Abstract: In one embodiment, a dental mannequin simulation device and system for providing a simulated dental procedure is provided herein. The dental mannequin simulation device includes a dental mannequin head configured to simulate a head of a human or non-human animal, a sensor associated with the dental mannequin to sense a condition of the dental mannequin, and a signal output device to provide feedback to a user based in response to the condition, wherein the condition is motion, position, or orientation or frequency thereof, or physical contact with the mannequin.

Abstract: A biarticulating headrest having a chair mount adapted for attachment at one end thereof to a back support section of a chair. The headrest includes a base plate on the backside thereof. One or more headrest mounts can be attached to the base plate at a first end thereof. A first axis can be attached to a second end of one or more of the headrest mounts and a second axis can be attached to a second end of the one or more chair mounts. The headrest includes a biarticulating headrest locking mechanism, wherein the positioning assembly is movably engaged to the first axis at a first end and to the second axis at the second end thereof.

Abstract: Mounting devices for mounting an electronic display device to a surface include an elongated track or rail, a guide member, and a bracket member. The guide is coupled to the track or rail and can be slid along a length thereof The bracket is attached to the guide on a side thereof opposite the track or rail. A first portion of the bracket extends laterally from the guide between first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the guide and can be rotated relative thereto. The second end of the first portion of the bracket is attached to the second portion thereof, and may be attached to an electronic display device. Cabinets include such mounting devices attached to a bottom surface thereof. Methods for mounting an electronic display device to a cabinet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A panel system is provided that may be used to access underlying apparatus, such as utility lines underlying a dental or medical cabinet. The panel system may connect to a frame via, for example, a magnetic element. The panels may include substantially planar or smooth outwardly facing surfaces that may be readily cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected to provide an aseptic surface. The frame may be a support member on, for example, a cabinet, a cart, or a storage devices used in a dental or medical office.

Abstract: A modular storage unit for a cabinet or other support structure comprising a support structure and a storage unit movably coupled to a lateral portion of the support structure. The support structure may include a cavity with an opening thereto, the size of the cavity being sufficient to receive at least a portion of the storage unit. The storage unit may be slidably coupled to the support structure via a base member and may be rotatably coupled thereto. The storage unit may be independently rotatable about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A workstation includes a keyboard integrated therein and a substantially planar work surface. The keyboard may be disposed between an upper and lower portion of the workstation such that a substantially planar upper surface is provided. Additionally, the keyboard may be formed within a portion of the workstation so that an exposed surface of the keyboard is flush with or underlying the substantially planar upper surface. Advantageously, the workstation may provide an interface between a user and the keyboard that may be efficiently cleaned, sterilized and disinfected.

Abstract: An electrically powered light source including a light emitting diode (LED) having variable chromaticity, which is adapted for use in a dental operatory. A dental operatory lamp includes a thermally conductive housing having a front directed toward the operating area and a rear away from the operating area; a generally elliptical reflector located on the rear of the thermally conductive housing; at least one heat pipe; a plurality of color LEDs projecting light toward the elliptical reflector, the plurality of LEDs being in thermal contact with the at least one heat pipe; and an optical light guide for combining light from said LEDs. Another embodiment of the lamp includes at least two user selectable light spectra, one of said spectra providing white light with color temperature in the range 4000° K-6000° K and one spectra having reduced output in the wavelength range 400-500 nm.

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 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 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 station assembly for use with a patient chair is disclosed. The station assembly includes a mounting bracket which can be attached to the patient chair. A first station arm and a second station arm are pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket such that they have nested translational paths when pivoted. Instrument stations are mounted to the station arms such that either station can be brought to either side of the patient chair by pivoting the station arms.

Abstract: A device for removing air from the steam chamber of an autoclave includes a sealable sterilization chamber for receiving items to be sterilized. The chamber is sealed and the pressure and temperature therein monitored by sensors. Vapor for sterilizing items is generated in the chamber by a heater. Air is removed from the chamber through a relatively large vent and a selectively activated valve for opening and closing the vent. A digital controller receives the monitored temperature and pressure of the chamber as inputs, compares these empirical values with standard values and, on the basis of the comparison, generates a control signal to selectively open or close the valve. The vapor used in steam and the standard values are a set of coordinates, which when plotted on a pressure/temperature graph, would yield a curve characteristic of saturated steam. The standard values are stored in a memory accessible to the microprocessor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an autoclave system incorporating a sterilization chamber and a reservoir. The reservoir is coupled to the sterilization chamber by means of a selectively operated valve. A microcontroller in conjunction with timing means computes a time necessary to place a predetermined amount of water into the sterilization chamber to assure that a proper sterilization cycle will be implemented. The apparatus determines the amount of time required to operate the valve based on the water level in the reservoir. The system is initilized with a full reservoir of water and bases all successive computations for valve operation from this point. Thus the valve is operated according to a given time duration, which time duration is computed according to the number of sterilization cycles previously performed by the autoclave system.

Abstract: A reclining chair has a seat back and a seat bottom which are pivotally attached to opposite ends of a rocking cradle or support frame, which itself is pivotally mounted to a base. The seat back and the seat bottom are interconnected such that an end of the seat bottom proximate to the seat back is raised as the seat back is lowered. Conversely, as the end of the seat bottom proximate to the seat back is lowered, the seat back is raised. The opposite or remote end of the seat bottom is maintained at substantially the same elevation as the end of the seat bottom proximate the seat back, whereby the seat bottom is maintained in a substantially constant orientation relative to the horizontal as it is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A unitary, quick-release handle for use on dental, medical and similar lighting fixtures has a quick-release feature which permits the handle to be quickly and easily removed and then placed in an autoclave for purposes of sterilization.

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.