Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A dental apparatus is provided which includes a handle having a hollow interior and an end portion which is slightly curved to facilitate insertion in the oral cavity of a dental patient. Within the hollow interior, an air heater system is provided consisting of an air vortex tube. Air is delivered to one end of the vortex tube in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube causing the air to rapidly spin within the tube. The spinning air impinges upon an air flow control member at the opposite end of the tube which causes a portion of the air to deflect rearward toward its point of entry. This air is cool in temperature, and expelled from the rear of the tube. The non-deflected air is warm and directed out of the curved end portion of the handle. The invention further includes an adjustment system to control the temperature of air leaving the vortex tube.