Patents Assigned to A-DEC, Inc.
  • Cuspidor water supply valving
    Patent number: 5788217
    Abstract: The flow of water to a cuspidor bowl-rinse spout and cup-filling spout is controlled by a normally closed valve that is actuated by a lever, the ends of which lever protrude through opposite sides of the cuspidor housing. Either end of the lever may be moved in either of two opposite directions for actuating the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., Shawn R. Irwin, Brian E. Bonn
  • Three-way pneumatic valve system
    Patent number: 5738520
    Abstract: The system is adapted for use with a portable dental delivery system and provides a selector for activating one of two handpieces. When one of the handpieces is to be activated, the supporting base is lifted from its wheels by a pneumatic support assembly that is controlled by the same valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., Paul D. Sturges
  • Shadow mask assembly for dental light
    Patent number: 5651611
    Abstract: The mask has a cap from which two deformable legs protrude. The legs are deformed to permit the outermost parts of the legs to be snapped into a groove in the socket that carries the lamp of the dental light. The mask is not attached to a reflector shield, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the overall lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: A-dec, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Weiler
  • Control mechanism for sliding panel
    Patent number: 5645144
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for guiding and controlling the movement of a sliding panel relative to a fixed panel. The mechanism comprises a shaft attached to the sliding panel that passes through an elongate opening in a bracket attached to the fixed panel. Disposed about the shaft is a brake that is normally urged against the bracket by a spring member, thereby fixing the position of the sliding panel. Also disposed about the shaft is an actuating member that, when actuated, releases the contact between the brake and the bracket, allowing the sliding member to move along the path defined by the elongate opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew G. Schaefers, George K. Austin, Jr.
  • Brake for multi-positionable rotatable member
    Patent number: 5634536
    Abstract: The present invention provides a brake that allows an object to rotate continually through its full range of movement, but allows the object to be reliably secured at any position within this range. The object is carried by a brake that includes a deformable cylindrical collar and a lever. Normally, a spring exerts force against the lever, which in turn exerts pressure on the collar, causing the interior diameter of the collar to become smaller. The collar then grasps the rod and prevents the rotation of the brake relative to the rod. A pneumatically controlled piston counters the force of the spring to allow the brake to rotate freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Sturges
  • Integrated dental chair and post-mounted delivery system
    Patent number: 5601331
    Abstract: Clearance in the seat base to which a post is pivotally mounted provides for wide-angle rotation of post-mounted equipment that is supported by the post that is mounted to the base. The location of the pivot axis is such that the mechanisms employed for pivotally mounting the equipment to a dental chair do not protrude from the back of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., William F. Fisher
  • Syringe tip retainer assembly
    Patent number: 5433485
    Abstract: The syringe tip is connected to a syringe head by an assembly that permits quick detachment and replacement of syringe tips without the use of tools. In one embodiment the assembly is adjustable for permitting or restricting rotation of the syringe tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., Ronald A. Rolleston, II, Mathew H. Parlier, Sandor Johannes
  • Control panel with sealed switch keypad
    Patent number: 5430266
    Abstract: The front panel of a control panel is provided with a recess for receiving a keypad. The recess is larger than the keypad to define a channel between the edges of the keypad and the sides of the recess. A sealant fills the channel to provide a smooth transition between the front panel and the keypad that protects the edges of the keypad and prevents the entry of moisture and debris into the channel. The control panel can be assembled by fixing the keypad within the recess, placing a temporary barrier over the top surface of the channel, and introducing the sealant into the channel. The sealant can be introduced through one or more ports in either the front panel or the temporary barrier. The temporary barrier is removed when the sealant hardens within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., Robert E. Holden, Ronald A. Rolleston, II, Robert L. Sickler
  • Seal for push-button switches
    Patent number: 5413358
    Abstract: The seal (10) comprises a one-piece molded cylindrical body having an open end (12), a closed end (16) , and a cylindrical side wall (14) . Outwardly projecting sealing ridges (26 and 18) are formed on the wall portion. Seal 10 is inserted into a bore (38) in a control panel (40) such that the sealing ridges contact the bore to seal out moisture, chemicals and other contaminants, and to retain the seal in the bore against upwardly directed pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., Pierre M. LaPlante, William F. Fisher, Raymond G. Reed
  • Solids collector used in dentistry
    Patent number: 5407565
    Abstract: The solids collector collects solids that may be ejected by an HVE. The collector includes a deflector for efficiently filling the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., David L. Curtis
  • Mounting bracket assembly
    Patent number: 5405115
    Abstract: A bracket for attaching a handle to a surface has a main bore for receiving the handle. A secondary bore intersects the main bore and receives a set screw having a tapered midsection which tangentially engages the handle. Tightening the set screw advances the tapered midsection which acts as a wedge to press against the handle and maintain the handle firmly within the main bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond G. Reed
  • Mechanical arm for supporting a dental instrument holder
    Patent number: D356640
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl G. Nordstrom, Andrew G. Schaefers
  • Pivoting support mount for connecting a dental chair to dental equipment
    Patent number: D357739
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Wililam R. Stewart, J. Rick Halbirt, Carl G. Nordstrom
  • Headrest
    Patent number: D357834
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl G. Nordstrom, Shawn R. Irwin
  • Utility box for housing and supporting dental equipment
    Patent number: D360466
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl G. Nordstrom, Pierre M. LaPlante, Larry Newman
  • Adjustable dental lamp
    Patent number: D377227
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl G. Nordstrom, Stephen N. Weiler
  • Cuspidor
    Patent number: D378415
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn R. Irwin, Carl G. Nordstrom
  • Dental control unit
    Patent number: D378416
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre M. LaPlante, Carl G. Nordstrom, George K. Austin, Jr.
  • Chair for dental patients
    Patent number: D378961
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl G. Nordstrom, William R. Stewart, Victor D. Rogers, Brad A. Rice
  • Dental patient simulator
    Patent number: D392878
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl G. Nordstrom, George K. Austin, Jr., Phil S. Smith, Andrew G. Schaefers, Paul D. Sturges