Claims
- 1. An assembly for collection and removal of solids, amalgam and particulate matter from a dental operatory air stream created by a vacuum means comprising:
a first separation chamber positioned between a vacuum means and a dental operatory, said first separation means having an inlet means for the introduction of air, effluent, solids, amalgam and particulate matter from said dental operatory, a first outlet means in communication with said vacuum source for the exhaust of air; a second outlet means in communication with a second chamber for the exhaust of effluent, solids, amalgam and particulate matter to said second chamber for the separation of effluent from solids, amalgam and particulate matter and collection of solids, amalgam and particulate matter by sedimentation means in the said second chamber, said fluid discharged to a sewer, said second chamber removably replaceable allowing for the recycling and recovery of solids, amalgam and particulate matter collected therein.
- 2. The assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first separation chamber is fitted with a vacuum sensor and timer relay for sensing the absence of a vacuum and transferring said effluent, solids, amalgam and particulate matter from said first separation chamber to said second chamber.
- 3. A method for the collection and removal of effluent, solids, amalgam and particulate matter from a dental operatory air stream created by a vacuum means comprising:
a) establishing conduit communication between a vacuum means and a dental operatory; b) positioning a first separation chamber in said conduit communication between said vacuum means and said dental operatory; c) drawing a vacuum by means of said vacuum means from said dental operatory through said first separation chamber; d) collecting effluent, solids, amalgam and particulate matter in said first separation chamber and permitting said residual air stream to exit to said vacuum means; e) positioning a second separation chamber in communication with said first separation chamber; f) exhausting said fluid, solids, amalgam and particulate matter from said first separation chamber to said second separation chamber; g) collecting said solids, amalgam and particulate matter in said second separation chamber by means of sedimentation; h) exhausting said fluid from said second separation chamber; i) replacing said second separation chamber when full; and j) recycling said replaced second separation chamber for recovery of said solids, amalgam and particulate matter.
- 4. The method in accordance with claim 3 wherein a vacuum sensor and timer relay automatically control step f.
- 5. The method in accordance with claim 3 wherein steps f through j are repeated as required by step i.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Applicant claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/300,105, filed Jun. 25, 2001.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
|
60300105 |
Jun 2001 |
US |