Abstract: Apparatus useful for rotatably securing a dental instrument holder to a rod and enabling a convenient manual adjustment of the angular position of the instrument holder.

Abstract: A dental chair has an armrest pivoted to a base at an armrest pivot, and a seat back pivoted to the base at a back pivot located forward of the armrest pivot. The seat back includes a support pin for supporting the armrest at a position forward of the seat back pivot. Moving the seat back from an upright position to a reclined position through a large range of angular motion causes the support pin to elevate the armrest by a substantially smaller angular amount.

Abstract: The bracket (12) is bolted loosely to the attachment arm (14) of a dental chair to establish a preliminary orientation of the bracket relative to the attachment arm. The bracket is then levelled with adjustment screws (40) which bear against a surface on the attachment arm to establish a level orientation. The bolt fastening the bracket to the attachment arm is then tightened to fix the level orientation.

Abstract: A cuspidor having a substantially rounded basin with a bottom, a substantially upright surrounding sidewall and a fluid inlet spaced above the bottom adjacent one end of the basin for directing flushing fluid into the basin. The juncture between the bottom and sidewall of the basin is formed in a concave curve which varies from a first radius at the end of the basin adjacent the fluid inlet to a smaller second radius adjacent the opposite end of the basin. The bottom also has a substantially flat section adjacent a portion of the juncture section which merges with an intermediate section for directing flushing fluids to a drain hole. The configuration of the basin provides efficient flushing and minimizes the possibility of flushing fluid splashing over the sidewall.

Abstract: The frame includes a support plate that has openings fitted with sleeved hubs. The openings and hubs are configured to support dental equipment components that are carried by posts. The frame is constructed so that a given component is readily mounted to any selected one of the openings, thereby providing a variety of user-specified options in equipment arrangement with a single frame configuration.

Abstract: The linkage assembly provides an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the effective length of a rod member pivotally attached between two posts. The adjustment mechanism reduces the need for small-tolerance pivot hole locations in the assembly and permits compensation for arm sag that is attributable to deflection or other factors.

Abstract: A switch controller having a housing cover with a central ridge and opposed top surfaces which incline downwardly away from the central ridge. The top surfaces also incline on progressing from one end of the housing to the opposite end. A pair of footpads are mounted on the upper surface of the housing and incline consistently with their associated portions of the housing surfaces. The under surfaces of the footpads have spaced apart contact points thereon. Underlying the contact points are associated switches which are actuated by pressing downwardly on selected regions of the footpads. Fulcrum means are disposed between the associated pairs of contact points and switches to inhibit simultaneous actuation of adjacent switches.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling fluid flow to a tube connected to the assembly by shifting of a sleeve mounted on the assembly. When the sleeve is shifted into a shutoff position, a fluid path through the assembly is completely occluded by a closure element in the sleeve. As the sleeve is rotated away from its shutoff position, the fluid path is gradually opened.

Abstract: The chair includes a movable seat and back that are configured to enhance the patient's comfort by providing lumbar support when the chair is in the recumbent position and by minimizing patient sliding within a moving chair. Chair movement is controlled by a microprocessor-based control system that includes sensing mechanisms for precisely monitoring the chair position. The sensing mechanisms are employed in conjunction with a memory device to permit the user to define a particular position into which the chair will move any time the appropriate switch is closed by the user. The chair control system diagnoses malfunctioning chair components and generates and displays data indicating the particular malfunctioning component.

Abstract: A 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. The assembly is adjustable for permitting or restricting rotation of syringe tip.

Abstract: A dental instrument holder is combined with a compact valve assembly that is operable for conveying signals to a control system whenever and instrument is removed from or returned to the holder.

Abstract: The service life of a lamp used with a dental handpiece light is enhanced by the brightness control system, which provides a reduced lamp intensity during the time the handpiece is moved from its holder. The control system increases the lamp to its full intensity when the handpiece is actuated.