PLAQUE DETECTION USING A STREAM PROBE
First Claim
1. A stream probe apparatus for detecting the presence of a substance on a dental surface, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one proximal pump portion; and
at least one distal probe portion configured to be immersed in a first fluid,the at least one proximal pump portion and the at least one distal probe portion in fluid communication with one another,the distal probe portion defining a distal tip having an open port to enable the passage of a second fluid therethrough,the apparatus configured such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tip enables detection of a substance that may be present on the dental surface based on measurement of a signal correlating to, in proximity to the dental surface, one or more bubbles generated by the second fluid in the first fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes a proximal pump portion and at least one distal probe portion configured to be immersed in a first fluid. The proximal pump portion and the distal probe portion are in fluid communication with one another. The distal probe portion defines a distal tip having an open port to enable the passage of a second fluid therethrough. The apparatus is configured such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tip enables detection of a substance that may be present on the surface based on measurement of a signal correlating to, in proximity to the surface, one or more bubbles generated by the second fluid in the first fluid. A corresponding method of detection includes probing the properties of an interaction zone via outflow of the second fluid medium from the surface.
10 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A stream probe apparatus for detecting the presence of a substance on a dental surface, the apparatus comprising:
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at least one proximal pump portion; and at least one distal probe portion configured to be immersed in a first fluid, the at least one proximal pump portion and the at least one distal probe portion in fluid communication with one another, the distal probe portion defining a distal tip having an open port to enable the passage of a second fluid therethrough, the apparatus configured such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tip enables detection of a substance that may be present on the dental surface based on measurement of a signal correlating to, in proximity to the dental surface, one or more bubbles generated by the second fluid in the first fluid. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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2. (canceled)
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6. (canceled)
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12. (canceled)
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15. (canceled)
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16. (canceled)
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21-25. -25. (canceled)
Specification