Abstract: A friction drag adjustment mechanism is provided for fishing reels to adjust friction drag quickly and easily between a pair of selected reference set points. The adjustment mechanism comprises a short bracket arm mounted onto a fishing reel at an outboard side of a reel handle to project radially outwardly from the rotational axis of the reel handle. A stop pin on the bracket arm is adapted to protrude in an inboard direction to a position between a selected adjacent pair of outwardly radiating spokes on so-called star wheel of a star-type drag adjustment assembly. The stop pin functions to restrict star wheel rotation for drag adjustment to a limited part-circle motion, such that the adjacent star wheel spokes respectively contact the stop pin at opposite end limits of such part-circle rotation to define the pair of reproducible reference set points.

Abstract: An improved dental instrument is provided for facilitated placement of retraction cord into the gingival crevice surrounding a tooth. The instrument includes a narrow working tip defining a concave and face adapted for secure, substantially slip-free engagement with retraction cord in the course of packing the cord into the gingival crevice. The retraction cord can thus be placed quickly and easily without significant risk of damage to periodontal attachment tissue at the base of the gingival crevice.

Abstract: A dental instrument is provided for use in facilitated placement and fixation of dental veneers of fragile porcelain-based material or the like designed for bonding onto patient teeth. The instrument includes a lightweight handpiece adapted for coupling to a vacuum source, in combination with a disposable transparent tip designed to engage and conform with surface contours of a dental veneer for vacuum-holding of the veneer during manipulation preparatory to fixation. A valve port on the handpiece can be opened or closed with a fingertip or with a movable valve member to facilitate controlled pick-up and release of the dental veneer. The transparent tip enhances dentist vision during veneer placement and further permits passage of radiation for improved curing of a light curable bonding agent conventionally used for veneer fixation. A multipurpose vacuum source adapter and alternative instrument geometries are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and means for removing firmly affixed, binding, stuck or cemented dental restorations and appliances, which includes a substance which when held under compressive force forms strong adhesive properties between opposing surfaces sufficient to remove firmly affixed, binding, stuck or cemented dental restorations and appliances. The substance forms a strong temporary adhesive bond due to its strong adhesive properties developed under compression between the surface of the restoration or appliance to be removed and the instrumentality performing the removal, this being achieved with no tools or mechanical devices. The instrumentality, for example, comprises the jaws of the patient which are used to apply compressing force and a forceful rapid jerking reverse removal pressure to the restoration or appliance by the muscular force of the patient's jaw opening.