Abstract: A hand-operated brake release may be incorporated within a medical delivery unit, such as a dental unit head, having an articulating apparatus allowing for improved ergonomic positioning of the delivery unit. The hand-operated brake release includes a sheath covering a switching element coupled to a handle in order to provide sealed brake releasing sensitive to the user's touch or grasp. A method of operating a delivery unit mounted on an articulating arm is also provided.

Abstract: A multiple position tool receptacle may be incorporated within a medical delivery unit, such as a dental unit head, allowing for positioning of a hand-held device in one of two or more seats. The receptacle may include a switching device operatively coupled in the receptacle to “activate” the medical delivery unit upon removal of a hand-held device from any one of the receptacle's seats. A method of providing multiple hand piece positioning in a “holster” is also provided.

Abstract: A lamp assembly adapted to cast shadow-free illumination over an area. Typically, a lamp assembly includes a plurality of light modules that are disposed in a spaced apart relationship over an area. Desirably, the lamp assembly is arranged to aim the light output of each module for overlapping summation on a target footprint. Modules generally each include a LED light source, a parabolic reflecting mirror arranged to direct light from the LED, a TIR collimating lens disposed at a distal end of the mirror, and a stray light tube disposed between the LED and a dispersing lens element.

Abstract: A lamp assembly adapted to cast shadow-free illumination over an area. Typically, a lamp assembly includes a plurality of light modules that are disposed in a spaced apart relationship over an area. The lamp assembly can be arranged to focus light from the lamp to a central area of illumination of high intensity, with significantly reduced intensity illumination outside the central area.

Abstract: A microprocessor controls a heater which generates steam inside the sealed chamber of a sterilizer. During that portion of the sterilizer cycle wherein sterilizing conditions are trying to be attained, the microprocessor monitors both the temperature and pressure levels inside the chamber by controlling the heater and waits until both variables reach predetermined levels before starting a sterilize timer. Once the timer is started, it is stopped if the level of either one of the temperature or pressure variables drops below a predetermined minimum value which, in the preferred embodiment, air their optimum values. While the sterilize timer is timing, the pressure level rather than the temperature level is used by the microprocessor to control the heater. These features allow a more reliable and accurate control of the generation and maintenance of sterilizing conditions inside the chamber, resulting in greater assurance of complete sterilization while minimizing the expenditure of time and energy.

Abstract: A headrest tilting mechanism includes a bar having first and second ends, with a headrest mounting portion proximate the first end and a substantially straight portion proximate the second end. A support means includes a curved cam surface and a pin having ends rotatably coupled to the support means. The pin has a cross-slot therethrough and a portion of the bar which is intermediate the first and second ends passes through the cross-slot. A cam following means attached to the bar proximate the second end causes the second end to follow the cam surface of the support means. With this arrangement, the curved cam surface is not located at the very top of the chair back and therefore the head of the patient can be significantly closer to the lap of the dentist than prior art arrangements.

Abstract: An adjustable headrest particularly adapted for a dental, medical or the like treatment chair wherein it is necessary to have a patient's head in various positions. A supporting arm preferably of the four-bar linkage type having a first end for being pivotally mounted on any suitable support for attachment to a treatment chair and a second end being pivotally mounted on a headrest for movement of the headrest which approximates the normal motion of the patient's head. Locking mechanism is attached to the headrest and supporting arm to lock the headrest in any desired position with the use of one hand of the operator.