초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for an air abrasive unit such as those used in the dental field. This method and apparatus utilizes an internal vibrator motor with vibration transmitters which transmit the vibrations throughout the abrasive jar. The abrasive pickup assembly uses pressure differentials to suc

A method and apparatus for an air abrasive unit such as those used in the dental field. This method and apparatus utilizes an internal vibrator motor with vibration transmitters which transmit the vibrations throughout the abrasive jar. The abrasive pickup assembly uses pressure differentials to suck up abrasive through a screen which controls the flow rate and particle size of the abrasive flowing through the system. This system can utilize a photo optical detection system to detect the abrasive level. Alternatively, a pressure/pulse detection system may be used to measure abrasive level. Dilution of the air/abrasive mixture and "air only" modes are possible with the present system. Depressurization and mere reductions of pressure can also be accommodated.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for producing a pressurized stream of a gas and suspended particles, which device comprisesa chamber,an inlet tube for allowing particles from a particle source to flow substantially upwardly to the chamber, the tube having a proximal end and a distal end,a separ

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for producing a pressurized stream of a gas and suspended particles, which device comprisesa chamber,an inlet tube for allowing particles from a particle source to flow substantially upwardly to the chamber, the tube having a proximal end and a distal end,a separating means positioned near the distal end of the particle inlet tube to prevent particles that are larger than the distal end opening of the inlet tube from getting through the separating means,a gas inlet tube for allowing a gas to enter the chamber under pressure, said gas inlet tube having a proximal end and a distal end, andan outlet tube from said chamber for allowing a stream of fluidized particles to exit the chamber, wherein when the gas is forced through the gas inlet tube to enter the chamber it flows across the proximal end of the particle inlet tube to create a low pressure region in the chamber which allows particles to flow substantially upwardly through the separating means and the distal end of the particle inlet tube through the proximal end of the inlet tube and into the chamber where the particles are suspended within the chamber and forced out through the outlet tube under pressure in a stream of particles suspended in the gas.