Thomas Lee Barker

US Patent:

8303304, Nov 6, 2012

Filed:

Aug 9, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/836229

Inventors:

Kevin Brennan - Villa Park IL, US
Timothy M. Beck - York Haven PA, US
Eugene J. Novak - Deerfield IL, US
Thomas E. Barker - Cherry Valley IL, US
William Raymond - Palatine IL, US
Karl H. Bethke - Palatine IL, US

Assignee:

Dentsply International, Inc. - York PA

International Classification:

A61C 1/02

US Classification:

433 98

Abstract:

A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.

US Patent:

20020168610, Nov 14, 2002

Filed:

May 3, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/137999

Inventors:

Tom Papanek - Lake Forest IL, US
Eugene Novak - Deerfield IL, US
Thomas Barker - Rockford IL, US

Assignee:

DENTSPLY Research & Development Corp.

International Classification:

A61C003/00

US Classification:

433/114000

Abstract:

A dental handpiece () of the type having a body (), a head () and a neck (), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece () formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head () and neck () of the handpiece () are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.

US Patent:

20070087303, Apr 19, 2007

Filed:

Apr 11, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/401770

Inventors:

Tom Papanek - Lake Forest IL, US
Eugene Novak - Deerfield IL, US
Thomas Barker - Rockford IL, US

International Classification:

A61C 1/10

US Classification:

433114000

Abstract:

A dental handpiece () of the type having a body (), a head () and a neck (), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece () formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head () and neck () of the handpiece () are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.

US Patent:

20120156642, Jun 21, 2012

Filed:

Jan 17, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/351840

Inventors:

TOM PAPANEK - LAKE FOREST IL, US
EUGENE J. NOVAK - DEERFIELD IL, US
THOMAS EDWARD BARKER - ROCKFORD IL, US

International Classification:

A61C 3/00
B22F 3/02

US Classification:

433141, 419 66

Abstract:

A dental handpiece () of the type having a body (), a head () and a neck (), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece () formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head () and neck () of the handpiece () are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.

US Patent:

20130059267, Mar 7, 2013

Filed:

Feb 19, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/708612

Inventors:

Tom Papanek - Lake Forest IL, US
Eugene J. Novak - Deerfield IL, US
Thomas Edward Barker - Rockford IL, US

International Classification:

A61C 3/00
B22F 7/02

US Classification:

433141, 419 5

Abstract:

A dental handpiece () of the type having a body (), a head () and a neck (), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece () formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head () and neck () of the handpiece () are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.