Abstract: Various adaptors are used for securing a replaceable syringe tip in operative relationship to a handpiece body. The syringe tip is mounted on a tapered male connector set in the hollow interior of the adaptor. O ring seals and a metal flange member are used to prevent the leakage of air or water passing from the handpiece into the interior of the adaptor and then into the syringe tip. A captivated thumb nut is utilized to prevent the thumb nut from accidently disengaging completely from the adaptor. When the thumb nut is loosened to replace a syringe tip, the thumb nut will remain captivated on the adapter, only loosening enough to allow removal and insertion of a syringe tip.

Abstract: A syringe tip is locked into a three-way dental handpiece body by means of a syringe tip locking assembly that screws into a threaded receiver in the body of the handpiece. The locking assembly comprises an adaptor that has a central tapered male member that receives one end of the syringe tip, a gripping member that fits over the tapered male member and a locking cap that screws onto the adaptor and over the gripping member. The gripping member includes a plurality of gripping fingers that engage the syringe tip and the locking cap effects the tightening of the gripping fingers into the syringe tip. The locking assembly both applies a positive gripping action to the syringe tip and also pulls the syringe tip onto the tapered male member to securely hold the syringe tip in the adaptor during use by the dentist. The gripping member is captivated inside the locking cap to prevent inadvertent separation of the pieces.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing an aromatic polyanhydride is disclosed. The aromatic polyanhydride is prepared by reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with an anhydride to form an anhydride prepolymer, isolating and purifying the prepolymer, and subjecting the prepolymer to melt polycondensation conditions. The improvement specifically relates to the purification of the acid so it is essentially free of impurities before it is reacted with the anhydride.The polymers prepared from the improved process have higher molecular weights than the molecular weights achieved from the prior art processes, and exhibit outstanding thermal stability and mechanical properties. This combination of properties allows the aromatic polyanhydrides to be melt processed to prepare numerous devices.

Abstract: A clear rigid plastic syringe tip having a central water passageway and three arcuate section air passageways disposed circumferentially about the water passageway. A novel adaptor is used to mount the syringe tip to the handpiece body.

Abstract: Various adaptors are used for securing a replaceable syringe tip in operative relationship to a handpiece body. The syringe tip is mounted on a tapered male connector set in the hollow interior of the adaptor. O ring seals and a metal flange member are used to prevent the leakage of air or water passing from the handpiece into the interior of the adaptor and then into the syringe tip. A captivated thumb nut is utilized to prevent the thumb nut from accidently disengaging completely from the adaptor. When the thumb nut is loosened to replace a syringe tip, the thumb nut will remain captivated on the adapter, only loosening enough to allow removal and insertion of a syringe tip.

Abstract: An absorbable mesh material useful as a dental implant. The mesh is cut by lasers to afford smooth edges which will not unravel. The implant may be attached by a ligature or suture material, generally formed from the same material as the implant, and attached to the implant by, among other things, laser or ultrasonic welding or interweaving.

Abstract: A clear rigid plastic syringe tip having a central water passageway and three arcuate section air passageways disposed circumferentially about the water passageway. The syringe tip has an extension that mounts the syringe tip into an adaptor which holds the assembly in the handpiece body. Alternatively, the adaptor is provided with a coupling device for joining the syringe tip to the adaptor.

Abstract: Drugs with active hydrogen containing groups are reacted with .alpha.-polyester homopolymers and copolymers to form compounds which slowly absorb and release the drug when implanted in animal tissue.

Abstract: Relatively high molecular weight, fiber-forming, crystalline copolymers of lactide and glycolide are prepared in a two-stage polymerization process. In the first stage there is prepared a random copolymer of a major proportion of an optically active lactide with a minor proportion of glycolide or d,l-lactide. In the second stage, a major amount of glycolide and a minor amount of lactide monomers are admixed with the copolymer of the first stage and the polymerization resumed until there is obtained a high molecular weight addition copolymer of lactide and glycolide containing from about 50 to 75 wt percent of units derived from glycolide. The polymer is fiber-forming and useful in the preparation of absorbable surgical sutures.

Abstract: Relatively high molecular weight, fiber-forming, crystalline copolymers of lactide and glycolide are prepared in a two-stage polymerization process. In the first stage there is prepared a random copolymer of a major proportion of an optically active lactide with a minor proportion of glycolide or d,l-lactide. In the second stage, a major amount of glycolide and a minor amount of lactide monomers are admixed with the copolymer of the first stage and the polymerization resumed until there is obtained a high molecular weight addition copolymer of lactide and glycolide containing from about 50 to 75 wt percent of units derived from glycolide. The polymer is fiber-forming and useful in the preparation of absorbable surgical sutures.

Abstract: A valise or suitcase utilizes a self supporting, height adjustable, wheeled undercarriage, which when not in use is concealed in an open-bottomed compartment at the base of the suitcase.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a one wheeled vehicle rotatably affixed to a yoke. One arm of the yoke is provided with a stationary foot rest. The other arm of the yoke contains a rack which when reciprocated operates a gear train causing the wheel to rotate. A platform is secured to the uppermost portions of the rack and is biased upwardly by a spring urging the rack in an uppermost position. A pole extends upwardly from the yoke providing steering control to the apparatus and a balancing aid to the user thereof.

Abstract: Synthetic absorbable sutures and other surgical devices are prepared from polymers of p-dioxanone and 1,4-dioxepan-2-one, and alkyl substituted derivatives thereof. Monofilament sutures of oriented fibers are characterized by good tensile and knot strength and a high level of flexibility and softness. The sutures have good in vivo strength retention and are slowly absorbed without significant tissue reaction.