Heating device and heating system for heating dental materials

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to heating devices and systems, and more particularly to heating devices and systems for heating dental materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Dental materials, particularly dental composite materials for filling cavities in a patient's teeth, are often provided in packaging (e.g., syringes or capsules) that allows for the storage of a quantity of the dental material. The packaging also allows for the dental material to be dispensed directly from the package to the desired location. While dental materials are typically formulated to exhibit properties that allow for proper handling in many situations, to achieve optimal workability or performance of such dental materials, it is often necessary to warm the dental material before introduction into the tooth. A common method for reducing the viscosity of highly filled dental composite materials is to heat the composite.

[0003] There are heating devices that allow for direct heating of the package by using a heating element. Additionally, there are approaches for using infrared light to heat the package while it is placed in a dispensing device. While existing approaches provide for heating of dental materials, there remains 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 an upper opening formed in the wall. The heating device further includes a heating element at least partially received through the upper opening of the housing. The heating element includes a base and a pyramidal portion extending from the base in a direction away from the upper opening of the housing. The pyramidal portion is at least partially disposed outside the upper opening. The heating element is configured to removably receive an attachment thereon that receives a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container such that an outer surface of the pyramidal 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 within the attachment.

[0005] In another aspect, 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 an upper opening formed in the wall. The heating device further includes a heating element at least partially received through the upper opening of the housing. The heating element includes a base and a pyramidal portion extending from the base in a direction away from the upper opening of the housing. The pyramidal portion is at least partially disposed outside the upper opening. The heating system further includes an attachment removably received on the pyramidal portion of the heating element. The attachment is configured to receive a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container therein. An outer surface of the pyramidal portion at least partially contacts the attachment removably received in the pyramidal portion. The heating element is configured to heat the attachment, thereby heating the delivery device / delivery system / container containing the dental material received in the attachment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more fully understood 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 figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heating system for heating dental materials according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional front view of the heating system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a heating device of the heating system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a heating device of the heating system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 2B is a perspective view of a housing of the heating device of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3A] 2B is a perspective view of the heating device of FIG. 2A, with some components not shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3B] 2B is a perspective view of the heating device of FIG. 2A, with some components not shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2B is a top view of a heating element of the heating device of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the heating element of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heating element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heating element according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heating element according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5D] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heating element according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an attachment of the heating system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the attachment of FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a bottom perspective view of a holder of the attachment of FIGS. 6A-6B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an attachment of the heating system of FIG. 1A or 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the attachment of FIG. 7A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a bottom perspective view of a holder of the attachment of FIGS. 7A-7B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an attachment removably received on the heating system of FIG. 2A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of a holder of the attachment of FIG. 8A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an attachment removably received on the heating system of FIG. 2A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of a holder of the attachment of FIG. 9A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0008] 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.

[0009] The term "generally," when used herein as a modifier to a characteristic or attribute, unless specifically defined otherwise, means that the characteristic or attribute is readily recognizable by one of ordinary skill in the art, but does not require absolute precision or perfect agreement (e.g., within + / - 20% for quantifiable characteristics).

[0010] The term "substantially," unless otherwise specifically defined, means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties), but again does not require absolute precision or perfect agreement.

[0011] The term "about," unless otherwise specifically defined, means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties), but again does not require absolute precision or exact agreement.

[0012] Terms such as same, equal, uniform, constant, exact, etc. are understood to not require absolute precision or exact agreement, but rather within normal tolerances or measurement errors applicable to a particular situation.

[0013] As used herein, "at least one of A and B" should be understood to mean "A only, B only, or both A and B."

[0014] As used herein, "communicatively 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 transfer cable, etc. It may further refer to, but is not limited to, any wired and / or wireless data transfer medium.

[0015] The terms "coupled" or "connected" may include a direct physical connection between two or more components, or an indirect physical connection between two or more components that are connected to each other through one or more additional components. For example, a first component may be coupled to a second component by being directly connected to each other or by being connected through a third component.

[0016] As used herein, terms such as "configured to" are at least as restrictive as the term "adapted to," requiring actual design intent to perform a specified function, rather than merely a physical capability to perform such function.

[0017] As used herein, the term "thermally coupled" is defined as having a first body and a second body or substance in relatively close proximity such that heat is effectively exchanged from the first body to the referenced second body or substance.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "electrically coupled" or "electrically connected" mean direct or indirect coupling by any form of electrical transmission, including the use of rigid, non-rigid, metallic, or non-metallic conductive materials.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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) represented on a wire, bus, or other transmission medium.

[0021] The present disclosure relates to heating devices and systems for heating dental materials. Dental materials are commonly used to fill cavities in patients' teeth. To achieve optimal workability or performance of the dental material, it is common practice to warm the dental material before introducing it into the patient's tooth. Many techniques exist for heating packaging that stores a quantity of dental material used to fill cavities in the patient's tooth.

[0022] A commonly known technique for achieving dental material warming is to heat a metal block, which has a thermal capacity greater than that of the dental material package (e.g., capsule or syringe), to the desired temperature (e.g., 55°C to 68°C). The package is placed on a plate. However, with this heating technique, only certain types of packaging are approved for exposure to elevated temperatures. Furthermore, such techniques can result in degradation of dental materials delivered in multi-dose packages. In other words, if the dental material is heated too frequently or for too long, it may deteriorate and no longer possess its desired material properties after hardening (this can manifest, for example, in tooth fillings that are prone to chipping). Furthermore, the metal block is very hot and can cause skin burns to the operator.

[0023] Furthermore, conventional heating devices are high energy consumers. Furthermore, conventional heating devices may not be equipped to heat small amounts of pure composite dental materials outside of their delivery packaging. When heating dental materials, a specific target temperature range for the heated dental material is desired. For example, when heating a dental material to a temperature below the desired target temperature range, the desired dental material properties may not be achieved or may only be partially achieved. Overheating a dental material to a temperature above the desired temperature range and / or for an extended period of time can damage and / or deteriorate the dental material and / or the container containing the dental material. Furthermore, heating a dental material to a temperature higher than necessary and / or desired can result in a waste of energy consumed for heating.

[0024] Therefore, a device that quickly and efficiently heats dental materials without causing degradation of the dental materials is desirable.

[0025] The present disclosure provides a heating device for heating a dental material. The heating device includes a housing having a top wall and an upper opening formed in the wall. The heating device further includes a heating element at least partially received through the upper opening of the housing. The heating element includes a base and a pyramidal portion extending from the base in a direction away from the upper opening of the housing. The pyramidal portion is at least partially disposed outside the upper opening. The heating element is configured to removably receive an attachment thereon that receives a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container such that an outer surface of the pyramidal 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 within the attachment.

[0026] At least partial contact between the outer surface of the pyramidal portion and the attachment can provide a relatively large surface area for heat transfer from the heating element to the attachment. In other words, the pyramidal portion of the heating element can provide optimal heat transfer from the heating element to the attachment and subsequently to the dental material. As a result, the time required to achieve the desired temperature of the attachment and dental material is minimized. This can improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the attachment and the heating element. Therefore, optimal workability 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. The dental material can then be appropriately handled for various applications.

[0027] The present invention further provides a heating system including a heating device. The heating system further includes an attachment removably received on the pyramidal 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 within the attachment.

[0028] Furthermore, the operator can select the desired attachment depending on the type of delivery device or delivery system or container, or different dosage forms of the dental material (capsules, syringes, just the composite material without packaging).

[0029] In embodiments, the attachment includes a holder and a sleeve at least partially surrounding the holder. The sleeve includes an insulating material. The sleeve's insulating material can protect the operator from skin burns while handling multiple attachments. In some embodiments, the sleeve's insulating material includes one or more thermochromic pigments. The sleeve, including one or more thermochromic pigments, changes color when the sleeve temperature is between 50°C and 65°C in response to heating of the holder by a heating element. A temperature of 50°C to 65°C is the desired temperature for the sleeve and dental material for proper handling and application of the dental material. The sleeve color change can alert or notify the operator that the dental material is ready for operation. When the sleeve color change is observed, the operator can turn off power to the heating element or remove the holder from the heating element to avoid excessive heating of the dental material.

[0030] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a heating system 50 for heating a 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. The dental material is therefore contained within the delivery device / delivery system / container 22, which is received within the attachment 20. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A, a 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 a filler glass or glass ceramic. Additionally, the dental material may also include a glass ionomer cement (GIC). FIG. 1B is a front cross-sectional view of the heating system 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] The heating system 50 includes a heating device 100 for heating a dental material. The heating device 100 includes a housing 102. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the heating device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is another perspective view of the heating device 100, with the housing 102 shown transparent for illustrative purposes. Figure 2C is a perspective view of the housing 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] 1A-2C, the housing 102 includes a wall 104 (interchangeably referred to herein as the "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 further includes an upper opening 110 (shown in FIG. 2C) formed in the top wall 104. While FIGS. 1A-2C illustrate the housing 102 including four side walls 108, it should be understood that any number of side walls 108 can be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that any combination of the one or more side walls 108, the top wall 104, and the bottom wall 106 can be integrally formed or can be formed as separate components joined by a suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the housing 102 can be hollow (or substantially hollow). In this regard, the housing 102 can define an interior cavity 105 (shown in FIG. 1B) that can house various components (eg, electrical components) of the heating device 100.

[0033] The heating device 100 further includes a heating element 200 received at least partially 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 includes aluminum and is coated with a layer of carbon to withstand wipe sterilization.

[0034] 3A and 3B are perspective views of a heating device 100 with some components not shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the housing 102 is not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B for illustrative purposes. FIG. 4A is a top view of a heating element 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a heating element 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] 1A-4B , the heating element 200 includes a base 202 and a pyramidal portion 204 extending from the base 202 in a direction A1 (shown in FIG. 1B ) away from the top opening 110 of the housing 102. The pyramidal portion 204 is disposed at least partially outside the top opening 110 and the top wall 104. The pyramidal portion 204 includes an outer surface 206 that tapers in the direction A1 away from the top wall 104. The attachment 20 is removably received in the pyramidal portion 204 of the heating element 200. Furthermore, the heating element 200 is configured to removably receive the attachment 20 thereon, which receives the dental material delivery device / delivery system / container 22, such that the outer surface 206 of the pyramidal portion 204 at least partially contacts the attachment 20. In other words, the outer surface 206 of the pyramidal portion 204 at least partially contacts the attachment 20 removably received on the pyramidal portion 204 of the heating element 200. The pyramidal portion 204 includes one of a circular cross-section and a polygonal cross-section. As shown in FIG. 4A , the pyramidal portion 204 has a circular cross-section. Furthermore, the outer surface 206 of the pyramidal portion 204 is conical. Also, as shown in FIG. 3A , the apex 205 of the pyramidal portion 204 is truncated. The apex 205 of the pyramidal portion 204 is an upper flat portion of the pyramidal portion 204. The apex 205 may be substantially parallel to the base 203 of the pyramidal portion 204. In another embodiment, the apex 205 may be inclined at an angle relative to the base 203 of the pyramidal portion 204.

[0036] The heating device 100 further includes an annular fixing element 208 for positioning the heating element 200 within the top opening 110 of the housing 102. The annular fixing element 208 is disposed on the top wall 104 of the housing 102. Thus, the annular fixing element 208 can position and fix the heating element 200 from outside the housing 102. In some embodiments, the annular fixing element 208 is a threaded ring. In some other embodiments, the heating element 200 may be fitted and positioned from the inner surface of the top wall 104 of the housing 102.

[0037] The base 202 of the heating element 200 includes a narrow plate 210 disposed outside the housing 102 adjacent the top opening 110. A pyramidal portion 204 (i.e., conical as shown in FIG. 3B) extends from the narrow plate 210. As shown in FIG. 4A, the narrow plate 210 is a disk. The narrow plate 210 has a narrow diameter D1 (shown in FIG. 4A). The base 202 further includes a wide plate 212 disposed adjacent to the narrow plate 210 opposite the pyramidal portion 204 and received within the top opening 110 of the housing 102. As shown in FIG. 4A, the wide plate 212 is a disk. The wide plate 212 has a wide diameter D2 (shown in FIG. 4A) that is larger than the narrow diameter D1 of the narrow plate 210. In some embodiments, the heating device 100 further includes a sealing ring 214 (shown in FIG. 2B ) disposed around the narrow plate 210 and on the top wall 104 of the housing 102. The sealing ring 214 can prevent leakage of dental material from the attachment 20 into the internal cavity 105. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 214 may be disposed on the outside of the top wall 104 of the housing 102 or on the inside surface of the top wall 104 of the housing 102.

[0038] Narrow plate 210 or annular locking ring 208 can include at least one optional relief ramp 213, as shown in FIG. 2A. Ramped portion 213 partially surrounds pyramidal portion 204 along an arc generally complementary to the cross-sectional shape of pyramidal portion 204, maintaining a gap between outer surface 206 and inner surface 214 of ramp 213. Ramped portion 213 tapers such that its height, measured between base 202 and ramp surface 215, decreases as one traverses clockwise around the pyramidal portion. The height is typically less than the height of the pyramidal portion, allowing ramp 213 to be fully received within a corresponding slot 31a in attachment 20a (as depicted and explained in FIGS. 7A-7C below). As the attachment 20a is rotated counterclockwise relative to the pyramidal portion 204, the ramp 215 contacts the capsule 24a and gradually pushes the capsule 24a away from the base 202, partially ejecting the capsule 24a from the holder notch 32a of the attachment 20a. In additional embodiments, the heating element 200 can include two or more ramps, each corresponding to a capsule 24a held within the attachment 20a. For example, the heating element can include four ramps, with the bottom end of a given ramp positioned directly below the capsule 24a when the attachment 20a is seated on the heating element 200. In either case, the arc length of the ramps is preferably shorter than the center-to-center distance between any two capsule 24a-holder notches 32a so that the ramps do not affect the placement of the capsule 24a during heating.

[0039] Alternatively, the ramp may be replaced by or used in cooperation with an actuator (e.g., a spring) that serves to partially eject the capsule 24a when it is necessary to rotate the attachment 20a relative to the heating element 200. In such a case, the actuator may be in a compressed or other non-moving state when the attachment 20a is initially seated on the heating element 200. Release of potential energy stored in the actuator serves to drive the capsule 24a out of the holder notch 32a.

[0040] Narrow plate 210 or annular securing ring 208 may optionally further include a magnet to attract material within attachment 20. The use of a magnet may help secure attachment 20 in a desired position relative to heating element 200 during operation of the device. The magnet may optionally be an electromagnet that is powered via electrical conductors in communication with controller 234.

[0041] The base 202 further includes a thermal plate 216 disposed within the housing 102 and adjacent to the wide plate 212 opposite the narrow plate 210. In some embodiments, the thermal plate 216 includes a maximum width W1 (shown in FIG. 4A ) that is greater than the wide diameter D2 of the wide plate 212. In other embodiments, the maximum width W1 of the thermal plate 216 may be less than the wide diameter D2 of the wide plate 212. The thermal plate 216 includes a bottom surface 218 (shown in FIG. 3B ) that faces the wide plate 212 and a cavity 220 (shown in FIG. 4B ) disposed on the bottom surface 218. In some embodiments, two or more components of the heating element 200 are a single, integral component. For example, the pyramidal portion 204, the thermal plate 216, the narrow plate 210, and the wide plate 212 may be integral with one another. In another example, the hot plate 216, the narrow plate 210, and the wide plate 212 may be integral with one another, with the pyramidal portion 204 being a separate component.

[0042] At least partial contact between the outer surface 206 of the pyramidal portion 204 and 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 pyramidal 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. As a result, the time required to achieve a desired temperature of the attachment 20 and the dental material is minimized. This can improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the attachment 20 and the heating element 200. Therefore, optimal workability 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. The dental material can then be appropriately handled for various applications.

[0043] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a heating element 40 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The heating element 40 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent to the heating element 200 of FIGS. 4A and 4B , and like components are referenced by the same numerals. However, in the heating element 40, the pyramidal portion 204 further includes a plurality of grooves 42 or raised surfaces (not shown) disposed on the outer surface 206 designed to increase the surface area of ​​the pyramidal portion 204. The inclusion of the grooves 42 on the outer surface 206 of the pyramidal portion 204 can enhance heating of the dental material. In FIG. 5A , the plurality of grooves 42 are shown oriented horizontally relative to the base 203 of the pyramidal portion 204. In another embodiment (not shown), the plurality of grooves 42 or raised surfaces may be oriented vertically upward from the base 203 of the pyramidal portion 204 toward the apex 205 of the pyramidal portion 204.

[0044] Figure 5B is a perspective view of a heating element 44 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Heating element 44 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent to heating element 200 of Figures 4A and 4B, and like components are referenced by the same numerals. However, in heating element 44, outer surface 206 of pyramidal portion 204 is a stepped cone including multiple steps 207 (rather than a cone as shown in Figure 4A).

[0045] Figure 5C is a perspective view of a heating element 46 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The heating element 46 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent to the heating element 200 of Figures 4A and 4B, and like components are referenced by the same numerals. However, in the heating element 46, the outer surface 206 of the pyramidal portion 204 is hemispherical (rather than conical as shown in Figure 4A).

[0046] Figure 5D is a perspective view of a heating element 48 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Heating element 48 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent to heating element 200 of Figures 4A and 4B, and like components are referenced by the same numerals. However, in heating element 48, outer surface 206 of pyramidal portion 204 is a polygonal pyramid (rather than a cone as shown in Figure 4A) including multiple side surfaces 49.

[0047] Thus, with reference to Figures 3A-5D, the outer surface 206 of the pyramidal portion 204 is one of a conical shape, a stepped conical shape, a polygonal pyramidal shape, and a hemispherical shape, each with or without additional grooves or raised surfaces or steps.

[0048] 1A-4B, the heating device 100 further includes a heating pad 222 (shown in FIG. 3B) thermally coupled to the heating element 200. In some embodiments, the heating pad 222 includes aluminum oxide. The heating pad 222 may also be a plate including at least aluminum oxide. As shown in FIG. 3B, the heating pad 222 is disk-shaped or rectangular-shaped. In some other embodiments, the heating pad 222 may be any shape other than disk-shaped or rectangular-shaped. The cavity 220 is configured to at least partially receive the heating pad 222 therein such that the heating pad 222 is thermally coupled to the thermal plate 216.

[0049] In some embodiments, the heating pad 222 includes 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). 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.

[0050] In some embodiments, the heating device 100 further includes a retaining plate 224 disposed adjacent to the heating pad 222 and the bottom surface 218 of the thermal plate 216. The retaining plate 224 extends across the heating pad 222 and the thermal plate 216 such that the heating pad 222 is secured within the cavity 220 of the thermal plate 216. The heating device 100 further includes a plurality of fasteners 226 for coupling the retaining plate 224 to the thermal plate 216. The plurality of fasteners 226 may comprise screws, magnets, or a combination thereof. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , two fasteners 226 are used to couple the retaining plate 224 to the thermal plate 216.

[0051] The heating device 100 further includes one or more electrical conductors 236 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 wire or copper wire. In some embodiments, the heating device 100 further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 238 mounted proximal to the bottom wall 106 and distal to the top wall 104. The one or more electrical conductors 236 are routed through the PCB 238.

[0052] In some embodiments, the heating device 100 further includes a universal serial bus (USB) interface 240 (shown schematically in FIG. 3A) configured to receive power from a power socket 242 (shown schematically in FIG. 3A) and electrically coupled to one or more electrical conductors 236. The one or more electrical conductors 236 are configured to be electrically heated via the USB interface 240. In some other embodiments, the heating device 100 may include a battery for powering the heating pad 222, which may be charged wirelessly. In some embodiments, the heating device 100 may include a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) for powering the electronic components of the warming device. In this manner, the heating device 100 may operate as a wireless device. Additionally, the device may be connectable to an external power source to recharge the battery. Alternatively, the heating device 100 may be powered by an electrical cord connectable to a power source.

[0053] In some embodiments, the heating device 100 further 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, regulators, transistors, etc. In some embodiments, the USB interface 240 and the heating circuit 244 may be coupled to or disposed on the PCB 238.

[0054] In some embodiments, the heating system 50 further includes a machine-readable code 21 (shown in FIG. 6B ) associated with the dental material. 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, or the like. The heating device 100 further includes a reader 246 (shown schematically in FIG. 1A ) configured to read the machine-readable code 21 associated with the dental material and generate a code signal 248 indicative of the machine-readable code 21. The reader 246 may be an optical reader. The heating device 100 further includes a controller 234 communicatively coupled to the reader 246. The controller 234 may be a control circuit, a computer, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a central processing unit. The controller 234 is configured to select a predetermined setpoint temperature from a plurality of predetermined setpoint temperatures based on the code signal 248 received from the reader 246.

[0055] The controller 234 is further configured to control the power supplied to the one or more electrical conductors 236. In embodiments, the power supply may be based on a selected predetermined setpoint temperature and the temperature of the heating element 200. In the same or other embodiments, the controller 234 can terminate the power supplied to the conductors 236 when the reader 246 can no longer detect an attachment 20 received on the pyramid. 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 for continued heating (i.e., power supply). The controller 234 can terminate the power supplied to the conductors 236, for example, when it fails to detect the presence of an attachment after a predetermined delay (e.g., 5 seconds). In this manner, the heating system 50 can reduce the risk of accidental contact with the heated pyramid portion during use of dental materials.

[0056] In some embodiments, the heating device 100 further 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 a PCB 238. The sensor tube 228 may be constructed of aluminum. The heating device 100 further includes a temperature sensor 230 thermally coupled to the sensor tube 228. The temperature sensor 230 is configured to generate a temperature signal 232 indicative of the temperature of the hot plate 216. Exemplary, non-limiting temperature sensors include a thermistor, an IR temperature sensor, a thermopile, a thermocouple, or a resistance temperature detector (RTD). A controller 234 may be communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor 230. In some embodiments, the controller 234 may select a predetermined setpoint temperature based on the code signal 248 and may simultaneously receive the temperature signal 232 indicative of the temperature of the hot plate 216. In some embodiments, the controller 234 and the sensor 230 may be coupled to or disposed on a PCB 238 .

[0057] The heating device of the present disclosure may further include an indicator light. The indicator light may be activated while the heating operation is activated, or may be deactivated otherwise. This allows a user of the heating device to know whether the heating device is in a heating operation and when the heating operation has finished.

[0058] 1A-4B , the heating element 200 is configured to heat the attachment 20, thereby heating the dental material contained within the delivery device / delivery system / container 22 received within 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 within the attachment 20. Thus, the heating element 200 is configured to heat the dental material when heated by the heating pad 222.

[0059] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of attachment 20 of heating system 50 of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Attachment 20 is also shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 6B is an exploded view of attachment 20. Attachment 20 includes holder 26 and sleeve 28 at least partially surrounding holder 26. FIG. 6C is a bottom perspective view of holder 26. Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, holder 26 of attachment 20 includes cavity 30 having a shape complementary to the pyramidal shape of outer surface 206 (shown in FIG. 4A ) of pyramidal portion 204. Cavity 30 of holder 26 of attachment 20 at least partially receives pyramidal portion 204 when attachment 20 is placed on pyramidal portion 204. Outer surface 206 of pyramidal portion 204 may at least partially contact inner surface 27 of holder 26. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6C, cavity 30 has a conical shape for at least partially receiving pyramidal portion 204 therein.

[0060] The holder 26 of the attachment 20 further includes a plurality of holder cutouts 32. The sleeve 28 of the attachment 20 includes a plurality of sleeve cutouts 34 corresponding to and at least partially aligned with the plurality of holder cutouts 32. Each 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 above, the capsule 24 is a delivery device in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6A. In some embodiments, the holder 26 of the attachment 20 includes aluminum. A holder 26 including aluminum may improve 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, an attachment 20 including aluminum may be coated with a layer of carbon to withstand wipe disinfection, heat disinfection, and autoclaving.

[0061] In some embodiments, the sleeve 28 includes an insulating material. In some embodiments, the insulating material of the sleeve 28 includes one or more thermochromic pigments. The sleeve 28, including one or more thermochromic pigments, changes color in response to heating of the attachment 20 by the heating element 200 (shown in FIG. 4A ) when the temperature of the sleeve 28 is between 50°C and 65°C. This temperature range of the sleeve 28 may indicate optimal heating of the dental material by the heating element 200. A temperature of 50°C to 65°C is the desired temperature of the sleeve 28 and dental material for proper handling and application of the dental material. The color change of the sleeve 28 may alert or notify the operator that the dental material is ready for operation. When a color change of the sleeve 28 is observed, the operator can turn off the power supply to the heating element 200 or remove the holder 26 from the heating element 200 to avoid excessive heating of the dental material.

[0062] In some embodiments, each of the one or more thermochromic pigments comprises an oxide of titanium, niobium, silicon, aluminum, zinc, hafnium, thorium, tin, thallium, zirconium, beryllium, cobalt, calcium, magnesium, iron, and mixtures thereof. Such thermochromic pigments (i.e., dyes and colorants) can be added to the insulating material of sleeve 28 to serve as an indicator that a particular composition has been temperature activated for optimal use. Reversible and irreversible forms of one or more thermochromic pigments can be used, depending on the desired embodiment of interest. Reversible thermochromic pigments can be used when it is desirable to have a multiple-use effect or to reuse the color-changing effect. In another example, it may be desirable to permanently record a single color change.

[0063] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of attachment 20a of heating system 50 of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including optional removal ramp 213. FIG. 6B is an exploded view of attachment 20a. Attachment 20a includes holder 26a and sleeve 28a at least partially surrounding holder 26a. FIG. 7C is a bottom perspective view of holder 26a. Attachment 20a is functionally equivalent to attachment 20 of FIG. 6A, except for the differences described below. Similarly, sleeve 28a is functionally equivalent to sleeve 28 of FIG. 6A.

[0064] 7A-7C, holder 26a of attachment 20a includes cavity 30a having a shape complementary to the pyramidal shape of outer surface 206 of pyramidal portion 204 (shown in FIG. 4A) and slot 31a complementary to the geometric shape of sloped portion 213. Cavity 30a of holder 26a of attachment 20 at least partially receives pyramidal portion 204 when attachment 20 is placed on pyramidal portion 204. Outer surface 206 of pyramidal portion 204 may at least partially contact inner surface 27 of holder 26a, while the shortest portion of sloped portion 213 may (but preferably does not) contact the bottom of capsule 24a. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7C, cavity 30a has a conical shape to at least partially receive pyramidal portion 204 therein, and slot 31a surrounds cavity 30a.

[0065] The holder 26a of the attachment 20a further includes a plurality of holder notches 32a, shown as four notches. The sleeve 28a of the attachment 20a includes a plurality of sleeve notches 34a corresponding to and at least partially aligned with the plurality of holder notches 32a. Each of the plurality of holder notches 32a is configured to at least partially receive a capsule 24a containing dental material therein. The holder notches 32a are radially arranged around the center of the holder 26a, and the distance between the centers of any two notches 32a is greater than the arc length of the ramp 213. This spacing ensures that the capsule 24a is not inadvertently ejected by the ramp 215 when the attachment 20a is properly seated on the heating element 200.

[0066] 8A is a perspective view of an attachment 20' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The attachment 20' may be removably received on the pyramidal portion 204 of the heating element 200 (shown in FIG. 2A) of the heating device 100, similar to how the attachment 20 is received on the pyramidal portion 204 of the heating element 200. The attachment 20' is functionally equivalent to the attachment 20 of FIG. 6A. The attachment 20' includes a holder 26' and a sleeve 28' that at least partially surrounds the holder 26'. The sleeve 28' is functionally equivalent to the sleeve 28 shown in FIG. 6A. However, the sleeve 28' is geometrically different from the sleeve 28.

[0067] FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of the holder 26'. Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the holder 26' is functionally equivalent to the holder 26 shown in FIG. 6A. However, the holder 26' is geometrically different from the holder 26. The holder 26' of the attachment 20' includes a cavity 30' having a shape complementary to the pyramidal shape of the outer surface 206 (shown in FIG. 4A) of the pyramidal portion 204. The cavity 30' of the holder 26' of the attachment 20' at least partially receives the pyramidal portion 204 when the attachment 20' is placed thereon. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the holder 26' of the attachment 20' is configured to at least partially receive therein a syringe 24' containing a dental material. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8A, the syringe 24' is the delivery device / container 22.

[0068] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an attachment 20″ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The attachment 20″ may be removably received on the pyramidal portion 204 of the heating element 200 (shown in FIG. 2A ) of the heating device 100, similar to how the attachment 20 is received on the pyramidal portion 204 of the heating element 200. The attachment 20″ may be functionally equivalent to the attachment 20 of FIG. 6A. The attachment 20″ includes a holder 26″ and a sleeve 28″ that at least partially surrounds the holder 26″. The sleeve 28″ is functionally equivalent to the sleeve 28 shown in FIG. 6A. However, the sleeve 28″ is geometrically different from the sleeve 28.

[0069] FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of holder 26″. Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, holder 26″ is functionally equivalent to holder 26 shown in FIG. 6A. However, holder 26″ is geometrically different from holder 26. Holder 26″ of attachment 20″ includes cavity 30″ having a shape complementary to the pyramidal shape of outer surface 206 of pyramidal portion 204 (shown in FIG. 4A). The cavity 30" of the holder 26" of the attachment 20" at least partially receives the pyramidal portion 204 when the attachment 20" is placed on the pyramidal portion 204. Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8A, the holder 26" of the attachment 20' includes a heating cavity 74 configured to receive a dental material therein. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9A, the heating cavity 74 is a delivery device / delivery system / container 22. In other words, the dental material to be heated by the heating device 100 may be stored or placed directly in the heating cavity 74 of the holder 26". The attachment 20" further includes a shield 36 movably disposed on the holder 26" to selectively cover the heating cavity 74. In some embodiments, the shield 36 may not be transparent in the wavelength range of 300 nanometers (nm) to 500 nm.

[0070] 6A-9B, it is apparent that the operator can select the desired attachment (i.e., among attachments 20, 20', 20") depending on the type of delivery device delivery system / container 22 or different dosage forms of dental material (capsules, syringes, composite material only without packaging).

[0071] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, quantities, and physical properties used in the specification and claims should be understood as modified by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art utilizing the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0072] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various alternative and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heating device for heating dental materials, wherein the heating device is A housing comprising a wall and an upper opening formed within the wall, A heating element, at least partially received through the upper opening of the housing, comprising a base and a pyramidal portion extending from the base in a direction away from the upper opening of the housing, wherein the pyramidal portion is at least partially positioned outside the upper opening, The heating element is configured to removably receive an attachment for receiving a dental material delivery device / delivery system / container such that the outer surface of the pyramidal portion is at least partially in contact with the attachment, and the heating element is configured to heat the attachment, thereby heating the dental material contained in the delivery device / delivery system / container received within the attachment. A heating pad thermally bonded to the aforementioned heating element, One or more conductors are electrically coupled to the heating pad and configured to electrically heat the heating pad, Furthermore, A heating device wherein the base comprises a narrow plate positioned outside the housing adjacent to the upper opening, and the pyramidal portion extends from the narrow plate.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a wide plate positioned adjacent to the narrow plate on the opposite side of the pyramidal portion and received within the upper opening of the housing, the wide plate having a wider diameter larger than the narrow diameter of the narrow plate.

3. The heating device according to claim 2, wherein the base is disposed within the housing and further comprises a heating plate adjacent to the wide plate and facing the narrow plate, the heating plate comprising a bottom surface facing the wide plate and a cavity disposed in the bottom surface, the cavity being configured to at least partially receive the heating pad within it such that the heating pad is thermally bonded to the heating plate.

4. A fixing plate positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the heating pad and the heating plate, the fixing plate extending across the heating pad and the heating plate so that the heating pad is fixed within the cavity of the heating plate, Multiple fasteners for connecting the fixing plate to the heating plate, The heating apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising the following:

5. A reader configured to read a machine-readable code associated with the dental material and to generate a code signal indicating the machine-readable code, A controller that is communicatively coupled to the leader, wherein the controller is Based on the code signal received from the reader, a predetermined setpoint temperature is selected from a plurality of predetermined setpoint temperatures. A controller configured to control the power supplied to one or more conductors based on the selected predetermined setpoint temperature and the temperature of the heating element, The heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

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