Heating device and heating system for heating dental material

Abstract

A heating system for heating a dental material is provided. The heating system comprises a heating device. The heating device includes a housing including a wall and a top opening formed within the wall. The heating device also includes a heating element received at least partially through the top opening of the housing. The heating element includes a base and a cone portion extending from the base. The heating element is configured to removably receive an attachment thereon, the attachment receiving a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container such that the outer surface of the cone portion at least partially contacts the attachment, and wherein the heating element is configured to heat the attachment, the attachment is configured to heat the dental material contained in the delivery device / delivery system / container received in the attachment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a heating device and a heating system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a heating device and a heating system for heating dental materials. Background Art

[0002] Dental materials, in particular dental composites for filling cavities on a patient's teeth, are often provided in packaging (e.g., syringes or capsules) that allow a certain amount of dental material to be stored. The packaging also allows the dental material to be dispensed directly from the packaging to a desired location. Although dental materials are often formulated to exhibit properties that allow for proper handling in many situations, it is often necessary to warm the dental material before it is introduced into the teeth in order to achieve optimal processability or performance of such dental material. A common method for reducing the viscosity of highly filled dental composites is to heat the composite.

[0003] There are heating devices that enable direct heating of the package by using a heating element. Further, there are methods for heating the package using infrared light when the package is placed in a dispensing device. Although existing methods provide heating of dental materials, there is still a need for a heating device that is convenient to use and energy efficient. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a heating device for heating a dental material. The heating device includes a housing including a wall and a top opening formed in the wall. The heating device also includes a heating element, which is at least partially received through the top opening of the housing. The heating element includes a base and a cone portion extending from the base in a direction away from the top opening of the housing. The cone portion is at least partially disposed outside the top opening. The heating element is configured to receive an attachment thereon in a removable manner, and the attachment receives a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container so that the outer surface of the cone portion at least partially contacts the attachment. The heating element is configured to heat the attachment, thereby heating the dental material contained in the delivery device / delivery system / container received in the attachment.

[0005] On the other hand, the present disclosure provides a heating system for heating a dental material. The heating system includes a heating device. The heating device includes a housing including a wall and a top opening formed in the wall. The heating device also includes a heating element, which is at least partially received through the top opening of the housing. The heating element includes a base and a cone portion extending from the base in a direction away from the top opening of the housing. The cone portion is at least partially arranged outside the top opening. The heating system also includes an attachment received on the cone portion of the heating element in a removable manner. The attachment is configured to receive a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container therein. The outer surface of the cone portion at least partially contacts the attachment received on the cone portion in a removable manner. The heating element is configured to heat the attachment on it, thereby heating the delivery device / delivery system / container containing the dental material received in the attachment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] A more complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be obtained by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the drawings refer to like parts. However, it should be understood that the use of numbers to refer to parts in a given figure is not intended to limit the parts marked with the same number in another figure.

[0007] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a heating system for heating a dental material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 1B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A A cross-sectional front view of a heating system;

[0009] Figure 2A and Figure 2B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A A perspective view of a heating device of a heating system;

[0010] Figure 2C According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2A A perspective view of a housing of a heating device;

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2A A perspective view of a device in which some parts are not shown;

[0012] Figure 4A According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2A A top view of a heating element of a heating device;

[0013] Figure 4BAccording to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4A A perspective view of a heating element;

[0014] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a heating element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5B is a perspective view of a heating element according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5C is a perspective view of a heating element according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5D is a perspective view of a heating element according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig. 6A According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A A perspective view of an attachment of a heating system;

[0019] Figure 6B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig. 6A An exploded view of the attachment;

[0020] Figure 6C According to the embodiments of the present disclosure FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A bottom perspective view of a retainer of the attachment;

[0021] Fig. 7A According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A or Figure 2A A perspective view of an attachment of a heating system;

[0022] Figure 7B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig. 7A An exploded view of the attachment;

[0023] Figure 7C According to the embodiments of the present disclosure FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A bottom perspective view of a retainer of the attachment;

[0024] Fig. 8A According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a Figure 2A A perspective view of an attachment to a heating system;

[0025] Figure 8B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig. 8A A bottom perspective view of a retainer of the attachment;

[0026] Fig. 9A According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a Figure 2A a perspective view of an attachment to a heating system of FIG. 1 ; and

[0027] Fig. 9B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig. 9A Bottom perspective view of the attachment holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0029] As used herein, all numbers should be considered to be modified by the term “about.” As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0030] As used herein as a modifier of a property or attribute, unless otherwise specifically defined, the term "substantially" means that the property or attribute would be readily recognized by a skilled artisan but does not require absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20% for a quantifiable property).

[0031] Unless specifically defined otherwise, the term "substantially" means a high degree of approximation (eg, within + / - 10% for a quantifiable property), but likewise does not require absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0032] Unless specifically defined otherwise, the term "about" means a close approximation (eg, within + / - 5% for a quantifiable property), but again does not require absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0033] Terms such as same, equal, consistent, constant, exact, etc. are to be understood as within the usual tolerances or measurement errors applicable to the particular situation, without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0034] As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

[0035] As used herein, "communicably coupled" refers to a wireless wide area network (WWAN) (e.g., one or more cellular networks), a wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth, a data transmission cable, etc. It may further refer to any wired and / or wireless data transmission medium without limitation thereto.

[0036] The term "coupled" or "connected" may include a direct physical connection between two or more components, or an indirect physical connection between two or more components connected together through one or more additional components. For example, a first component may be coupled to a second component by being directly connected together or by being connected through a third component.

[0037] As used herein, the term "configured to" and the like are at least as restrictive as the term "adapted to" and require actual design intent to perform the specified function, not just the physical ability to perform such a function.

[0038] As used herein, the term "thermally coupled" is defined as bringing a first object and a second object or substance into relative proximity such that heat is efficiently exchanged from the first object to the referenced second object or substance.

[0039] As used herein, the term "electrically coupled" or "electrically connected" means direct or indirect coupling through any form of electrical transmission, including through the use of rigid, non-rigid, metallic or non-metallic conductive materials.

[0040] As used herein, the term "controller" may refer to one or more microcomputers, processors, application specific integrated circuits, or any other suitable programmable circuit or combination of circuits.

[0041] The term "signal" is used herein to indicate any of its ordinary meanings, including the state of a memory location (or set of memory locations) as expressed on a wire, bus, or other transmission medium.

[0042] The present disclosure relates to a heating device and a heating system for heating dental materials. Dental materials are usually used to fill cavities on patients' teeth. It is common practice to heat the dental materials before they are introduced into the patients' teeth in order to achieve the best processability or performance of the dental materials. There are many technologies for heating a package storing a certain amount of dental materials, which are to be used to fill cavities on patients' teeth.

[0043] A commonly known technique for achieving warming of dental materials is to heat a metal block to the desired temperature (e.g., 55° C. to 68° C.) which has a heat capacity several times greater than that of the dental material package (e.g., a capsule or syringe). The package is positioned on a plate. However, in this heating technique, only certain types of packages are approved for exposure to high temperature levels. Additionally, this technique may result in degradation of dental materials delivered in multi-dose packages. In other words, if the dental material is heated too often or for too long, it may degrade and no longer have its desirable material properties after curing (which may manifest itself, for example, in that a dental filling easily breaks). Furthermore, the metal block may be very hot and may result in burns to the operator's skin.

[0044] Further, conventional heating devices are high energy consuming devices. Moreover, in conventional heating devices, there may be no provision for heating small amounts of pure composite dental material outside the delivery package. When heating the dental material, a specific target temperature range of the heated dental material is desired. For example, when the dental material is heated to a temperature below the desired temperature range, the desired dental material properties may not be achieved or may only be partially achieved. Overheating the dental material to a temperature above the desired temperature range and / or for an extended period of time may damage and / or degrade the dental material and / or the container containing the dental material. In addition, heating the dental material to a temperature higher than the required and / or desired temperature may result in a waste of energy consumed by the heating.

[0045] Therefore, a device for rapidly and efficiently heating dental materials without causing degradation of the dental materials is desirable.

[0046] The present disclosure provides a heating device for heating a dental material. The heating device comprises a housing, the housing comprising a top wall and a top opening formed in the wall. The heating device also comprises a heating element, which is at least partially received through the top opening of the housing. The heating element comprises a base and a cone portion extending from the base in a direction away from the top opening of the housing. The cone portion is at least partially arranged outside the top opening. The heating element is configured to receive an attachment thereon in a removable manner, the attachment receiving a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container so that the outer surface of the cone portion at least partially contacts the attachment. The heating element is configured to heat the attachment, thereby heating the dental material contained in the delivery device / delivery system / container received in the attachment.

[0047] The at least partial contact of the outer surface of the cone portion with the attachment can provide a relatively large surface area for heat transfer from the heating element to the attachment. In other words, the cone portion of the heating element can provide optimal heat transfer from the heating element to the attachment and subsequently to the dental material. Therefore, a minimum time is required to obtain a desired temperature of the attachment and the dental material. This can improve the efficiency of the heat exchange between the attachment and the heating element. Therefore, the optimal processability or performance of the dental material can be achieved more quickly in response to the improved heat exchange between the attachment and the heating element. Subsequently, the dental material can be appropriately processed for various applications.

[0048] The present disclosure further provides a heating system including a heating device. The heating system also includes an attachment removably received on the conical portion of the heating element. The attachment is configured to receive a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container therein. The heating element is configured to heat the attachment, thereby heating the delivery device containing the dental material received in the attachment.

[0049] Furthermore, the operator may select a desirable attachment depending on the type of delivery device or delivery system or container or different dosage forms of the dental material (capsule, syringe, composite material only without packaging).

[0050] In an embodiment, the attachment includes a holder and a sleeve that at least partially surrounds the holder. The sleeve includes a thermal insulation material. The thermal insulation material of the sleeve can protect the operator from skin burns when handling multiple attachments. In some embodiments, the thermal insulation material of the sleeve includes one or more thermochromic pigments. The sleeve including one or more thermochromic pigments changes its color when the temperature of the sleeve is between 50°C and 65°C in response to the heating element heating the holder. The temperature between 50°C and 65°C is the desirable temperature of the sleeve and dental material for proper handling and application of dental materials. The color change of the sleeve can warn or notify the operator about the operational readiness of the dental material. Once the color change of the sleeve is observed, the operator can turn off the power supply of the heating element or remove the holder from the heating element to avoid overheating of the dental material.

[0051] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A is a perspective view of a heating system 50 for heating dental material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The heating system 50 includes an attachment 20 configured to receive a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container 22 therein. Thus, the dental material is contained in the delivery device / delivery system / container 22 received in the attachment 20. Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the capsule 24 is the delivery system 22. The dental material may include a resin-based composite material including a matrix and at least one filler, such as filler glass and glass ceramic. In addition, the dental material may also include a glass ionomer cement (GIC). Figure 1B is a cross-sectional front view of a heating system 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] The heating system 50 comprises a heating device 100 for heating a dental material. The heating device 100 comprises a housing 102 . Figure 2A is a perspective view of a heating device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is another perspective view of the heating device 100 , wherein the housing 102 is shown as transparent for illustrative purposes. Figure 2C is a perspective view of housing 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] refer to Figures 1A to 2CThe housing 102 includes a wall 104 (interchangeably referred to herein as a "top wall 104"), a bottom wall 106 opposite the top wall 104, and one or more side walls 108 defined between the top wall 104 and the bottom wall 106. The housing 102 also includes a top opening 110 ( Figure 2C ). Although Figures 1A to 2C The housing 102 is depicted as including four side walls 108, but it should be appreciated that any number of side walls 108 may be employed. Further, it should be appreciated that any combination of one or more side walls 108, top wall 104, and bottom wall 106 may be integrally formed or formed as separate components joined by a suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the housing 102 may be hollow (or substantially hollow). In this regard, the housing 102 may define an interior cavity 105 ( Figure 1B ), various components of the heating device 100 (eg, electrical components) may be housed within the interior cavity.

[0054] The heating device 100 also includes a heating element 200 at least partially received through the top opening 110 of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the heating element 200 includes aluminum. In some embodiments, the heating element 200 including aluminum is coated with a carbon layer to withstand wipe sterilization.

[0055] Figure 3A and Figure 3B 1 is a perspective view of a heating device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein some components are not shown. Specifically, the housing 102 is not shown for illustrative purposes. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Shown in. Figure 4A is a top view of a heating element 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4B is a perspective view of a heating element 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] refer to Figures 1A to 4B The heating element 200 includes a base 202 and a top opening 110 in a direction A1 ( Figure 1B, and a conical portion 204 extending from the base 202 on the top (as illustrated in FIG. 1 ). The conical portion 204 is at least partially disposed outside the top opening 110 and the top wall 104. The conical portion 204 includes an outer surface 206 that tapers in a direction A1 away from the top wall 104. The attachment 20 is removably received on the conical portion 204 of the heating element 200. Further, the heating element 200 is configured to removably receive the attachment 20 thereon, which receives the dental material delivery device / delivery system / container 22, so that the outer surface 206 of the conical portion 204 at least partially contacts the attachment 20. In other words, the outer surface 206 of the conical portion 204 at least partially contacts the attachment 20 removably received on the conical portion 204 of the heating element 200. The conical portion 204 includes one of a circular cross-section and a polygonal cross-section. As Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , the cone portion 204 includes a circular cross-section. Further, the outer surface 206 of the cone portion 204 is conical. Further, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 2 , the top 205 of the cone portion 204 is truncated. The top 205 of the cone portion 204 is the top flat portion of the cone portion 204. The top 205 can be substantially parallel to the base 203 of the cone portion 204. In another embodiment, the top 205 can be inclined at a certain angle relative to the base 203 of the cone portion 204.

[0057] The heating device 100 also includes an annular clamp element 208 for positioning the heating element 200 within the top opening 110 of the housing 102. The annular clamp element 208 is disposed on the top wall 104 of the housing 102. Thus, the annular clamp element 208 can position and secure the heating element 200 from outside the housing 102. In some embodiments, the annular clamp element 208 is a screw ring. In some other embodiments, the heating element 200 can be assembled and positioned from the inner surface of the top wall 104 of the housing 102.

[0058] The base 202 of the heating element 200 includes a narrow plate 210 disposed outside the housing 102 adjacent to the top opening 110. The cone portion 204 (ie, conical, such as Figure 3B ) extends from the narrow plate 210. Figure 4A As shown in FIG. , the narrow plate 210 is a disk. The narrow plate 210 has a narrow diameter D1 ( Figure 4A ). The base 202 also includes a wide plate 212 disposed adjacent to the narrow plate 210 on the opposite side of the cone portion 204 and received within the top opening 110 of the housing 102. Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , the wide plate 212 is a circular disk. The wide plate 212 has a wide diameter D2 ( D1 ) larger than the narrow diameter D2 of the narrow plate 210. Figure 4AIn some embodiments, the heating device 100 further includes a sealing ring 214 ( Figure 2B ). The sealing ring 214 can prevent any leakage of dental material from the attachment 20 to the internal cavity 105. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 214 can be disposed outside the top wall 104 of the housing 102, or at the inner surface of the top wall 104 of the housing 102.

[0059] The narrow plate 210 or the annular clamp ring 208 may include at least one optional removal ramp 213, such as Figure 2A . The ramp 213 partially encircles the cone portion 204 along an arc that is generally complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the cone portion 204, maintaining a gap between the outer surface 206 and the inner surface 214 of the ramp 213. The ramp 213 has a gradually decreasing height as measured between the base 202 and the ramp surface 215 when traversing in a clockwise direction around the cone portion. This height is generally less than the height of the cone portion, allowing the ramp 213 to be fully received in the corresponding slot 31a in the attachment 20a (as described below). 7A to 7C 20a is provided with a plurality of ramps 215. The attachment ...

[0060] Alternatively, the ramps may be replaced with or used in conjunction with actuators (e.g., springs) that are used to partially eject the capsule 24a when it is necessary to rotate the attachment 20a relative to the heating element 200. In such examples, the actuator may be in a compressed or other non-kinetic state when the attachment 20 is first seated on the heating element 200. The release of the potential energy stored in the actuator is used to drive the capsule 24a out of the holder cutout 32a.

[0061] The narrow plate 210 or the annular clamp ring 208 may optionally also include a magnet for attracting the material in the attachment 20. The use of a magnet can assist in fixing the attachment 20 in a desired position face to face with the heating element 200 during operation of the device. The magnet may optionally be an electromagnet powered via an electrical conductor in communication with the controller 234.

[0062] The base 202 also includes a heat plate 216 disposed within the housing 102 and adjacent to the wide plate 212 on the opposite side of the narrow plate 210. In some embodiments, the heat plate 216 includes a maximum width W1 ( W1 ) greater than the wide diameter D2 of the wide plate 212. Figure 4A In other embodiments, the maximum width W1 of the heat plate 216 may be smaller than the wide diameter D2 of the wide plate 212. The heat plate 216 includes a bottom surface 218 ( Figure 3B ) and a cavity 220 ( Figure 4B ). In some embodiments, two or more components of the heating element 200 are a single integral component. For example, the conical portion 204, the heat plate 216, the narrow plate 210, and the wide plate 212 can be integral with each other. In another example, the heat plate 216, the narrow plate 210, and the wide plate 212 can be integral with each other, and the conical portion 204 is a separate component.

[0063] The at least partial contact of the outer surface 206 of the cone portion 204 with the attachment 20 can provide a relatively large surface area for heat transfer from the heating element 200 to the attachment 20. In other words, the cone portion 204 of the heating element 200 can provide optimal heat transfer from the heating element 200 to the attachment 20 and subsequently to the dental material. Therefore, a minimum time is required to obtain the desired temperature of the attachment 20 and the dental material. This can improve the efficiency of the heat exchange between the attachment 20 and the heating element 200. Therefore, the optimal processability or performance of the dental material can be achieved more quickly in response to the improved heat exchange between the attachment 20 and the heating element 200. Subsequently, the dental material can be properly processed for various applications.

[0064] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a heating element 40 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The heating element 200 of FIG. 4 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent, with like reference numerals referring to like components. However, in the heating element 40 , the conical portion 204 further includes a plurality of grooves 42 or raised surfaces (not shown) disposed on the outer surface 206 , which are designed to increase the surface area of ​​the conical portion 204 . Including the grooves 42 on the outer surface 206 of the conical portion 204 can enhance the heating of the dental material. Figure 5A, the plurality of grooves 42 are illustrated as being oriented horizontally relative to the base 203 of the cone portion 204. In another embodiment (not shown), the plurality of grooves 42 or raised surfaces may be oriented in a vertical direction from the base 203 of the cone portion 204 upward toward the top 205 of the cone portion 204.

[0065] Figure 5B is a perspective view of a heating element 44 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The heating element 200 of FIG. 4 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent, with like reference numerals referring to like components. However, in the heating element 44, the outer surface 206 of the cone portion 204 is stepped conical (rather than conical, as in FIG. 44). Figure 4A ), includes multiple steps 207.

[0066] Figure 5C is a perspective view of a heating element 46 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The heating element 200 of FIG. 4 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent, with like reference numerals referring to like components. However, in the heating element 46, the outer surface 206 of the cone portion 204 is hemispherical (rather than conical, as in FIG. 46). Figure 4A ).

[0067] Figure 5D is a perspective view of a heating element 48 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The heating element 200 of FIG. 4 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components. However, in the heating element 48, the outer surface 206 of the cone portion 204 is a polygonal cone (rather than a cone, as in FIG. 48). Figure 4A ), comprising a plurality of faces 49.

[0068] Therefore, reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 5D , the outer surface 206 of the cone portion 204 is one of a cone, a stepped cone, a polygonal pyramid, and a hemispherical shape, each shape having or not having additional grooves or convex surfaces or steps.

[0069] Reference again Figures 1A to 4B The heating device 100 further includes a heating pad 222 ( Figure 3B In some embodiments, the heating pad 222 includes aluminum oxide. The heating pad 222 may be a plate including at least aluminum oxide. Figure 3BAs shown in , the heating pad 222 is disc-shaped or angular. In some other embodiments, the heating pad 222 may have any shape other than disc-shaped or angular. The cavity 220 is configured to at least partially receive the heating pad 222 therein so that the heating pad 222 is thermally coupled to the heat plate 216.

[0070] In some embodiments, the heating pad 222 includes a heating foil including one of polyester, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, a printed polymer, a polyimide, a silicone, a mica, a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a fiber reinforced thermoplastic (FRTP), and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In some embodiments, the heating pad 222 includes a heating wire (not shown) or an induction coil (not shown) in the attachment 20 and an induction heating module (not shown) in the base 202 of the heating element 200.

[0071] In some embodiments, the heating device 100 also includes a fixing plate 224 disposed adjacent to the heating pad 222 and the bottom surface 218 of the thermal plate 216. The fixing plate 224 extends across the heating pad 222 and the thermal plate 216 so that the heating pad 222 is fixed within the cavity 220 of the thermal plate 216. The heating device 100 also includes a plurality of fasteners 226 for coupling the fixing plate 224 to the thermal plate 216. The plurality of fasteners 226 may include screws, magnets, or a combination thereof. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 2 , two fasteners 226 are used to couple the fixing plate 224 to the thermal plate 216 .

[0072] The heating device 100 also includes one or more electrical conductors 236 that are electrically coupled to the heating pad 222 and configured to electrically heat the heating pad 222. The one or more electrical conductors 236 may be aluminum wires or copper wires. In some embodiments, the heating device 100 also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 238 that is mounted proximal to the bottom wall 106 and distal to the top wall 104. The one or more electrical conductors 236 are guided through the PCB 238.

[0073] In some embodiments, the heating device 100 further includes a universal serial bus (USB) interface 240 ( Figure 3A ), the USB interface is configured to receive power from the power outlet 242 ( Figure 3A240) and is electrically coupled to one or more electrical conductors 236. The one or more electrical conductors 236 are configured to be electrically heated via a USB interface 240. In some other embodiments, the heating device 100 may include batteries for supplying power to the heating pad 222, and these batteries may be wirelessly charged. In some embodiments, the heating device 100 may include a rechargeable battery (e.g., a Li-ion battery) for providing power to the electronic components of the warming device. In this way, the heating device 100 can be operated as a wireless device. Further, the device may be connectable to an external power source for recharging the battery. Alternatively, the heating device 100 may be powered by an electrical wire that is connectable to a power source.

[0074] In some embodiments, the heating device 100 also includes a heating circuit 244 electrically disposed between the USB interface 240 and the one or more electrical conductors 236. The heating circuit 244 is configured to regulate electrical heating of the one or more electrical conductors 236. The heating circuit 244 may include electrical components such as diodes, voltage regulators, transistors, etc. In some embodiments, the USB interface 240 and the heating circuit 244 may be coupled to the PCB 238 or disposed on the PCB.

[0075] In some embodiments, the heating system 50 further includes a machine-readable code 21 ( Figure 6B ). The machine-readable code 21 may be an identifier marked on the delivery device 22 or a component of the attachment 20 that receives the delivery device 22. The machine-readable code 21 may be a barcode, an RFID tag, a QR code, etc. The heating device 100 also includes a reader 246 (in Figure 1A ), the reader is configured to read the machine readable code 21 associated with the dental material, and is configured to generate a code signal 248 indicating the machine readable code 21. The reader 246 can be an optical reader. The heating device 100 also includes a controller 234 coupled to the reader 246 in a communicable manner. The controller 234 can be a control circuit, a computer, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a central processing unit. The controller 234 is configured to select a predetermined set point temperature from a plurality of predetermined set point temperatures based on the code signal 248 received from the reader 246.

[0076] The controller 234 is further configured to control the power supplied to one or more electrical conductors 236. In an embodiment, the power supply may be based on a selected predetermined set point temperature and the temperature of the heating element 200. In the same or other embodiments, the controller 234 may stop the power supply to the conductor 236 when the reader 246 fails to detect the attachment 20 received on the cone. Additionally or alternatively, the heating element 200 may include a presence detection sensor (e.g., optical, weight, magnetic, electric field, magnetic field, proximity (HF) sensor) coupled to the controller 234 to determine whether the attachment 20 is sufficiently coupled to the heating element 200 to continue heating (i.e., power supply). The controller 234 may stop the power supply to the conductor 236, for example, after a specified delay (e.g., 5 seconds) when the presence of the attachment is not detected. In this way, the heating system 50 can reduce the risk of accidental contact with the heated cone portion during use of the dental material.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heating device 100 also includes a sensor tube 228 thermally coupled to the hot plate 216 of the heating element 200. The sensor tube 228 may be a cylindrical member extending at least between the hot plate 216 and the PCB 238. The sensor tube 228 may be composed of aluminum. The heating device 100 also includes a temperature sensor 230 thermally coupled to the sensor tube 228. The temperature sensor 230 is configured to generate a temperature signal 232 indicating the temperature of the hot plate 216. Exemplary and non-limiting temperature sensors include a thermistor, an IR temperature sensor, a thermopile, a thermocouple, or a resistance temperature detector (RTD). The controller 234 may be communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor 230. In some embodiments, the controller 234 may select a predetermined set point temperature based on the code signal 248, and may further simultaneously receive the temperature signal 232 indicating the temperature of the hot plate 216. In some embodiments, the controller 234 and the sensor 230 may be coupled to the PCB 238 or disposed on the PCB.

[0078] The heating device of the present disclosure may further include an indicator light. The indicator light may be activated during the time when the heating operation is activated, otherwise the indicator light may be deactivated in other ways. In this way, a user of the heating device can identify whether the heating operation of the heating device is in progress and when it ends.

[0079] Continue to refer Figures 1A to 4B, the heating element 200 is configured to heat the attachment 20, thereby heating the dental material contained in the delivery device / delivery system / container 22 received in the attachment 20. In other words, the heating element 200 is configured to heat the attachment 20, thereby heating the delivery device / delivery system / container 22 containing the dental material received in the attachment 20. Therefore, the heating element 200 is configured to heat the dental material when heated by the heating pad 222.

[0080] Fig. 6A According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A A perspective view of the attachment 20 of the heating system 50 of FIG. The attachment 20 is also Figure 1A Shown in. Figure 6B is an exploded view of the attachment 20 . The attachment 20 includes a retainer 26 and a sleeve 28 at least partially surrounding the retainer 26 . Figure 6C is a bottom perspective view of the retainer 26. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The retainer 26 of the attachment 20 includes a cavity 30 having an outer surface 206 ( Figure 4A When the attachment 20 is placed on the conical portion 204, the cavity 30 of the retainer 26 of the attachment 20 at least partially receives the conical portion 204 therein. The outer surface 206 of the conical portion 204 may at least partially contact the inner surface 27 of the retainer 26. Figure 6C In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 30 has a conical shape so as to at least partially receive the cone portion 204 therein.

[0081] The holder 26 of the attachment 20 also includes a plurality of holder cutouts 32. The sleeve 28 of the attachment 20 includes a plurality of sleeve cutouts 34 that correspond to and are at least partially aligned with the plurality of holder cutouts 32. Each holder interface of the plurality of holder cutouts 32 is configured to at least partially receive therein a capsule 24 containing a dental material. As already mentioned earlier, in Fig. 6A In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the capsule 24 is a delivery device. In some embodiments, the retainer 26 of the attachment 20 comprises aluminum. The retainer 26 comprising aluminum can enhance heat transfer from the heating element 200 to the delivery system 22 (i.e., the capsule 24) and subsequently to the dental material. In some embodiments, the attachment 20 comprising aluminum can be coated with a carbon layer to withstand wipe sterilization, heat sterilization, and autoclaving.

[0082] In some embodiments, the sleeve 28 includes a thermally insulating material. In some embodiments, the thermally insulating material of the sleeve 28 includes one or more thermochromic pigments. The sleeve 28 including one or more thermochromic pigments is responsive to the heating element 200 ( Figure 4A) heats the attachment 20 to change its color when the temperature of the sleeve 28 is between 50°C and 65°C. This temperature range of the sleeve 28 can indicate the optimal heating of the dental material by the heating element 200. The temperature between 50°C and 65°C is the desirable temperature of the sleeve 28 and the dental material for proper handling and application of the dental material. The color change of the sleeve 28 can warn or notify the operator about the operational readiness of the dental material. Once the color change of the sleeve 28 is observed, the operator can turn off the power of the heating element 200 or move the retainer 26 away from the heating element 200 to avoid overheating of the dental material.

[0083] In some embodiments, each thermochromic pigment in one or more thermochromic pigments comprises oxides and mixtures thereof of titanium, niobium, silicon, aluminum, zinc, hafnium, thorium, tin, thallium, zirconium, beryllium, cobalt, calcium, magnesium, iron. Such thermochromic pigments (that is, dyes and colorants) can be added to the heat insulating material of sleeve 28 to be used as indicating means for illustrating that a particular composition has been activated by temperature to reach the best use. Depending on the embodiment of interest desired, reversible and irreversible versions of one or more thermochromic pigments can be adopted. Reversible thermochromic pigments can be adopted, wherein having multi-purpose effect or reusing color changing effect is desirable. In another example, permanently recording a single color change can be desirable.

[0084] Fig. 7A According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2A 20a of the heating system 50 including an optional removal ramp 213. Figure 6B Attachment 20a includes a retainer 26a and a sleeve 28a at least partially surrounding retainer 26a. Figure 7C is a bottom perspective view of the retainer 26a. The attachment 20a and Fig. 6A The attachment 20 of FIG. 1 is functionally equivalent to that of FIG. 1 , except for the differences listed below. Similarly, the sleeve 28a is Fig. 6A The sleeve 28 is functionally equivalent.

[0085] refer to 7A to 7C The retainer 26a of the attachment 20a includes: a cavity 30a having an outer surface 206 ( Figure 4A 204; and a slot 31a that is complementary to the geometry of the ramp 213. When the attachment 20 is placed on the cone portion 204, the cavity 30a of the holder 26a of the attachment 20 at least partially receives the cone portion 204 therein. The outer surface 206 of the cone portion 204 may at least partially contact the inner surface 27 of the holder 26a, while the shortest portion of the ramp 213 may (but preferably does not) contact the bottom of the capsule 24a. Figure 7C In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 30a has a conical shape so as to at least partially receive the cone portion 204 therein, wherein the slot 31a surrounds the cavity 30a.

[0086] The holder 26a of the attachment 20a also includes a plurality of holder cutouts 32a, such as four cutouts depicted. The sleeve 28a of the attachment 20a includes a plurality of sleeve cutouts 34a corresponding to and at least partially aligned with the plurality of holder cutouts 32a. Each of the plurality of holder cutouts 32a is configured to at least partially receive therein a capsule 24a containing a dental material. The holder cutouts 32a are radially arranged around the center of the holder 26a, wherein the distance between the centers of any two cutouts 32a is greater than the arc length of the ramp 213. This spacing ensures that the capsule 24a will not be accidentally ejected by the ramp surface 215 when the attachment 20a is properly seated on the heating element 200.

[0087] Fig. 8A 20 ′ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The attachment 20 ′ can be removably received on the heating element 200 ( FIG. 20 ) of the heating device 100 in a similar manner as the attachment 20 is received on the cone portion 204 of the heating element 200. Figure 2A Attachment 20' and Fig. 6A The attachment 20 ' comprises a retaining frame 26 ' and a sleeve 28 ' at least partially surrounding the retaining frame 26 '. The sleeve 28 ' and Fig. 6A However, sleeve 28' differs from sleeve 28 in terms of geometry.

[0088] Figure 8B is a bottom perspective view of the retainer 26'. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , cage 26' and Fig. 6A 20 ' is functionally equivalent to the retainer 26 shown in FIG. However, the retainer 26 'is geometrically different from the retainer 26. The retainer 26 ' of the attachment 20 ' comprises a cavity 30 ' having an outer surface 206 ( Figure 4A When the attachment 20' is placed on the conical portion 204, the cavity 30' of the retainer 26' of the attachment 20' at least partially receives the conical portion 204 therein. Fig. 7A In the illustrated embodiment of the attachment 20', the holder 26' is configured to at least partially receive therein a syringe 24' containing a dental material. Fig. 8A As shown in FIG. 2 , a syringe 24 ′ is the delivery device / container 22 .

[0089] Fig. 9A 20 ″ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The attachment 20 ″ can be removably received on the heating element 200 ( FIG. 20 ) of the heating device 100 in a similar manner as the attachment 20 is received on the cone portion 204 of the heating element 200. Figure 2A Attachment 20 '' can be connected with Fig. 6A The attachment 20 '' includes a retaining frame 26 '' and a sleeve 28 '' at least partially surrounding the retaining frame 26 ''. The sleeve 28 '' and Fig. 6A The sleeve 28 shown in FIG. 2 is functionally equivalent. However, the sleeve 28 ″ differs from the sleeve 28 in terms of geometry.

[0090] Fig. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the retainer 26 ″. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B , cage 26'' and Fig. 6A The retainer 26 shown in FIG. 2 is functionally equivalent. However, the retainer 26 ″ is different from the retainer 26 in geometry. The retainer 26 ″ of the attachment 20 ″ includes a cavity 30 ″ having an outer surface 206 ( Figure 4A When the attachment 20 ″ is placed on the conical portion 204, the cavity 30 ″ of the retainer 26 ″ of the attachment 20 ″ at least partially receives the conical portion 204 therein. Fig. 8A In the illustrated embodiment of the attachment 20', the retainer 26'' includes a warming cavity 74 configured to receive a dental material therein. Fig. 9A , the warming cavity 74 is the delivery device / delivery system / container 22. In other words, the dental material to be heated by the heating device 100 can be directly stored or placed in the warming cavity 74 of the holder 26". The attachment 20" also includes a shield 36 that is movably disposed on the holder 26" to selectively cover the warming cavity 74. In some embodiments, the shield 36 may not be transmissive in the wavelength range of 300 nanometers (nm) to 500 nm.

[0091] refer to 6A to 9B It is obvious that the operator can select the desired attachment (ie, among the attachments 20, 20', 20'') depending on the type of delivery device / delivery system / container 22 or different dosage forms of the dental material (capsule, syringe, composite material only without packaging).

[0092] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0093] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations may replace the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptation or variation of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heating device for heating a dental material, the heating device comprising: a housing including a wall and a top opening formed in the wall; and a heating element at least partially received through the top opening of the housing, the heating element comprising a base and a tapered portion extending from the base in a direction away from the top opening of the housing, wherein the tapered portion is at least partially disposed outside of the top opening; wherein the heating element is configured to removably receive an attachment thereon, the attachment receiving a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container such that an outer surface of the cone portion at least partially contacts the attachment, and wherein the heating element is configured to heat the attachment, thereby heating the dental material contained in the delivery device / delivery system / container received in the attachment.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a heating pad thermally coupled to the heating element; as well as One or more electrical conductors are electrically coupled to the heating mat and configured to electrically heat the heating mat.

3. The heating device of claim 2, wherein the base comprises a narrow plate disposed outside the housing adjacent to the top opening, and wherein the cone portion extends from the narrow plate.

4. The heating device according to claim 3, wherein the base further comprises a wide plate disposed adjacent to the narrow plate on the opposite side of the cone portion and received in the top opening of the shell, and wherein the wide plate has a wide diameter larger than the narrow diameter of the narrow plate.

5. The heating device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, further comprising a sealing ring arranged around the narrow plate and on the wall of the housing.

6. The heating device according to claim 4, wherein the base further comprises a heat plate disposed within the housing and adjacent to the wide plate on the opposite side of the narrow plate, wherein the heat plate comprises a bottom surface opposite to the wide plate and a cavity disposed on the bottom surface, and wherein the cavity is configured to at least partially receive the heating pad therein so that the heating pad is thermally coupled to the heat plate. 7 . The heating device according to claim 6 , wherein the heat plate has a maximum width greater than a wide diameter of the wide plate.

8. The heating device of claim 6, wherein two or more components of the heating element are a single, integral component.

9. The heating device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising: a fixing plate disposed adjacent to the heating pad and a bottom surface of the thermal plate, wherein the fixing plate extends across the heating pad and the thermal plate such that the heating pad is fixed within the cavity of the thermal plate; and A plurality of fasteners couple the fixture plate to the thermal plate.

10. The heating device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a sensor tube thermally coupled to the hot plate of the heating element and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the sensor tube, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to generate a temperature signal indicating the temperature of the hot plate.

11. The heating device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the housing, wherein the one or more electrical conductors are led through the PCB.

12. The heating device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, further comprising a universal serial bus (USB) interface configured to receive power from a power outlet and electrically coupled to the one or more electrical conductors, wherein the one or more electrical conductors are configured to be electrically heated through the USB interface.

13. The heating device of claim 12, further comprising a heating circuit electrically disposed between the USB interface and the one or more electrical conductors, wherein the heating circuit is configured to adjust electrical heating of the one or more electrical conductors.

14. A heating device according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the heating mat comprises aluminium oxide.

15. The heating device according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the heating pad comprises a heating foil comprising one of polyester, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, a printed polymer, polyimide, silicone, mica, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), fiber reinforced thermoplastic (FRTP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

16. A heating device according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the heating pad comprises a heating wire or an induction coil in the attachment and an induction heating module in the base.

17. The heating device according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein the heating mat is disc-shaped or angular-shaped.

18. The heating device according to any one of claims 2 to 17, further comprising: a reader configured to read a machine-readable code associated with the dental material and configured to generate a code signal indicative of the machine-readable code; and a controller communicatively coupled to the reader, wherein the controller is configured to: selecting a predetermined set point temperature from a plurality of predetermined set point temperatures based on a code signal received from the reader; and Power supplied to the one or more electrical conductors is controlled based on a selected predetermined set point temperature and a temperature of the heating element.

19. The heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the cone portion is one of a cone, a stepped cone, a polygonal pyramid and a hemispherical shape.

20. A heating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the top end of the cone portion is truncated.

21. The heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cone portion further comprises a plurality of grooves or raised surfaces provided on the outer surface, the grooves or raised surfaces being designed to increase the surface area of ​​the cone portion.

22. The heating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cone portion comprises one of a circular cross-section and a polygonal cross-section.

23. A heating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element comprises aluminium.

24. The heating device of claim 23, wherein the heating element comprising aluminum is coated with a carbon layer.

25. A heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ring-like clamp element for positioning the heating element within the top opening of the housing, wherein the ring-like clamp element is provided on a wall of the housing.

26. A heating system for heating a dental material, the heating system comprising: A heating device, comprising: a housing including a wall and a top opening formed in the wall; a heating element at least partially received through the top opening of the housing, the heating element comprising a base and a tapered portion extending from the base in a direction away from the top opening of the housing, wherein the tapered portion is at least partially disposed outside of the top opening; and an attachment removably received on the cone portion of the heating element, the attachment being configured to receive a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container therein; wherein an outer surface of the cone portion at least partially contacts the attachment removably received on the cone portion, and wherein the heating element is configured to heat the attachment and thereby heat the delivery device / delivery system / container containing the dental material received in the attachment.

27. The heating system according to claim 26, wherein the heating device further comprises: a heating pad thermally coupled to the heating element; as well as One or more electrical conductors are electrically coupled to the heating mat and configured to electrically heat the heating mat.

28. The heating system of claim 27, wherein the base comprises a narrow plate disposed outside the housing adjacent the top opening, and wherein the cone portion extends from the narrow plate.

29. The heating system of claim 28, wherein the base further comprises a wide plate disposed adjacent to the narrow plate on the opposite side of the conical portion and received within the top opening of the shell, and wherein the wide plate has a wide diameter greater than a narrow diameter of the narrow plate.

30. The heating system according to any one of claims 28 or 29, wherein the heating device further comprises a sealing ring arranged around the narrow plate and on the wall of the housing.

31. The heating system of claim 29, wherein the base further comprises a heat plate disposed within the housing and adjacent to the wide plate on the opposite side of the narrow plate, wherein the heat plate comprises a bottom surface opposite to the wide plate and a cavity disposed on the bottom surface, and wherein the cavity is configured to at least partially receive the heating pad therein so that the heating pad is thermally coupled to the heat plate.

32. The heating system of claim 31, wherein the thermal plate has a maximum width that is greater than a wide diameter of the wide plate.

33. The heating system of claim 31 , wherein two or more components of the heating element are a single, integral component.

34. The heating system according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the heating device further comprises: a fixing plate disposed adjacent to the heating pad and a bottom surface of the thermal plate, wherein the fixing plate extends across the heating pad and the thermal plate such that the heating pad is fixed within the cavity of the thermal plate; and A plurality of fasteners couple the fixture plate to the thermal plate.

35. A heating system according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the heating device further comprises a sensor tube thermally coupled to the hot plate of the heating element and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the sensor tube, and wherein the temperature sensor is configured to generate a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the hot plate.

36. A heating system according to any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein the heating device further comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the housing, and wherein the one or more electrical conductors are led through the PCB.

37. A heating system according to any one of claims 27 to 36, wherein the heating device further comprises a universal serial bus (USB) interface configured to receive power from an electrical outlet and electrically coupled to the one or more electrical conductors, and wherein the one or more electrical conductors are configured to be electrically heated via the USB interface.

38. The heating system of claim 37, wherein the heating device further comprises a heating circuit electrically disposed between the USB interface and the one or more electrical conductors, and wherein the heating circuit is configured to adjust electrical heating of the one or more electrical conductors.

39. The heating system of any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein the heating mat comprises alumina.

40. The heating system of any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein the heating pad comprises a heating foil comprising one of polyester, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, a printed polymer, a polyimide, a silicone, mica, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a fiber reinforced thermoplastic (FRTP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

41. A heating system according to any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein the heating pad comprises heating wires or induction coils in the attachment and an induction heating module in the base.

42. A heating system according to any one of claims 27 to 41, wherein the heating pad is disc-shaped or angular-shaped.

43. The heating system of any one of claims 27 to 42, further comprising a machine readable code associated with the dental material, wherein the heating device further comprises: a reader configured to read the machine-readable code associated with the dental material and configured to generate a code signal indicative of the machine-readable code; and a controller communicatively coupled to the reader, wherein the controller is configured to: selecting a predetermined set point temperature from a plurality of predetermined set point temperatures based on a code signal received from the reader; and Power supplied to the one or more electrical conductors is controlled based on the selected predetermined set point temperature and the temperature of the heating element.

44. The heating system according to any one of claims 26 to 43, wherein the outer surface of the cone portion is one of a cone, a stepped cone, a polygonal pyramid, and a hemisphere.

45. A heating device according to any one of claims 26 to 44, wherein the top end of the cone portion is truncated.

46. ​​The heating system of any one of claims 26 to 45, wherein the attachment comprises a holder and a sleeve at least partially surrounding the holder, and wherein the sleeve comprises an insulating material.

47. A heating system according to claim 46, wherein the retaining frame of the attachment includes a cavity, the cavity includes a shape complementary to the conical shape of the outer surface of the conical portion, and wherein when the attachment is placed on the conical portion, the cavity of the retaining frame of the attachment at least partially receives the conical portion therein.

48. A heating system according to any one of claims 46 or 47, wherein the retainer of the attachment includes a plurality of retainer cutouts, wherein the sleeve of the attachment includes a plurality of sleeve cutouts corresponding to and at least partially aligned with the plurality of retainer cutouts, wherein each of the plurality of retainer cutouts is configured to at least partially receive a capsule containing a dental material therein, and wherein the capsule is the delivery system.

49. The heating system of any one of claims 46 or 47, wherein the holder of the attachment is configured to at least partially receive a syringe containing dental material therein, and wherein the syringe is the delivery device / container.

50. The heating system of any one of claims 46 or 47, wherein the holder of the attachment comprises a warming cavity configured to receive a dental material therein, and wherein the warming cavity is the delivery device / delivery system / container.

51. The heating system of claim 50, wherein the attachment further comprises a shield movably disposed on the holder to selectively cover the temperature raising cavity.

52. A heating system according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the insulating material of the sleeve includes one or more thermochromic pigments, and the sleeve including the one or more thermochromic pigments changes its color in response to the heating element heating the attachment when the temperature of the sleeve is between 50°C and 65°C.

53. A heating system according to claim 52, wherein each of the one or more thermochromic pigments comprises oxides of titanium, niobium, silicon, aluminum, zinc, hafnium, thorium, tin, thallium, zirconium, beryllium, cobalt, calcium, magnesium, iron, and mixtures thereof.

54. The heating system of any one of claims 46 to 53, wherein the retainer of the attachment comprises aluminum.

55. The heating system of any one of claims 26 to 54, wherein the cone portion further comprises a plurality of grooves or raised surfaces disposed on the outer surface, the grooves or raised surfaces being designed to increase the surface area of ​​the cone portion.

56. The heating system of any one of claims 26 to 55, wherein the cone portion comprises one of a circular cross-section and a polygonal cross-section.

57. The heating system of any one of claims 26 to 56, wherein the heating element comprises aluminum.

58. The heating system of claim 57, wherein the heating element comprising aluminum is coated with a carbon layer.

59. The heating system of any one of claims 26 to 58, wherein the heating device further comprises a ring-like clamp element for positioning the heating element within the top opening of the housing, and wherein the ring-like clamp element is disposed on a wall of the housing.

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