Patents Examined by Cary E. Stone
  • Dental spray handpiece
    Patent number: 4944675
    Abstract: A dental spray handpiece, consisting of a gripping sleeve having a media inlet connection at one end thereof and a media discharge outlet at its other end, the gripping sleeve having media conduits arranged therein which extend from the media inlet connection to the media discharge outlet and discharge media outwardly therefrom. The media conduit has an electrical heating installation associated therewith for heating the medium, as well as a shutoff valve which is adapted to be brought into an open position through finger-actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gerd Lohn
  • Portable display system
    Patent number: 4942686
    Abstract: A display system includes a collapsible, rectangular frame having a plurality of rectangular box units. Each box unit includes rectangularly arranged sides which are defined by a pair of arms, joined to one another by a scissor connection. The top and bottom side arms include at least one telescoping member therein. Connector-block nodes are located at each corner of the box units and include pivot means for securing the arms thereto for permitting the frame to be collapsed to a compact form. Plural display supports extend along files of connected block nodes on the front face of the frame, each support extending between adjacent connector block nodes and including a pair of display-support runners. The display-support runners are joined to one another at one, central end thereof by a central hinge and joined to a connector block node at the other end thereof by an end hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Matthias D. Kemeny
  • Asymmetrical bone drill
    Patent number: 4943236
    Abstract: A drill for forming a hole in material has a shank with at least a base surface positioned at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the shank and a side surface. A cutting element having first and second ends is eccentrically connected to the base surface in such a manner that a longitudinal axis of the cutting element is situated at a predetermined distance from a longitudinal axis of the shank. An outer surface of the body of the cutting element is defined by at least a front surface and a rear surface intersecting each other along at least a cutting edge. The rear surface is tapered toward the longitudinal axis of the shank so that only the cutting edge and the drill point engage the material and a substantial open area exists between the outer surface of the cutting element and the hole during the entire process of drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Vent-Plant Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard I. Linkow, Anthony W. Rinaldi, Michael Gambale
  • Dental hygiene device
    Patent number: 4942870
    Abstract: A free-standing oral hygiene device that is attachable to and detachable from a faucet member with one hand. An elongate flexible hose extends from the device to a hand-held wand which terminates in a nozzle that ejects a jet stream of water onto the teeth and gums of the user. When water pressure exceeds an adjustable preselected threshhold, a pressure relief valve opens so that the gums of the individual are not injured. A retaining clip member is depressed when the device is attached to the faucet, and released. When the retaining clip has been released, it holds the device to the faucet even when the water pressure from the faucet is very high. Removing the device is accomplished by depressing the retaining clip a second time and displacing the device downwardly. It can then be stored on a substantially level support surface as a free-standing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: George Damien
  • Orthodontic bracket and lock pin
    Patent number: 4941825
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket device for use with the straight wire and light wire corrective techniques either singly or in combination. The bracket features intersecting securement slots for both reduced bulk and advantageous placement of the control wires closer to the tooth surface. In combination with a SHORT-T-pin the two corrective techniques are simultaneously used without increasing the bulk of the bracket or wearer discomfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: Harry Lerner
  • Electrically actuated inflatable penile erection device
    Patent number: 4941461
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrically actuated penile erection prosthetic device. This device utilizes an alternating magnetic field generated from a device external to the patient which is inductively coupled into a pick-up coil that is implanted either within the corpus cavernosum of the penis or subcutaneously in the abdomen. The electrical energy from the pick-up coil is used to power an implanted pump that can pump saline solution from an implanted reservoir into the pendulous portion of the penile erection device. One embodiment of the reservoir is a collapsible root portion of the penile erection device or alternatively, the reservoir could be implanted within the abdomen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: Robert E. Fischell
  • Cyclic rearrangement device for stacked rectangular sheets
    Patent number: 4939860
    Abstract: Apparatus for the cyclic rearrangement of a pile of rectangular or square sheets, especially a pile of photographic prints, is provided. The apparatus has a first and a second frame part which may be moved relative to one another and parallel to the main plane of the pile, and a picture changer which, on movement of the frame parts backwards and forwards, removes an individual sheet at one end of the pile and adds it to the other end of the pile. The picture changer includes a first and a second separating member which, resiliently biased towards each other, define a through-gap which for the entry of the sheet being separated has a spacing greater than the thickness of one sheet and less than the thickness of two sheets, which spacing is, during the outward movement of the frame parts, maintained or reduced to the thickness of the sheet being separated, as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Dental laser method
    Patent number: 4940411
    Abstract: A dental laser assembly is disclosed for use in eradicating carious lesions in teeth, the treatment of sensitive teeth, as well as the removal of soft tissue. The laser assembly includes a housing having a cavity in which a pulsed laser is contained. The laser is excited so that the laser emits a laser beam along a predetermined axis that is in line with a fiber optic delivery system and at a pulse rate of one to 10,000 pulses per second and an average power variable from zero to 50 watts. A handpiece is dimensioned to be inserted into a human mouth while an optical fiber optically connects the laser output to the handpiece. The laser assembly also includes a continuous output aiming laser which, upon activation, provides a continuous laser aiming beam coaxial to the treatment beam. Both beams are then introduced into a fiber optic delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: American Dental Laser, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Vassiliadis, Joseph W. Shaffer, David J. Fullmer, Michael H. Brewer, David R. Hennings, Terry D. Myers
  • Shelf tag moulding attachment assembly
    Patent number: 4939861
    Abstract: A shelf tag moulding attachment assembly is provided for securing a product information module to a standard shelf tag moulding in a manner as to inhibit unauthorized removal, while permitting easy removal by authorized personnel through use of a grasping device. The assembly preferably includes a mounting member having projections disposed at one end for effecting biting engagement with one of the tag moulding lips, and a lever arm rotatably coupled to the mounting member having a cam at one end disposed to controllably engage the other lip of the tag moulding. The assembly is demountably secured to the tag moulding when the lever arm is rotated with respect to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Telepanel, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc P. Soubliere
  • Screw implant
    Patent number: 4938694
    Abstract: A screw implant for securing a dental prosthesis comprising a threaded part (4) which can be screwed into the jaw, and an occlusal structural support (2) which has a conical head (8) and an inside thread (22) for an occlusal screw (24). A cap (12) is attached by means of the occlusal screw to the head. The screw head (26) is supported by a bearing surface (28) on the occlusal end face (30) of the cap, and the outer diameter of the screw head adjacent the bearing surface is substantially the same size as the outer diameter of the end face of the cap. The screw implant is simple to produce and manipulate and improves oral hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Friedrichsfeld GmbH, Keramik-und Kunststoffwerke
    Inventor: Philippe Ledermann
  • Poster display device with longitudinal retention of frame sections
    Patent number: 4937959
    Abstract: An improved poster frame and display holder for replaceable posters and similar advertising material is disclosed. The sides of the frame include sets of pivotably engaged extruded metal, molded plastic, or other front and back frame members. Improved leaf-type springs bias together the front and back members of each side of the frame for releasably holding a poster or similar display. Interlocking portions of the front and back members substantially prevent relative longitudinal movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Palmer, David U. Hillstrom
  • Marine fish farm
    Patent number: 4936253
    Abstract: A marine fish farm includes a submersible cultivation cage having a rigid cylindrical body having annular rings spaced from each other within the cylindrical body and connected to each other by beams and crosspieces, an elongated body attached to the upper end of the cage and containing ballast tanks, and a column extending upwardly from the elongated body to the level above the sea surface and terminating with a tower, in which maintenance and personnel facilities are located. The depth of the cultivation cage is defined by the length of the column and adjusted by the ballast tanks so that the cage surrounded by a netting is always below the level of influence of sea waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventor: Santiago Otamendi-Busto
  • Dental work station
    Patent number: 4934933
    Abstract: A dental work station designed to position the dental assistant's instrumentation and the dentist's dynamic instrumentation in an efficient location to deliver dental instruments to the respective operators in the best position in relation to the patient for both the comfort of the patient and the ease of the operators is shown. Due to the unique design of the work station, the instrumentation of both the assistant and the operator can switch from a left-handed to right-handed and reverse itself in a matter of seconds, thus making it a completely ambidextrous unit. The unique arrangement of the overhead structure allows the dentist's dynamic instruments to be efficiently delivered to the dentist without interfering with the dental assistant's equipment. In addition, the overhead structure houses both the astral operating light and the general light fixtures to provide optimum lighting for the operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Jack Fuchs
  • Articulated visual display kit
    Patent number: 4934077
    Abstract: A kit for the versatile display of pictures which includes: (a) one or more frame members into which photographs or similar works of art can be easily inserted; (b) a slotted track to which one or more frame members may be adjustably attached; and (c) finger-adjustable wing-bolts to hold a frame member and one or more slotted tracks together. The kit also includes a wall-hanging member which may be easily and adjustably positioned near the center of gravity of the finished display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Philip Gerlach
  • Dental post and method for making the same
    Patent number: 4932870
    Abstract: A dental post for retaining a dental restoration onto a tooth stub and a method for making dental post. The dental post includes a cylindrical body portion and a head portion which extends outwardly from the body portion. The body portion is inserted in a bore in the tooth and secured therein by cement. To improve cement retaining capacity of the dental post, there are provided on the body portion non-continuous raised portions, spaced by wide open gaps to retain large segments of thick segments of cement. The overall portion of the gap area surface is greater than that of the land area surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: IPCO Corporation
    Inventor: Alan N. Miller
  • Method of making dentures
    Patent number: 4932869
    Abstract: The problem of ill-fitting dentures is cured by providing a compensating spacer on the surface of the stone model corresponding to the outside of the alveolar ridge to compensate for inwardly-directed shrinkage of the denture upon release from the stone model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: Claude A. Bergeron
  • Adjustable framing clamp
    Patent number: 4932146
    Abstract: A stepped frame having at least a pair of substantially planar surfaces oriented one lower than the other has a device for clamping a removable panel to the lower surface. One end of a rigid, unitary member attaches to the upper surface of the frame, while the other end extends over the panel, which in turn rests against the lower surface of the frame. A threaded aperture in the extending end, and a correspondingly threaded clamping screw cooperate to exert pressure on the panel when the screw is positively threaded through the aperture, thereby clamping the panel to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: M. Thomas Long
  • Portable hay feeder
    Patent number: 4930449
    Abstract: A portable hay feeder with open sides pivotally connected with angle brackets which are pivotally connected with roof rafters of the unit in such fashion that the sides will swing in an essentially vertical position as an animal pushes the sides against hay contained between the sides; spacer bar or rods forming vertical openings in the sides are properly spaced so that an animal may eat but the animal's head will not go between the upright space bars, thus the animals head pushes the sides inward allowing total consumption and minimizing waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Shelby H. Harton
  • Phone number display device
    Patent number: 4930235
    Abstract: There is provided a simplified phone number reference device for use by children and which does not require general reading ability. The device is a multi-sided structure of clear side walls having an internal support for displaying photographs of scenes or people recognizable to the children. The device includes a phone number display mounting proximate the pictures which associates the phone number with the recognized scene or person in the photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventors: Wendy N. Gillen, Laurie N. Gavin, Jean C. Neubauer
  • Fixed removable dental implant system
    Patent number: 4931016
    Abstract: A fixed, removable dental implant having a precision cast support structure secured to the alveolar bone and a female supra structure conforming in shape to the precision cast support bar removably mounted and secured to the precision cast support bar by means of a locking mechanism in cooperation with a series of guide pins, the supra structure having the acrylic prosthesis secured thereto, the precision cast support bar and female supra structure having conforming configurations achieved by electrical erosion methods to provide the patient with the confidence and security of a fixed dental prosthesis yet permitting the patient to remove the supra structure and acrylic prosthesis for cleaning without the necessity of a dental visit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Rannar Sillard