Abstract: Dental sensors receive X-rays and transmit signals showing the condition of a patients's teeth to a computer or other recorder, thereby replacing X-ray film packets. Such sensors vary in dimensions. Holders are provided which accommodate such variations. Thus, a clasp engaging one edge of a sensor is adjustably movable to cause a fixed portion of the holder to engage the opposite edge of the sensor. Interfitting ratchet teeth on clasp and holder retain the parts in the required position. The holder assists in properly and rapidly locating the sensor relative to the teeth being examined. For certain usages a bite block holds the patient's jaws apart. The sides of the bite blocks are non-parallel, thereby reducing the shadows of such sides on the X-ray usage.

Abstract: A step assembly (10) including a top step plate (12) for mounting to a ball mount tongue (32), and clamped thereto by means of a pair of adjustable clamp plates (14) releasably secured to top plate (12) by four carriage bolt assemblies (20). Top plate (12) includes a central channel (29) that allows top plate (12) to straddle tongue (32) and clamp plates (14) include step-downs (46, 48, 50), which engage the side edges of tongue (32) and thereby securely clamp top plate (12) to the tongue.

Abstract: A ring shaped to fit over the nose of a dental X-Ray machine cone locates the cone relative to selected teeth of the patent. The ring is mounted on an arm having a clip which fits over a hub to oscillate to different positions. The hub is a part of the handle for a locator for an X-Ray film packet or an X-Ray electronic sensor.

Abstract: A ring is shaped to fit over the nose of a dental x-ray machine to direct the x-rays to the desired portions of the patient's mouth. Known film retainers which support x-ray film packets at the desired location behind the gums have handles which extend outside the mouth. The ring has adjustable means to fit onto the handle to adjust the position of the ring relative to the film both angularly and distance-wise. An adapter may be used to connect the ring to the handle of the retainer. Alternatively, the handle may slide through an aperture in a tab fixed to the ring.

Abstract: A radiographic film retaining device for holding a film packet while producing a radiographic image of selected teeth of a patient's mouth is disclosed. The retaining device includes a substantially thin bite portion configured for placement between upper and lower teeth of the patient's mouth and a retaining structure positioned distally of the bite portion. The retaining structure has a film packet gripping structure for holding the film packet lingually adjacent the selected teeth when the bite portion is gripped between the upper and lower teeth. The retaining structure comprises a narrow extension of the bite portion. The film packet gripping structure includes a slit formed and extending through the retaining structure from the distal end thereof toward the bite portion. The device also has means for locating an x-ray machine cone in proper position relative to the film packet.

Abstract: A radiographic film retaining device for holding a film packet while producing a radiographic image of selected teeth of a patient's mouth is disclosed. The retaining device includes a substantially thin bite portion configured for placement between upper and lower teeth of the patient's mouth and a retaining structure positioned distally of the bite portion. The retaining structure has a film packet gripping structure for holding the film packet lingually adjacent the selected teeth when the bite portion is gripped between the upper and lower teeth. The retaining structure comprises a narrow extension of the bite portion. The film packet gripping structure includes a slit formed and extending through the retaining structure from the distal end thereof toward the bite portion.

Abstract: A holder for radiographic film fits between the jaws; the patient secures the holder steady by biting down thereon. The holder is U-shaped to provide space for root canal files which otherwise prevent the patient from biting down on conventional film holders. The holder accommodates placement of the film in horizontal or vertical direction and also for such placement while filming either jaw. Separate U-shaped holders may be used for anterior and posterior positions and separate posterior holders for the left and right jaws. By inverting the right lower posterior holder, it may be used on the upper left.