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 head worn sound gathering apparatus having a pair of sound gathering horns with rearward facing apertures. Each sound gathering horn includes a tapered sound channeling tube portion which communicates with an ear covering. Sound received through the rearward facing apertures is amplified and directed to the ear coverings wherein the sounds reach the ears of a wearer. The sound gathering horns and ear covers are preferably worn in association with a helmet such as a cyclist helmet.

Abstract: A face shield apparatus having a head worn frame assembly, and a detachable and replaceable face shield coupled thereto. The frame assembly comprises a pair of generally parallel, spaced apart side members which are joined to a front member, which is supported by the wearer's nose or forehead. Articulating tails are included on the frame side members. One or more posts are provided on the frame assembly which pivotally engage one or more sockets associated with the face shield and provide for pivotal adjustment of the face shield relative to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A rearward sound enhancing apparatus which includes a pair of ear covers mounted on a headband. Each ear cover includes an inner compartment and outer compartment with rearward facing openings. A microphone is provided in each outer compartment, and a speaker is provided in each inner compartment. Sound received through the rearward facing opening is picked up by the microphones, amplified, and directed to the speakers. The dual compartment arrangement of the ear covers eliminates audio feedback which would otherwise occur due to the close proximity of microphones and speakers in the ear covers.

Abstract: A head-worn acoustic receiver apparatus for use by cyclists and the like wherein an acoustic receiver cup is coupled to a cyclist helmet in a rearward facing direction. A microphone within the acoustic receiver cup receives sound reflected by the cup and directs the sound to earphones wherein the sound is reproduced and amplified for the wearer of the invention. Ear housings, which contain the earphones, are positioned over the wearer's ears to reduce the ambient wind noise associated with cycle travel.

Abstract: A head worn visor apparatus having a headband, forwardly disposed shade, and a pair of rearwardly disposed elongated support arm assembliles having movable portions which are positionally adjustable to provide increased wearer comfort. The support arm assemblies each include a generally fixed forward support arm and an articulating segment and/or head gripping region pivotally coupled to the support arm. Preferably, cylindrical posts are included on the ends of the support arms, and sockets which pivotally engage the posts are included on the articulating portions.

Abstract: A self-conforming, head worn device which includes a head encircling band and a visor dependent therefrom which are fabricated from a flexible material that softens and conforms to a wearer's head upon warming up to the body temperature of the wearer. The head band includes a first fastening member on a first tail, and a second fastening member on a second tail of the head band. A plurality of protrusions on the first fastening member reversibly engage a plurality of bores on the second fastening member. The head band material is preferably a polymeric material which has a T.sub.g or softening temperature that is slightly lower than the human body temperature so that, when worn about the head of a wearer, the head band softens and conforms to the shape of the wearer's head, thereby maximizing wearer comfort. In an alternative embodiment, there is included hair receiving member in the form of a generally circular "pony-tail" adapter for use by persons with long hair.

Abstract: An ergonomic head band which may be comfortably worn for extended periods of time. The head band includes a strap having first and second upwardly curved side arcuate segments, a front arcuate region, and tails which couple together at the back of a wearer's head. Platform regions are provided between the front arcuate region and side arcuate segments. The side arcuate segments comfortably accommodate the ears of a wearer while the head band is worn, while the front arcuate region is positioned adjacent the wearer's head. The platform regions allow face shields or other apparatus to be coupled to the head band.

Abstract: A mouth prop and tongue retractor apparatus for use in dental procedures. The apparatus includes a handle rotatably mounted within a base. A ball joint on the base fits within a socket in a mouth prop to provide pivotal positional adjustment of the apparatus. An elongated aspirator tube extends through the handle and base, and is coupled to a tongue retractor. A suction aperture on the tongue retractor communicates with the aspirator tube and provides for saliva removal from a patient's mouth. Rotation of the handle provides extension adjustment for the aspirator tube and tongue retractor.

Abstract: A ratchet link having a cylindrically-shaped tongue at one end, and an offset C-shaped socket at the other end defined by a pair of opposing, spaced-apart, resilient arcuate prongs which extend outward from the device away from the tongue end. Spaced-apart teeth are provided along the inside surface of the socket and along the outside surface of the tongue. When the tongue of one link is placed into the socket of another link, the teeth intermesh wherein the teeth in the tongue fit into the interdental notches between the teeth in the socket, and the teeth in the socket fit into the interdental notches between the teeth in the tongue. The tongue and socket pivot in discrete positions, while lateral movement is prevented by the engagement of a ring on the tongue that mates with a slot on the socket.

Abstract: A ratchet link having a cylindrically-shaped tongue at one end and a C-shaped socket at the other end for use in an articulating coupling system. The socket is defined by a pair of opposing, spaced-apart, resilient arcuate prongs which extend outward from the device away from the tongue end. The inside radius of the socket is substantially the same as the outside radius of the tongue, so that the tongue can be inserted into the socket of another link. The socket includes a narrow centrally positioned slot along its circumference, and the tongue includes a narrow centrally positioned ring extending outward along its circumference which is received by the slot when the tongue is inserted into the socket. A plurality of spaced apart teeth are provided along the inside surface of the socket and extend between the faces of the device in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the plane of the faces. Similar teeth are located along the outside surface of the tongue.

Abstract: A mask protects doctors, dentists and technicians, on the one hand, and their patients, on the other, from cross-contamination with various viruses and germs. The mask is inexpensive and hence disposable after a single use, if desired. Various types of visors fit on the head of the wearer. Fixed to the forward projecting edge of the visor is a shield which extends down to protect the eyes, nose and mouth and around the sides. The shield may be attached to the edge of the visor by adhesives such as glue, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding or other suitable means.

Abstract: A mask to protect physicians, dentists and technicians from spatter from patients afflicted with various diseases (including A.I.D.S.) is assembled from two parts, which may be shipped and stored flat. The visor is formed of a flat piece of sheet rubber formed with transverse slits so that the visor may be attached to ordinary eyeglasses. The shape of the visor provides a curved, forward extending bill. Slits are formed near the outer edge of the visor. A transparent shield has dovetail projections on its upper edge which snap through the slits. Other cooperating fastening means may be used to assemble the visor and shield and also to hold the visor on eyeglasses. The shield is supported by the visor and hangs down to about the chin, protecting the eyes, nose and mouth.

Abstract: An improvement upon other inventions of Applicant wherein a visor which is attached to the head of the user supports a shield which hangs in front of the face of the wearer, protecting the eyes, nose and mouth from contamination which might be carried by dental and medical patients or in other environments. This invention differs in that the support of the shield is accomplished by forward extending tabs on the forward edge of the visor projecting into slots formed near the upper edge of the shield.

Abstract: A dental mirror is modified to provide an orange filter to block ultraviolet or blue light from a light source frequently used to cure plastic tooth filling materials. Various filter means are disclosed. Thus the glass of a dentist's hand held mirror may be colored orange or amber and the front surface may be a two-way mirror. Second, the clear glass of the mirror may be backed by a transparent plastic colored orange or amber, the front surface being a two-way mirror. Third, a bottomless mirror may be coated on its back surface with a chemical deposit which absorbs ultraviolet and blue light. These are some of several alternatives described. The mirror may be used in the same manner as conventional mirrors. When the dentist illuminates the ultraviolet lamp to cure plastic fillings, the filter is interposed between the light source and the eyes, preventing damage to the retinas which might otherwise occur.

Abstract: A mask to protect physicians, dentists and technicians from spatter from patients afflicted with various diseases (including A.I.D.S.) is assembled from two parts, which may be shipped and stored flat, may be sterilized, and are so inexpensive in materials and cost of fabrication that they may be disposed of after use. In one form of the invention, a visor is formed of a flat piece of sheet rubber having two tails provided with interfitting snaps. The tails are brought around the back of the head and the proper snaps or other fasteners adjusted to accommodate the head size of the wearer. This operation causes the flat sheet to assume a curved visor shape fitting around the forehead. In another embodiment, a hole is punched in a curved sheet of elastic material of a size so that it may be drawn down over the head. In a further embodiment, a piece of stretchable rubber-like tubing has opposite ends attached to ends of the tails of the visor.

Abstract: To protect dentists, physicians, their assistants and others from contamination from contact with blood, bodily fluids and the like of patients, a transparent shield extends from the forehead to below the mouth and partially around the sides of the face. The shield is supported spaced from the face by a visor extending forward from the forehead. The visor is supported by a band around the back of the head. The present invention fabricates the shield, visor and head bands from a single blank, suitably die cut, all interconnected. The combined shield, visor and head bands may be attached to a surgeon's cap or the head bands may be eliminated and the cap attached to the inner edge of the visor.

Abstract: To protect a surgeon or operating room personnel from splatter from a patient afflicted with various diseases (including A.I.D.S.) a transparent shield is supported in front of the face hanging down to about the chin. A conventional surgeon's disposable cap is fixed to a visor which projects forward and down from the forehead. The upper edge of the shield is supported by the visor.

Abstract: A mask to protect dentists from handpiece splatter which contains all manner of germs and viruses and has a visor which attaches to the head above the eyes and a transparent shield which extends down below the mouth. The shield is preferably detachable from the visor for cleaning and replacement. The visor has a vent for air circulation which may be closed by a cover for protection. A filter may be applied to the shield for eye protection when ultraviolet light is being used for curing plastic tooth cavity fillings.