Abstract: An endodontic file measuring device includes a housing with an upper opening for receiving the file within a file channel in the housing. A movable base is disposed in the file channel and a plurality of sensors are disposed along the file channel. When a tip of the endodontic file is positioned on the movable base, the sensors can detect a presence of the file within the channel and measure a length of the file in the channel. A slider protrudes from the front wall of the housing and is connected to the base by a connecting rod. The slider can be manipulated by the user to lower or elevate the file within the base. A display on an outer surface of the housing displays the length of the file present in the file channel.

Abstract: A conduit guide includes a main body having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured for attachment to a dental delivery unit, the main body defining a channel along at least a portion of its length configured to receive a utility conduit. A positioning assembly is disposed within the main body, and includes a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a biasing member, and an adjustment member. The biasing member is coupled to the first attachment member and to the second attachment member, and extends between the first attachment member and the second attachment member. The adjustment member is coupled to the biasing member and configured to axially move the biasing member to adjust a position of the conduit guide. The conduit guide is configured such that at least the adjustment member of the positioning assembly can be selectively accessed and enclosed within the main body.

Abstract: Process water supply unit for supplying a medical treatment unit with process water (BW), containing biocide, comprising: a container receptacle for receiving a pressurised water container; a compressed air inlet for connecting the process water supply unit to a compressed-air source; a compressed-air connection, via which compressed air (DL) originating from the compressed-air inlet can be introduced into the pressurised water container; and a process water connection, via which the process water (BW) which is to be delivered out from the pressurised water container by the compressed air (DL) introduced into the pressurised water container can be dispensed to the medical treatment unit, wherein the process water supply unit has a sterile air filter which is integrated into a compressed-air path between the compressed-air inlet and the compressed-air connection or into a compressed-air path between the external compressed-air source and the compressed-air connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting flowing wastewater in a conduit with a liquid disinfectant from a reservoir of liquid disinfectant. A valve assembly is operatively connected to the liquid disinfectant source for selectively dispensing liquid disinfectant from the source. The valve has a movable valve element normally biased to the closed position. There is an actuator connected to the movable valve element which is responsive to at least one of flow or level of wastewater in the conduit to overcome the biasing force and allow the valve member to move the valve from the normally closed position to an open position.

Abstract: Leak-resistant Kits for releasably retaining a medical suction tube, e.g. a Yankauer Suction Instrument used to collect biological fluids during a medical procedure and method of use is described. The leak-resistant Kit comprises an apparatus that includes a leak proof solid bottom portion, a hollow cavity reservoir, and a top portion with a leak resistant flexible retaining disk. The flexible retaining disk functions to releasably hold, releasably retain or releasably restrict the undesired movement of a Yankauer Suction Instrument after being inserted into the disk. In addition, the flexible retaining disk functions as a splash guard for preventing biological fluids from being ejected from the reservoir. The leak-resistant Kit allows the user the ability to use one hand to manipulate a Yankauer Suction Instrument. Additionally, the apparatus fits onto a movable bracket that can also be used with one hand.

Abstract: Cartridges for maintaining objects at a desired temperature for extended periods of time can be constructed by sealing a thermoconductive cover on a flexible base container filled with a phase change material with a phase change temperature identical to the desired temperature.

Abstract: Dental instrument servicing systems and cushions are disclosed. The dental instrument servicing systems may include a holder and a cushion. The holder may include a passage extending from a first opening to a second opening. The cushion may include first and second portions, with the first portion being configured for selective receipt within the passage and with the second portion extending from the first portion.

Abstract: Provided packaged orthodontic assemblies and methods compressively retain an orthodontic appliance in a container along opposing sides of the appliance adjacent the bonding surfaces of its base. This can be done using a mechanism that limits contact between the appliance and the container while accommodating a substantial range of transverse base dimensions. This engagement mechanism allows an adhesive-coated appliance to be retained in a consistent orientation for convenient dispensing, while limiting potentially adverse interactions between the adhesive and the container. By avoiding loss of the adhesive components during storage, these assemblies and methods can extend shelf life and provide consistent adhesive handling properties.

Abstract: A receptacle for consistently orienting a sterilized surgical instrument for natural grasping by a physician without removing his or her vision from the operational field, wherein the receptacle may also comprise a reservoir and desiccant for maintaining sanitized or sterilized instruments.

Abstract: A dental handpiece and general implement rack is provided, along with a method of tracking implement use in a patient environment. The rack comprises a housing having a plurality of removable trays therein, the trays being adapted to support a dental implement thereon. Each tray includes a visual indicator that matches a marker placed on an implement being stored in that tray. The tray indicators are utilized to determine which implement has been utilized during the course of the day in order to implement sterilization procedures for only those implements that have been used on patients and are now unsterile. The device and associated method prevent sterilization by autoclave for implements that do not require cleaning, thereby extending their useful life and preventing over-cleaning thereof. The housing is preferably a wall-mountable structure having a hinged lid closure and a ventilated design to prevent moisture capture therein.

Abstract: A device 10 held and supported by one hand of a dentist's assistant to supply porcelain and other compounds 14 to a dentist, includes a cover member 16 that is held open by the same hand of the assistant that supports the device 10 to ultimately allow access by a dentist to the compounds 14 disposed upon a tray member 12. The cover member 16 is allowed to return to a closed position by the supporting hand of the assistant after the dentist has removed a selected compound 14 from the tray member 12, thereby preventing light from activating the compounds 14 while allowing the other hand of the assistant to perform other tasks required by the dentist.

Abstract: The invention discloses a tray system and a method for preparing such tray system. The tray system including a tray with a base having holding arrangements for holding implant components, instruments and/or instrument holders, at least a first and a second information sheet which both are adapted to be independently removably arranged on said base of said tray. Each information sheet has its own distribution of holes, which are placed in register with the holding arrangements of the base when the information sheet is arranged on the base, so that an implant component, instrument or instrument holder is arrangable into one of said holing arrangements through a respective one of said holes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining medical instruments is disclosed. The apparatus includes a medical instrument tray having a substantially planar, rigid interior section, wherein the interior section has a plurality of holes formed therein. A flexible grommet sheet is positioned abutting a first side of the medical instrument tray, the flexible grommet sheet having a plurality of openings therein, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of openings are substantially axially aligned with the plurality of holes formed within the interior section. A substantially rigid back plate is removably attached to the medical instrument tray, wherein the flexible grommet sheet is positioned between the first side of the interior section and the back plate, and wherein the back plate has a plurality of holes positioned therein, wherein the plurality of holes are substantially axially aligned with the plurality of holes formed within the interior section.

Abstract: A set of one-piece angled abutments, each abutment including an angled stump, a short intermediate cylindrical portion, and a lower threaded portion, wherein the placement of the starting point of the thread within the first round in the lower threaded portion of each abutment determines the angular orientation from 0° to 360° attained by the stump once the abutment is fully tightened to an implant located in the patient's mandible, the set has a variable number of abutments depending on the value of the constant angular offset chosen for spacing the beginning of the thread of each abutment included in the set, each set being defined by a constant angular offset with a value which is a divisor of 360 and the sets of abutments being accompanied by a circular box to easily select the abutment that attains the ideal angular orientation for a patient's needs.

Abstract: A porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments is provided, such porous material including an at least partially open-cell foam body and a surface configured to enable an instrument having contaminants to be inserted into the body. The body may be configured to substantially grip the instrument to remove a substantial portion of the contaminants from the instrument.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a dental delivery system. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a rear dental delivery system through which at least one of water, air and vacuum are delivered for use by a care giver in treating a patient occupying a nearby dental chair can include at least one movable arm that is pivotably mounted to a pivot connection and an upright mounted to the at least one movable arm. The pivot connection can be mounted at approximately a floor level and the at least one movable arm can be configured to pivot slightly above the floor level so as to reduce obstruction in a space separating the dental chair from the dental delivery system.

Abstract: A storage device is provided for holding bone implant surgery articles. The storage device includes a body defining a plurality of openings capable of holding at least one rotatable drill bit that may be mounted on a drill and used to form a bore in bone and at least one implant container that holds an implant capable of being placed in the bore.

Abstract: A mobile suction unit preferably includes a portable body, a deformably non-resilient appendage connected to the body, and a dental instrument connected to the deformably non-resilient appendage. The deformably non-resilient appendage may be selectively bent from a non-tensioned shape to a curvilinear tensioned shape in such a manner that the deformably non-resilient appendage indefinitely retains the curvilinear tensioned shape while the dental instrument is adapted to be positioned within the patient oral cavity.

Abstract: A porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments is provided, such porous material including an at least partially open-cell foam body and a surface configured to enable an instrument having contaminants to be inserted into the body. The body may be configured to substantially grip the instrument to remove a substantial portion of the contaminants from the instrument.

Abstract: A tray assembly for use with dental instruments is disclosed herein comprising: a tray, an plate having a top plane and a bottom plane and apertures, the apertures being horizontally configured to receive a plurality of receiver assemblies supported on a top plane via a receiver assembly support, a plurality of semi-cylindrical Radel® instrument supports, a stationer comprising a biasing means whereby the instrument is friction held in stasis between the stationer and the instrument support, and a plurality of instrument stationers. The plate includes a plurality of aperture(s), at least one receiver assembly for receiving at least one medical/dental instrument inserted between the instrument support and the biasing instrument stationer, suspended within the tray. A kit is also disclosed for the present invention.

Abstract: Vibrating dental devices and accessories are provided, including a unique snap fit dental plate and vibrator connection; risers for adjusting the thickness of a dental plate; a pointer or wand that can be clamped onto a dental plate to reach even severely misaligned teeth; a cushioned dental plate having a non-Newtonian fluid therein that allows conformation of the cushion to the dentition, but hardens on use to allow the transmission of vibration to the teeth. Accessories such as carrying cases and docking stations are also provided.

Abstract: An instrumentation delivery unit which supports hand-held dental instruments. In one example first and second housing members form a sealed chamber. When the members are separated, access is permitted to the interior of the chamber, e.g., for maintenance purposes. A first portal suitable for connection to a vacuum line provides a partial vacuum in the chamber, and second portals provide connection via second vacuum lines between the chamber and dental devices to operate the devices. The housing includes hand piece holders each of an initial diametric size for receiving hand pieces up to a maximum diametric dimension, with one of the hand piece holders formed along two adjoining ones of the housing members. The adjoining housing members secure inserts between one another to provide a second diametric size smaller than the initial diametric size to thereby selectably accommodate hand pieces having a smaller diametric dimensions.

Abstract: Dental instrument servicing systems and cushions are disclosed. The dental instrument servicing systems may include a holder and a cushion. The holder may include a passage extending from a first opening to a second opening. The cushion may include first and second portions, with the first portion being configured for selective receipt within the passage and with the second portion extending from the first portion.

Abstract: A cover for a dental tool holder including a cover portion adapted for fitting over a receptacle of the tool holder so as to prevent direct contact between a dental tool and the dental tool holder when the tool is held within the holder.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles includes a first nozzle holder for holding a first fuel dispensing nozzle, and a second nozzle holder for holding a second fuel dispensing nozzle. Both nozzle holders are arranged on a common side of the fuel dispensing unit. The first nozzle holder is configured to project, in a direction away from the side of the fuel dispensing unit, at least a part of the first fuel dispensing nozzle in relation to a corresponding part of the second fuel dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A dental water jet provides a pressurized water stream for cleaning gums and teeth. The embodiment includes a base unit defining a cavity. The cavity contains a pump, which may move pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. A flow control knob may be turned to selectively adjust the water pressure supplied by the tip between a minimum and a maximum value. The reservoir may be removed from the base unit so that it may be filled with the fluid. The reservoir may support a container for storing tips or other items. Fluid may flow from the reservoir and ultimately into the tip to provide oral irrigation and/or cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue.

Abstract: An assembly for use in orthodontic treatment includes at least two articles, and each article includes an orthodontic appliance as well as an adhesive that extends across the base of each appliance. The adhesive of at least one article differs from the adhesive of at least one other article in terms of composition, properties or characteristics, such that the adhesive can be tailored to enhance the bond between the particular selected appliance and its intended tooth.

Abstract: A receiving element for a dental implant, comprising a first plate and a second plate, extending perpendicular to the center axis of the receiving element and designed to detachably fix a dental implant in a stable position, wherein the plates are separated by an open portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental delivery unit designed for handling one or several dental whips. Specifically exemplified herein is a dental delivery unit that includes a whip base, a whip arm that moves respective to the whip base and a locking mechanism that releasably locks the whip arm in a predetermined position. The locking whip arm allows for an extension of the a dental whip and use of a dental whip that avoids a constant retractive force while the dental whip is in use.

Abstract: An instrumentation delivery unit which supports hand-held dental instruments. In one example first and second housing members form a sealed chamber. When the members are separated, access is permitted to the interior of the chamber, e.g., for maintenance purposes. A first portal suitable for connection to a vacuum line provides a partial vacuum in the chamber, and second portals provide connection via second vacuum lines between the chamber and dental devices to operate the devices. The housing includes hand piece holders each of an initial diametric size for receiving hand pieces up to a maximum diametric dimension, with one of the hand piece holders formed along two adjoining ones of the housing members. The adjoining housing members secure inserts between one another to provide a second diametric size smaller than the initial diametric size to thereby selectably accommodate hand pieces having a smaller diametric dimensions.

Abstract: A storage device is provided for holding bone implant surgery articles. The storage device includes a body defining a plurality of openings capable of holding at least one rotatable drill bit that may be mounted on a drill and used to form a bore in bone and at least one implant container that holds an implant capable of being placed in the bore.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing a suctioner and the end of a suction line after disconnection from the suctioner, comprising support means, first storage structure on the support means for storing the suctioner; and second storage structure on the support means for storing the end of the suction line and for blocking suction flow of air into the line via the end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment element which is used to receive dental hand instruments. Said treatment element comprises a base part (1) which is provided with connections (2; 39) and which is used to accommodate the instruments, and a instrument storage place (5; 15). Said treatment element comprises an exchangeable upper part (4; 12).

Abstract: A suction nozzle holster is provided with a latch mechanism for receiving a universally adjustable strap having a groove system whose individual grooves can engage with a pawl of a lever arm of said latch mechanism. A forward surface of the holster may be provided with a hole into which a suction hose can be forced in order to constrict said hose and, hence, curtail the vacuum conditions in a suction nozzle serviced by that hose.

Abstract: A portable medical apparatus for holding a plurality of surgical tools wherein at least one of said tools is electrically powered and includes a power supply cord and a power plug is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having at least one electrical outlet for removably receiving the power plug is disposed within said inner shell. The housing includes an upstanding wall having at least one area for receiving and supporting a power supply cord. A removable enclosure lid is received by the housing. An upright member supports the housing and provides a passageway for a conductor in electrical communication with the electrical outlet. A base supports the upright member and includes a laterally extending leg having a channel for receiving the electrical conductor. The leg is apertured to receive a connector for attachment to the electrical conductor.

Abstract: A suction nozzle holster device is provided with three possible operating positions through the use of a mounting channel component having a left, a center and a right key plate/key nub system that can each be respectively inserted into a cooperating keyway slot/nub receiver opening system mounted on a rear portion of a holster mounting component of the device. This arrangement gives the holster device three distinct operating positions.

Abstract: The present invention is a delivery system that conceals instruments and supplies to reduce patient anxiety while also providing an additional storage area that is accessible in an ergonomically acceptable manner by the user. The delivery system contains a delivery platform and a storage unit. The delivery platform has a base connected to a primary work surface area. The primary work surface area is capable of storing instruments and supplies. A storage unit has an outer surface attached to a wall surface proximal to the delivery platform. The storage unit has an inner surface containing a secondary work surface area capable of storing instruments and supplies designed to supplement the primary work surface area. In addition, a cover is hingedly connected to the outer surface of the storage unit to conceal the secondary work surface area from direct view of a patient.

Abstract: A unit is provided for holding instruments and components that are used in dental treatment. The unit can comprise sides, a bottom, and a top that can be modular or integrally formed. The unit can have a drawer-shaped construction and can be made of heat-resistant material. The sides and bottom can form a first rigid unit part, all or part of which can be provided externally with a covering or layer of a non-rigid or flexible material. The covering or layer is arranged to be easy to hold and to have good frictional characteristics. The top can form a rigid second unit part that preferably contains an organized holding arrangement for the instruments and components. Accordingly, the unit can be heat-resistant, robust and easy to hold, and have good frictional characteristics to prevent it sliding on an underlying surface upon which the unit is arranged placed.

Abstract: A suction nozzle holster whose upper rim is provided with a notch into which a suction hose can be forced in order to constrict the hose and, hence, curtail the vacuum conditions in a suction nozzle.

Abstract: A tray for dispensing a material to be applied with an applicator having a plurality of applicator support openings. The applicator support openings have a depth and width sufficient so that when an applicator is placed therein, it is held substantially upright. The material and applicator support wells may be funnel shaped. The relatively deep narrow funnel shape protects the material placed therein from ambient light, contamination, evaporation, and spilling. The invention is particularly well suited to use in a dental procedure that may require the application of multiple different materials or materials that react with one another or that are light activated. The plurality of different material wells are readily identifiable and keep the different materials separate and ready for use.

Abstract: A method and device for identification of surgical instruments, in particular of dental instruments, uses a stationary geometric arrangement of instrument holders and a suitable positional allocation of the instruments to these holders. The holders are provided in an arrangement of raster modules which cooperate with a base unit, only a single raster module being accessible in each case for removal and fitting of instruments.

Abstract: A light curing dental device is configured for curing light-curable compounds and includes a rechargeable power supply. The light curing device is configured to be received by and recharged by a recharging docking station that is connected with a dental hand piece holder tray. The recharging docking station may take the form of a dental hand piece holder. Some light curing devices can be recharged by electrical contact when they are placed within a recharging docking station. Some other light curing devices are water-tight and do not have exposed electrical contacts. These other light curing devices can be recharged by the recharging docking station through induction.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental scaler system and method of use. The dental scaler system has a dental scaler apparatus and a scaler handpiece enclosing a coil. The dental scaler apparatus has a housing and a scaler power control circuit. The coil is connected through an electrical conductor to the scaler power control circuit. The housing has a holder side, and a first and a second base side each having a plurality of first base feet extending therefrom. The first base side is connected to the second base side at an angle greater than 30 degrees. The second base side is connected to the holder side. The holder side has a scaler handpiece holder integrally formed therein. In the method the system is supported on the first feet, and then on the second feet.

Abstract: A dental supply cart comprising a base unit, a top that is rotatable and/or horizontally movable forward and rearward relative to the base unit and an upright open supply cabinet attached to the top is disclosed. The base unit has a number of drawers therein for storage purposes and has articulating arms on the front surface thereof to hold various supply lines and instruments required by the dentist when providing services. A rotating mechanism and/or telescoping track members are interposed between the top and the base unit permitting the top with the supply cabinet thereon to be rotated and/or moved horizontally forward and rearward relative to the base unit. The dental supply cart is typically placed adjacent to or behind the head of the patient so that it is readily available to the dentist while performing the required dental services.

Abstract: A kit includes a group of predetermined components for enabling a dental hygienist or technician to perform non-invasive dental renewal procedures. The kit includes one or more abrasive devices, one or more restorative compositions, and one or more delivery tips for applying the restorative compositions. The abrasive device comprises one or more of a low-speed dental bur, a prophylaxis cup, brush, paste or jet. The kit may also include a delivery device, e.g., a syringe, or a storage device for storing the restorative composition.

Abstract: A system and method for managing dental burs includes a carrier that is customized to hold a selection of burs that a particular dentist prefers for a given procedure. Accordingly, each dentist will have a separately identifiable carrier for such procedures as amalgam and composite fillings, veneer, crown and bridge preparation, post and core procedures, endodontics, emergency treatments and other procedures, such as those that are attendant to removable prosthodontics. In addition, the carrier includes indicators for advising the dentist as to how many times each bur in the carrier has been used. By tracking use on a bur by bur basis, premature disposal of used burs as well as the incidence of bur changes in the midst of procedures will be minimized while helping to prevent the negative consequences of overusing burs (i.e. intra-oral separation, excessive heat generation).

Abstract: A system and method for managing dental burs includes a carrier that is customized to hold a selection of burs that a particular dentist prefers for a given procedure. Accordingly, each dentist will have a separately identifiable carrier for such procedures as amalgam and composite fillings, veneer, crown and bridge preparation, post and core procedures, endodontics, emergency treatments and other procedures, such as those that are attendant to removable prosthodontics. In addition, the carrier includes indicators for advising the dentist as to how many times each bur in the carrier has been used. By tracking use on a bur by bur basis, premature disposal of used burs as well as the incidence of bur changes in the midst of procedures will be minimized while helping to prevent the negative consequences of overusing burs (i.e. intra-oral separation, excessive heat generation).

Abstract: The rack for dental burrs includes a base (1) and a cover (5) and is provided with a plurality of passages (8) distributed over its surface, each adapted to receive a dental burr. Each of these passages (8) includes at least two piercings (9, 10) of different diameters corresponding to standard diameters of shanks of dental burrs.

Abstract: An instrument delivery head for supporting hand-held instruments used in dental and other medical procedures. The instrument delivery head includes base and a lid connected to the base for movement between open and closed positions. Various instrument controls are supported by the lid so that the controls are accessible when the lid is opened. After the control adjustments are made, the lid is closed to conceal the controls within the instrument delivery head.