36 may be .440, .250, .150, or .155 inches; the outer surface diameter 33 of second end 25 may be .620, .430, or .435 inches; the inner surface diameter 81 of second end 25 may be .200, .370, or .500 inches. The depths of the various cavities can vary as well. Of course, the overall shape of the filter-adapter of the present invention may vary depending on these measurements. Furthermore, junctures between ledges and walls of the filter-adapter may be rounded to a variety of radii, and wall thicknesses and ledge projections may vary in a large range.

Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a filter-adapter 120 with a second end 125 sealably fitting the terminus end 46 of suction hose 22. The terminus end 46 fits frictionally into the interior of the second end 125. The first end 124 has a configuration similar to filter-adapter 20 shown in the previous figures, and is thus connectable to various sizes of saliva ejector tips. To facilitate a tight fit

and seal around the suction hose 22, a peripheral lip 131 extends inward from inner surface 129 at the edge 131 of second end 125. In this embodiment, second end 125 preferably has an inner surface diameter 125 of .500 inches, and the inner surface 129 of second 125 is .360 inches deep, measured from lip 131 to roof 151. The wall 130 of second end 125 has a thickness of .125 inches, and the peripheral lip 131 extends .125 inches from the inner surface 129 of second end 125. Variations in measurements to accommodate other types and sizes of saliva ejector tips or high-speed suction tips are contemplated to be within the scope of this invention.

The filter-adapter 20 is preferably injection molded from a thermoplastic rubber material. In particular, a 64-73 durometer Santoprene® is preferred. Santoprene® thermoplastic rubber is manufactured by Monstanto Company, and available from Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P., in St. Louis, Missouri. The flexibility of this thermoplastic rubber material allows the filter- adapter 20 to fit securely to the saliva ejector tip 21 and suction hose 22 throughout most tolerance variations. The rubber material helps to preserve the vacuum in the dentist's aspirator system by creating an effective seal against leakage.

Finally, thermoplastic rubber is inexpensive enough to allow cost-effective disposability of the filter- adapter 20 after each use, thereby improving a sterile

office environment. While Santoprene® is preferred, other rubber or plastic materials may be substituted. To further promote the seal between the filter- adapter 20 (shown in Figures 1-8) and the suction hose 22, the outer surface 28 of second end 25 may be supplemented. Such an embodiment of a filter-adapter 220 is shown in Figure 10. Preferably, this embodiment has a series of three spaced-apart ridges 239 molded to the outer surface 228 of second end 225. The ridges 239 improve the frictional grip between the outer surface 228 and the terminus end 46 of suction hose 22 by slightly enlarging the outer surface diameter and creating multiple seals. The resulting tight juncture improves the seal between the filter-adapter 220 and suction hose 22. Similarly, the embodiment shown in

Figure 9 can utilize a similar ridged structure on the inner surface 129 of second end 125 to promote the seal between the inner surface 129 and the outer surface of the terminus end 46 of suction hose 22. The ridges in the preferred embodiment of Figure 10 are preferably spaced apart approximately .08 inches from each other, and project from the outer surface 228 between .025 and .015 inches.

The ridges shown in Figure 10 may also comprise tapered, angularly projecting ridges from the outer surface 228 of second end 225. In such an embodiment, the cross section of each ridge (which extends circumferentially around the outer surface 228 similar

to shown ridges 239) is triangular in shape, and the cross-sectional area of each ridge decreases with its distance from the middle of the filter-adapter. This tapering of the ridge size facilitates insertion of the filter-adapter into the suction hose. The angular projections, which themselves taper, hold more firmly to the walls of the outside-fitting suction hose. In this embodiment, the three ridges preferably project between .025 and .015 inches from the outer surface 228, with the projection length decreasing progressively away from the middle of the filter-adapter. The projecting point of each ridge preferably is spaced .08 inches from the point of the next ridge.

In order to better prevent a saliva ejector tip or a high-speed suction tip from being placed too far over the first end of the filter-adapter, a ledge may be placed near the first end of the filter-adapter. This embodiment is shown in Figures 12 and 13. Annular ring 375 is raised around the middle portion of the outside of connector 320, between first end 324 and second end 325. The ring 375 defines a first-end ledge 380 to prevent over-insertion of the filter-adapter into the interior of an outside-fitting saliva ejector tip or high-speed suction tip. Outer ledge 334 serves a similar function for a suction hose, and inner ledge 337 prevents over-insertion of an inside-fitting saliva ejector tip.

In this embodiment, ring 375 is preferably .325 inches wide, and preferably projects about .031 inches from the outer surface of first end 324.

The inexpensive filter-adapters described herein allow for use of a variety of disposable saliva ejector tips or high-speed suction tips with a convenient, disposable single-sized filter-adapter. Thus, the dentist does not need to stock a wide variety of adapters to fit each type of saliva ejector tip he or she wishes to use. Furthermore, the filter element integral in each filter-adapter traps most of the amalgam from a dental procedure and also allows most of the amalgam to be disposed of along with the filter- adapter and aspirator tip, thus preventing costly buildup within the central suction or amalgam separator system. These features promote cost efficiency and sterility in the dental office.

Of course, it should be understood that a wide range of changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described above. For example, the filter element could have a shape other than planar and round. Also the filter element need not be perpendicular to the flow path. Furthermore, the shapes and configurations of the filter-adapter may vary with variations in the exemplary measurements described above. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it be understood that it is the following claims,

including all equivalents, which are intended to define the scope of this invention.