Abstract: An applicator has a ratchet mechanism for dispensing material from a single or multiple barrel container. The ratchet mechanism includes a clutch that substantially prevents movement of a plunger of the applicator whenever a resistance to plunger movement is greater than a certain value. As a consequence, bursting of the container, or damage to components of the applicator, is substantially avoided. A resilient, integral pawl hinders unintentional rearward movement of the plunger and provides for a compact construction especially suitable for use in dispensing dental material.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dental material made of two components has a dual chamber cartridge that releasably connects to an applicator. The chambers of the cartridge are located in an over-under orientation relative to the user's grip on the applicator, enabling the system to be especially useful for placing dental material in regions of the patient's oral cavity that are difficult to access. Certain embodiments of the invention include a static mixing assembly having a swivelable cannula, and an exit conduit of the mixing assembly is optionally curved along its length. Other aspects of the invention relate to a reusable hygienic sheath useful for covering a dual chamber cartridge as well as a single chamber cartridge.

Abstract: An article support adapted for adhering to a substrate is described. The article support preferably includes a base member, a stretch release adhesive tape adhered to that base member, and some mechanism for gripping the stretch release adhesive tape. These items are arranged so that when the base member is adhered to the substrate by the stretch release adhesive tape, the base member can be removed by pulling on the gripping means at an acute angle from the surface of the substrate. Gripping means which resist disassociation from the stretch release adhesive tape during the removal of the base from the substrate are disclosed, including handle types. The base member can be generic, suitable for attaching various types of support members via, for example, complimentary dovetail slides. In such cases, provision such as a latch can be made to temporarily lock the support member to the base member.