WO2008083366A2

WO2008083366A2 - Ultrasonic instrument rotation method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008083366A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/089176
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Feine
Original assignee: Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Inc.
Priority date: 2006-12-29
Filing date: 2007-12-29
Publication date: 2008-07-10
Also published as: WO2008083366A3

Abstract

Ultrasonic tool hand piece (4) receiving an ultrasonic insert assembly (6). Bearing (14) can allow rotation of tip (12) of ultrasonic insert assembly (6) relative to hand piece (4). Outer shell (18) can be non-rotatably connected to tip (12). Outer shell 18 can be deformed into frictional contact with hand piece (4) to impede rotation of the tip (12) relative to the hand piece (4). Bearing can be a sleeve bearing (20, 26). Sleeve bearing (26) can be formed unitarily with outer shell (28). hand piece (30) can include a bore in a distal end (34) thereof to removably receive proximal end of rotatable sleeve bearing (26). O-ring (32) between sleeve (bearing 26) and distal end (34) of hand piece (30) can allow removable and/or rotatable connection of sleeve bearing (26) and hand piece (30).

Description

ULTRASONIC INSTRUMENT ROTATION METHOD AND APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

[0001] This invention concerns rotation of a tip of an ultrasonic tool; specifically to selective rotation of a rotatable tip of an ultrasonic tool. [0002] Ultrasonic energy for applications, for example, dental scaling, can be generated by use of magnetostrictive, piezoelectric, ferritestrictive, movable pin transducer (MPT), or air driven elements. One example of an MPT can be found in U.S. Pat. App. 11/308,190, incorporated by reference herein. Ultrasonic dental scaling generators and insert assemblies have evolved over the past decades of use. New techniques have been developed to expand and utilize the power and functionality of ultrasonic scaling and other ultrasonic methods. Tip access, especially in hard to reach areas, has become a major concern to many practitioners. Rotating a tip by twisting the handpiece and/or cable assembly can impart a great deal of strain upon the operator. In the past, this problem has been partially addressed by having a magnetostrictive insert with an internal swivel or a handpiece allowing partial rotation at the cord end. For example, a swivel for rotating a handpiece relative to a cable requires rotation of the entire handpiece.

[0003] Providing a mechanism to rotate the tip without twisting the handpiece and/or cable assembly can provide a marked improvement for the operator's ability to access tooth structure as well as possibly diminishing the strain, such as muscle fatigue by the operator. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,162 to Sharp discloses an ultrasonic dental sealer with a removable autoclavable sheath, but does not disclose rotation of a tip or the sheath. The reference merely discloses a means for preventing cross- contamination among patients when using a dental sealer device. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,240 to Paschke et al. discloses an ultrasonic handpiece having an elongated housing sleeve and a coil unit for establishing an alternating magnetic field located therein, but does not disclose rotation of a tip or the sheath. The housing sleeve and coil unit is assembled such that crevices are formed between the ends of the housing sleeve and coil unit, thus allowing steam, chemicals and heat to pass in and out of the interior of the handpiece for more rapid and thorough sterilizing of the entire handpiece. [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,811 ,399 to Rahman et al. discloses a rotatable ultrasonic insert insertable into a handpiece. The grip of the insert is clamped to the insert via a torque lock element which carries a plurality of radially extending barbs and corresponding slots. The handle is locked to the torque lock element and is not movable relative thereto either axially or rotatably. Torque lock element couples a torque due to force applied to deformable grip by the user's fingers to engage barbs. The grip of the ultrasonic insert itself is held to couple torque.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,028 to Rahman et al., from the same patent family as U.S. Pat. No. 6,811 ,399 above, discloses a ultrasonic insert having a rotary bearing carried between the transducer and the tip wherein the bearing is rotatable relative to the tip. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,011 ,520 to Rahman et al., from the same patent family as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,811 ,399 and 6,716,028 above, discloses an ultrasonic insert having two parts. A treatment applying tip is fixedly attached to one part of the insert, the one part carrying an insert assembly, and a second part of the insert is rotatable relative to the one part and the insert is removably carried by the handpiece. The tip, the one part and the transducer are rotatable together relative to the second part and the handpiece by a force applied only to the one part of the insert. Torque lock disclosed is also the same as in U.S. Pat. Nos.

6,811 ,399 and 6,716,028, discussed above, i.e., the grip of the ultrasonic insert itself is held to couple torque.

[0009] In the references discussed above, there is no disclosure of a sleeve which is deformable into an outer surface of the handpiece to impede rotation of a tip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The current invention concerns selective rotation of a tip of an ultrasonic tool. A sterilizable apparatus by which a tip (e.g., of an insert assembly) which rotates about an ultrasonic handpiece is easily controlled by the operator. This apparatus and method may be used for magnetosthctive, piezoelectric, ferrosthctive, moveable pin transducer (MPT), or any other type of device or ultrasonic generation method involving dental or medical tool and a handpiece.

[0011] A handpiece can have a rotating sleeve bearing at a distal end.

Rotating sleeve can be freely rotating. Rotating sleeve can turn inside a handpiece to allow an insert assembly and/or tip assembly attached to the rotating sleeve to pivot relative to the handpiece. An operator can control the rotation by holding on to an outer portion of the sleeve near the tip of an insert assembly. If the rotating sleeve bearing is made with an outer shell as part of its body, an operator can grasp a grip body connected to the insert assembly with the thumb and forefinger and hold the insert assembly from rotating about the handpiece by squeezing gently on the outer shell portion. This deforms the outer shell and allows it to come into contact with the handpiece. Such an action can stop the rotation. The rotating sleeve assembly (e.g., outer shell and sleeve bearing) can be made with autoclavable material. If desired, a tool specially adapted to quickly remove the sleeve from the handpiece for replacement or for sterilizing can be provided.

[0012] In one embodiment an ultrasonic apparatus can include a handpiece receiving an insert assembly comprising an ultrasonic vibrating element, a velocity transducer and a tip assembly, and a bearing rotatably disposed between the tip assembly and the handpiece to allow rotation of the tip assembly relative to the handpiece. An outer shell can be fixedly connected to the tip assembly and/or extending at least partially over the handpiece. A tip assembly and/or bearing can include a grip body. An outer shell is deformable into fhctional contact with the handpiece to prevent rotation of the tip assembly relative to the handpiece. A tip assembly can be removably connected to the bearing. A bearing can be removably connected to the handpiece. A bearing and outer shell can be unitary. At least one, or both, of the bearing and outer shell can be an autoclavable material.

[0013] In another embodiment, an ultrasonic apparatus can include a handpiece having an insert assembly rotatable within the handpiece, a sleeve bearing rotatably connected to a distal end of the handpiece and fixedly connected to the insert assembly, an outer shell fixedly connected to the sleeve bearing and extending at least partially over the handpiece, and wherein the insert assembly comprises a tip fixedly connected with respect to the outer shell to allow rotation of the tip and outer shell as an integrated unit relative to the handpiece. A distal end of the handpiece can be overlapping and/or concentric to the sleeve bearing, for example, whereby the tip can be manipulated via the outer shell while the handpiece can rotate freely with respect to the sleeve bearing. A sleeve bearing can be rotatably connected to the distal end of the handpiece by an O-ring disposed therebetween. An insert assembly can include a grip body adjacent the tip. An outer shell can be deformable into fhctional contact with the handpiece to prevent rotation of the insert assembly relative to the handpiece. An insert assembly can be removably connected to the sleeve bearing. A sleeve bearing can be removably connected to the outer shell and/or the handpiece. A sleeve bearing and outer shell can be unitary. At least one, or both, of the sleeve bearing and outer shell can be an autoclavable material. [0014] In yet another embodiment, a method of selectively rotating a tip of an insert assembly of an ultrasonic apparatus can include providing the ultrasonic apparatus having a handpiece with the insert assembly vibratably connected thereto, wherein the tip is rotatable with respect to the handpiece, rotating the tip relative to the handpiece, and deforming an outer shell fixedly connected to the tip and extending at least partially over the handpiece into frictional contact with the handpiece to prevent rotation of the tip relative to the handpiece. Rotating the tip can include rotating a grip body of the tip and/or rotating the outer shell. Deforming the outer shell can include squeezing the outer shell, for example, with a radial force. A distal end of the handpiece can be overlapping and concentric to a sleeve bearing fixedly connected to the insert assembly, wherein the sleeve bearing is rotatably and/or vibratably connected to the distal end of the handpiece by an O-ring disposed therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Fig. 1 is a side schematic view of a rotatable tip ultrasonic apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a side schematic view of a sleeve bearing, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a side schematic view of a sleeve bearing and outer shell assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a side schematic view of a handpiece, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Fig. 1 is a side schematic view of a rotatable tip ultrasonic apparatus 2, according to one embodiment of the invention. Ultrasonic apparatus can include a handpiece 4, as is known in the art. Ultrasonic handpiece 4 can include an insert assembly 6 therein. Ultrasonic insert assembly 6 can include an ultrasonic vibrating element connected to a tip assembly via a velocity transducer. Insert assembly 6 can be disposed within bore in handpiece 4. Handpiece 4 can include ultrasonic driver, for example the wire coil 8 adjacent to bore in handpiece 4.

[0020] Although shown as a magnetoresthctive ultrasonic element in the handpiece 4 in Fig. 1 , the invention can be utilized with any ultrasonic driving means, including, but not limited to, piezoelectric, ferhtestrictive, movable pin transducer (MPT), or air driven ultrasonic elements.

[0021] Proximal end of handpiece 4 can include a cable 10, as is known in the art. Cable 10 can supply electricity, light, air, water, any other motive fluids, etc. to handpiece 4. Insert assembly 6 of ultrasonic apparatus 2 in the embodiment of Fig. 1 includes a tip 12. Tip 12 can be ultrasonic dental tip, for example, a sealer or scalpel. To allow rotation of tip 12 relative to handpiece 4, a bearing 14 can be included. In one embodiment, if insert assembly 6 can be rotated relative to handpiece 4, for example in the bore of handpiece 4, the bearing 14 can be rigidly (e.g., non-rotatably) attached to tip 12 to allow rotation of tip 12 relative to handpiece 4. Bearing 14 can be operably disposed between handpiece 4 and insert assembly 6. In one embodiment, if insert assembly 6 is rotatably retained within the handpiece 4, bearing 14 can be disposed between the handpiece 4 and insert assembly 6 to allow rotation of tip 12 relative to handpiece 4. Tip assembly can include a tip 12 and a grip body 16, as is known in the art. Grip body 16 can be a finger tip grip. [0022] Regardless of the structure for rotating the tip 12 relative to the handpiece 4, an outer shell 18 (e.g., outer sleeve) can be provided. Outer shell 18 can be formed from an autoclavable material. Outer shell 18 can be fixedly (e.g., non-rotatably) connected to tip 16. Outer shell 18 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 extends circumferentially over the outer surface of handpiece 4. Outer shell 18 can be formed from a material at least partially deformable. Outer shell 18 can be deformable by a user squeezing outer shell 18 between the thumb and index finger, more specifically, the non-fingertip portions of the thumb and index finger, which can be on the grip body 16. Outer surface of handpiece 4 and/or inner surface of outer shell 18 can include a material having a high fhctional factor, for example, to impede rotation when outer surface of handpiece 4 contacts inner surface of outer shell 18. In one embodiment, outer shell 18 is deformable into outer surface of handpiece 4 to function as a brake to impede rotation between tip 12 and handpiece 4.

[0023] Tip 12 can be removably connected to insert grip 16 of tip assembly. Tip 12 can include a passage for fluid from handpiece 4. Tip 12 and/or bearing 14 can include a grip body 16 fixedly connected thereto. Fixedly connected can include being non-rotatably, but removably connected. Bearing 14 can be a sleeve bearing, as is discussed in further detail below. [0024] Fig. 2 is a side schematic view of a sleeve bearing 20, according to one embodiment of the invention. Sleeve bearing 20 can be formed of an autoclavable material. Sleeve bearing 20 can include a grip body 22, e.g., finger grip, on a distal end thereof. Sleeve bearing 20 can include an O-ring 24 and/or O-ring groove in an outer or inner surface thereof. Sleeve bearing 20 can be fixedly connected to an insert assembly, which can have a tip attached thereto. Insert assembly can be retained within a bore of the sleeve bearing 20. Sleeve bearing 20 can rotatably connect to a handpiece. Sleeve bearing 20 can rotatably connect a tip of an insert assembly to a handpiece. Tip assembly can be rotatably connected to the insert assembly.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a side schematic view of a sleeve bearing 26 and outer shell 28 assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention. Sleeve bearing 26 can be unitarily formed, i.e., integral, with outer shell 28. Sleeve bearing 26 and outer shell 28 can be autoclavable. An ultrasonic insert assembly can be non-rotatably and/or removably connected within a longitudinal bore in sleeve bearing 26.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a side schematic view of a handpiece, according to one embodiment of the invention. Handpiece 30 can include an O-ring and/or O-ring groove 32 at a distal end 34 thereof. Handpiece 30 can include a bore in the distal end 34 thereof to receive a sleeve bearing, for example, sleeve bearing 26 in Fig. 3. Distal end 34 of handpiece 30 can removably receive a rotatable sleeve bearing. As one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, handpiece in Fig. 4 can include an ultrasonic generator without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0027] Returning to Fig. 1 , one method of use can be described. An ultrasonic apparatus 2 can be provided. Ultrasonic apparatus 2 can include an insert assembly 6 with a tip 12 fixedly (e.g., non-rotatably) connected to a distal end thereof. Insert assembly 6 can be fixedly (e.g., non-rotatably) connected to a bearing 14. Bearing 14 can be sleeve bearing, for example as described in reference to Figs. 2-4. Insert assembly 6 can include a grip body 16, which can be fixedly (e.g., non-rotatably) connected adjacent tip 12. Insert assembly 6, which can include tip 12 and/or grip body 16, can be rotatably connected to handpiece 4. Insert assembly 6 can include an outer shell 18. Tip 12 can be rotated relative to the handpiece 4 by rotating grip body 16 and/or outer shell 18. [0028] Grip body 16 and/or outer shell 18 can be rotated with one hand during ultrasonic use. Stationary momentum of handpiece 4 and/or rotational resistance provided by cable 10 or other means can negate the need to rotate or retain the handpiece 4 itself. In one embodiment, tip 12 can be rotated at any radial angle relative to handpiece 4. To restrict rotation between tip 12 and handpiece 4, a user can deform outer shell 18 into frictional contact with the handpiece 4, for example, the cylindrical outer surface of the handpiece 4. Force required to restrict rotation can be dependent on the properties of the outer shell 18, which can be a resilient plastic.

[0029] Although the invention is illustrated for the purpose of clarity with reference to an ultrasonic dental tool, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the tool of the present invention can be configured within the scope of the present invention for other purposes such as surgical tools, sculpting tools, and the like.

[0030] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An ultrasonic apparatus comprising: a handpiece receiving an insert assembly comprising an ultrasonic vibrating element, a velocity transducer and a tip assembly; and a bearing rotatably disposed between the tip assembly and the handpiece to allow rotation of the tip assembly relative to the handpiece.

2. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an outer shell fixedly connected to the tip assembly and extending at least partially over the handpiece.

3. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tip assembly further comprises a grip body.

4. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 2 wherein the outer shell is deformable into frictional contact with the handpiece to prevent rotation of the tip assembly relative to the handpiece.

5. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tip assembly is removably connected to the bearing.

6. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bearing is removably connected to the handpiece.

7. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 2 wherein the bearing and outer shell are unitary.

8. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least one of the bearing and outer shell is an autoclavable material.

9. An ultrasonic apparatus comprising: a handpiece having an insert assembly rotatable within the handpiece; a sleeve bearing rotatably connected to a distal end of the handpiece and fixedly connected to the insert assembly; an outer shell fixedly connected to the sleeve bearing and extending at least partially over the handpiece; and wherein the insert assembly comprises a tip fixedly connected with respect to the outer shell to allow rotation of the tip and outer shell as an integrated unit relative to the handpiece.

10. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 9 wherein the distal end of the handpiece is overlapping and concentric to the sleeve bearing, whereby the tip can be manipulated via the outer shell while the handpiece can rotate freely with respect to the sleeve bearing.

11. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 10 wherein the sleeve bearing is rotatably connected to the distal end of the handpiece by an O-ring disposed therebetween.

12. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 9 wherein the insert assembly further comprises a grip body adjacent the tip.

13. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 9 wherein the outer shell is deformable into fhctional contact with the handpiece to prevent rotation of the insert assembly relative to the handpiece.

14. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 9 wherein the insert assembly is removably connected to the sleeve bearing.

15. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 9 wherein the sleeve bearing is removably connected to the outer shell.

16. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 9 wherein the sleeve bearing is removably connected to the handpiece.

17. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 9 wherein the sleeve bearing and outer shell are unitary.

18. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 9 wherein at least one of the sleeve bearing and outer shell is an autoclavable material.

19. A method of selectively rotating a tip of an insert assembly of an ultrasonic apparatus comprising: providing the ultrasonic apparatus comprising a handpiece with the insert assembly vibratably connected thereto, wherein the tip is rotatable with respect to the handpiece; rotating the tip relative to the handpiece; and deforming an outer shell fixedly connected to the tip and extending at least partially over the handpiece into frictional contact with the handpiece to prevent rotation of the tip relative to the handpiece.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of rotating the tip comprises rotating a grip body of the tip.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of rotating the tip comprises rotating the outer shell.

22. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of deforming the outer shell comprises squeezing the outer shell.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein a distal end of the handpiece is overlapping and concentric to a sleeve bearing fixedly connected to the insert assembly, wherein the sleeve bearing is rotatably and vibratably connected to the distal end of the handpiece by an O-ring disposed therebetween.