Abstract: A method of filing an endodontically prepared root canal includes the steps of applying filler material to a distal portion of an elongated shaft formed of heat conducting material, inserting the proximal portion of the shaft having the filler material thereon into the root canal, heating the shaft to decrease the surface tension of the filler material and removing the shaft leaving the filler material in the root canal. An obturator system for practicing the method of filling an endodontically prepared root canal employs an elongated heat conductible shaft having proximal and distal portions with filler material on the distal portion, the distal portion of the shaft with the filler material thereon being insertable into a tooth root canal and a heat source serving to selectably heat the shaft allowing it to be removed while leaving the filler material in the root canal.

Abstract: A method of filing an endodontically prepared root canal includes the steps of applying filler material to a distal portion of an elongated shaft formed of heat conducting material, inserting the proximal portion of the shaft having the filler material thereon into the root canal, heating the shaft to decrease the surface tension of the filler material and removing the shaft leaving the filler material in the root canal. An obturator system for practicing the method of filling an endodontically prepared root canal employs an elongated heat conductible shaft having proximal and distal portions with filler material on the distal portion, the distal portion of the shaft with the filler material thereon being insertable into a tooth root canal and a heat source serving to selectably heat the shaft allowing it to be removed while leaving the filler material in the root canal.

Abstract: A highly flexible instrument particularly useful in medical applications is elongated and formed of a plurality of flexible metallic strands, at least one strand being spirally wound and having a scraping edge thereon.

Abstract: A method of filing an endodontically prepared root canal includes the steps of applying filler material to a distal portion of an elongated shaft formed of heat conducting material, inserting the proximal portion of the shaft having the filler material thereon into the root canal, heating the shaft to decrease the surface tension of the filler material and removing the shaft leaving the filler material in the root canal. An obturator system for practicing the method of filling an endodontically prepared root canal employs an elongated heat conductible shaft having proximal and distal portions with filler material on the distal portion, the distal portion of the shaft with the filler material thereon being insertable into a tooth root canal and a heat source serving to selectably heat the shaft allowing it to be removed while leaving the filler material in the root canal.

Abstract: A highly flexible instrument particularly useful in medical and dental applications is elongated and formed of a plurality of flexible metallic strands, at least one strand being spirally wound and having a scraping edge thereon.

Abstract: Meat tenderization is achieved in a closed vessel in which the meat is placed, the vessel having a liquid medium therein, which may be a marinade, of a depth at least sufficient to cover the meat, and an air passageway port. A vacuum pump is connected to the port and a high vacuum is pulled on the interior of the vessel. While a high vacuum is maintained, the level of vacuum is rapidly cycled. The rapid variation of vacuum serves to tear and disrupt muscle and connective tissue in the meat and to increase absorption of the marinade.

Abstract: A high speed drill bit is formed of a longitudinal body designed to rotate about a longitudinal axis. Each flute has a leading edge with a positive rake angle and a trailing edge with a neutral or negative rake angle. The bit cutting face is formed by surfaces and cutting edges that are asymmetrical with respect to each other.

Abstract: An improved denture having a gum simulating base with a curved recess therein configured to fit the alveolar ridge of a user with simulated teeth supported by the base, some of the teeth having exposed chewing surfaces and an elongated chew enhancing bar of thin metal positioned within adjacent teeth having chewing surfaces, the bar having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration with opposed first and second longitudinal edges, the bar first longitudinal edge being exposed at the chewing surfaces of at least three adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A combined storage container and installation device for a dental retentive pin. The storage container is elongated and has a top opening. A cap has a recess therein to hold the proximal end of the dental retentive pin while allowing fluid to pass into and through the recess. The cap is received and held in the open top of the container. By holding and manipulating the cap, the dental retentive pin may be removed from the container and installed under sterilized conditions without the user touching the pin.

Abstract: An improved inspection block for use in endodontia training in the form of a block of transparent material having a root canal emulating cavity therein extending from the top towards the block bottom, the cavity opening at the block top so that an endodontic file may be positioned in the cavity whereby a student may replicate manipulation of the file in the cavity to practice the art of cleaning and preparing a root canal, the block having at least one side wall surface configured to optically magnify the root canal.

Abstract: A combined storage container and installation device for a dental post having an elongated distal end and a proximal head. The device includes an elongated container having a top opening, a cap has a recess therein to hold the proximal head in the recess while allowing fluid to pass into and through the recess. The cap is received and held in the open top of the container. By holding and manipulating the cap, the dental post may be removed from the container and installed under sterilized conditions.

Abstract: An improved dental post formed of a unitary, elongated metal post having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being configured to be received in a prepared drill hole in a tooth, the proximal portion being configured to extend externally of a tooth to receive a dental device, such as a crown, thereon, the proximal portion having a porous surface to which dental device materials securely adhere, the porous surface preferably having interconnected interstices. In one embodiment the post distal portion is irregularly configured to thereby accept a crown having a highly contoured configuration.

Abstract: An electrically animated fishing lure having a lure body, a motor retained by the body, a propulsion means driven by the motor whereby when the motor is energized the lure is caused to move on or through water, the lure being arranged to travel in a non-linear path, and an electrical conductor extending with a fishing line by which electrical energy is provided to the motor. The characteristic of the lure moving in a non-linear path permits a fisherman to control the movement of the lure in and around obstructions in the water being fished. The preferred propulsion means includes the use of oppositely extending rotating wings, one of the wings being configured to provide greater propulsion than the other and in another embodiment a flow cavity is provided having jets extending to each side of the lure, one of the jets providing greater thrust than the other.

Abstract: An attachment for removably supporting a denture in the mouth of the user in which the user has at least two spaced apart dental posts implanted therein, the attachment including a first basic portion in the form of an anchor member semi-permanently attached to the anchor post and being curved to generally the shape of the alveolar ridge of the user and having a bar portion extending between the spaced apart dental posts, the anchor member having retention recesses at each end. The attachment's second basic portion is a denture member which conforms generally to the contour of the anchor member and which is engagable in proximity with the anchor member. The denture member is cast within a denture having simulated gum portions and teeth portions. The denture member has integrally formed projections which are removably insertable into the recesses in the anchor member, the axes of the projections and the axes of the recesses being inclined toward planes of the anchor member and the denture member.

Abstract: An attachment for pivotally supporting a denture in the mouth of the user in which the user has at least two spaced apart dental posts implanted therein, such posts being in the front of and one to either side of the front center of the mouth of the user, the attachment including an anchor member semi-permanently attached to the anchor posts and having a bar portion extending between the spaced apart dental posts. A denture member which conforms generally to the contour of the anchor member is engagable in proximity with the anchor member bar portion. The denture member is cast within a denture having simulated gum portions and teeth portions. The denture member has an arm for removably and pivotally interlocking the denture member with the anchor member bar portion when a denture having the denture member formed therein is in a usable position within the mouth of the user. Pivotation limiting trunnions are formed as a part of the anchor member.

Abstract: An attachment for removably supporting a denture in the mouth of the user in which the user has at least two spaced apart dental posts implanted therein, the attachment including a first basic portion in the form of an anchor member semi-permanently attached to the anchor post and being curved to generally the shape of the alveolar ridge of the user and having a bar portion extending between the spaced apart dental posts, the anchor member having retention means at the ends thereof such as in the form of a recess at each end. The attachment second basic portion is a denture member which conforms generally to the contour of the anchor member and which is engageable in proximity with the anchor member. The denture member is cast within a denture having simulated gum portions and teeth portions.

Abstract: An attachment for removably securing a partial denture to an adjacent natural tooth including a gudgeon member affixed to a natural tooth including a flat portion having a pinhole therein, a locking bar having at the first end a perpendicular extending pin portion of a diameter to be received in the gudgeon member pinhole and at the other end a hinge pin opening, a hinge pin pivotally received in the locking bar hinge pin opening, the hinge pin being adaptable to be affixed within a partial denture. .Iadd.