Abstract: A boot-strap capacitor pre-charge algorithm prevents unwanted motions in an examination table using a brushless direct current motor. The motor is supplied with power by a motor drive circuit which includes a high-side transistor coupled to a high-side gate driver, a low-side transistor coupled to a low-side gate driver, and a boot-strap capacitor coupled with the high-side gate driver. A control panel is provided that communicates with a motor controller. When the motor controller receives an indication that the motor is to be started, the motor controller activates a low-side gate driver to switch on the low-side transistor, thereby causing the boot-strap capacitor to charge. The motor controller then deactivates the low-side gate driver to switch off the low-side transistor and activates the high-side gate driver to switch on the high-side transistor, causing a voltage to be supplied to a stator of the first motor and/or second motor.

Abstract: A braking action of movement of a support surface on an examination may be accomplished with a motor. The examination table includes a base, a support surface moveable with respect to the base, and a motor having a rotor and a stator. The motor is coupled to the support surface and configured to move the support surface. A motor controller of the examination table is in electrical communication with the motor. The motor controller is configured to brake the movement of the support surface by terminating power to a plurality of windings of the stator of the motor for a predetermined amount of time, and, selectively activating a subset of windings of the plurality of windings of the stator for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: An examination table includes a support surface movable with respect to a base. The support surface includes a seat portion and a backrest portion. A first motor drives the support surface with respect to the base, and a second motor drives the backrest portion pivotally with respect to the seat portion. A control system includes a control panel and first and second Hall-effect sensors for detecting rotations of the respective first and second motors to determine the current positions of the support surface and the backrest portion. The control system executes a movement algorithm for moving the support surface and the backrest portion to a desired position from the current position. The control system also executes a calibration algorithm for calibrating position tracking of the support surface and the backrest portion.

Abstract: A modular beam-limiting device for use with an x-ray machine includes a base portion and an attachment portion. The base portion includes at least one magnet. The attachment portion includes at least one magnet. The base portion is adapted to be received on an x-ray tubehead housing. The attachment portion is selectively removably couplable to said base portion. The modular beam-limiting device may further include a magnetic field modulator, which is operable to shape a magnetic field; an insert for configuring a size, a shape, or an orientation of an aperture of the beam-limiting device; or an adapter for increasing an axial length of the beam-limiting device.

Abstract: An examination table includes a base portion and a table portion with a support surface having a backrest member. The backrest member includes an upper structural frame panel defining a first outer periphery, and a lower structural frame panel defining a second outer periphery. A plurality of fastener-less clinch joints is formed along the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery, thereby permanently coupling the upper structural frame panel and the lower structural frame panel. The backrest member may also include an upholstery layer substantially covering the upper structural frame panel, the first outer periphery, and the second outer periphery.

Abstract: A dental chair for supporting a patient during examination and the performance of procedures on the patient includes a patient support having a seat and a back, a base adapted to engage a floor surface, and a lift arm. The lift arm has a first end pivotally coupled to support structure at a first, terminal end of the base for rotation about a pivot axis defined by the support structure. A second end of the lift arm is coupled to the patient support.

Abstract: A sterilizer (20) is provided having a steam filled sterilizer chamber (24) for sterilizer articles placed within the chamber (24). An electronic air valve (186) is provided to control the venting rate of the steam is vented back to a water reservoir (140) after the articles have been sterilized. The electronic air valve (186) also vents the chamber (24) in a controlled manner during the heat up portion of the sterilization cycle to obtain an optimum saturated steam environment with the chamber (24) for the sterilizing process. The sterilizer (20) has pre-programmed and programmable sterilization cycles. And the drying times of each of these cycles is programmable by a user. The programmable sterilization cycles also provide a programmable vent rate which may be selected by the user to minimize damage to the sterilized articles. A steam condensing coil (200) is associated with the water reservoir (140) to minimize pressure build up within the water reservoir (140).

Abstract: A veterinary procedure table includes an animal support member upon which an animal may be placed during the performance of a veterinary procedure. A basin associated with the animal support member is adapted to receive fluid material that may be generated during the performance of the veterinary procedure. The veterinary procedure table further includes a grille associated with the animal support member. The grille includes a frame and a plurality of elongate rods rotatably coupled to the frame. In one embodiment, at least one rod is fixed against rotation.

Abstract: Dental devices with cylinders, trunnions, and limit switches, and a method are provided. The dental devices include a cylinder and a trunnion having a cavity and an outer surface. A portion of the cylinder is slidably mounted within the cavity of the trunnion, and a portion of the cylinder protrudes out of the trunnion. The limit switch is coupled to the outer surface of the trunnion, with the limit switch is operable to contact the cylinder. Separation of the limit switch and the cylinder causes actuation of the limit switch, and the actuation of the limit switch inhibits a downward movement of the device. Alternatively, the limit switch may be coupled to the portion of the cylinder that protrudes out of the trunnion, with the limit switch operable to contact the trunnion. As such, separation of the limit switch and the trunnion causes actuation of the limit switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a veterinary medical lift device to treat animals. Specifically, this invention relates to a mobile veterinary preparation table with a sloping flange or an angled ramp that is height-adjustable and that allows a large degree of ease in relocating an animal to the top of the table. In another embodiment it may also relate to a fixed exam table which lowers close to the floor and which would have its height adjustable table situated such that it would be perpendicular to the wall.

Abstract: The headrest and side rails of a patient procedures chair are mounted on posts which are slidably received in elongated, self-aligning or floating plastic bearings. With this construction, any misalignment of the posts due to manufacturing tolerances will be accounted for as the bearings readjust themselves. Clamping devices engage the bearings and cause deformation to increase the frictional engagement of the bearings with the posts to the point where the posts are locked into place. In this regard, actuation of the clamps is accomplished by large knobs that protrude from the back of the chair for ready accessibility.

Abstract: An occlusion valve with safety relief comprising a manifold block having an inlet and an outlet. A diaphragm connected to the manifold block and for being manually pressed to stop flow between the inlet and the outlet. A pressure relief valve internal to the manifold block and in fluid communication with downstream and upstream pressures and wherein when the diaphragm is pressed and downstream pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure the pressure relief valve opens allowing flow through the occlusion valve with safety relief.

Abstract: A dental chair for supporting a patient during examination and the performance of procedures on the patient includes a patient support having a seat and a back, a base adapted to engage a floor surface, and a lift arm. The lift arm has a first end pivotally coupled to support structure at a first, terminal end of the base for rotation about a pivot axis defined by the support structure. A second end of the lift arm is coupled to the patient support.

Abstract: A patient chair for use in a dental operatory or the like generally comprises a base, a chair frame supported by the base, and a seatback support coupled to the chair frame. The seatback support is slidably movable relative to the chair frame. To provide a desired connection or fit between components, a locking assembly is configured to apply a clamping force between the seatback support and the chair frame.

Abstract: A device such as a dental cuspidor or a dental delivery unit, with an electric field sensor, control circuitry, and a solenoid. The control circuitry is in electronic communication with the electric field sensor, and the solenoid is in electronic communication with the control circuitry. The electric field sensor has capacitive sensing and is operable to detect a change in capacitance. The control circuitry is operable to receive a signal from the electric field sensor indicative of a detected change in capacitance. The control circuitry is operable to actuate the solenoid in response to receiving the signal from the electric field sensor. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Dental devices with cylinders, trunnions, and limit switches, and a method are provided. The dental devices include a cylinder and a trunnion having a cavity and an outer surface. A portion of the cylinder is slidably mounted within the cavity of the trunnion, and a portion of the cylinder protrudes out of the trunnion. The limit switch is coupled to the outer surface of the trunnion, with the limit switch is operable to contact the cylinder. Separation of the limit switch and the cylinder causes actuation of the limit switch, and the actuation of the limit switch inhibits a downward movement of the device. Alternatively, the limit switch may be coupled to the portion of the cylinder that protrudes out of the trunnion, with the limit switch operable to contact the trunnion. As such, separation of the limit switch and the trunnion causes actuation of the limit switch.

Abstract: An articulating joint for supporting a medical or dental light having a first mounting post rotatably couples the light to a support structure having a second mounting post. The articulating joint includes a joint body having first and second terminal ends. A first bearing and a first brake are located proximate the first end for receiving and frictionally engaging the first mounting post. The joint body may further include a second bearing and a second brake proximate the second end for receiving and frictionally engaging the second mounting post. The articulating joint further includes a cover that is removably coupled to the joint body over at least the first bearing and the first brake.