Abstract: An operatory light fixture having a touchless switch operatively connected to a lamp disclosed. The touchless switch is constructed to detect a user's hand when positioned in a command location relative to the touchless switch and to respond thereto by operating the lamp. In a preferred embodiment, the touchless switch is an active infrared-type switch, comprising means for emitting infrared light toward a command location, means for detecting infrared light reflected from an object such as a hand which is positioned at or near the command location, and relay means responsively connected to the detection means and operatively connected to the lamp. In another preferred embodiment, the touchless switch includes means for discriminating a true signal produced by placement of an object such as a user's hand at the command location, from randomly occurring fluctuations in light intensity in the operatory environment.

Abstract: A handle system for dental operatory lights of the type in which a light head is mounted to be moved in space and oriented in direction to focus and direct light through a lens includes a pair of mounting posts carried at opposite sides of the light, the posts being approximately mirror image duplicates of each other, and a pair of approximately identical interchangeable symmetrical handle members. Each handle member includes a mounting head portion and a grip portion. The mounting head has a transverse channel extending between its opposite sides, having a cross-sectional configuration adapted to register with either of the posts. The opposite sides of the mounting head are configured as a hilt. The grip is held at a canted orientation with respect to the lens. The mounting heads and posts carry intercooperable latching structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a remote non-recirculating steam and condensate collection system for sterilizer effluent. The system includes a cooling tank, apparatus for disposing of collected effluent, and the associated structures which allow for transfer of effluent from the sterilizer into the cooling tank and from the cooling tank to a disposal target. Excess liquid in the cooling tank is disposed of through a simple water displacement technique. An optional waste disposal bottle may periodically be emptied manually.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed professional services chair baseplate that facilitates ease of operation for both the service provider and client. A narrow area is provided at the center section of the baseplate such that the baseplate does not protrude beyond the vertical projection of the edge of the chair. This narrow section is further sized and shaped to easily accommodate standard cleaning and buffing machine wheels. Enlarged areas are positioned fore and aft of the narrow section to provide stability to the chair. A sloped shoulder on each side of the aft enlarged areas may hold a chair controlling foot switch.

Abstract: An adjustable chair, such as a dental patient chair includes a chair back pivotally connected to a frame and mechanically linked to a travelling seat assembly so that as the chair back is pivoted, the distance between the back and seat assembly increases as the back is moved to an upright orientation and deceases as the back is moved to a reclined orientation. Linkage between the back and seat assembly may include a plate connected to rotate on an axis as the back is pivoted, and eccentrically connected to the travelling seat assembly.

Abstract: Articles which it is intended to sterilize are placed into a confined volume and are subjected to neutral species of an electrical discharge while maintaining the volume glowless and substantially field free by interposing a barrier between the articles and the discharge, the barrier being transparent to neutral species and opaque to charged species emanating from the discharge.

Abstract: A condensate separator includes a vertically oriented cylindrical body with an inlet at its bottom and an outlet at its top. The cross-section of the body is at least an order of magnitude larger than the cross-section of the inlet.

Abstract: A sterilizing cassette system is disclosed. A sealed container (cassette) is provided and configured to receive an article to be sterilized (i.e. a load). A sealing member, such as a plunger, is associated with the cassette at an opening formed in the cassette. An actuating member, such as a motor, is mechanically associated with the sealing member to open and close the sealing member at preselected times during the sterilizing cycle. A control device, such as a microprocessor, is associated with the actuating member to provide signals to the actuator to cause it to actuate the plunger at preselected times in the sterilizing cycle. The actuator is formed integral with the sterilizer so that it can be interchangeably used with multiple load-bearing cassettes. Once the cassette is removed from the sterilizer, it remains in its sealed state until the load is needed, thus mainlining the load in a sterilized condition.

Abstract: A pressure vessel in which the air steam and liquid exhaust systems are combined and wherein all exhaust systems are directed through a water reservoir, using a single control valve and a temperature/pressure sensor in the system.

Abstract: A dental handpiece sterilizer includes a sterilization chamber with an internal manifold system having outlet connectors into which dental handpieces can be plugged. A sterilant vapor introduced to the manifold flows through the dental handpieces coupled to the manifold and into the interior of the chamber so that it contacts the exterior surfaces of the handpieces before exiting the sterilant chamber.

Abstract: A quick disconnect multi-line utility connector including a first body member configured and sized to permit passage, end to end, through the hollow interior of an upstanding tubular mounting post. The first body member is connected to a second body member associated with primary utility support conduits at a junction box.

Abstract: A dental control unit for use by dentists and having a base, a housing on the base to enclose control structure for dental handpieces and connections for conduits interconnecting the control structure and the handpieces and a removable top cover that is fitted over the housing to prevent spattering of contaminating fluids onto the housing and that further includes parallel, spaced apart elongate cavities that are shaped to receive, position and maintain separated the conduits and attached handpieces placed on the top cover.

Abstract: A dental control unit of the kind pivotally mounted on a swinging arm and having a support base for operatory equipment and a housing covering said equipment and base includes a pair of fully interchangeable handles, releasable mounted to the bottom of the base and means on the top of the base to lock the handles to the bottom of the base with the handles being selectively locked in place and released by movement of finger tabs projecting through the base by an operator grasping the handles beneath the base.

Abstract: Hinge and latching structures associated with a door for a pressure vessel provides a tight and competent seal when the door is in sealed relationship with the opening of the vessel. The latching structure includes coupling structures which provide increased clamping engagement of the door in response to any increased pressure differential developed across the door.

Abstract: A dental control unit having conduit-carrying whip arms pivotally mounted on a base so as to leave top and side surfaces of a housing covering the base entirely free of seams or openings where oral cavity spray can enter; and conduits for dental handpieces that enter the whip arms at pivot connections for the arms inside the housing, such that the pivot connections and the portions of the conduits entering the whip arms are protected from oral cavity spray.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled, self-contained steam sterilizer is disclosed. Once the steam exposure phase is complete in the sterilizer, the microprocessor is programmed to operate the vaporizing heater in a low-power duty cycle to utilize the vaporizing heater as a drying heater in a lower power operating mode to effect a drying phase.

Abstract: Handle for manipulating a lamp above an operating table including a grip portion, a connecting portion above the grip portion for connection to such lamp, said handle including radially outwardly projecting support means between the grip portion and the connecting portion, and a mountable-demountable protective disc fitted over the connecting portion and supported by the support means. Also a package of two such handles lying side by side with tie means holding them together and with a disc underlying and a disc overlying the pair of handles and secured in place.

Abstract: The electronic microprocessor controller of a sterilizer includes a circuit board functionally controlled by software. The software includes a fist user operation mode for normal operation of the sterilizer. A diagnostic operation mode is initiated by insertion of a jumper in the circuit board, and provides for repetitive cycle operation without opening the door, quickly advancing to a cycle phase, without completion of intervening phases, printing of variables not available in the user operation mode, and calibration of the circuitry.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of enhancing the safety of a vapor sterilizer using a programmed EEPROM signal to show when sterilant is present in the sterilizer chamber. The EEPROM signal electrically controls a door lock on a sterilizer door to prevent injury to an operator and achieve reduced sterilization costs, particularly when power interruptions occur.