Cordless Battery-Powered Handheld Ultrasonic Dental Scaling System

Abstract

The cordless ultrasonic dental scaler system includes an enclosure configured to be handheld, an ultrasonic acoustic assembly disposed at least partially within the enclosure, a rotatable grip coupled to an acoustic transformer at a nodal region of the acoustic transformer of the ultrasonic acoustic assembly, an electronic control system disposed within the enclosure and configured to energize the ultrasonic acoustic assembly, a battery disposed within the enclosure and configured to power the electronic control system, and a fluid source disposed within the enclosure and containing a fluid, wherein a flow rate of the fluid from the fluid source is regulated, and the regulated flow rate is controlled by the electronic control system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 307,418, filed February 7, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to dental scalers, and more particularly to a cordless, battery-powered, handheld ultrasonic dental scaling system that includes on-board fluid delivery. [Background technology]

[0003] Current ultrasonic dental scalers are limited by the need to be tethered to a control module that provides power to the transducer in the handpiece to enable the generation of ultrasonic vibrational energy. Furthermore, while improvements in the electronic control systems of ultrasonic dental scalers have increased efficiency, such improvements typically increase power requirements and / or complexity, thereby increasing manufacturing costs.

[0004] Current ultrasonic dental scalers are also limited by the need to be tethered to a control module to deliver coolant to the tooth-to-working tool interface and, in some cases, to the transducer in the handpiece. Furthermore, these ultrasonic dental scalers are limited by the large amounts of coolant required for dental procedures. For example, current ultrasonic dental scalers, when utilizing ultrasonic energy at a low power setting, require a coolant flow rate of approximately 10 milliliters per minute to the tooth-to-working tool interface. Therefore, for a 20-minute procedure with an average ultrasonic on-time of 10 minutes, a minimum volume of 100 milliliters of coolant is required. Procedures requiring higher power levels may require at least 200 milliliters of coolant. This 200 milliliters of coolant (e.g., water) weighs 200 grams (g), or approximately 7 ounces.

[0005] Current ultrasonic dental scalers still require a tethered control module because, at a minimum, the size and weight of the electronics, controls, power supply, and coolant (e.g., water) make it weight prohibitive to incorporate all of these components into the handpiece. For example, current ultrasonic dental scaler handpieces range from approximately 2 ounces (56.5 g) for piezoelectric scalers to approximately 2.5 ounces (72.2 g) for magneto scalers. Adding the weight of the coolant alone (not counting the coolant container, electronics, and power supply) more than triples the weight of the handpiece. For example, including a power source such as a battery adds another 135 g, and adding the electronics adds another 300 g. As a result, the handpiece weighs approximately 1.8 pounds (830 g).

[0006] Additionally, regulating coolant flow is a challenge with current ultrasonic scaling systems. There is no standardization for coolant flow regulation, which leads to confusion in the field. Many current designs do not allow for precise flow control. Furthermore, systems without a coolant regulator are also subject to flow fluctuations due to changes in the introduced coolant pressure.

[0007] For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,255,290, 8,113,179, 8,418,676, 8,683,982, and 9,385,300 disclose alloys that provide durable electromechanical / mechatronic actuators with high mechanical power density. Terbium (element number 65 in the periodic table) inseparably couples magnetic and mechanical effects. This unusual phenomenon, called magnetostriction, is indestructible and permanently impervious to degradation because it arises from the quantum mechanics of the terbium atom itself. Terbium, combined with dysprosium (element number 66) and iron, exhibits this effect in a useful alloy named Terfenol-D. Terfenol-D is one of the best-known binders for converting magnetic input to mechanical output.

[0008] In general, magnetostrictive materials convert magnetic input into mechanical output, and vice versa. For actuators that convert magnetic input into mechanical output, a solenoid coil surrounds a magnetostrictive Terfenol-D element. Electrical input energizes the solenoid coil, generating a magnetic field. The magnetostrictive Terfenol-D element converts that magnetic input into mechanical output. Terfenol-D mechanically expands approximately linearly with the strength of the applied magnetic field. A decrease in the field strength reduces the expansion. Furthermore, the temporal rate at which Terfenol-D expands or contracts is roughly proportional to the temporal rate of change of the applied magnetic field. In this way, Terfenol-D can continuously control mechanical output. Within the operating range of a single actuator, continuous control of the electrical input allows for both fast, small mechanical output and slow, large mechanical output, as well as any desired output in between.

[0009] In addition to continuous control, the quantum mechanical origin of the magnetostrictive effect gives Terfenol-D its inherent durability, allowing it to withstand harsh environments. Magnetostriction has not been observed to wear out Terfenol-D, nor do high temperatures irreversibly degrade it. Because the current-carrying solenoid coil surrounds but does not touch the magnetostrictive Terfenol-D element of the actuator, the magnetic field is applied without direct contact, avoiding wear of any components.

[0010] It is known in the art that piezo ceramics have replaced nickel alloys in many electromechanical transducers. Furthermore, the energy density of piezo is known to exceed that of nickel alloys, allowing piezo transducers to provide a greater power-to-weight ratio than nickel alloys, such as Permandickel. In contrast, Terfenol-D offers the highest energy density of any electromechanical transducer, allowing for the same mechanical output to be achieved in a smaller device.

[0011] U.S. Patent No. 7,255,290 highlights Navy test data comparing piezoelectric and GMM (giant magnetostrictive material known as Terfenol-D). The data show comparable energy coupling to piezoelectric, but a nearly three-fold difference in stress limit energy density. This is the result of the nearly three-fold difference in Young's modulus. Additionally, Terfenol-D can safely operate at much higher preload biases than the relatively low -41 MPa listed in the table without experiencing life-reducing issues like wear, and can even achieve higher energy densities. Furthermore, excessive magnetic fields simply saturate the expansion of Terfenol-D, whereas excessive electric fields can cause dielectric breakdown in piezoelectric.

[0012] U.S. Patent No. 6,619,957 describes a handheld ultrasonic scaler using Terfenol-D, but all versions of this device have tethered handpieces, limiting portability. Summary of the Invention

[0013] As used herein, terms such as "about," "substantially," and the like are meant to account for manufacturing, material, environmental, usage, measurement, and / or other tolerances and variations of up to plus or minus 10%. Furthermore, to the extent not inconsistent, any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with any or all of the other embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the terms "amplitude" and "stroke" are used interchangeably with respect to the output level of the device. The terms "angular" and "rotational" are also used interchangeably herein with respect to the compression of the transducer during assembly.

[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a completely portable ultrasonic scaling device that overcomes the limitations of prior art devices.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic scaling device that provides a removably removable (and in some embodiments, renewable) power source, an integrated (and in some embodiments, self-regulating) fluid delivery system, and a removably removable electronic control system (e.g., electronic drive circuitry).

[0016] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an anti-rotation member in an acoustic assembly (e.g., in an ultrasonic scaling device) to enhance the mechanical integrity, particularly during compression of the transducer of the acoustic assembly.

[0017] Other objects, aspects, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the description herein and the accompanying drawings.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cordless ultrasonic dental scaler system having a handheld enclosure and an ultrasonic acoustic assembly at least partially disposed within the enclosure. The ultrasonic acoustic assembly is configured to generate vibrational waves (e.g., amplitude components between 0.2 and 5.0 mils) and includes a transducer, the transducer defining a fixed length extending between its first and second ends. The ultrasonic acoustic assembly further includes an acoustic transformer, the length of which partially defines a resonant frequency (f0). The acoustic transformer is connected to and extends from the transducer at a junction, and a tip is removably connected to a distal end of the acoustic transformer. A rotatable grip is coupled to the acoustic transformer at a nodal region of the acoustic transformer and configured to rotate the ultrasonic acoustic assembly relative to the enclosure. An electronic control system is disposed within the enclosure and configured to energize the ultrasonic acoustic assembly. A battery is disposed within the enclosure and configured to power the electronic control system. A fluid source is also disposed within the enclosure and contains a fluid, the flow rate of the fluid from the fluid source being regulated, and the regulated flow rate being controlled by the electronic control system.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transducer is a Terfenol-D transducer.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the transducer has a modulus of elasticity of less than 50 GPa.

[0021] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tip is removably connected to the distal end of the acoustic transformer by a thread.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the rotatable grip has a range of rotation relative to the enclosure of at least about 360 degrees.

[0023] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque required to rotate the rotatable grip relative to the enclosure is less than about 10 inch-ounces, and in some embodiments, is within the range of about 1 inch-ounce to about 5 inch-ounces.

[0024] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the battery is rechargeable.

[0025] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic control system and the battery are removably removable from the enclosure.

[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a first portion of the enclosure housing the electronic control system and the battery is detachable from a second portion of the enclosure.

[0027] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid source is a removable pod containing a fluid that may include a coolant (eg, water), a sterile fluid, and / or a medication.

[0028] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the regulated flow rate of the fluid from the fluid source is proportional to the output amplitude of the vibrational waves generated by the acoustic assembly, the proportionality can be linear or non-linear.

[0029] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a substantially uniform pressure is applied to the fluid contained within the fluid source. The applied pressure (in some embodiments, the substantially uniform pressure) can be in the range of about 2 psi to about 10 psi, and in some embodiments, about 3 psi to about 5 psi.

[0030] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a spring is disposed within the enclosure and configured to apply pressure to a fluid contained within the fluid source.

[0031] An ultrasonic acoustic assembly is provided in accordance with the present disclosure and is configured for use with a cordless ultrasonic dental scaler system. The acoustic assembly is configured to generate vibrational waves (e.g., amplitude components of 0.2 to 5.0 mils) and includes a transducer, an acoustic transformer, and a keyed component. The transducer defines a fixed length extending between a first end and a second end of the transducer. The acoustic transformer is connected to the transducer at a joint and extends therefrom. The keyed component is mounted on the transducer, which is maintained in compression between the acoustic transformer and the keyed component. The keyed component and the acoustic transformer are configured to inhibit relative rotational movement of the transducer during compression.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operating frequency of the acoustic assembly is in the range of approximately 18 kHz to 55 kHz, or in some embodiments, in the range of approximately 20 kHz to 30 kHz.

[0033] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the keyed components prevent relative rotational (angular) motion of the transducers during compression. Additionally, the acoustic transformer may be constrained both angularly and axially, for example, at the nodal regions of the acoustic assembly.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transducer is a Terfenol-D transducer.

[0035] The system of the present disclosure is fully portable, thereby reducing cord clutter, hazards, and ergonomic issues for in-office use and expanding access to dental procedures for, for example, people in remote areas, patients who cannot travel to a dental office or clinic for treatment, remote dental procedure applications, military applications, areas without clean water or reliable power, etc.

[0036] In certain embodiments, any of the scaler systems of the present disclosure may include a remote (e.g., wireless) connection to a control device to allow for remote control of the device's on / off operation, power output, and / or coolant flow rate.

[0037] In certain embodiments, any of the scaler systems of the present disclosure may include a remote (e.g., voice control) connection to a control device to allow for remote control of the device's on / off operation, power output, and / or coolant flow rate.

[0038] In certain embodiments, any of the disclosed systems may include a refillable or replaceable fluid chamber, e.g., in the form of a flexible packet, disposed within a compartment. In such embodiments, a component (or components therein) may be configured to control fluid flow (e.g., by pressurizing or depressurizing the fluid chamber and / or by opening or closing a valve, such as a solenoid). The flow rate may be controlled at a duty cycle of 0-75%. In these embodiments, the replaceable fluid packet may be disposed within the compartment with a removable cap, which allows replacement of the fluid packet and applies a compressive force to the fluid packet, creating pressure within the fluid packet. The cap may be attached by threading and / or may create a compressive force within the fluid packet of about 2 psi to about 10 psi, or in certain embodiments, about 3 psi to about 5 psi.

[0039] In certain aspects, any of the systems disclosed herein may include electronic drive circuitry that is substantially less complex than prior art systems, thus facilitating use in portable, battery-powered systems. In particular, the drive circuitry eliminates the need for sampling drive voltages and currents to select optimal operating points. In such aspects, a power source is electrically connected to the transducer in a manner that generates vibrational energy upon activation, and an acoustic transformer connects with the transducer under prestress conditions and provides a coupling means for a detachable dental tool. Electronic circuitry controls the frequency and amplitude of the ultrasonic transducer, with a preselected fixed frequency maintaining a user-selectable output amplitude level over a predetermined operating range.

[0040] In certain embodiments, any of the disclosed systems can provide fluid flow to a working tool and minimize the amount of fluid required by controlling the flow rate of the fluid under pressure. The flow rate is determined by the amplitude level of the tool during the procedure. That is, the output flow rate can be controlled based on the output amplitude (in some embodiments, the fluid flow rate is proportional to the amplitude). The control components can be mounted locally within the system or remotely to an external controller. In either configuration, the total amount of fluid required during the procedure can be minimized without affecting fluid efficiency, allowing for hands-free operation and eliminating errors associated with manually adjusting the flow rate.

[0041] In embodiments, any transducer in the systems of the present disclosure may utilize a Terfenol-D transducer. To ensure that the Terfenol-D transducer is optimally compressed without breaking, one or more tuning components may be provided to stabilize and minimize lateral or rotational movement of the Terfenol-D transducer during preload.

[0042] In some embodiments, the Terfenol-D transducer is preloaded between 100 and 20,000 psi. Additionally or alternatively, the Terfenol-D transducer may define a resonant length. In some embodiments, the transducer is an nλ / 4 transducer, where n is 1 or 2, and the operating frequency ranges from about 18 kHz to about 55 kHz, or in some embodiments, from about 20 kHz to about 30 kHz.

[0043] Any transducer in the disclosed system may provide an output amplitude in the range of 0.2 to 5.0 mils in the absence of feedback and magnetic bias of the transducer.

[0044] Any of the systems of the present disclosure may be further configured to allow up to 360 degrees of rotation of the appliance grip and tool (in some cases, unlimited rotation) to improve accommodation to the angle of tooth alignment. Such rotation may be provided with a torque of less than about 10 inch-ounces and / or in the range of 1 inch-ounce to 5 inch-ounces.

[0045] In additional or alternative embodiments, the one or more batteries and electronics are supported within a power pack that is removably connected to the handpiece. In such embodiments, the one or more batteries may be enclosed within the electronics (drive circuitry) to provide a compact configuration. Additionally, a solenoid for regulating the coolant flow rate may also be located within the power pack. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0047] [Figure 1] 1 is an amplitude plot of an ultrasound acoustic system according to the present disclosure.

[0048] [Figure 2] 10 is a graph illustrating an ultrasonic acoustic system profile of an ultrasonic acoustic system having a node pin according to the present disclosure.

[0049] [Figure 3] 1 is a stress graph of an ultrasonic acoustic system according to the present disclosure.

[0050] [Figure 4A] 3 is a chart providing linear design parameters according to the boxed numbers of FIG. 2 for an ultrasonic acoustic system.

[0051] [Figure 4B] 1 is a chart illustrating design parameters and output data for an ultrasound acoustic system.

[0052] [Figure 5] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic acoustic system.

[0053] [Figure 6] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cordless ultrasonic dental scaler system according to the present disclosure, including an ultrasonic acoustic system, a fluid system, a battery, and an electronic control system.

[0054] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cordless ultrasonic dental scaler system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] 1 and 2, FIG. 1 shows a graph 1 of the output amplitude of an ultrasonic acoustic system or ultrasonic driver 2 (FIG. 2) according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 shows the ultrasonic driver 2 shown in half with the assembly axis as the line of symmetry. The amplitude at the proximal end of the ultrasonic driver 2 is approximately 0.25 microns, and the output amplitude at the distal end of the ultrasonic driver 2 is approximately 1.0 microns. The output amplitude of the ultrasonic driver 2 shown in FIG. 2 represents an acoustic system configuration in which the ultrasonic vibration waves generated are primarily longitudinal waves.

[0056] 2, ultrasonic driver 2 is shown defining a complete λ configuration where the system has two nodal regions. The second nodal region has a through hole 3 that allows ultrasonic driver 2 to be attached to grip 16 (FIG. 6).

[0057] Referring to Figure 3, graph 4 shows the stress along the ultrasonic driver 2 (Figure 2), with the sign of the stress value determined by the relative position along the assembly to the nodal region. For simplicity, values ​​are shown for an output amplitude of approximately 1.0 micron. Actual stress values ​​can be estimated by multiplying the graphed values ​​by the magnitude of the actual output amplitude.

[0058] Figure 4A shows exemplary design parameters for ultrasonic driver 2 (Figure 2), including parameters for various sections in the design, including section lengths, diameters, and transition radii, with each boxed number in Figure 2 corresponding to a surface identified in the chart in Figure 4A. The material ("MAT") of each section is also referenced in conjunction with the chart in Figure 4B.

[0059] Figure 4B is a chart listing the design parameters for the materials listed in the chart of Figure 4A, along with the location, diameter, and depth of the nodal support holes, also known as the front spanner holes, and calculated output values, including the operating frequency, resonator gain, and the location and value of maximum stress in ultrasonic driver 2 (Figure 2).

[0060] FIG. 5 shows an ultrasonic acoustic system or ultrasonic driver 2 mounted in a housing 7, with a transducer 13, a Terfenol-D crystal transducer, held in compression between an acoustic transformer 9 and an end mass 12. The transducer 13 has a fixed length extending between a first end and a second end of the transducer 13. The acoustic transformer 9 is connected to and extends from the transducer 13 at a joint. The acoustic transformer 9 is constrained (rotationally, and in some embodiments, axially) by the housing 7 at a nodal region 11, for example, through the engagement of complementary mechanical features of the acoustic transformer 9 and the housing 7. A keyed element 10, located between the load mass 12 and the transducer 13, limits rotational (angular) motion of the transducer 13 during compression (when assembled), thereby reducing the risk of breaking the transducer, e.g., the Terfenol-D crystal, and also limits axial motion of the transducer 13. Coil 8 is disposed about transducer 13 such that a drive signal applied to coil 8 from an electronic control system, e.g., a transducer driver 33 (FIG. 7) of the electronic control system, generates a magnetic field that generates vibrational waves along ultrasonic driver 2 and a resultant output amplitude 1 (FIG. 1) at a working tool (e.g., tip 15 (FIG. 6)) of ultrasonic driver 2. In this manner, the various components of ultrasonic driver 2 are operatively coupled and at least partially retained within housing 7.

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a cordless, battery-powered ultrasonic dental scaler system 18 according to the present disclosure. The system 18 includes an enclosure 5 configured as a handheld enclosure defining any suitable configuration, such as a barrel-type configuration, a pistol-type configuration (as shown), or the like. The system 18 incorporates a fluid source (e.g., as part of an in-line cooling system) having a cap 23 cooperating with a pressure member 22, and a fluid chamber 21 (which, in some embodiments, may be rechargeable or replaceable). The system 18 further includes an ultrasonic acoustic assembly or ultrasonic driver 14 (which may be similar to or include any or all of the features of ultrasonic driver 2 (see FIGS. 1-5)), an electronics and battery compartment 20, a fluid flow control 19 (e.g., a solenoid), a rotatable grip 16 that may be rotatable by a support 17 to rotate the ultrasonic driver 14 relative to the enclosure 5, and a working tool or tip 15 attached to the ultrasonic driver 14 and extending from the rotatable grip 16. The tip 15 may be removably connected to the acoustic transformer 9 ( FIG. 5 ) of the ultrasonic driver 14, for example, via a threaded engagement. The electronics and battery compartment 20 (which in some embodiments forms part of the enclosure 5) may be removable from the enclosure 5 (or another portion of the enclosure 5), and / or the electronics and battery (not shown in FIG. 6 ) may be removable from the compartment 20 to facilitate sterilization of the system 18. The rotatable grip 16 may be configured to rotate with a low torque to rotate the ultrasonic driver 14 relative to the enclosure 5, and may rotate through a range of motion up to 360 degrees. In other embodiments, unlimited rotation is permitted. A low torque may be less than about 10 in. oz. and / or, in some embodiments, in the range of about 1 in. oz. to about 5 in. oz.

[0062] Continuing with reference to FIG. 6, a fluid flow control 19 (e.g., a solenoid) is coupled to the fluid chamber 21 and a reservoir 24 defined within the enclosure 5 via suitable fluid conduits (not shown). The fluid flow control 19 is battery powered and controlled by electronics 29 (FIG. 7) configured to measure fluid flow from the fluid chamber 21, i.e., to enable selective delivery of fluid from the fluid chamber 21 into the reservoir 24, through the rotatable grip 16, around the ultrasonic driver 14 for delivery to the interface with the teeth of the working tool (e.g., tip 15) and / or for cooling the ultrasonic driver 14. One or more seals 25 may be provided to define the reservoir 24 and / or direct fluid flow while preventing fluid from reaching sensitive components such as the electronics, battery, transducer (Terfenol-D crystals), and / or leaking at the interface with the grip. While fluid chamber 21 is shown as a reusable packet or pod, it is contemplated that it may alternatively be in the form of a reservoir. In any of these or other embodiments, the fluid in fluid chamber 21, e.g., coolant, sterile fluid, medication, etc., is held under pressure via spring 22 (or other suitable biasing member) retained by cap 23. Cap or pressurization cap 23 may be removably engaged with enclosure 5 of system 18 to allow replacement of fluid chamber 21 (and / or the fluid therein) via, for example, a threaded engagement, and pressurization upon re-engagement of cap 23. In certain embodiments, fluid chamber 21 may be configured to hold at least 50 ml of fluid and may be easily refilled or replaced with a new fluid chamber 21 (e.g., a fluid pod or packet) as needed during a dental procedure.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7, a simplified block diagram illustrating a system 26 of the functional components of the cordless, battery-powered ultrasonic dental scaler system 18 (FIG. 6) is shown. The system 26 includes a frequency control circuit 28, which is coupled to an amplitude control circuit 29, which is coupled to a transducer driver circuit 33. The system 26 may further include a remote control module 27 configured to communicate with one or more external controllers, such as, for example, a wireless footswitch (not shown). It is also contemplated that a voice control module may be included that uses simple voice commands to control all functions, including on / off, output amplitude level, mode selection (if applicable), fluid control, and other modes as understood in the art. A cable port (not shown) may be provided for wired connection of an external controller. Manual controls, such as those on the enclosure 5 (FIG. 6), are alternatively contemplated for some or all of the features described above.

[0064] In one aspect, at least frequency control circuit 28, amplitude control circuit 29, and transducer driver circuit 33 form an electronic control system, although other controls are contemplated. The electronic control system may additionally or alternatively include a remote control module 27 and / or fluid or coolant control circuit 31 (discussed in more detail below). A power source, such as a battery, battery pack 30, or the like, is provided to power, for example, the electronic components of the electronic control system. One or more batteries of battery pack 30 (collectively or individually as battery pack 30) may be rechargeable and / or replaceable.

[0065] Amplitude control circuit 29 is also connected to fluid or coolant control circuit 31, which is configured to vary the fluid or coolant flow rate based on the output amplitude, thereby providing hands-free coolant flow control. Coolant control circuit 31 is connected to coolant module 35 (e.g., fluid chamber 21 (FIG. 6)) and controls the coolant on / off function, for example, by operating solenoid 19 (see FIG. 6). Pressurization system 36 pressurizes coolant module 35 via an active pressurization device associated with pressurization cap 23 (see FIG. 6), in addition to or as an alternative to spring 22 (FIG. 6), to a pressure or pressure range, for example, from about 2 psi to about 10 psi, or in other embodiments, from about 3 psi to about 5 psi. In certain embodiments, the pressure or pressure range is predetermined and / or substantially uniform.

[0066] An ultrasonic acoustic system, ultrasonic driver, or acoustic system 34 (e.g., similar to those detailed herein) receives signals from a transducer driver circuit 33 (powered by a battery pack 30) during ultrasonic operation and receives coolant from a coolant module 35. The system can also be configured to provide coolant with or without ultrasonic operation, thereby enabling cleaning options. The acoustic system 34 then generates a vibration wave amplitude in a working tool (tip) 32, which may be an ultrasonic dental scaler tip. A solenoid 19 or other suitable flow controller for adjusting the fluid flow rate may be adjusted at a rate proportional to the vibration wave output amplitude at the working tool (tip) 32, with the proportionality being linear or nonlinear.

[0067] It will be understood that the aspects and features disclosed herein may be subject to various modifications, and therefore the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as illustrative of various aspects and features.

Claims

1. 1. An ultrasonic dental scaler system comprising: an enclosure; a housing; an ultrasonic acoustic assembly; and a rotatable grip; the enclosure is configured to be handheld; the housing is rotatably supported by a support within the enclosure; the ultrasonic acoustic assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing and rotatably supported relative to the housing at a nodal region of the ultrasonic acoustic assembly, the ultrasonic acoustic assembly being configured to generate vibrational waves and including a transducer, an acoustic transformer, and a tip; the transducer is disposed within the housing and defines a fixed length extending between first and second ends of the transducer; the acoustic transformer is connected to the transducer at a junction within the housing and extends from the housing; the tip is detachably connected to a distal end of the acoustic transformer; The rotatable grip is rotatably supported on the acoustic transformer at a nodal region of the acoustic transformer, coupled to the enclosure, and configured to provide rotational adjustment of the tip during treatment by rotating the ultrasonic acoustic assembly and the housing about the support relative to the enclosure.

2. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, further comprising an electronic control system, a battery, and a fluid source; the electronic control system is disposed within the enclosure and configured to energize the ultrasonic acoustic assembly; the battery is disposed within the enclosure and configured to power the electronic control system; An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the fluid source is disposed within the enclosure and contains a fluid, the flow rate of the fluid from the fluid source is regulated, and the regulated flow rate is controlled by the electronic control system.

3. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the transducer is a Terfenol-D transducer.

4. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the transducer has an elastic modulus of less than 50 GPa.

5. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, The transducer is configured to operate as an nλ / 4 transducer, where n=1, and has a resonant frequency f ｏ is defined by the fixed length of the transducer.

6. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the tip is removably coupled to the distal end of the acoustic transformer by a screw.

7. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, The ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the rotatable grip has a range of rotation of at least about 360 degrees relative to the enclosure.

8. 8. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 7, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the torque required to rotate the rotatable grip relative to the enclosure is less than about 10 inch-ounces.

9. 8. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 7, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the torque required to rotate the rotatable grip relative to the enclosure is within a range of about 1 inch-ounce to about 5 inch-ounces.

10. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the battery is rechargeable.

11. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the electronic control system and the battery are detachably removable from the enclosure.

12. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein a first portion of the enclosure housing the electronic control system and the battery is detachable from a second portion of the enclosure.

13. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the fluid source is a removable pod that contains the fluid.

14. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, The ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the fluid comprises at least one of a sterile fluid and a medicant.

15. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the regulated flow rate of the fluid from the fluid source is proportional to the output amplitude of the vibration waves generated by the ultrasonic acoustic assembly.

16. 16. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 15, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the proportionality between the adjusted flow rate of the fluid from the fluid source and the output amplitude of the vibration waves generated by the ultrasonic acoustic assembly is linear.

17. 16. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 15, a proportionality between the regulated flow rate of the fluid from the fluid source and the output amplitude of the vibrational waves generated by the ultrasonic acoustic assembly is nonlinear; Ultrasonic dental scaler system.

18. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, An ultrasonic dental scaler system wherein a substantially uniform pressure is applied to the fluid contained within the fluid source.

19. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the pressure applied to the fluid contained within the fluid source is within a range of about 2 psi to about 10 psi.

20. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the pressure applied to the fluid contained within the fluid source is within a range of about 3 psi to about 5 psi.

21. 3. The ultrasonic dental scaler system according to claim 2, The ultrasonic dental scaler system further comprises a spring disposed within the enclosure, the spring configured to apply pressure to the fluid contained within the fluid source.

22. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, Further, the device has a keyed part, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the transducer is maintained in a compressed state between the acoustic transformer and the keyed part, and the keyed part and the acoustic transformer are configured to inhibit relative rotational movement of the transducer during compression.

23. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the operating frequency of the ultrasonic acoustic assembly is within a range of about 18 kHz to about 55 kHz.

24. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the operating frequency of the ultrasonic acoustic assembly is within a range of about 20 kHz to about 30 kHz.

25. 23. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 22, The ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the keyed component restrains relative axial movement of the transducer during the compression.

26. 23. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 22, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the acoustic transformer is both axially and rotationally constrained.

27. 10. The ultrasonic dental scaler system of claim 1, An ultrasonic dental scaler system, wherein the acoustic transformer is constrained at a nodal region of the ultrasonic acoustic assembly.

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