Abstract: An adjustable transfer jig assembly interconnecting a face bow and a bitefork is positionally fixed after locating the bitefork relative to the face bow. Clamp blocks of plastic interconnecting plastic rods forming the jig assembly include slots for receiving and wicking about the encircled rods a fast setting adhesive to lockingly position the rods linearly and angularly with respect to one another and fix the transfer jig assembly. Subsequent detachment of the face bow will permit mounting of the bitefork upon an articulator in a predetermined relationship by attaching the transfer jig assembly to an articulator mounted index block.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated machine such as a dental drill can be used with a pneumatically operated indicator capable of providing an audible signal such as a whistle or horn so provide an indication if the machine is stopped or is being operated in reverse. The indicator used is operated through the use of the pneumatic fluid normally used to operate the machine.

Abstract: A dental pantograph capable of measuring mandibulary movement includes right and left side housings have orthogonally located X, Y and Z scales. The housing further includes X, Y and Z scale transducers for reading reference marks on the respective scales. The scales are slidable with respect to the transducers. The housings are located adjacent to engagement members with one of the housing or the engagement member associated with the mandible and the other associated with the maxilla. The scales extend between the housing and the engagement member and move with respect to the transducers in the housing by movement between the housing and the engagement member. The transducers produce electrical output signals which are fed to an appropriate signal processor, such as a microprocessor, for producing a readout indicating the mandibulary movement.

Abstract: A device useful in demonstrating occlusion and the effect thereof on the temporomandibular joint can be constructed so as to use an upper member shaped so that portions of it simulate a maxilla, maxillary teeth and a fossa and so as to use a lower member shaped so that portions of it simulate a mandible, mandibular teeth and a condyle. The lower member is held with respect to the upper member through the use of a plurality of resilient members in such a manner that the condyle is within the fossa and is movable with respect to it and in such a manner that the two sets of simulated teeth are adjacent to one another. The condyle is smaller than the fossa so at to permit it to be moved generally within the fossa as the lower member is moved relative to the upper member in demonstrating occlusion between various different types of teeth.

Abstract: A facebow for use in measuring the positions of the temporomandibular joints of a patient relative to the maxillary teeth of the patient so that such positions may be transferred to an articulator may be constructed so as to utilize two normally spaced side arms which are connected by a mechanical structure permitting the arms to be moved linearly toward and away from one another. A mechanical structure is provided for accomplishing such movement in such a manner that when either of the arms is moved the other arm is concurrently moved in a corresponding manner. The connecting structure carries a frame including a bite fork or equivalent adapted to be positioned in the mouth of a patient along or adjacent to the maxillary teeth in making an impression of these teeth. The frame carrying the bite fork is capable of being adjusted relative to the connecting structure and thus relative to the arms.

Abstract: Dental articulators have conventionally been constructed so as to utilize a lower assembly including a mandibular bow and an upper assembly including a maxillary bow connected together through the use of simulated condyles and fossa in such a manner as to permit movement between the two bows simulating the movement of the maxillary teeth relative to the mandibular teeth. The utility of such articulators can be improved through the use of a latch structure connecting the upper and lower assemblies in such a manner as to permit such movement and in such a manner as to permit the upper assembly to be moved into stable positions in which the maxillary bow extends substantially vertically from the mandibular bow and in which the maxillary bow and the mandibular bow both face upwardly.