Abstract

A separator for incorporation into dental suction apparatus for separating from the suction stream liquid and solid materials coming from the mouth of a patient comprises a housing, a separation chamber in the housing, an inlet for the suction stream into the separation chamber and an outlet for cleaned suction air from the separation chamber. Below the separation chamber there is a smaller collecting chamber below which is a drainage chamber provided with a liquid-solid discharge opening. In the separation chamber there is a cyclone device into which the suction stream enters tangentially so as to provide a swirling movement. The suction air then passes up through a central opening defined by the cyclone means. Also in the separation chamber there is a rotating element in the form of a rotatable float having a stem extending up from the float and provided with vanes associated with the cyclone device so as to rotate the float. The float also controls valve means so as to drain collected liquid and any solid therein from the separation chamber into the collection chamber when a certain liquid level in the separation chamber has been reached. When the valve is opened to drain the separation chamber, an outlet valve for the collection chamber is closed so as to preserve suction. During operation of the separator, except when draining the separation chamber, the collection chamber is vented to the atmosphere. The outlet for clean air from the separation chamber is provided with a shut-off valve which closes the suction line in the event liquid in the separation chamber reaches an excessive level.