Abstract: A positioning apparatus and method for using the positioning apparatus to position a dental arch model in a dental articulator, simulating the position of dental arch in a skull. The positioning apparatus includes a first member, a second member that slides with respect to the first member, and a third member that slides with respect to the second member. A locating member on the second member and one or more adjustment members on the third member impart an orientation to a mounting surface representative of a plane in which a dental arch lies. A maxillary tray having radio-opaque members may be mounted to the mounting surface. X-ray data obtained while the maxillary tray is engaged with a patient's teeth is used to determine the position and orientation of a dental arch model while said model is engaged with the maxillary tray on the mounting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a model of a dental arch of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a generally U-shaped base portion and at least three spaced-apart radio-opaque members secured to the base. An extension may project from the base portion and may include a fourth radio-opaque member secured to the extension. The apparatus also includes means for securing the apparatus to a mounting surface. Also provided is a positioning apparatus and method for enabling use of the model-receiving apparatus to position the dental arch model within a dental articulator to simulate the position of the dental arch in a skull. The positioning apparatus includes a first member, a second slidable with respect to the first member and a third member slidable with respect to the second member.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing an instrument having an exterior surface at substantially room temperature includes a chamber having an interior compartment for receiving and housing the instrument. The interior compartment is maintained at a predetermined compartment temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber is releasably engagable with a portion of the instrument to support the instrument within the interior compartment. A fluid injection mechanism is in fluid communication with the chamber for supplying fluid to the chamber and for maintaining the fluid at a predetermined fluid temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber includes at least one fluid outlet for directing a flow of fluid onto the exterior surface of the instrument. The chamber further includes at least another fluid outlet to direct the flow of fluid onto the portion of the instrument engaged by the chamber.

Abstract: A hot air sterilizer for medical instruments providing rapid sterilization cycle times includes a housing defining a sterilizing chamber. A fan is located in a heated air passage within the housing which extends around the sterilizing chamber from a bottom wall of the chamber to a top wall. The fan circulates air in a closed loop from the top to the bottom of the sterilizing chamber and through the passage. A heater is also located in the passage for heating the circulating air to a temperature sufficiently high for sterilization. Inlet and outlet cooling air passages, separate from the heated air passage, are provided extending through portions of the housing to the chamber. A separate fan, preferably in the inlet passage, circulates air through a portion of the housing along the inlet air passage and through the sterilizing chamber while bypassing the heated air passage and the heater and hot air circulating fan in that passage.