Abstract: The apparatus is adapted for maintaining air/gas operated dental drills, mechanical scalers or other tools by blowing air/gas through the handpiece to purge it from excess substances in order to enhance the life of the toll and meet the requirements of health and safety regulations. The apparatus has an absorbant filter sleeve that will serve to surround the instruments to be purged and an internal filter. It uses a rigidly anchored coupling that can be replaced, as desired. It also uses pneumatic tubing and shuttle valves to direct the air/gas flow along with switches that control the power and operation of the apparatus. A pressure gauge is mounted on the housing to allow the user to observe the pounds per square inch pressure being used in the purging operation. A timer controlling the amount of time the instruments are being purged is also incorporated. A number of ports are used to allow connection air, water and fiber optic lines to the apparatus and exhaust ports are also available.

Abstract: A dental control unit having conduit-carrying whip arms pivotally mounted on a base so as to leave top and side surfaces of a housing covering the base entirely free of seams or openings where oral cavity spray can enter; and conduits for dental handpieces that enter the whip arms at pivot connections for the arms inside the housing, such that the pivot connections and the portions of the conduits entering the whip arms are protected from oral cavity spray.

Abstract: A forming apparatus has a passage with a chamfered entrance for bending a tip of a syringe such as a syringe used for dispensing dental material. The passage and chamfered entrance enable the tip to be bent to a desired angular configuration while in view of the user.

Abstract: A kit for assembling a variety of dental devices using a plurality of delivery tips that differ from one another as to either size or type. The kit also includes a plurality of differently sized syringes each being releasably attachable to any one of the plurality of delivery tips. An organizer displays the syringes and delivery tips in such way that the size and type of syringe and delivery tip desired is easily identifiable. The kit may include adapters which connect any of the plurality of delivery tips to either a vacuum source or to an air bulb. The delivery tips may be color coded such that the size and type of delivery tip is indicated by the color code of the delivery tip.

Abstract: A dental mixing slab is described as having a heat sink and depending support members to space the heat sink from a supporting surface such as a counter or table. The dental mixing slab is formed out of stainless steel which is highly thermal conductive and is not damaged by heating and cooling. Heating is required to sterilize the mixing slab to avoid the transmission of disease from patient to patient or between patient and dental worker. Heating will not damage the dental mixing slab.

Abstract: A holder for supporting dental discs in a position such that the spindle of a rotary drill can be inserted through the center of the disc in order to pick up the disc without manipulating the disc with the user's hands. The holder has a notch and storage area for removing the used disc from the spindle.

Abstract: A supply unit for providing compressed air and reduced pressure for dental surgery comprising several superimposed supply components including at least a compressor unit and a suction unit each unit containing a base plate and a cover plate and vertical posts that connect these plates as well as wall panels.

Abstract: A portable dental apparatus. A main housing includes a plurality of wheels mounted therebeneath. A control panel on the main housing includes a variety of controls for operating a plurality of dental tools removably and suspendedly mounted to a holder in turn movably mounted to the main housing. A storage cavity formed in the housing allows storage of the holder and tools when the portable dental apparatus is in a transport state. The tools are connected by a plurality of lines to a plurality of drive and power components located in the interior of the main housing. A lid hingedly mounted atop the control panel may be opened revealing the controls for the tools. An X-ray display screen and amalgamator are provided respectively on the lid and control panel.A modular vacuum unit with a built in cooling fan and thermo protector is also provided. Additionally, the portable dentist apparatus includes an improved pressurized air and water distribution manifold and an improved waste water storage receptacle.

Abstract: An inventive apparatus for cleaning a prosthesis in a microwave oven. The inventive apparatus comprises a container having an opening at the top thereof, a cover which is removably positionable over the opening, and a holding device, removably positionable in the container, for holding the prosthesis. Since most prostheses contain at least some metallic parts, the container and cover are each composed of a microwave insulating material. The inventive apparatus allows the quick and efficient cleaning of prostheses and facilitates the removal of dangerous fungal and bacterial deposits therefrom.

Abstract: A refillable rack (10) for storing and dispensing a plurality of items, particularly dental trays (12), has one or more vertical slots (30) in a front wall (28). The defining edges of each slot (30) slidably engage vertical grooves (72) in the dental trays (12) such that a plurality of dental trays may be stacked in each slot. In a preferred embodiment, a movable member (76) at the bottom of each slot is biased to a first position wherein the width of the bottom of the slot (30) is narrower than the spacing between the grooves (72) for retaining the dental trays in the slot, and a second position wherein the width of the bottom of the slot (30) is equal to or greater than the spacing between the grooves (72) such that the lowermost dental tray (12) may be removed from the bottom of the slot, the movable member (76) preferably being movable to its second position by gripping the handle of the lowermost dental tray and moving it downward in the slot against the member for urging it to its second position.

Abstract: A receptacle for holding dental burrs comprising a container which includes a container body and a cover. The container body provides a compartment having an open end. At least one dental burr holder is provided in the compartment with the dental burr holder having a plurality of bores terminating in an opening. The dental burr holders are pivotally attached to the container body for pivotal movement between a first position in which the opening of the bores face generally outwardly of the open end of the compartment and a second position in which the openings of the bores are closer to a bottom wall of the container body than in the first position. The container has at least one aperture for providing fluid access to the compartment.

Abstract: A tool holder for mounting on the instrument panel in a dentist's office contains a grooved surface for receiving one or more syringe or scalpel or other implement holders. These holders have hexagonal bases for mounting in one of several different positions. A novel syringe holder employs a tapered threaded member for gripping the protective cover on the needle so that the cover can serve as the syringe holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and controlling fluid delivery to a dental handpiece includes a handpiece holding support arm pivotably mounted to a frame member with fluid-delivery tubing being affixed at spaced locations to the frame and to the support arm for folding of the tubing upon itself to close the tubing against fluid flow when the handpiece is mounted in the support arm's holder and for unfolding the tubing for open fluid flow when the handpiece is removed from the holder.

Abstract: A combined teaching and practicing apparatus. The apparatus is adapted for an optimized simulation and practice in dental-clinical work or operating procedures, as well as also being adapted for purely dental-technical work and which, in addition thereto, ensures that the apparatus is suited for right-handed as well as left-handed persons, and which affords for an optimum savings in space at uniformly maintained quality in the teaching or educating of the students.

Abstract: An endodontic device for instrumenting a root canal includes an elongated wire, a handle at one end of the wire, and one or more movable stops extending a portion of the wire and abutting on the handle. The length of the portion of the wire which protrudes from the stop(s) constitutes the working length for the root canal treatment. The working length is maintained the same during the treatment, since the stopping means is sandwiched by two stiff objects, namely, the tooth being treated and the rigid object. Also disclosed are (1) a set of movable stops of specific thicknesses for precisely setting a range of working lengths, and (2) a container for storing the set.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rack for instruments, especially dental instruments (1) comprising a drum (2) mounted so as to revolve about a shaft (4), compartments (5) being provided on the periphery of the drum for at least one instrument (1) and its holder (3); an instrument supply line (6) arranged to be connected to one instrument (1) at a time; and a stationary outer casing (7) surrounding the drum (2) and provided with at least one opening for pulling out at least the instrument connected to the supply line. In the invention, to further improve the sterility of the instruments, walls (8) separating the compartments (5) of the drum (2) are sealed (9) relative to the outer casing (7); and the outer casing (7) is provided with means (10, 11, 12) for sterilizing the instruments (1) when they are not being used.

Abstract: A dental instrument shield for shielding medical or dental instruments, as well as industrial tools and equipment, which, due to position and configuration, may accidentally pierce or contact tissue and cause injury. In a preferred embodiment the dental instrument shield includes a curved, transparent, protective guard adjustably supported on parallel support rods mounted on an instrument support bar which is attached to a console or other supporting surface. An instrument tray may be mounted in adjustable relationship on the curved guard and the guard is designed to extend over the various handpieces containing dental instruments, to prevent accidental contact with the dental instruments. The various handpieces are typically removably supported in handpiece receptacles of various design for convenient access.

Abstract: An autoclavable container for drill bits and/or burs comprising a narrow rectangular block having vertical orifices extending partially downwardly from its upper face, and a U-shaped cover having a pair of legs extending downwardly from a transverse member to slidably encompass the end walls of the block and a pair of orifices side shields extending downwardly from the transverse member and spaced apart from each other to house the heads of the drill bits and/or burs extending upwardly from the block orifices, each of the end walls of the block having a boss or projection, and each of the inner walls of the legs having a pair of interconnected recesses adopted to receive the boss or projection in the end wall of the block so that the block may be moved from a first upper position secured within the cover, to a second lower position at which it may be pivoted outwardly to a third position providing access to the block orifices for insertion or removal of the burs or drill bits.

Abstract: A dental tray having depressions therein for holding a bottle of dental material upside down and having wells of distinctive shape and configuration. An inexpensive disposable tray is disclosed for use in preparing single or multiple component bonding liquids and sealants. Multiple depressions configured to hold a bottle having a cap with a shoulder upside down are formed within the tray so the dentist can readily dispense the single or multiple component bonding liquids and sealants. Distinctively shaped wells are positioned in line with the depressions holding the bottle upside down preventing confusion between the multi-part dispensed bonding liquids and sealants. A finger indentation in the side opposite the depressions is provided to facilitate holding the lightweight tray during mixing or use, as well as to further provide a divided fuel to the tray preventing confusion between the dispensed component parts of the multiple component bonding liquids and sealants.

Abstract: A dental burr storage system for storing of dental burrs in a polymer, such as a polysulfone structure for storage as well as for sterilization. With the concern over AIDS, patients are now requiring dentists to store their personal dental burrs in their own storage container. The container provides for storage of the dental burrs, as well as sterilization of the dental burrs. The storage system includes a dental burr base and a dental burr cap, which threads onto the base in either a storage position for the dental burrs or a support position for the dental burrs. The base includes a plurality of holes on a cylindrical member for passage of gases during sterilization procedures. A threaded cap also includes a plurality of holes for passage of gases during a sterilization procedure.

Abstract: A portable dental instrument sterilizing container adapted to be connected to a support which flanks a dental chair. The container has a top section, an internal middle section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a projection adapted to be inserted into a well formed in the support. The top section has a plurailty of holes to form dental instrument holding sockets. A portion of the top section is shaped so as to rest a drinking cup thereon. The middle section forms an internal container that is in communication with the sockets. The internal container has a suction port, a drainage port and sized such that the dental instruments within the sockets, project above the top section.

Abstract: A portable dental apparatus. A main housing includes a plurality of wheels mounted therebeneath. A control panel on the main housing includes a variety of controls for operating a plurality of dental tools removably and suspendedly mounted to a holder in turn movably mounted to the main housing. A storage cavity formed in the housing allows storage of the holder and tools when the portable dental apparatus is in a transport state. The tools are connected by a plurality of lines to a plurality of drive and power components located in the interior of the main housing. A lid hingedly mounted atop the control panel may be opened revealing the controls for the tools. An X-ray display screen and amalgamator are provided respectively on the lid and control panel.

Abstract: A dental burr holder includes an elongated burr block defining a cylindrical lateral base and a plurality of upwardly extending generally cylindrical bore supports molded in a single unit. The burr supports each define respective bores extending downwardly therein configured to receive a plurality of dental burrs. A generally U-shaped burr cover is formed of a resilient material and defines a pair of inwardly extending faceted bosses at the lower ends of each of the burr cover end pieces. The cylindrical base of the burr block defines corresponding faceted recesses which receive the faceted bosses to provide a detented attachment between the burr block cover and the burr block. The relative position between the burr block cover and the burr block may be varied by detented rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A dental instrument mat includes a base portion having two opposite sides and two opposite ends and a pair of racks formed longitudinally along the two opposite sides. Each rack has a plurality of spaced apart teeth, and the teeth of each rack are laterally aligned with teeth of the other rack to form a plurality of laterally disposed holding slots. An elastic band is looped over protrusions formed at the opposite axial ends of the base portion so as to place the elastic band in tension and thereby hold dental instruments in the holding slots during autoclaving.

Abstract: A dental tray handle protective covering, shield or prophylactic comprised of a thin, tear-resistant, semi-rigid but elastic material which is disposable for providing a covering or barrier for the entirety of each of several different types of dental tray which will significantly reduce and/or prevent the spread of disease through the continued touching of the dental tray handle by non-sterile gloved or ungloved hands of dental practitioners and others.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a podiatrist in the performance of various para-medical operations on patients. The apparatus consists of a unit movble on the ground as if a dental unit used by dentists. The work unit includes a pneumatic network, connected to an external air compressor, and to which is connected three tools. Two of these tools include drilling heads, pressurized water outlets and pressurized air outlets, while the third tool includes a pressurized water outlet and pressurized air outlet. Operation of each tool, and of each outlet and drill of a given tool, is made independently of each other, and controlled by a number of knobs, buttons and dials.

Abstract: This patent discloses a dental control unit, such as a dental cart, having a housing with four side walls, a lid pivotally secured to one side wall and movable between an open position and a closed position. A plurality of knobs, gauges, buttons, etc. are provided along one side wall. A transparent shield is secured to the lid so that, with the lid in its closed position, the transparent shield overlies and covers the various control members. Conversely, the control members are accessible once the lid is opened. The lid provides an outer smooth surface which facilitates the cleaning and disinfecting of the dental cart after patient use. The shield can also be used with other dental control units, such as a front delivery system and a rear delivery system.

Abstract: A mixing device for molding compositions for use in dentistry has a housing into which and from which a trough plate and the underlying tray can be displaced like a drawer. A mat of bibulous material substantially completely fills the tray beneath the trough plate and delivers water in a controlled manner through passages traversing the trough plate and leading to the troughs. A vessel containing the moisturizing liquid is placed on the housing and is connected by a conduit with the tray, the conduit including a valve for controlling flow to the tray.

Abstract: The invention consists of an apparatus for odontopediatrics, characterized by a prop in the shape of a humanoid Robot(1), transported on four wheels(2) activated by a radio-controlled electric motor in which various accessories for odontologic treatments have been installed, as well as diverse ludicous equipment for entertaining and attracting the attention of young patients.

Abstract: A dental instrument is provided for use in facilitated placement and fixation of dental veneers of fragile porcelain-based material or the like designed for bonding onto patient teeth. The instrument includes a lightweight handpiece adapted for coupling to a vacuum source, in combination with a disposable transparent tip designed to engage and conform with surface contours of a dental veneer for vacuum-holding of the veneer during manipulation preparatory to fixation. A valve port on the handpiece can be opened or closed with a fingertip or with a movable valve member to facilitate controlled pick-up and release of the dental veneer. The transparent tip enhances dentist vision during veneer placement and further permits passage of radiation for improved curing of a light curable bonding agent conventionally used for veneer fixation. A multipurpose vacuum source adapter and alternative instrument geometries are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental working stand comprises a stationary working table with a lower cabinet forming an instrument module and/or an upper cabinet.To facilitate the dentist's access to the lower and/or upper cabinet during sole working the lower and/or upper cabinet, respectively, are pivotal around a vertical axis from a first position in which the front of the cabinet faces the position of the dental nurse at the front of the working table to a second position in which the cabinet front faces a dentist's postion at one end of a patient's support.

Abstract: A coiled line tangle inhibitor which comprises a flexible sheath that encases a relatively loosely coiled line to prevent it from tangling with itself as well as tangling with adjacent lines, which also would be sheathed by this invention. The sheath, although very flexible to allow free movement of the coiled line and any attached tool, has sufficient stiffness and diameter so that the coiled line can slide through an open end of the sheath with ease, but without self-meshing, as the line is extended and retracts in normal use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier device for hand tools for use in dental work. The carrier device incorporates holders for the tools and a supply for supplying pressurized air, water and/or electrical power to the tools. In accordance with the invention a magazine is arranged to carry the tools, and is movable in a manner to enable a selected tool to be moved to a pick-up station. The supply according to the invention comprises a single, flexible supply conduit incorporating channels for pressurized air, water and/or electrical power, and the tools and the supply conduit are provided with couplings for connecting a selected tool to the supply conduit in the pick-up station.

Abstract: Surgical drill apparatus includes a stand with a base and an upright column, a sterilizable water tank manually mountable on and demountable from the column, a gas flow control valve, equipped with a pedal, mounted on the base, oxygen lines connected to the valve, hence to the tank, thence to a surgical drill, and a water line connected to the water tank and the surgical drill. An oxygen line connected to one side of the valve at one end is connected to the hospital oxygen supply at its other end. The oxygen and water lines are plastic and equipped with quick-disconnect fittings complementary to fittings on the water tank. The water tank is of a size to hold sufficient water to permit the completion of any operation in which the drill is likely to be used. A simple, repeatedly sterilizable or disposable pinch valve is used to control the flow of water to the drill.

Abstract: A dental equipment stand which includes a mounting component on which there is horizontally linearly displaceable a holder carriage for dental instruments which are removably restrained in individual holders, and is thereby supported so as to be movable sideways out of the mounting equipment. The individual holders can be moved aside in such a manner that a free space is produced below the mounting component whereby the instruments which are arranged within the individual holders no longer stand in the way of the close movement of the front side of the mounting component against the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A dental unit has dental instruments carried by individual nests, the nests being selectively movable from a storage position to a readiness position. Each nest is carried to the readiness position in a controlled manner such that the axis of the instrument becomes horizontal and moves downwardly as the instrument approaches the readiness position.

Abstract: A work place arrangement particularly adapted for laboratory work is described. The work place arrangement comprises a workbench including at least one attached board, at least one drawer, at least one arm rest, at least one working instrument or work tool and supply lines for the working instrument or tool, in which:(a) the attached board is adapted to receive the working instruments or tools located in or on the attached board, and the supply lines for the working instruments or tools housed in the attached board,(b) the arm rests comprise a left half and a right half formed as a joint unit firmly affixed on the front side of the bench at ergonomic height below the bench top main work surface; and(c) including a suction device having a suction opening located in the arm-rests unit centrally thereof between the left and right halves of said arm-rests. In a preferred embodiment of the invention two or more work benches are joined to form a working landscape.

Abstract: A working well is provided for use during root canal therapy and comprises a base with a closed annular side wall and an elongated stem secured to and extending vertically upwardly from the base. A holder for a plurality of dental implements, such as broaches, is attached to the upper end of the side wall so that the implements depend downwardly from the holder. A slide assembly is vertically slidably mounted to the stem and has a stop member with an abutment surface secured to its lower end. The stop member limits the downward extension of the dental implements from the holder. A locking wheel selectively locks the slide assembly against further vertical movement along the stem.

Abstract: This invention is mainly concerned with a particular dimensional construction of dental treatment room wherein a dental assistant operation floor area is partitioned in a tier higher up than a dental surgeon operation floor area so that the dentist is able to concentrate upon his or her dental treatment to a patient without inadvertently touching the assistant on the head, elbow or toes.

Abstract: A supply unit, consisting of a plurality of adjacent arranged modular-like carriers each of which is associated with a dental handpiece, each of which has associated therewith a supply element for the individual supply of the associated handpiece, wherein the supply elements as well as the carriers are arranged adjacent each other and are provided with through conduits extending through collective supply elements and which carry the supply media for the handpieces. The conduits are connected, through connecting conduits extending within the hollow-constructed carrier, with the respective handpiece whereby, further supply components are fastened within the interior of each carrier onto a holder, and which are connected intermediate the connecting conduits leading from the associated supply element to the therewith associated handpiece.

Abstract: A novel dental kit is provided which contains all of the necessary implements, instruments, medicaments and supplies for performing root canal therapy. The kit comprises a housing having a pair of spaced rails for supporting a plurality of hand held dental instruments in an openly accessible position. In addition, a plurality of holder assemblies are mounted to the housing and each holder assembly contains a single type of tooth working implements and maintains them in an openly accessible position. Preferably two reservoirs are formed in the housing, one for holding a sterile liquid, such as alcohol and the other for holding an irrigatory fluid. A pump is also mounted to the housing for pumping the sterile fluid to either an accessory or a main well.

Abstract: A holder for small instruments such as dental instruments, comprises an inner member and an outer member both of which are figures of rotation. The outer member has a conical recess in its upper portion and a cylindrical recess in its lower portion. The inner member has a cylindrical lower portion by which it is secured in the cylindrical recess of the outer member, and has two truncated conical portions one above the other, the lower of which forms a relatively narrow conical recess with the outer member and the upper of which is of reverse inclination to the inclination of the conical recess of the outer member so as to provide a tapered entrance recess into the lower recess. The lower recess forms an angle of about 7.5.degree. with the axis of the holder.

Abstract: A dental operatory system is disclosed which converts generalized space to a multi-operatory dental clinic at minimum expense. Each dental operatory unit is generally L-shaped and forms a wall-like partition structure between a first operatory and a second operatory. The L-shaped structure incorporates lead-lined protective panels. An x-ray unit and light unit are mounted so as to be accessible to each operatory. Drawers are also cooperatively mounted to ease of access by the dentist or assistant in each operatory.

Abstract: A dental burr tool block in which a plurality of bore openings are provided for receiving and storing a variety of dental burr tools. Machined from the block is a reservoir compartment capable of holding a volume of disinfectant fluid, a drain hole at the bottom of the reservoir compartment, and a receptacle for receiving and holding in place a burr changer tool. The top surface of the block is protected by a pivotally mounted transparent dust cover, with the dust cover being removably connected to the block by means of two inwardly directed shafts. The shafts are connected to the dust cover and inserted into bore openings in the block.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/DE78/00027 Sec. 371 Date June 15, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date June 11, 1979 PCT Filed Oct. 16, 1978In dental treatment apparatuses with a plurality of instruments which are connected to a supply component across spirally coiled supply lines attached to the apparatus at an upper level, and with a mounting for the instruments disposed at a lower level, it is required that the instruments be able to be removed from and inserted into the mounting comfortably and without mutual disturbance.

Abstract: A compact portable and essentially unitized dental apparatus having a stable support base and a top carrying handle enables the visiting dentist to perform all necessary dental services at nursing homes, homes of invalids, hospital emergency rooms and in the field as with military or missionary personnel. A compressor-compressor motor unit forms the body on which other components of the apparatus are mounted. Electrical or gasoline engine compressor operation is feasible. The apparatus will operate high and low speed dental drills, a three-way syringe, and high volume suction device. Individual components are standard commerical items.

Abstract: Ring-like apparatus for use in handling endodontic files. The apparatus includes a socket member forming a tapered socket having a larger upper end and a smaller lower end. A deformable tapered cushion is receivable in the socket, with a portion of the cushion projecting through the socket's lower end. When such portion is pulled downwardly and then released, it bulges against the socket member, at the socket's lower end, forming a bulge which holds the cushion releasably in the socket. Files may be embedded releasably in the opposite (upper) end of the cushion. The apparatus includes a band enabling wearing of the apparatus on a user's finger. A trough arrangement formed in the apparatus, cooperating with a calibration scale, allows the user to adjust, with his free hand, the position of a file depth marker slidably held on a file's shaft.

Abstract: A container for dental equipment is equipped with six minitrays (2 to 7), which can be removed and sterilized individually, each of which comprises a handle (8) on its upper side and legs (9) on its underside. A minitray (2) is provided with elongated recesses (a to f), three similarly constructed minitrays (3 to 5) are provided with holes (9) for receiving root canal instruments and two further minitrays (6, 7) are provided with larger holes (h, k) for receiving glass tubes for holding treatment material. The four minitrays (2 to 5) have substantially the same dimensions, whereas the two latter minitrays (6, 7) are half as wide as the other minitrays.

Abstract: A dental operatory system is disclosed which converts generalized space to a multi-operatory dental clinic at minimum expense. Each dental operatory unit is generally L-shaped and forms a wall-like partition structure between a first operatory and a second operatory. The L-shaped structure incorporates lead-lined protective panels. An x-ray unit and light unit are mounted so as to be accessible to each operatory. Drawers are also cooperatively mounted to ease of access by the dentist or assistant in each operatory.