System including a wireless dental instrument and universal wireless foot controller

Abstract

A wireless, remote foot controller and a wireless instrument in direct communication with one another and method of operation. The remote foot controller can determine the wireless instrument in the hand of the dental professional and can determine whether the instrument is operational in an continuously variable mode or whether the instrument is operational at discrete speeds. The remote foot controller can then respond to activation by a user to provide a predetermined signal that drives the handheld unit with the appropriate signal. The remote foot controller is activated by application of pressure to the foot controller that provides tactile, sensory feedback to the user. The foot controller includes a circuit board, antenna and battery so that it is wireless. The circuit board includes communications protocol to permit the foot controller to communicate with several dental instruments. Although the foot controller is capable of controlling multiple dental instruments, it only controls one dental instrument at a time, usually the most recent device in the hands of the dental professional.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 323,142 filed Apr. 12, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 323,129 filed Apr. 12, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 323,159 filed Apr. 12, 2010; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 323,120 filed Apr. 12, 2010 all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure is generally directed to a system that includes a foot controller used for activating a dental or medical treatment apparatus. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a system that includes a wireless dental instrument and an intelligent wireless foot switch device in communication with one another, the foot controller operating in a first mode as a two-stage foot switch device or in a second mode as a continuously variable foot controller, the foot controller switching modes based upon the dental instrument with w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]What would be useful is a wireless, remote foot controller that recognizes the dental instrument in the hands of the dental professional and determines whether it should generate a signal that is responsive to pressure to provide a signal that varies in proportion to the directional movement of the foot controller by the foot, thereby driving a dental instrument in a continuously variable manner, whether in a digital or analog mode, or whether it should be responsive to the directional movement of the foot controller to provide a plurality of discrete signals that are

Problems solved by technology

Thirdly, as mentioned above, some conventional foot pedals are used in wireless systems, which do not run a connector cable between the foot pedal and base unit.

The entangled cords and cables take up space and may cause potential safety hazards.

Further downward pressure causes a second switch to be activated while also causing compression of the secondary spring.

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