Abstract: A high intensity LED based lighting array for use in an obstruction light with efficient uniform light output is disclosed. The high intensity LED based lighting array has a ring assembly having a plurality of reflectors and light emitting diodes. The ring assembly has a planar surface mounting each of the plurality of primary reflectors in perpendicular relation to a respective one of the plurality of light emitting diodes. A secondary diffuser is positioned on the ring to mix light from the light emitting diodes to create a uniform light emission in a range of azimuth angles.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling a light source to a fiber optic, comprising an adapter having a cavity for receiving the fiber optic, said adapter including pins extending in a direction perpendicular to the fiber optic's axis; a coupler body having an aperture for receiving the adapter, said aperture including a pair of through slots for receiving the pins, said body including interior pin sockets radially offset from the slots; a plate mounted within the coupler body; and biasing means urging said plate towards the aperture in the coupling body wherein when the adapter is inserted into the aperture of the coupler body, the adapter initially urges the plate in a direction away from the aperture, whereupon the adapter is rotated until the pins become aligned with and captured within the pin sockets allowing the plate to be urged in a direction back towards the aperture locking the coupler in place.

Abstract: A dental handpiece having a distal end including an attachment for assembly of a removable workpiece and a handpiece body intermediate a proximal end and the distal end. The handpiece extends in a substantially axial direction. A coupler is included having a cylinder portion and a supply-end portion, the cylinder portion being assembled into the handpiece extending in the axial direction toward the distal end. The cylinder portion includes at least one seal that interfaces with an interior of the body so as to isolate a portion of the body interior into at least one distinct chamber. The supply-end portion of the coupler extends from the proximal end of the handpiece body at an angle from the axis. The supply-end portion also includes a plurality of outlets, the at least one distinct chamber in fluid communication with one of the outlets of the plurality of outlets.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) of the type having a body (11), a head (13) and a neck (12), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece (10) formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head (13) and neck (12) of the handpiece (10) are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) of the type having a body (11), a head (13) and a neck (12), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece (10) formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head (13) and neck (12) of the handpiece (10) are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.

Abstract: A high intensity LED based lighting array for use in an obstruction light with efficient uniform light output is disclosed. The high intensity LED based lighting array has a first concentric ring having a plurality of reflectors and light emitting diodes. The concentric ring has a planar surface mounting each of the plurality of reflectors in perpendicular relation to a respective one of the plurality of light emitting diodes. At least some of the first plurality of reflectors are adjustable relative to the position of the respective light emitting diode to produce a precise beam pattern from the light emitting diode.

Abstract: A high intensity LED based lighting array for use in an obstruction light with efficient uniform light output is disclosed. The high intensity LED based lighting array has a ring assembly having a plurality of reflectors and light emitting diodes. The ring assembly has a planar surface mounting each of the plurality of primary reflectors in perpendicular relation to a respective one of the plurality of light emitting diodes. A secondary diffuser is positioned on the ring to mix light from the light emitting diodes to create a uniform light emission in a range of azimuth angles.

Abstract: A dual-string tension dynamometer (1) utilizes two strings (10, 11) wrapped around approximately ninety degrees of a test wheel (12). The lateral forces (E, F) are balanced such that the total lateral force net value is zero. The results reflect purely torsional loading.

Abstract: A dual-string tension dynamometer (1) utilizes two strings (10, 11) wrapped around approximately ninety degrees of a test wheel (12). The lateral forces (E, F) are balanced such that the total lateral force net value is zero. The results reflect purely torsional loading.

Abstract: A high intensity LED based lighting array for use in an obstruction light with efficient uniform light output is disclosed. The high intensity LED based lighting array has a first concentric ring having a plurality of reflectors and light emitting diodes. The concentric ring has a planar surface mounting each of the plurality of reflectors in perpendicular relation to a respective one of the plurality of light emitting diodes. At least some of the first plurality of reflectors are adjustable relative to the position of the respective light emitting diode to produce a precise beam pattern from the light emitting diode.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling a light source to a fiber optic, comprising an adapter having a cavity for receiving the fiber optic, said adapter including pins extending in a direction perpendicular to the fiber optic's axis; a coupler body having an aperture for receiving the adapter, said aperture including a pair of through slots for receiving the pins, said body including interior pin sockets radially offset from the slots; a plate mounted within the coupler body; and biasing means urging said plate towards the aperture in the coupling body wherein when the adapter is inserted into the aperture of the coupler body, the adapter initially urges the plate in a direction away from the aperture, whereupon the adapter is rotated until the pins become aligned with and captured within the pin sockets allowing the plate to be urged in a direction back towards the aperture locking the coupler in place.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) has a rotor (15) and a ball bearing assembly (14) supporting the rotor (15). The ball bearing assembly (14) has at least one ball (22). The bearing (14) has an inner (20) and an outer race (21), and the outer race (21) has an increased outer diameter.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) has a supporting rotor assembly (15) and ball bearings (13, 14) supporting the rotor. Each ball bearing (13, 14) has a plurality of balls (22). Each bearing (13, 14) has an inner race (20) and an outer race (21) and at least the outer race (21) has an increased outer diameter.

Abstract: A dental syringe (10) has a needle (11) affixed to a carpule holder (12), which carpule holder (12) is affixed to a power drive unit (13). A harpoon (20) is provided to affix the drive unit to the carpule plunger (32). The harpoon (20) is made of stainless steel or other hard, corrosion resistant, sterilizable, material. Harpoon 20 has a unique barb geometry and hardened, knife-like, edges (21). The syringe (10) may operate to divide the delivery of anesthesia into two phases. According to the method, during the first about 10 seconds of the injection, anesthetic is delivered at an extremely slow rate to maximize patient comfort. The injection rate then automatically increases to the preprogrammed rate associated with the injection type selected.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) of the type having at least one component (11) fabricated from an elastomeric material, is improved by fabricating the component (11) from a perfluoroelastomer.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) has a rotor (15) and a ball bearing assembly (14) supporting the rotor (15). The ball bearing assembly (14) has at least one ball (22). The bearing (14) has an inner (20) and an outer race (21), and the outer race (21) has an increased outer diameter.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) of the type having a body (11), a head (13) and a neck (12), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece (10) formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head (13) and neck (12) of the handpiece (10) are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) has a supporting rotor assembly (15) and ball bearings (13, 14) supporting the rotor. Each ball bearing (13, 14) has a plurality of balls (22). Each bearing (13, 14) has an inner race (20) and an outer race (21) and at least the outer race (21) has an increased outer diameter.

Abstract: A dual-string tension dynamometer (1) utilizes two strings (10, 11) wrapped around approximately ninety degrees of a test wheel (12). The lateral forces (E, F) are balanced such that the total lateral force net value is zero. The results reflect purely torsional loading.