Abstract: A handle assembly having a swivel head for detachably holding a blade, includes a substantially elongate handle having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is formed with a threaded shank having a having a hemispherical socket at the end thereof, a sleeve having a threaded socket on one end for threadably mounting on the threaded shank and having an open slot extending from the other end to intersection of the threaded bore and partially along the length thereof, a blade mounting head comprising a threaded cylindrical body having a shank extending from one end, the shank adapted for receipt in the open slot and having a spherical tip for receipt in the threaded bore and engagement with the sleeve and the semi-spherical socket, the body adapted for swiveling on the spherical tip in the socket and slot, an axial bore extending coaxial of the threaded cylindrical body from the other end, an elongated collet having a longitudinal axis and inner walls surrounding an axial passage and first and second

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental tool for use with an ultrasonic transducer, comprises a substantially elongate tool defined by a shaft having a proximal end with a connector for attachment to an ultrasonic transducer, a distal end having a tip configured for performing a dental procedure, a portion of straight cylindrical wall from the tip inward toward the proximal end, and a contra-angle portion of substantially uniform diameter on the proximal end, and a uniform gradual tapered portion intermediate the distal end and the proximal end.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental tip that is hardened by a novel process that includes roughing the tip and then applying a metal nitride coating, such as titanium nitride (Ti--N) or zirconium nitride (Zr--N). The roughing is preferably accomplished by sandblasting the tip with a microblaster. Optionally the tip may be heat treated after it has been roughened and prior to being coated in order to further increase its hardness.

Abstract: A holder assembly for a surgical blade includes a handle assembly and a wrench for loosening/tightening the blade from/to the handle of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a collet having two longitudinal slits that enable the collet to secure the blade in a first and second direction to prevent slippage during operation. The collet fits in the handle and is secured by a retaining member that fits over the collet with the blade intact. The retaining member is loosened/tightened by a wrench that is part of the holder assembly. The wrench is configured to cover the blade completely when the wrench is placed in operation. Part of the cover is removable for cleaning by inserting the closed end of the wrench into the wrench body and pushing the cover's cap off.

Abstract: A precision hand mirror for use in endodontic examinations for viewing the interior of small cavities. The mirror is suitable for use with a microscope but is not limited to such use. The materials and method of fabrication make this mirror suitable for heating in an autoclave at temperatures up to 450.degree. C. A tungsten-carbide mirror blank is polished to reduce surface roughness to less than five percent of the wavelength of visible light, thereby removing all distortion from microscopic examination at any magnification. The tightly-packed crystalline structure of the C-2 tungsten-carbide material used in the mirror is highly resistent to physical distortion and corrosion problems normally resulting from repeated autoclave heating and exposure to bodily fluids during endodontic examinations.