초록 ▼

This invention relates to a seamless system for controlling the flow of fluids, such as liquids or compressed air, through a non-fragmented length of flexible tubing. It incorporates into a single system a number of functions currently performed with separate valves within conventional dental handpi

This invention relates to a seamless system for controlling the flow of fluids, such as liquids or compressed air, through a non-fragmented length of flexible tubing. It incorporates into a single system a number of functions currently performed with separate valves within conventional dental handpiece fluid flow control units. The invention can be fitted to an existing flexible fluid supply line, within a dental delivery system without destructive insertion or removal of any intermediary parts and without contact with the fluid medium itself. The invention is conceived to accommodate from the outside, three contiguous portions (a first, an intermediate and a second portion) of a non-fragmented length of flexible tubing. It comprises a tube holder for securing the first tubing portion, a tube guide for guiding the movement of the second tubing portion relative to the first portion thereby providing selectively a folding or unfolding action to the intermediate tubing portion, so as to prevent fluid flow in said tubing by folding the intermediate portion into a closed position, or to permit flow by unfolding the intermediate portion into an open position. It further comprises actuation means for moving back and forth the second tubing portion along the tube guide.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for flow control of a fluid in a contiguous non-fragmented length of the tubing having distal from its ends a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion defining a contiguous non-fragmented length, the system comprising:(a) a tube holder for secu

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for flow control of a fluid in a contiguous non-fragmented length of the tubing having distal from its ends a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion defining a contiguous non-fragmented length, the system comprising:(a) a tube holder for securing the first tubing portion from the outside of the first tubing portion, forming part of a cylindrical barrel and comprising a second bore cutting diametrically through the barrel, said second bore being suitably sized for retaining the first tubing portion when inserted therein;(b) a tube guide for establishing a guiding path for the movement of the second tubing portion relative to the first portion and for selectively providing a folding or unfolding action to the intermediate tubing portion, so as to prevent fluid flow in said tubing by folding the intermediate portion into a closed position, or to permit flow by unfolding the intermediate portion into an open position, forming part of a cylindrical barrel and comprising longitudinal slot cutting diametrically through the barrel, said slot having a width suitable for permitting a smooth sliding movement of the second tubing portion when inserted therein, and having a length axially parallel to the barrel and suitably dimensioned to permit the intermediate tubing portion to fold in a closed position when moved towards one end of the slot length and to unfold in a completely open position when moved towards an opposite end of said length; and an actuator for moving back and forth the second tubing portion along said path established by the tube guide comprising:a pneumatic cylinder enclosing a piston for being actuated within the cylinder with pressurized air applied to, or released from the cylinder, andcoupler means for communicating the piston movement to said second portion of the tubing comprising an arm connected at one end to the piston and having at another end a first bore sized to retain said second tubing portion when inserted therein, said arm being suitably sized for smoothly fitting and axially moving inside the cylindrical barrel in a proximity to the tube guide.