Abstract: A curing apparatus wherein rapid curing is provided by using light, pressure, pressure and light, or purge, pressure and light to cure resinous materials by application of energy from an external source to excite polymerization in a polymerizable system. An air-tight chamber is provided to house the polymerizable dental material. The apparatus provides an automated system for curing the polymerizable material under light and pressure in the same unit. A purge cycle may be included to minimize or eliminate bubbles and provide an oxygen-free atmosphere.

Abstract: A calibration device for a dental furnace includes a meltable element located on a hollow tube. The melting of the meltable element breaks the seal and reduces the vacuum pressure in the furnace thereby triggering the controller to calibrate the temperature of the furnace to the melting temperature of the meltable element. Alternatively, a calibration device comprises a solid tube having a groove thereon is positioned in the furnace and a metal strip is positioned on the solid tube. Upon melting of the metal strip, the solid tube is displaced and the seal is broken allowing air from the external environment to access the furnace atmosphere. The change in vacuum pressure is detected and the temperature in the furnace and the melting point of the metal strip is used as the reference temperature to calibrate the furnace.

Abstract: A light curing unit comprising a light detecting panel positioned on the housing of the curing unit to allow the operator of the unit to visibly detect when the light is on. The panel is preferably part of the housing and is positioned proximate the light guide on the curing unit. It covers a section of the unit that exposes the light energy radiating from the lamp located in the housing of the unit. The panel is transparent or translucent, allowing the operator to see the light radiating from the lamp when the unit is in operation. If the unit is in operation and the light suddenly goes out, the operator can immediately detect that the light is out. The operator is then able to continue the curing operation with a new unit or lamp, without having to expend time using an ineffective curing unit.

Abstract: A curing apparatus wherein rapid curing is provided by using light, pressure, pressure and light, or purge, pressure and light to cure resinous materials by application of energy from an external source to excite polymerization in a polymerizable system. An air-tight chamber is provided to house the polymerizable dental material. The apparatus provides an automated system for curing the polymerizable material under light and pressure in the same unit. A purge cycle may be included to minimize or eliminate bubbles and provide an oxygen-free atmosphere.

Abstract: A light curing unit comprising a light detecting panel positioned on the housing of the curing unit to allow the operator of the unit to visibly detect when the light is on. The panel is preferably part of the housing and is positioned proximate the light guide on the curing unit. It covers a section of the unit that exposes the light energy radiating from the lamp located in the housing of the unit. The panel is transparent or translucent, allowing the operator to see the light radiating from the lamp when the unit is in operation. If the unit is in operation and the light suddenly goes out, the operator can immediately detect that the light is out. The operator is then able to continue the curing operation with a new unit or lamp, without having to expend time using an ineffective curing unit.

Abstract: A curing/whitening unit provides a light guide and a conduit for delivering a source of cooling fluid to or near the surface being cured as radiant energy of a light beam is directed on the material to be cured. An outlet for the cooling fluid is provided integral the curing unit proximate the outlet or tip of the light guide of the curing unit to provide simultaneous cooling fluid to the mouth as curing or whitening is occurring.

Abstract: A burn-out furnace having heating system configured in a series or plurality of radiating sleeves aligned on top of one another against at least one wall of the burn-out furnace. At least one heating element is disposed in the radiating sleeves. The heating element is preferably a single piece of wire which is coiled or wound along its entire length and curved after it exits each radiating sleeve to continue into the next tube, and “zig-zag” through the plurality of tubes. The heating element is stretched to a point whereby during operation of the furnace, when the heating element is heated, there is little or no creeping of the wire occurring. Moreover, the heating element contains very tight turns between the sleeves as the direction of the element reverses and it continues the zig-zag configuration through the plurality of radiating sleeves.