Abstract: A lever-actuated dial gauge supported above a workpiece by a base block. The lever includes a pedal portion which, when parallel to the workpiece, has a working clearance beneath it. When setting the height of machine tools above a workpiece, an operator may exceed the set point clearance without making a hard contact and thereby preventing damage to the machine tool.

Abstract: A gel-etchant for resin bonding in dentistry includes phosphoric acid, fumed silica, and silicon carbide particles. The silicon carbide adds an abrasive to the etchant gel which permits the combination of the preparatory cleansing step and the application step into one operation. The silicon carbide increases the weight of the gel which aids its rinsability and further functions to indicate the location of the acid gel on the tooth. A procedure for applying the gel etchant eliminates a preparatory cleansing step and includes applicator agitation against the tooth, combined with a shortened rinse time.

Abstract: A dental radiographic film packet includes soft corners for greater patient comfort. Corner areas contain additional air space to permit additional flexing of the film chip in these areas. Furthermore, other internal structures, such as cardboard elements, have been removed to increase flexibility in these areas. The outer surface of the film packet is seamless at the corners to eliminate any sharp edges.

Abstract: This invention relates to dentistry, and more particularly to cosmetic dentistry, where for aesthetic objectives it is desirable to remove a small amount of the patient's tooth enamel to modify tooth color. A procedure is described using an applicator and compound which provides accelerated treatment time in stripping away a sufficient amount of the outer layer of the tooth enamel to provide the necessary tooth color modification. The applicator has two functional ends. One end has a containment pocket for holding the compound, and a second end for high pressure scouring of the tooth enamel. The compound comprises an enamel softening acid, such as hydrochloric acid, in the concentration range of between 6%-16% in combination with an abrasive particulate material. The abrasive material should have a hardness greater than 6.0 as measured on the Mohs hardness scale for greatest effectiveness.

Abstract: A 12-step commutation in a brushless DC motor is achieved by six shaft-mounted commutation sensors and circuitry which permits inexpensive shaft-angle decoding for coil excitation. The commutation signal devices are Hall sensors arranged in two sets. A first set is arranged to produce the desired switching signals every 120 electrical degrees; a second set of three Hall sensors is similarly arranged equally spaced between the electrical switch points of the first set, however, the second set of sensors is wired together through the process of EXCLUSIVE-ORing to form a single, fourth output. Thus, the six Hall sensors are configured to produce four output signals which may be inexpensively decoded using a standard 32.times.8 PROM. A further refinement includes current modulation to the field coils in order to equalize the torque output of alternate steps.

Abstract: An applicator system for a powered dental handpiece enables the low RPM controlled application of abrasive tooth compound. The system comprises, in combination, a speed reducer and a mandrel which includes a grooved cylindrical sleeve. The mandrel is made from substantially rigid material so that pressure may be applied to the tooth without deformation of the mandrel and, hence, increased contact surface area between the applicator sleeve and the tooth is prevented. The mandrel further includes a central containment pocket for holding and applying the tooth compound so that both inner and outer portions of the applicator sleeve are operable. A ring-shaped end portion of the applicator sleeve is effective for spot application of the compound.

Abstract: A bumper cleat provides a lift-off mount for bumper secured motor vehicle accessories. Two vertically oriented L-shaped walls form an L-shaped channel between them which secures a mating L-shaped foot for an accessory frame. Fasteners are employed to secure the accessory frame vertically. The L-shaped channel provides retention from movement in two planes while allowing for water drainage to prevent ice buildup or rust.

Abstract: A collapsible table cover assembly for use in the handbell performing arts also serves as a convenient carrying case for implements used in playing handbells. The collapsible nature of the cover also makes the article more compact for convenient transportation. A rear pocket portion is attached to an outer cover so that playing implements may be conveniently at hand during a handbell performance. Specially selected foam padding is employed to enhance the musical quality of the table cover. A releaseably detachable apron provides aesthetic appeal while contributing to the assembly's portability.

Abstract: An infant feeding bottle provides a collapsible main body portion in order to prevent injury. Collapsibility is provided by elongate structures having hinge points at their ends and at their center. The elongate structures are located within the wall of the main body portion between inner and outer membranes. Both inner and outer membranes are constructed of relatively inelastic, tearable material. Under axial compression, the walls of the bottle collapse tearing both membranes and expelling any contained liquid therefrom.

Abstract: This is a shield made principally of a single sheet of filtering plastic, shaped in a convenient paddle configuration. The dimension of the filter-paddle is sufficient to block all direct and reflected light from the tooth of the patient that would possibly be seen by any personnel in the operatory. A portion of the paddle is provided with a magnifier which may be employed by the physician for closer inspection of the tooth being operated on. Additionally, a relatively thin intensity-filtering material is applied to the back of the light paddle so that the intensity of the filtered light is reduced for the increased comfort and protection of the physician.

Abstract: A teaching apparatus for Mathematics, specifically algebraic concepts for very young children, enables 3rd and 4th grade level students to solve simple linear algebraic equations. The apparatus includes easily manipulated elements which serve as cognitive reinforcement during the learning process. These physical elements are used in conjunction with a set of rules or "legal moves". The apparatus and corresponding legal moves determine a physical model and physical process to represent both an algebraic linear equation and its algebraic solution. A simple physical element, such as a pawn, is used to denote the unknown quantity. Numbered cubes are used to represent numerical values. These elements are color coded to represent both positive and negative values of the quantities represented. By the use of this apparatus and associated legal moves, students learn to simplify a given linear algebraic equation to the point where the solution or value of the unknown quantity is intuitively obvious.

Abstract: A jogger's hand weight for exercising the muscles of the upper body incorporates two (2) internal chambers; one chamber for holding a quantity of weighting materials so that the weight of the device may be varied, and a second chamber for holding a quantity of drinking fluid. A straw tube is included in the drinking fluid compartment so that the fluid may be consumed by the runner without interrupting his motion. The hand weight has a U-shaped design so that both compartments fall on opposite sides of the hand when grasped as intended.

Abstract: Thermal insulation for walls, ceilings and floors of building structures contains alternating layers of low emissivity sheets and batts of low heat conductive material laminated together to form a single insulation batt. The low heat conductive material is preferably fiberglass or rock wool. The low emissivity sheets may be a metal foil or a metal vacuum deposited on a substrate. The alternating layers are laminated together using a solvent-based pressure sensitive adhesive. Three (3) rows of the composite material can be laminated onto a common sheet so that the insulation may be installed between common wall studing, three (3) widths at a time.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism permits the adjustment of trigger pull quickly and easily from the exterior of a handgun over a wide range of adjustment. A double trigger arrangement includes a means for moving a contact point between a front pivot trigger and the heel or face portion of a cooperating slide trigger so that the mechanical advantage between the first trigger and the firing mechanism can be varied. Adjustment may be achieved through the use of simple set screws fitted into the front pivot trigger which may be adjusted with simple tools. In an alternate embodiment, the contact point between the pivot trigger and the slide actuator can be changed by interchanging replaceable trigger shoes, each trigger shoe having a contact projection of a different location.

Abstract: A point of operation safety device for hydraulic or pneumatic presses. The safety device is computer controlled and limits the movement of the punch by employing two sensing devices. These sensing devices include both position and contact sensors which are used as dual input variables to satisfy computer monitored operational condition limits which, if not met, shut down the operation of the machine to prevent accident or injury to the operator. Both sensing devices are located within the housing of the press and the ram assembly so that no additional structures are required which might obstruct the working area and thereby hinder the efficient use of the press. Because the components of this safety device are located within the body of the machinery and include complicated electronic control circuitry, it is impossible to defeat the safety mechanism by disconnecting any of the components.

Abstract: A hand-mounted light shield for dentists is disclosed which provides eye protection against harmful light-curing guns used in resin bonding. A substantially circular finger disc is provided with finger ring element for attachment to the hand. The finger mounting ring permits the filter to be maintained in a ready-to-use position while permitting the free use of both hands.

Abstract: A light shield for protecting dental bonding materials comprises a light filtering coverplate, a stand, and an electronic timer. This device is to be used in a dental operatory to prevent premature curing of the restorative materials after mixing as they await handling and use.