Abstract: An expandable stop ring slides over the end of a top post until it engages a selected one of a number of spaced apart grooves in the end of a top post. The end of the top post is inserted into a bottom tubular post until the stop ring fits inside a keeper that is mounted to the upper end of the bottom post. The keeper prevents expansion of the stop ring, hence the stop ring and keeper combination support the top post and any equipment carried thereon. The top post height adjustment is made by lifting the top post to remove the stop ring from the keeper, thereby permitting sliding movement of the stop ring to another selected groove on the top post.

Abstract: The flow of water to a cuspidor bowl-rinse spout and cup-filling spout is controlled by a normally closed valve that is actuated by a lever, the ends of which lever protrude through opposite sides of the cuspidor housing. Either end of the lever may be moved in either of two opposite directions for actuating the valve.

Abstract: The system is adapted for use with a portable dental delivery system and provides a selector for activating one of two handpieces. When one of the handpieces is to be activated, the supporting base is lifted from its wheels by a pneumatic support assembly that is controlled by the same valve system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for guiding and controlling the movement of a sliding panel relative to a fixed panel. The mechanism comprises a shaft attached to the sliding panel that passes through an elongate opening in a bracket attached to the fixed panel. Disposed about the shaft is a brake that is normally urged against the bracket by a spring member, thereby fixing the position of the sliding panel. Also disposed about the shaft is an actuating member that, when actuated, releases the contact between the brake and the bracket, allowing the sliding member to move along the path defined by the elongate opening.

Abstract: Clearance in the seat base to which a post is pivotally mounted provides for wide-angle rotation of post-mounted equipment that is supported by the post that is mounted to the base. The location of the pivot axis is such that the mechanisms employed for pivotally mounting the equipment to a dental chair do not protrude from the back of the chair.

Abstract: The syringe tip is connected to a syringe head by an assembly that permits quick detachment and replacement of syringe tips without the use of tools. In one embodiment the assembly is adjustable for permitting or restricting rotation of the syringe tip.

Abstract: The front panel of a control panel is provided with a recess for receiving a keypad. The recess is larger than the keypad to define a channel between the edges of the keypad and the sides of the recess. A sealant fills the channel to provide a smooth transition between the front panel and the keypad that protects the edges of the keypad and prevents the entry of moisture and debris into the channel. The control panel can be assembled by fixing the keypad within the recess, placing a temporary barrier over the top surface of the channel, and introducing the sealant into the channel. The sealant can be introduced through one or more ports in either the front panel or the temporary barrier. The temporary barrier is removed when the sealant hardens within the channel.

Abstract: The seal (10) comprises a one-piece molded cylindrical body having an open end (12), a closed end (16) , and a cylindrical side wall (14) . Outwardly projecting sealing ridges (26 and 18) are formed on the wall portion. Seal 10 is inserted into a bore (38) in a control panel (40) such that the sealing ridges contact the bore to seal out moisture, chemicals and other contaminants, and to retain the seal in the bore against upwardly directed pressure.

Abstract: The solids collector collects solids that may be ejected by an HVE. The collector includes a deflector for efficiently filling the collector.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for rotatably securing a dental instrument holder to a rod and enabling a convenient manual adjustment of the angular position of the instrument holder.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling fluid flow to a tube connected to the assembly by shifting of a sleeve mounted on the assembly. When the sleeve is shifted into a shutoff position, a fluid path through the assembly is completely occluded by a closure element in the sleeve. As the sleeve is rotated away from its shutoff position, the fluid path is gradually opened.

Abstract: A dental instrument holder is combined with a compact valve assembly that is operable for conveying signals to a control system whenever and instrument is removed from or returned to the holder.

Abstract: A compact, in-line electric water heater is provided for heating water to a temperature suitable for dental operations. The heater includes a cylindrical inner tube containing an electrical heater element and a cylindrical outer tube concentrically spaced therefrom, through which water to be heated is circulated. An inlet and outlet for the water is located at one end of a chamber formed between the tubes. A control thermostat is operatively mounted on an area of the outer tube which is flattened so as to contact the inner tube and is responsive to the temperature of the outer tube. A thermal limiter is also mounted to the outer tube to function as a safety device should the control thermostat malfunction.

Abstract: A telescoping arm has a rod slidable within a sleeve defining an interior bore. A bushing attached to the rod slides within the bore and has a substantially rigid block constrained by the bore against substantial rotation or lateral movement. The bushing further includes a spring portion biased against the sleeve to provide frictional resistance to telescoping of the apparatus and to prevent the bushing from rattling in the bore. The spring responsively accommodates small lateral and rotational forces, while the block bears more substantial loads.

Abstract: A foot-actuated valve assembly operable for delivering either a mixture of hot and cold water through a faucet, or solely cold water to the faucet. The user selectively actuates one of two sides of a kick plate. Actuation of one side of the kick plate causes a mixture of hot and cold water to flow through the faucet. Actuation of the other side of the kick plate causes only cold water to flow through the faucet.

Abstract: Control system for multiple handpieces and associated devices includes a plurality of module control blocks secured in an assembly with a manifold that receives and distributes fluids to the blocks. Blocks contain cartridge valves, each removable through a single face of the control blocks for ease of access. The control blocks are adapted for attachment of auxiliary control devices. Flow control devices in the blocks are controlled by lifting of handpieces from hangers and/or by foot operated controls.

Abstract: The chair includes a movable seat and back that are configured to enhance the patient's comfort by providing lumbar support when the chair is in the recumbent position and by minimizing patient sliding within a moving chair. Chair movement is controlled by a microprocessor-based control system that includes sensing mechanisms for precisely monitoring the chair position. The sensing mechanisms are employed in conjunction with a memory device to permit the user to define a particular position into which the chair will move any time the appropriate switch is closed by the user. The chair control system diagnoses malfunctioning chair components and generates and displays data indicating the particular malfunctioning component.