Abstract: Processes are provided for the adhering together of articles employing vitrifiable adhesives. According to a preferred embodiment, two or more articles are contacted with a polymerizable adhesive comprising a particulate, inorganic filler and a polymerizable resin comprising at least 0.25% by weight of the adhesive of a polymerizable silane. The adhesive is then polymerized and the polymerized adhesive heated to afford a vitrified bond.

Abstract: There is provided a device for efficient production of light in the low visible range for photo-curing materials, the device being particularly adapted for dental applications. The efficient light source comprises a tungsten halogen lamp with a concentrating reflector which reflects visible light and passes middle and far infrared wavelengths. A filter system is provided comprising a dichroic heat reflecting filter which efficiently passes light from 400 to 700 nm and reflects energy in the visible red and near infrared wavelengths back to the lamp envelope, thus enhancing lamp halogen cycle efficiency. The dichroic heat reflecting filter is followed by a dielectric filter which provides a high efficiency bandpass at the desired visible range. A highly efficient fiber optic light guide is positioned to receive the focused and filtered light and to transmit it to a reduced surface light applying tip at the end of a handpiece.

Abstract: A radio-frequency electrosurgical device which includes an active electrode, a passive electrode, and a radio-frequency generator. The radio-frequency generator induces a radio-frequency potential on a primary winding of an isolation transformer. The secondary winding of the isolation transformer powers the active electrode. One end of the second winding of the isolation transformer is coupled to a return lead connected to the passive electrode and also is coupled to ground through a primary winding of a second transformer. If the passive electrode is disconnected from the return line, there can be an alternate radio-frequency current return path to ground, and a potential is developed across the primary winding of the second transformer. This potential is used to energize a relay to actuate an alarm and to disable the radio-frequency generator if the passive electrode becomes disconnected.

Abstract: A radio-frequency electrosurgical device which includes an active electrode, a passive electrode, and means for generating a radio-frequency potential. The generating means induces the radio-frequency potential on a primary winding of an isolation transformer. The secondary winding of the isolation transformer powers the active electrode. One end of the secondary winding of the isolation transformer is coupled to a return lead connected to the passive electrode and also is coupled to ground through a primary winding of a second transformer. If the passive electrode is disconnected from the return line, there can be an alternate radio-frequency current return path to ground, and a potential is developed across the primary winding of the second transformer. This potential is used to energize a relay to actuate an alarm and to disable the radio-frequency generator if the passive electrode becomes disconnected.

Abstract: A handheld lamp is disclosed wherein the light source is a rapid pulse unconfined xenon arc tube containing more than three atmospheres of xenon gas pressure, and providing a selectable spectral output of ultraviolet, visible, or ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. The lamp contains a radiation guide for directing the generating light, the tip of which is maintained cool for effective use such as in curing tooth restorative materials. The lamp may be located in the power supply and light delivered through a flexible light pipe.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a safety circuit for preventing burns to a patient during an electrosurgical operation. In the preferred embodiment, the safety circuit includes a pair of monitors for sensing an imbalance between current flowing to a patient from a radio-frequency generator and current returning to the radio-frequency generator from the patient. When such an imbalance occurs as a result of a stray current path to ground from the patient, an alarm is actuated. In addition, a first alternate current path between chassis ground and the radio-frequency generator and a second alternate current path between system ground and chassis ground are included. A monitor in each alternate current path is designed to actuate an alarm upon detecting a predetermined flow of current. Not only do the monitors provide back-up for each other, but the first alternate path holds near ground potential a dispersive electrode which contacts the patient.

Abstract: A control circuit for an electrical device which includes a switch that is electrically isolated from other components. The switch is connected in series with a photovoltaic cell and relay means. The photovoltaic cell is illuminated so that closing of contacts of the switch causes actuation of the relay means. The relay means is connected to actuate the electrical device. Voltage at the switch is limited by the voltage produced by the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A monitor for a patient return circuit of a radiofrequency electrosurgical device in which an interrogation or measurement circuit is powered by a photovoltaic cell. Characteristics of the photovoltaic cell can limit the interrogation or measurement current to a value considered to be safe to a patient.

Abstract: A radiofrequency electrosurgical device which includes an active electrode and a passive electrode coupled to a chassis ground of a radiofrequency generator of the device. If the passive electrode is disconnected from the chassis ground, a potential develops between the chassis ground and a system ground. This potential is used to actuate a relay to disable the radiofrequency generator if the passive electrode becomes disconnected.

Abstract: An ultraviolet lamp is disclosed wherein the light source is a rapid pulse unconfined xenon arc tube containing more than three atmospheres of xenon gas pressure, and providing an output limited to wavelengths greater than 320 nanometers. Associated circuitry for operating the tube and associated light transmitting means for utilizing the output of the tube are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shield for a radiation piping rod is formed by shrinking a length of plastic resin tubing on a rod or on a mandrel having a portion conforming to a portion of the rod to be shielded. The shrunken tubing is provided with a lengthened slit to permit stripping from the rod or mandrel to form the shield. The shield is mounted on the rod after stripping, and an air interface is formed between the rod and the shield to minimize loss of radiation caused by the shield.

Abstract: A radiofrequency electrosurgical device which includes an active electrode and a passive electrode coupled to a chassis ground of a radiofrequency generator of the device. If the passive electrode is disconnected from the chassis ground, a potential develops between the chassis ground and a system ground. This potential is used to actuate a relay to disable the radiofrequency generator if the passive electrode becomes disconnected. The relay is reset when a main power off-on switch is turned to off position.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device in which high frequency electrical energy powers a cutting electrode. Radio frequency energy is set up in a driver coil and a driven coil mounted in a handpiece. The driver coil energizes the driven coil to energize a surgical electrode connected to one end of the driven coil. Connection between the source of radio frequency energy and the driver coil includes a circuit in which condensers and impedances are so connected that, if there is a failure of the condensers, energy is dissipated.