Evacuation dam frame
Inventors
MONTALVO, Abraham • KIM, Jessica • Caruso, Joseph • MYHRE, Seth • SAVIGNANO, Roberto
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11571285-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-07
Expiration Date
2040-09-09
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Abstract
An evacuation dam apparatus including a frame having a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and two side frame members. A working area formed by the frame, a plurality of ports adjacent the working area, an outlet fluidly coupled with the plurality of ports. A fluid flow from at least a portion of the plurality of ports to the outlet forms a fluid flow path across the working area and at least a portion of the fluid flow path is formed within the frame.
Core Innovation
The invention is an evacuation dam apparatus comprising a frame with a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and two side frame members, together forming a working area. This frame is equipped with a plurality of ports adjacent the working area, as well as outlets fluidly coupled with those ports. A fluid flow is established from at least some of the ports to the outlet, creating a fluid flow path across the working area, with at least part of that flow path formed within the frame.
The evacuation dam can feature both positive flow outlet ports and negative flow inlet ports. The apparatus also includes an inlet configured for positive pressure flow and an outlet for negative pressure flow, fluidly coupled to the corresponding ports. The fluid flow path typically extends from the positive flow outlet ports to the negative flow inlet ports and may be directional or substantially aligned. The invention optionally includes structures such as convex collection areas around negative flow ports, posts with barbs for retaining a rubber dam, sliding frame members for adjustment, and components for coupling to eye protection or saliva suction holders.
This invention addresses the problem encountered during dental procedures where aerosolized particles or droplets—such as water droplets, saliva, dental compounds, and germs—become dispersed in the immediate atmosphere, posing a risk of contamination and exposure to both patients and dental professionals. By providing a controlled and adjustable fluid flow path across the working area, the evacuation dam seeks to reduce or eliminate such particulates during medical or dental procedures.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in this patent, each introducing a distinct inventive feature relating to frame structure and controlled fluid flow via isolated frame portions.
Frame with adjacent ports and fluidically isolated flow paths for evacuation
The evacuation dam apparatus features a frame comprising top, bottom, and two side frame members, which together define a working area. A plurality of ports is positioned adjacent to the working area. The device incorporates an inlet fluidly coupled through a first portion of the frame with at least one port, and an outlet fluidly coupled through a second, fluidically isolated portion of the frame with at least another port. The construction allows a fluid flow to be established from at least one port across the working area to another port, forming a fluid flow path from the inlet to the outlet.
Evacuation dam system with positive and negative flow ports and frame-isolated flows
The system includes an evacuation dam frame (top, bottom, two side frame members) defining a working area, a positive flow inlet port configured for a positive pressure airflow, a positive flow outlet port adjacent the working area and fluidly coupled via a first portion of the frame, a negative flow inlet port adjacent the working area, and a negative flow outlet port for negative pressure airflow fluidly coupled via a second, fluidically isolated frame portion. The system creates a controlled fluid flow from the positive flow outlet port to the negative flow inlet port across the working area, with each pressure flow path (positive and negative) separated within isolated frame portions.
The independent claims cover an apparatus and system in which fluidically-isolated portions of a multi-member frame route positive and negative flows between ports and outlets, enabling a directed evacuation flow path across the working area for medical or dental applications.
Stated Advantages
Reduces or eliminates particulate distribution during dental or medical procedures.
Improves working area cleanliness for medical professionals.
Maintains a sanitary environment and reduces the risk of contamination.
Improves patient experience by limiting exposure to airborne particles.
Documented Applications
Dental procedures to reduce aerosolized particles and contamination.
Medical procedures or settings requiring a controlled field with laminar flow and evacuation.
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