Abstract: A high energy photon production system and method which comprises a reaction vessel, a base heating source capable of generating a temperature of at least 4,000° F. within the reaction vessel; and a source of water for supplying water to the base heating source, within the vessel. As soon as the water is heated to a temperature of at least 4,000° F., at least some of the water becomes disassociated and facilitates production and release of high energy photons within the vessel which can be combined with the base heating source.

Abstract: A high speed air-driven powerhead in a dental handpiece includes an automatic chuck with outside surfaces protection from overheating. An autochuck release push button on the back of the powerhead is constructed of low thermal conductivity and heat reflective materials to reduce heat due to friction from inadvertent contact with the chuck while rotating. In addition, a sudden stop mechanism is provided which arrests chuck rotation if the force of contact exceeds a level which would raise the temperature of the push button beyond a predetermined threshold. A vortex air barrier is also provided to seal the front end bearing of the powerhead. The barrier also permits spacing which prevents static axial overload of the bearing and eliminates possible damage to the bearing.

Abstract: A sealed omnidirectional operable footswitch particularly suited for use in connection with dental and medical position programmable adjustable chairs.

Abstract: A color-correcting optical delivery system for a dental or medical operatory light in which hue is eliminated. Chromatic aberrations are corrected by canceling the diffractions in the system due to the different wavelengths of the various colors in the projected light.

Abstract: A position programmable adjustable chair particularly useful in dental and medical procedures. The chair is hydraulically powered and controlled by microprocessors which enable chair seat and back positions to be memorized and automatically captured upon command by use of a single control button. The control button may be located either on the chair or on a footswitch. A sealed omnidirectionally operable footswitch is provided which is particularly suited for use in combination with the chair.

Abstract: The light transmissibility of a fiber-optic bundle such as contained in a medical/dental instrument is maintained by the application to the polished and ground end surfaces of the bundle of a thin, substantially-transparent, heat-resistant, hydrophobic compound such as a silicone oil or grease.

Abstract: An improved rotor shaft for a vibratory dental scaling instrument. The shaft includes a metal substrate having a surface layer of nickel-boron alloy. The alloy surface layer provides a durable bearing surface for a rotor rotatably mounted on the shaft. The thus fabricated scaling instrument is capable of being heat sterilized without adverse effects on its rotary components.

Abstract: A sterilizable medical/dental syringe having a handle with a nozzle at one end is provided with means for releasably coupling the other end of the handle to a flexible supply hose providing compressible gases and/or noncompressible liquids. When disconnected from the flexible hose supply line, automatic sealing valves prevent the contents of the supply line from escaping. A readily repairable flow control valve for the nozzle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A miniature hand-held spot source of illumination particularly suited for use by health professionals to view and operate upon a patient's anatomy. The spot-source includes a handle with a tool mounted at its proximal end and a source for projecting light into the vicinity of the tool. The spot source is color corrected to enhance viewability under variety of ambient lighting conditions.

Abstract: A handpiece particularly suited for medical/dental applications in which a rotary tool is used upon and in proximity with anatomical structures. The handpiece has an anti-friction bearing assembly which mounts the rotary tool. At least the rolling elements of the bearing assembly are formed of ceramic material. The instrument may be sterilized repeatedly without requiring lubrication either in use or between sterilization cycles.

Abstract: A sterilizable medical/dental syringe having a handle with a nozzle at one end is provided with means for releasably coupling the other end of the handle to a flexible supply hoses providing compressible gases and/or noncompressible liquids. When disconnected from the flexible hose supply line, automatic sealing valves prevent the contents of the supply line form escaping. A readily repairable flow control valve for the nozzle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for generating a condensed beam of light having a limited degree of scatter, or deviation, comprising light collimating means for providing a source of collimating light and light condensing means operatively connected to the collimating means, such as a truncated cone with a reflective inner surface, the condensing means providing a light beam output having a light divergence limited to about 30.degree. or less. The low divergence beam generating apparatus might be incorporated into larger dental apparatus which can be operator manipulated to provide different modes of light output, which modes include the condensed beam with and without a bandpass of visible wavelengths.

Abstract: A multi-function dental operating light source comprises a plurality of optical filters and reflectors mounted upon a turntable at spaced locations around the periphery thereof, the turntable being rotatable to different predetermined positions relative to a collimated light source to produce selectable different modes of light delivery. The optical filters are adapted respectively to produce light beams for shade-matching, no-cure to prevent polymerization of light-curable resins when exposed to said light for observation purposes, a photocuring light beam, and beams for oral illumination and transillumination. The photocuring light is preferably developed by condensing the collimated light through a light-condensing cone or through an optical condensing system, the condensed light being delivered either directly from the condenser output or through a light pipe arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing light curing of prostheses and other medical object materials, the object being prefabricated of a material which is hardened, or polymerized when exposed to visible light. An array of light sources is provided relative to a rotatable platform on which the object is placed, each light source providing a substantially collimated light beam and directed to optimally intercept the rotating object. There are preferably four such light sources, each having a visible light bandpass characteristic and directed at an angle within 25.degree.-45.degree. of the platform surface, the light beams being directed at the platform surface in overlapping fashion so as to provide continuous incident light on the object during each cycle of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing light curing of dentures and like materials, the denture being prefabricated of a material which is hardened, or polymerized when exposed to visible light. An array of light sources is provided relative to a rotatable platform on which the denture is placed, each light source providing a substantially collimated light beam and directed to optimally intercept the rotating denture. There are preferably four such light sources, each having a visible light bandpass characteristic and directed at an angle within 25.degree.-45.degree. of the platform surface, the light beams being directed at the platform surface in overlapping fashion so as to provide continuous incident light on the denture during each cycle of rotation.

Abstract: A multi-function dental operating light source comprises a series of optical filters and flat reflectors mounted upon a turntable at spaced locations around the periphery, the turntable being rotatable about a fixed axis relative to a stationary tungsten halogen lamp having a parabolic reflector and including stationary spherical mirrors mounted to reflect light forward.

Abstract: An endodontic unit comprising an elongated ultrasonic oscillating body having a tubular conduit extending beyond one end and provided with a weighted head on the outer end and in which a socket is formed and disposed at an obtuse angle to the axis of the body by means of providing a bend in the conduit intermediately of the ends thereof subtending an obtuse angle of greater magnitude than the obtuse angle of the socket, the weight of the head being adequate to damp the vibrations imposed upon an endodontic file, when mounted in the socket, to a degree sufficient to minimize the breakage of files and also induce in the files desired vibratory and oscillating movement to effect efficient operation in endodontic performance.

Abstract: Methods for accurately joining objects, especially optical objects, are disclosed comprising contacting the objects with light curable composition, causing light to transit at least one of the objects, evaluating the light, positioning the objects in response to the evaluation and irradiating the composition to harden it, thus to fixedly maintain a preselected spatial orientation among the objects.