CA2382431A1 - Environmental method and device to safely separate and remove waste amalgams from the fluid stream of a dental evacuation apparatus - Google Patents
Environmental method and device to safely separate and remove waste amalgams from the fluid stream of a dental evacuation apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2382431A1 CA2382431A1 CA002382431A CA2382431A CA2382431A1 CA 2382431 A1 CA2382431 A1 CA 2382431A1 CA 002382431 A CA002382431 A CA 002382431A CA 2382431 A CA2382431 A CA 2382431A CA 2382431 A1 CA2382431 A1 CA 2382431A1
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- Prior art keywords
- capsule
- filter
- dental
- vacuum
- inlet port
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 229910000497 Amalgam Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 title claims description 37
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims description 10
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 title description 5
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 51
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 210000000214 mouth Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000002910 solid waste Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000010891 toxic waste Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000448 dental amalgam Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910001312 Amalgam (dentistry) Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010865 sewage Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- POIUWJQBRNEFGX-XAMSXPGMSA-N cathelicidin Chemical compound C([C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCNC(N)=N)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CO)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(O)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)CC)C(=O)NCC(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(O)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC=1C=CC=CC=1)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCNC(N)=N)C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)CC)C(=O)N[C@@H](C(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCNC(N)=N)C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)CC)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(O)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC=1C=CC=CC=1)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCNC(N)=N)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](C(C)C)C(=O)N1[C@@H](CCC1)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCNC(N)=N)C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(O)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CO)C(O)=O)NC(=O)[C@H](CC=1C=CC=CC=1)NC(=O)[C@H](CC(O)=O)NC(=O)CNC(=O)[C@H](CC(C)C)NC(=O)[C@@H](N)CC(C)C)C1=CC=CC=C1 POIUWJQBRNEFGX-XAMSXPGMSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 229910001385 heavy metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000000414 obstructive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011017 operating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003252 repetitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013049 sediment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011135 tin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052718 tin Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 231100000925 very toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
- B01D35/02—Filters adapted for location in special places, e.g. pipe-lines, pumps, stop-cocks
- B01D35/027—Filters adapted for location in special places, e.g. pipe-lines, pumps, stop-cocks rigidly mounted in or on tanks or reservoirs
- B01D35/0276—Filtering elements with a vertical rotation or symmetry axis mounted on tanks or reservoirs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/06—Saliva removers; Accessories therefor
- A61C17/065—Saliva removers; Accessories therefor characterised by provisions for processing the collected matter, e.g. for separating solids or air
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
- C02F2103/006—Dental effluents
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
- C02F2201/006—Cartridges
Abstract
A method and device for increasing the environmentally safe and effective separation, collection and removal of amalgam particles and other toxic solid waste materials extracted from oral cavities of dental patients undergoing dental procedures by way of a vacuum powered dental evacuation apparatus, comprising a disposable filtering capsule contained in a sealed transparent housing, removable for replacement and safe disposal to a recycling facility without having the toxic waste particles exposed to humans or the environment at any time during the operation of said method.
Description
-I-ENVIRONMENTAL METHOD AND DEVICE TO SAIa'ELY RECOVER
AND REMOVE WASTE AMALGAMS FROM THE FLUID STREAM
OF A VACUUM OPERATED DENTAL EVACUATION APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in dental waste management practice and equipment, designed to significantly reduce or eliminate the uncontrolled discharge of solid waste in the form of amalgams containing toxic metals such as mercury, tin, copper and silver from typical dental vacuum operated evacuation systems.
The improved practice is based on a method which employs one or more sealed and self contained filtering devices designed to fit into any prior art dental evacuation or aspirator system. Each filtering device is then able to effectively isolate, retain and recover said solid amalgams for safe disposal and recycling without the need for any open handling or transfer of toxic waste materials at any time. Each device is located at the intake side of a vacuum system such as to prevent waste materials from traveling through permanent and concealed conduits of the system and over time depositing an obstructive toxic film on the conduit interior walls. The system's existing central filtering apparatus may be retained as back-up.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is generally recognized that all present day dental evacuation systems employ a central filtering apparatus for the purpose of separating waste solids from its suction fluids. Such apparatus may contain a plastic screen filter which is usually designed to collect larger solid waste particles, and/or may rely on gravity to separate and deposit solid waste materials into a permanent waste container of the apparatus by way of a baffle or reflector plate arrangement. The apparatus is mostly located beyond the impeller pump of a vacuum system, as part of the conduit portion leading to the sewer line. However, it is also recognized that such apparatus is unable to prevent solid waste materials like amalgams from entering the impeller pump, or to remove any of the smaller solids which may be too minute to respond to gravity or to be retained in the filter screen. Furthermore, the apparatus needs to be periodically opened and manually emptied, putting the operator into possible contact with the; toxic waste materials.
Current dental evacuation systems are therefore considered environmentally ine~cient and hazardous.
AND REMOVE WASTE AMALGAMS FROM THE FLUID STREAM
OF A VACUUM OPERATED DENTAL EVACUATION APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in dental waste management practice and equipment, designed to significantly reduce or eliminate the uncontrolled discharge of solid waste in the form of amalgams containing toxic metals such as mercury, tin, copper and silver from typical dental vacuum operated evacuation systems.
The improved practice is based on a method which employs one or more sealed and self contained filtering devices designed to fit into any prior art dental evacuation or aspirator system. Each filtering device is then able to effectively isolate, retain and recover said solid amalgams for safe disposal and recycling without the need for any open handling or transfer of toxic waste materials at any time. Each device is located at the intake side of a vacuum system such as to prevent waste materials from traveling through permanent and concealed conduits of the system and over time depositing an obstructive toxic film on the conduit interior walls. The system's existing central filtering apparatus may be retained as back-up.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is generally recognized that all present day dental evacuation systems employ a central filtering apparatus for the purpose of separating waste solids from its suction fluids. Such apparatus may contain a plastic screen filter which is usually designed to collect larger solid waste particles, and/or may rely on gravity to separate and deposit solid waste materials into a permanent waste container of the apparatus by way of a baffle or reflector plate arrangement. The apparatus is mostly located beyond the impeller pump of a vacuum system, as part of the conduit portion leading to the sewer line. However, it is also recognized that such apparatus is unable to prevent solid waste materials like amalgams from entering the impeller pump, or to remove any of the smaller solids which may be too minute to respond to gravity or to be retained in the filter screen. Furthermore, the apparatus needs to be periodically opened and manually emptied, putting the operator into possible contact with the; toxic waste materials.
Current dental evacuation systems are therefore considered environmentally ine~cient and hazardous.
In US Pat. No. 6,149,812, Erickson discloses a dental environmental filter for heavy metals and mercury hygiene. Such filter however relies on a deflector baffle plate to trap waste particles by way of gravity, which is contrary to Applicant's invention.
In US Pat. No. 5,858,225., Nerli describes a dental filter with sanitary handling for removing waste from a dental cuspidor, consisting of a canister assembly incorporating a plastic filter basket for receiving waste. The plastic filter basket however is intended to trap only significant size solids and needs to be extracted by hand from the opened canister in order to remove the toxic waste. This again is contrary to the present disclosure.
In US Pat. No. 5,797,742, Fraker discloses an amalgam solids collecting and separating apparatus. Such apparatus relies solely on gravity and valve actions to separate solids from liquids in a large canister, which then needs to be opened and emptied by hand in order to remove the waste material. This method and apparatus is also contrary to Applicant's disclosure.
When reviewing available prior art, it is apparent that existing dental environmental waste recovery systems are inefficient and are only able to trap waste particles of sufficient weight (through gravity), or of sufficient size (according to plastic screen size), and that large amounts of small but very toxic waste particles are therefore able to contaminate the system and remain in the environment.
Accordingly, there is an urgent need for an economical and environmentally safe method and device which is effective in separating, recovering and containing for recycling dental amalgams and other toxic dental waste materials at a suitably high ratio from the operating fluids of typical high volume dental evacuation systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention therefore discloses a method and device to provide sealed separation and removal of dental amalgam waste particles from dental evacuation equipment at a rate of at least 9~5%, for environmentally safe recycling. The preferred method consists of operating a closed circuit waste removal system in the following sequence:
The Method A typical dental vacuum operated evacuation system is equipped with a sealed, high density in-line transparent amalgam waste filter capsule near the location of each dental operating chair and at the start of the main vacuum line of the evacuation system, just beyond the system catch-all screen or multiple line conversion in that location. A plastic catch-all system screen of suitably open mesh in accordance with this invention must be installed to act as a separator fir larger objects that need retrieval, such as crowns or cotton swabs accidentally removed from an oral cavity with the aspirator, which must be prevented from entering the amalgam filter. Each transparent and sealed waste filter capsule of the present invention is installed in such a manner as to allow constant visual observation of its interior condition and to allow easy replacement, while the open mesh plastic catch-all screen just ah~;ad of this Location is easily accessible to allow retrieval of the larger objects.
It is therefore obvious that the herein disclosed disposable filter capsule installed in such location provides early a.nd complete filtering action before any waste particles are able to extensively enter the main vacuum system, causing damage and contamination especially to the under ground located conduit lines and to the impeller pump equipment of the system. Such disposable high density waste filter capsule is designed to remove at least 95% of all typical amalgam solid particles from the vacuum system, and is of economical construction to afTord continuous and repetitive replacements. The waste filter capsule is a sealed unit which, even after disconnection from the vacuum system, safely retains the contents o:f all collected waste materials without danger of contamination, completely eliminating manual contact.
Each spent waste filter capsule is then placed into a special shipping container for storage. When said shipping container, which may hold a multiple of filter capsules, is filled, it may be safely transported to a pre-determined recycling facility for authorized disposal.
If an existing system is converted, the prior art main waste filter of the system, which is usually located beyond the impeller pump and near the system main sewage drain, may now be employed strictly as an emergency back-up in case of failure of the disclosed sealed capsule filtering provisions of the present invention.
This environmental procedure represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention, providing a secure and closed circuit dental waste removal method, which easily assures constant and equal protection for every single-chair or multiple-chair dental practice.
The Device:
The preferred method heretofore described incorporates a preferred device of the present invention consisting of a sealed transparent manifold capsule containing a dense filter arrangement from artificial or natural fibers, able to separate at least 95% at a maximum of microns of dental amalgam waste solids from the fluids of a typical vacuum operated dental evacuation system. The ratio of filter surface area, relative to the fluid volume and pressure of the vacuum employed in the system, must be sufficiently large as not cause any operating obstruction until said filter surface area is contaminated and the sealed capsule is ready for replacement.
Said sealed capsule is equipped with an inlet port that communicates with the interior area of such capsule and is connectable to the vacuum source of the system. The inlet port receives the operating .fluid of the vacuum system by way of a typical aspirator or evacuation tool which may transport a combination of solids and liquids originating from a dental patient's oral cavity. Such solids are separated from the operating fluids and/or liquids by way of the dense filter assembly of natural or artificial fibers, suitably located in the interior of the capsule.
The sealed capsule is further equipped with an outlet port that also communicates with the interior area of the capsule, which outlet port is separated from said inlet port through the interior filter arrangement. The outlet port is connected to the vacuum source of the system by way of a continuous conduit leading to the impeller pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 of the drawings appended hereto illustrates the unique method of the present invention, comprising the schematics of a typical dental evacuation system and locations and sequence of the various required components of the system including a high density filtering device of the present invention, which provide the means for the system to separate and collect toxic amalgam waste particles in accordance with the disclosure.
Figure 2 of the drawings appended hereto depicts a cut-away isometric view of a typical device in accordance with the present invention, incorporating a preferred high density amalgam filter enclosed in a transparent and sealed, disposable capsule, which is shown located in its unique location SA and SB in Figure 1.
Figure 3 of the drawings appended hereto depicts a view of a further typical device in accordance with the present invention, this time incorporating a high density amalgam filter of alternate shape and configuration.
In US Pat. No. 5,858,225., Nerli describes a dental filter with sanitary handling for removing waste from a dental cuspidor, consisting of a canister assembly incorporating a plastic filter basket for receiving waste. The plastic filter basket however is intended to trap only significant size solids and needs to be extracted by hand from the opened canister in order to remove the toxic waste. This again is contrary to the present disclosure.
In US Pat. No. 5,797,742, Fraker discloses an amalgam solids collecting and separating apparatus. Such apparatus relies solely on gravity and valve actions to separate solids from liquids in a large canister, which then needs to be opened and emptied by hand in order to remove the waste material. This method and apparatus is also contrary to Applicant's disclosure.
When reviewing available prior art, it is apparent that existing dental environmental waste recovery systems are inefficient and are only able to trap waste particles of sufficient weight (through gravity), or of sufficient size (according to plastic screen size), and that large amounts of small but very toxic waste particles are therefore able to contaminate the system and remain in the environment.
Accordingly, there is an urgent need for an economical and environmentally safe method and device which is effective in separating, recovering and containing for recycling dental amalgams and other toxic dental waste materials at a suitably high ratio from the operating fluids of typical high volume dental evacuation systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention therefore discloses a method and device to provide sealed separation and removal of dental amalgam waste particles from dental evacuation equipment at a rate of at least 9~5%, for environmentally safe recycling. The preferred method consists of operating a closed circuit waste removal system in the following sequence:
The Method A typical dental vacuum operated evacuation system is equipped with a sealed, high density in-line transparent amalgam waste filter capsule near the location of each dental operating chair and at the start of the main vacuum line of the evacuation system, just beyond the system catch-all screen or multiple line conversion in that location. A plastic catch-all system screen of suitably open mesh in accordance with this invention must be installed to act as a separator fir larger objects that need retrieval, such as crowns or cotton swabs accidentally removed from an oral cavity with the aspirator, which must be prevented from entering the amalgam filter. Each transparent and sealed waste filter capsule of the present invention is installed in such a manner as to allow constant visual observation of its interior condition and to allow easy replacement, while the open mesh plastic catch-all screen just ah~;ad of this Location is easily accessible to allow retrieval of the larger objects.
It is therefore obvious that the herein disclosed disposable filter capsule installed in such location provides early a.nd complete filtering action before any waste particles are able to extensively enter the main vacuum system, causing damage and contamination especially to the under ground located conduit lines and to the impeller pump equipment of the system. Such disposable high density waste filter capsule is designed to remove at least 95% of all typical amalgam solid particles from the vacuum system, and is of economical construction to afTord continuous and repetitive replacements. The waste filter capsule is a sealed unit which, even after disconnection from the vacuum system, safely retains the contents o:f all collected waste materials without danger of contamination, completely eliminating manual contact.
Each spent waste filter capsule is then placed into a special shipping container for storage. When said shipping container, which may hold a multiple of filter capsules, is filled, it may be safely transported to a pre-determined recycling facility for authorized disposal.
If an existing system is converted, the prior art main waste filter of the system, which is usually located beyond the impeller pump and near the system main sewage drain, may now be employed strictly as an emergency back-up in case of failure of the disclosed sealed capsule filtering provisions of the present invention.
This environmental procedure represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention, providing a secure and closed circuit dental waste removal method, which easily assures constant and equal protection for every single-chair or multiple-chair dental practice.
The Device:
The preferred method heretofore described incorporates a preferred device of the present invention consisting of a sealed transparent manifold capsule containing a dense filter arrangement from artificial or natural fibers, able to separate at least 95% at a maximum of microns of dental amalgam waste solids from the fluids of a typical vacuum operated dental evacuation system. The ratio of filter surface area, relative to the fluid volume and pressure of the vacuum employed in the system, must be sufficiently large as not cause any operating obstruction until said filter surface area is contaminated and the sealed capsule is ready for replacement.
Said sealed capsule is equipped with an inlet port that communicates with the interior area of such capsule and is connectable to the vacuum source of the system. The inlet port receives the operating .fluid of the vacuum system by way of a typical aspirator or evacuation tool which may transport a combination of solids and liquids originating from a dental patient's oral cavity. Such solids are separated from the operating fluids and/or liquids by way of the dense filter assembly of natural or artificial fibers, suitably located in the interior of the capsule.
The sealed capsule is further equipped with an outlet port that also communicates with the interior area of the capsule, which outlet port is separated from said inlet port through the interior filter arrangement. The outlet port is connected to the vacuum source of the system by way of a continuous conduit leading to the impeller pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 of the drawings appended hereto illustrates the unique method of the present invention, comprising the schematics of a typical dental evacuation system and locations and sequence of the various required components of the system including a high density filtering device of the present invention, which provide the means for the system to separate and collect toxic amalgam waste particles in accordance with the disclosure.
Figure 2 of the drawings appended hereto depicts a cut-away isometric view of a typical device in accordance with the present invention, incorporating a preferred high density amalgam filter enclosed in a transparent and sealed, disposable capsule, which is shown located in its unique location SA and SB in Figure 1.
Figure 3 of the drawings appended hereto depicts a view of a further typical device in accordance with the present invention, this time incorporating a high density amalgam filter of alternate shape and configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown, in a general schematic layout, the operating method of a dental evacuation system located in a typical dental practice, comprising an impeller pump assembly 1., which provides the vacuum power to remove waste fluids and particles from oral cavities of dental patients, and is equipped at its outlet side with an exit conduit connection 2 to the sewer line for disposal of the system's waste materials. Said pump assembly 1 is further equipped at its inlet side with a primary vacuum intake conduit 3, which may divide into secondary vacuum intake conduits 4 to connect to individual dental chair locations 8. The primary intake conduit 3 is commonly concealed within the floor space of a dental office and is therefore inaccessible. The secondary intake conduit 4 terminates at a vacuum manifold 6 which allows connection of the various dental oral suction tools 7. The vacuum manifold 6 is equipped with a catch-all removable grate trap to separate larger dental particles for manual recovery. Within the secondary vacuum intake conduit 4, just downstream from vacuum manifold 6, is the preferred location for the device of the present invention, a high density amalgam filter contained in its transparent, sealed and disposable filter capsule 5. Said sealed capsule S located at this particular location, together with the catch-all grate trap and vacuum manifold 6, provides the environmental filtering means to prevent any amalgam particles from entering the primary vacuum conduits 3 and the impeller pump assembly 1 , eliminating damage from toxic deposits within the system and the discarding of toxic waste materials into sewage drain 2.
In Figure Z of the drawings there are shown, in cut-away front elevation, the details of a sealed filter capsule 10 as indicated at location 5 in Fig. 1, comprising a transparent, substantially cylindrical container 13, having a single inlet port 11 which extends to the interior of the container, and a single outlet port 1 t which is connected to a vacuum source 17 by way of conduit 4. 'fhe inlet port is separated from the outlet port in the interior of the sealed capsule through tilter arrangement 14. Said filter arrangement is constructed from natural or artificial fibers at a density to facilitate separation of amalgam waste particles at a rate of 95°~0, up to a maximum of 10 microns. The filter arrangement 14 is further designc;d to incorporate a surface area sufficient to allow waste filtering without substantially interfering with the volume and vacuum velocity of the evacuation system until the filter surface area is blocked by waste sediments to an extent that the capsule needs to be replaced. Said filter arrangement 14 is located such as to separate particles in the interior of the transparent body 13 of sealed capsule 10, allowing a view of the collected waste 1S in order to constantly evaluate the level of operating function of the filter assembly. When the sealed filter capsule is removed from the system for replacement, the capsule inlet port 11 may be sealed with the attached rubber seal encl cap 18, which prevents escape of any waste material 15 from the interior body 13 of said filter capsule assembly 10.
In Figure 3 of the drawings is further shown a view of another amalgam filter capsule assembly 10. This time; the capsule assembly accommodates an alternate filter configuration 19 especially designed to withstand collapse of its fibrous filtering material through amalgam waste material being drawn against its surface area by the system's vacuum action.
Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown, in a general schematic layout, the operating method of a dental evacuation system located in a typical dental practice, comprising an impeller pump assembly 1., which provides the vacuum power to remove waste fluids and particles from oral cavities of dental patients, and is equipped at its outlet side with an exit conduit connection 2 to the sewer line for disposal of the system's waste materials. Said pump assembly 1 is further equipped at its inlet side with a primary vacuum intake conduit 3, which may divide into secondary vacuum intake conduits 4 to connect to individual dental chair locations 8. The primary intake conduit 3 is commonly concealed within the floor space of a dental office and is therefore inaccessible. The secondary intake conduit 4 terminates at a vacuum manifold 6 which allows connection of the various dental oral suction tools 7. The vacuum manifold 6 is equipped with a catch-all removable grate trap to separate larger dental particles for manual recovery. Within the secondary vacuum intake conduit 4, just downstream from vacuum manifold 6, is the preferred location for the device of the present invention, a high density amalgam filter contained in its transparent, sealed and disposable filter capsule 5. Said sealed capsule S located at this particular location, together with the catch-all grate trap and vacuum manifold 6, provides the environmental filtering means to prevent any amalgam particles from entering the primary vacuum conduits 3 and the impeller pump assembly 1 , eliminating damage from toxic deposits within the system and the discarding of toxic waste materials into sewage drain 2.
In Figure Z of the drawings there are shown, in cut-away front elevation, the details of a sealed filter capsule 10 as indicated at location 5 in Fig. 1, comprising a transparent, substantially cylindrical container 13, having a single inlet port 11 which extends to the interior of the container, and a single outlet port 1 t which is connected to a vacuum source 17 by way of conduit 4. 'fhe inlet port is separated from the outlet port in the interior of the sealed capsule through tilter arrangement 14. Said filter arrangement is constructed from natural or artificial fibers at a density to facilitate separation of amalgam waste particles at a rate of 95°~0, up to a maximum of 10 microns. The filter arrangement 14 is further designc;d to incorporate a surface area sufficient to allow waste filtering without substantially interfering with the volume and vacuum velocity of the evacuation system until the filter surface area is blocked by waste sediments to an extent that the capsule needs to be replaced. Said filter arrangement 14 is located such as to separate particles in the interior of the transparent body 13 of sealed capsule 10, allowing a view of the collected waste 1S in order to constantly evaluate the level of operating function of the filter assembly. When the sealed filter capsule is removed from the system for replacement, the capsule inlet port 11 may be sealed with the attached rubber seal encl cap 18, which prevents escape of any waste material 15 from the interior body 13 of said filter capsule assembly 10.
In Figure 3 of the drawings is further shown a view of another amalgam filter capsule assembly 10. This time; the capsule assembly accommodates an alternate filter configuration 19 especially designed to withstand collapse of its fibrous filtering material through amalgam waste material being drawn against its surface area by the system's vacuum action.
Claims (9)
1. A method for increasing the environmentally safe and effective separation, collection and removal of amalgam particles and other toxic solid waste materials extracted from oral cavities of dental patients undergoing dental procedures by way of a vacuum powered dental evacuation apparatus, comprising:
a) providing an impeller pump system which generates continuous and sufficient vacuum power to operate a series of typical dental aspirators or evacuation tools;
b) providing a replaceable high density filter in a sealed capsule of transparent exterior construction in accordance with the present invention, including a capsule holder to be installed at a vacuum system conduit location near each dental chair;
c) providing a location for the installation of said transparent filter capsule in its holder to allow constant observation of its content immediately downstream from an intake manifold container which provides the means for central connection with the vacuum intake of the impeller pump system for said aspirators or evacuation tools at each dental chair location;
d) providing an open screen trap within said intake manifold container near each dental chair, to separate large particles, like dental crowns, cotton swabs and the like, from the general amalgam waste matter, which large particles may sometimes be accidentally removed from an oral cavity and must be prevented from being transported by the vacuum stream into the sealed amalgam filter capsule located immediately downstream;
a) providing an impeller pump system which generates continuous and sufficient vacuum power to operate a series of typical dental aspirators or evacuation tools;
b) providing a replaceable high density filter in a sealed capsule of transparent exterior construction in accordance with the present invention, including a capsule holder to be installed at a vacuum system conduit location near each dental chair;
c) providing a location for the installation of said transparent filter capsule in its holder to allow constant observation of its content immediately downstream from an intake manifold container which provides the means for central connection with the vacuum intake of the impeller pump system for said aspirators or evacuation tools at each dental chair location;
d) providing an open screen trap within said intake manifold container near each dental chair, to separate large particles, like dental crowns, cotton swabs and the like, from the general amalgam waste matter, which large particles may sometimes be accidentally removed from an oral cavity and must be prevented from being transported by the vacuum stream into the sealed amalgam filter capsule located immediately downstream;
2. A method of Claim 1, comprising the transportation of amalgam particles into the interior of the sealed filter capsule through the inlet port, with said amalgam particles accumulated in the interior portion of the capsule defined by its transparent outer wall and its filter assembly, so as to have the collected waste material constantly visible for inspection;
3. A method of Claim 1, comprising the first step of inspecting the level of content of each sealed transparent filter capsule at suitable intervals to determine the need for capsule replacement.
4. A method of Claim 1, further comprising the second step of removing a spent filter capsule from the system and replacing it with a new capsule.
5. A method of Claim 1, further comprising the third step of closing the spent capsule's inlet port and placing said spent filter capsule into a safe storage container provided for such purpose.
6. A method of Claim 1, further comprising the fourth step of having said storage container, when completely filled with spent filter capsules, removed and transferred for recycling to a designated recycling facility.
7. A device for increasing the environmentally safe and effective separation, collection and removal of amalgam particles and other toxic solid waste materials extracted from oral cavities of dental patients undergoing dental procedures by way of a vacuum powered dental evacuation apparatus, comprising:
a) a sealed disposable filter capsule from transparent material, having an inlet port and an outlet port in communication with the interior area, with said inlet port being separated from said outlet port by way of a filter assembly from artificial or natural fibers or matted material in the interior of the capsule;
b) a transparent filter capsule having an interior filter assembly with a filter surface area of 100 times the area defined by an area equal to the "inlet port inside diameter-x-3.14", at a filtering density to a maximum of 10 microns, or at least of a combination of filter density to filter surface area and vacuum flow velocity to be able to filter an average of 95% of amalgam waste particles from the vacuum fluid stream without interfering with the general vacuum action of the system until the surface area of the filter assembly is substantially obstructed.
c) a transparent filter capsule having its inlet port equipped with a replaceable inlet port closure cap to facilitate sealing of said inlet port when the capsule is removed from the vacuum system for replacement.
a) a sealed disposable filter capsule from transparent material, having an inlet port and an outlet port in communication with the interior area, with said inlet port being separated from said outlet port by way of a filter assembly from artificial or natural fibers or matted material in the interior of the capsule;
b) a transparent filter capsule having an interior filter assembly with a filter surface area of 100 times the area defined by an area equal to the "inlet port inside diameter-x-3.14", at a filtering density to a maximum of 10 microns, or at least of a combination of filter density to filter surface area and vacuum flow velocity to be able to filter an average of 95% of amalgam waste particles from the vacuum fluid stream without interfering with the general vacuum action of the system until the surface area of the filter assembly is substantially obstructed.
c) a transparent filter capsule having its inlet port equipped with a replaceable inlet port closure cap to facilitate sealing of said inlet port when the capsule is removed from the vacuum system for replacement.
8) A device of Claim 7, wherein the filter capsule is installed in a special capsule holder in a location to allow constant inspection of the content of said filter capsule through its transparent exterior wall in order to evaluate filtering performance.
9) A device of Claim 7, wherein the inlet port and outlet port of the capsule, as well as the corresponding vacuum conduit lines, are equipped with quick disconnect couplings in order to allow speedy exchange and replacement of capsules within said vacuum sustem.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002382431A CA2382431A1 (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2002-04-30 | Environmental method and device to safely separate and remove waste amalgams from the fluid stream of a dental evacuation apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002382431A CA2382431A1 (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2002-04-30 | Environmental method and device to safely separate and remove waste amalgams from the fluid stream of a dental evacuation apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2382431A1 true CA2382431A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
Family
ID=29410026
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002382431A Abandoned CA2382431A1 (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2002-04-30 | Environmental method and device to safely separate and remove waste amalgams from the fluid stream of a dental evacuation apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2382431A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6790038B2 (en) * | 2001-06-25 | 2004-09-14 | Air Techniques, Inc. | Dental vacuum system assembly and process incorporating an amalgam separation chamber |
| US7306460B2 (en) * | 2001-06-25 | 2007-12-11 | Henry Hubner | Dental vacuum system assembly and process incorporating an amalgam separation chamber |
| CN102989232A (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2013-03-27 | 江苏岱洛医疗科技有限公司 | Heavy metal separating device |
-
2002
- 2002-04-30 CA CA002382431A patent/CA2382431A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6790038B2 (en) * | 2001-06-25 | 2004-09-14 | Air Techniques, Inc. | Dental vacuum system assembly and process incorporating an amalgam separation chamber |
| US7306460B2 (en) * | 2001-06-25 | 2007-12-11 | Henry Hubner | Dental vacuum system assembly and process incorporating an amalgam separation chamber |
| CN102989232A (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2013-03-27 | 江苏岱洛医疗科技有限公司 | Heavy metal separating device |
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