Abstract: A light-emitting handpiece for curing light-curable dental resins and similar materials. In general appearance, the handpiece is designed to resemble a conventional dental drill. Preferably, the handpiece comprises a housing defining a tubular handle portion that is adapted to contain a power pack for energizing an LED light source, a head portion for supporting an LED in a position to project radiation outwardly therefrom; and (iii) a neck portion that serves to interconnect the head and handle portions. Preferably, at least the head and neck portions of the housing are integrally formed from a common, thermally conductive material, preferably aluminum. In use, the head and neck portions of the handpiece housing operate to provide a heat sink for the LED. Circuitry within the handpiece housing operates to prevent overheating of the housing and the LED source.

Abstract: A vacuum forming apparatus to allow a tray containing a sheet, to be molded into a prescribed shape, to be moved manually in a very rapid manner in a rearward diagonal upward direction from a horizontally positioned vacuum table that is at one level into horizontal engagement with a heating element that is at a higher level, When in this latter position the tray is retained by a magnet until the sheet is heated to a moldable condition. The tray is then manually withdrawn from the magnet without harm to an operator's fingers while the tray is being moved rapidly in a forward diagonal downward direction away from the heating element into engagement with the vacuum tables In this position the moldable sheet is formed into the prescribed molded shape. To accomplish this very rapid diagonal movement of the tray parallel linkages are employed that are each pivotally connected to the rear central portion of the tray at one end and to a post at its other end.