Abstract: The invention is a colorimeter for dental applications comprising a hand-held probe, similar in size to a dental drill, attached by an electrical cable to a small self-contained display module. The calorimeter provides the capability for measuring the colors of a number points along a line on the surface of an object such as a tooth. A measurement is made while placing the tip of the probe against, or in close proximity to, the surface of the object. The display module to which probe attaches contains a microprocessor and provides a control, display and data interface to the operator. The display module can be adapted for fastening to the wrist of the operator thereby leaving both hands free to manipulate the probe and other tools. The calorimeter is particularly well suited for measuring the color of teeth in a dentist's office in preparation for making dental prostheses which accurately match the color of natural teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling implement for drilling holes in the soil. In known drilling implements, drilling tools, such as drill tubes or drill rods, are stored and handled via magazines and magazine forms which require a considerable outlay on sensors and control engineering in order to position the drilling tools. In the drilling implement according to the invention, there is provision for stops to be provided as mechanical travel-limiting mechanisms when the drill tubes are being positioned in respective functional positions. This obviates the need for sensor and control devices which are expensive and susceptible to faults.