Abstract: A stop is used for limiting the drill depth of an osteotomy drill bit within a bore in bone. This stop may have a generally tubular body for being releasably mounted on the drill bit and have a cam slot disposed at the body and used for defining a plurality of axial positions. The cam slot is configured for releasably securing a cam follower associated with a drill assembly that extends radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the drill bit assembly to axially secure the stop to the drill bit assembly. Additionally, the stop includes an apical end section that is configured to engage bone adjacent to the bore and limit the apical motion of the drill bit.

Abstract: A storage device is provided for holding bone implant surgery articles. The storage device includes a body defining a plurality of openings capable of holding at least one rotatable drill bit that may be mounted on a drill and used to form a bore in bone and at least one implant container that holds an implant capable of being placed in the bore.

Abstract: A stop is used for limiting the drill depth of an osteotomy drill bit within a bore in bone. This stop may have a generally tubular body for being releasably mounted on the drill bit and have a cam slot disposed at the body and used for defining a plurality of axial positions. The cam slot is configured for releasably securing a cam follower associated with a drill assembly that extends radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the drill bit assembly to axially secure the stop to the drill bit assembly. Additionally, the stop includes an apical end section that is configured to engage bone adjacent to the bore and limit the apical motion of the drill bit.

Abstract: A storage device is provided for holding bone implant surgery articles. The storage device includes a body defining a plurality of openings capable of holding at least one rotatable drill bit that may be mounted on a drill and used to form a bore in bone and at least one implant container that holds an implant capable of being placed in the bore.

Abstract: Disclosed within is a dental restorative system including an impression coping with a body portion having a first end, a second end, and an internal chamber having non-frustoconical side walls. The body portion also has a facial aspect and a lingual aspect and the distance between the first end and second end on the facial aspect is greater than the distance between the first end and second end on the lingual aspect. The first end of the impression coping may include an opening and an interproximal, continuous slope.. Certain embodiments of the impression coping include means for engaging an abutment or implant, located on the internal chamber. Other embodiments include external flange portions for retention of the coping in impression material. Alternative embodiments of the impression coping are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for use in the dental implant industry. Generally, the device relates to packaging systems for dental implants that are capable of storing implants of different lengths and varying diameters. An embodiment of the package may be composed of a vial for housing a cushion. Located on the cushion is a sleeve for housing at least a portion of a dental implant. The sleeve and implant are covered by a sleeve cap whereby the sleeve cap is constructed to hold a healing screw. The packaging system also includes a lid for covering the healing screw.

Abstract: A dental implant assembly for supporting a dental prosthesis. The assembly comprises a dental implant and an abutment. The dental implant comprises a body portion, a collar portion and a central bore. The body portion is located at a distal end of the dental implant and is configured to lie at least substantially below a crest of a patient's jawbone. The collar portion is located at a proximal end of the dental implant and forms an abutment mating surface which defines an outer edge that has a generally scalloped shape. The central bore extends through the collar portion and into the implant body portion. The central bore includes a threaded portion and a post portion. The abutment comprises a post configured to fit within the post portion of the central bore and an implant mating surface that is configured to mate with the abutment mating surface of the dental implant.

Abstract: A sterilization container system for sterilizing instruments provides at least two sterilization enclosures separated vertically by a stacking device. The stacking device allows diffusion between the enclosures and into the enclosures through their upper and lower facing portions.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments provides enhanced diffusion. Cut-out portions of the lid sidewalls and base sidewalls interact to form openings through the side of the container. Apertures are also preferably formed through upper and lower surfaces of the container. Such design is particularly useful when the container is formed of a liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester.

Abstract: A sterilization container system for sterilizing instruments provides at least two sterilization enclosures separated vertically by a stacking device. The stacking device allows diffusion between the enclosures and into the enclosures through their upper and lower facing portions.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments is provided with a base portion having a plurality of drainage wells. Each drainage well has a downwardly sloping surface terminating in a drainage aperture. Upper portions of the sloping surfaces support a flexible instrument holding mat within the container. Sterilization containers are formed of thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester. A latch mechanism comprises a latch member rotatably supported upon torsion bars within a recessed portion of the container which presents no sharp surfaces to the user.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments is provided with a base portion having a plurality of drainage wells. The drainage wells comprise a downwardly sloping surface terminating in a drainage aperture. Upper portions of the sloping surfaces support a flexible instrument holding mat within the container. Sterilization containers are formed of thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester. A latch mechanism comprises a latch member rotatably supported upon torsion bars within a recessed portion of the container which presents no sharp surfaces to the user.

Abstract: A pressure equalization device connects to a port on an endoscope and equalizes the pressure within the endoscope to an environment thereabout. An outlet check valve allows flow out of the port and blocks flow into the port. A filter may be provided for preventing known chemical agents from entering the port. If the agent is hydrogen peroxide, the filter preferably comprises a catalyst, such as copper wool, for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An inlet check valve may also be provided to communicate with the endoscope port and allow flow into the port in response to a downstream pressure gradient exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and device for enhancing the vapor sterilization of the lumen of medical instruments and like articles under reduced pressure. A vessel containing a small amount of a vaporizable liquid antimicrobial solution is attached to the lumen. The antimicrobial vaporizes and flows directly into the lumen of the article as the pressure is reduced for the sterilization cycle. Preferred embodiments illustrate a sealed chamber containing the antimicrobial and an opener for opening the chamber with the device already attached to the article. Preferably, the opener comprises a hollow spike. A ring between the opener and chamber must be removed prior to opening the chamber and removal of the ring destroys the ring so that it can not be replaced.

Abstract: A pressure equalization device connects to a port on an endoscope and equalizes the pressure within the endoscope to an environment thereabout. An outlet check valve allows flow out of the port and blocks flow into the port. A filter may be provided for preventing known chemical agents from entering the port. If the agent is hydrogen peroxide, the filter preferably comprises a catalyst, such as copper wool, for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An inlet check valve may also be provided to communicate with the endoscope port and allow flow into the port in response to a downstream pressure gradient exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and device for enhancing the vapor sterilization of the lumen of medical instruments and like articles under reduced pressure. A vessel containing a small amount of a vaporizable liquid antimicrobial solution is attached to the lumen. The antimicrobial vaporizes and flows directly into the lumen of the article as the pressure is reduced for the sterilization cycle. Preferred embodiments illustrate a sealed chamber containing the antimicrobial and an opener for opening the chamber with the device already attached to the article. Preferably, the opener comprises a hollow spike. A ring between the opener and chamber must be removed prior to opening the chamber and removal of the ring destroys the ring so that it can not be replaced.