Fluid Controller

Abstract

A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A laser system, comprising:
 an electromagnetic energy source configured to deliver a beam of electromagnetic energy to a target region;   a fluid output configured to delivery fluid from a fluid source to the target region;   a plurality of selectable fluid passages coupled between the fluid source and the fluid output, the plurality of selectable fluid passages being selectable to control a flow rate of the fluid;   an air output configured to deliver a flow of air from a compressed air source to the target region; and   an air-flow controller configured to regulate the flow of air from the compressed air source.   
     
     
         2 . The laser system of  claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic energy source is configured to deliver electromagnetic energy having a wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the fluid in the target region, wherein the absorption of the electromagnetic energy by the fluid energizes the fluid causing the fluid to expand and impart disruptive forces to a target. 
     
     
         3 . The laser system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of selectable fluid passages are included in a flow-control cassette. 
     
     
         4 . The laser system of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is a conditioned fluid. 
     
     
         5 . The laser system of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is sterile water. 
     
     
         6 . The laser system of  claim 5 , wherein the fluid source is a container of sterile water. 
     
     
         7 . The laser system of  claim 1 , wherein the air-flow controller comprises a fixed air regulator. 
     
     
         8 . The laser system of  claim 1 , wherein the air-flow controller comprises an air flow control module. 
     
     
         9 . The laser system of  claim 8 , wherein the air-flow control module comprises a proportional valve. 
     
     
         10 . The laser system of  claim 1 , further comprising an air filter coupled between the air-flow controller and the compressed air source.