Abstract: Described are methods and devices for receiving a missed message signal, detecting an ambient noise level, determining whether the ambient noise level is at least at a predetermined ambient noise threshold value based on the detected ambient noise level. When the ambient noise level is determined to be at least at a predetermined ambient noise threshold value the methods and devices include processing missed message alert data of the missed message signal for annunciation of missed message alert data. Processing can include storing the missed message alert data to wait for the ambient noise level to be low enough so that an annunciation of the missed message is audible over the ambient noise. Annunciation of a message alert can be, for example, by audio signal output when the ambient noise is low enough that the alert may be heard by the user.

Abstract: An implant system includes: an implant for implanting into a bone; an abutment to serve as a support for fixing a prosthesis to the bone; and a pivotal coupling between the implant and the abutment to permit, after the implant has been implanted into the bone, precise angulation in all directions of the abutment with respect to the implant before the abutment is fixed at the desired precise angulation with respect to the implant. Preferably, the pivotal coupling includes a ball-and-socket having complementary shaped contacting surfaces which are uneven to temporarily hold them in a direct pivoted position before permanently fixing them.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a member to a housing, includes a sleeve unit and a chuck unit having interengaging threads such that both units are rotatably and axially displaceable relative to each other. A spring normally urges one unit in one rotary direction relative to the other unit such that the sleeve unit contracts the open end of the chuck unit to a clamping position. A manual operator is effective, when operated, to produce a rotary displacement of one unit in the opposite rotary direction relative to the other unit, while restraining a rotary displacement of the other unit, such as to effect an axial displacement between the two units to permit the open end of the chuck unit to expand to a releasing position. Several embodiments are described in which the manual operator is a depressible push-button assembly.

Abstract: An extension device for dental handpieces for extending the effective length of a dental tool to be clamped within the dental handpiece. The extension device includes an extension unit including a shaft at one end to be clamped within the dental handpiece instead of a dental tool, and a sleeve having a radially-contractible section at the opposite end for receiving a dental tool; and a clamping unit applicable over the radially-contractible section of the sleeve, after having received a dental tool, for securely clamping the dental tool within the sleeve. Also described are a high-speed dental handpiece in which the extension device is particularly useful, and an arrangement for providing lateral support to the extension device when included in the dental handpiece.

Abstract: An implant system includes: an implant for implanting into a bone; an abutment to serve as a support for fixing a prosthesis to the bone; and a pivotal coupling between the implant and the abutment to permit, after the implant has been implanted into the bone, precise angulation in all directions of the abutment with respect to the implant before the abutment is fixed at the desired precise angulation with respect to the implant. Preferably, the pivotal coupling includes a ball-and-socket having complementary shaped contacting surfaces which are uneven to temporarily hold them in a direct pivoted position before permanently fixing them.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a member to a housing includes a sleeve unit carried by the housing and having an open end formed with a tapered inner surface; and a chuck unit receivable within the open end of the sleeve unit, the chuck unit having an open end which is radially contractible for receiving and clamping the member. The chuck unit is movable axially in one direction to a clamping position, or in the opposite direction to a releasing position. The sleeve unit and chuck unit include interengaging elements such that rotation of the sleeve unit in opposite directions relative to the chuck unit moves the chuck unit to its clamping and releasing positions, respectively. A spring normally urges the sleeve unit to its clamping position. A manual operator rotates the sleeve unit in the opposite direction to move the chuck unit to its releasing position.

Abstract: A computer-controlled dental treatment system, includes: a dental chair for receiving a patient to be treated; a robotic arm carrying a dental tool holder for holding a dental tool to be used in rendering a selected dental treatment, and for manipulating the dental tool with respect to the patient's head during the dental treatment; and a control system programmable to control the robotic arm to manipulate the dental tool in accordance with the selected dental treatment to be rendered to the patient.

Abstract: A dental handpiece, adjustable in length, including a hand-gripping section at one end, and a tool-clamping section at the opposite end; the tool-clamping section including a sleeve for receiving a shaft of a dental tool, and a collet for clamping the shaft of the dental tool within the sleeve, the dental handpiece further comprising an extension piece selectively receivable within the tool-clamping section for extending the effective length of the dental tool; one end of the extension piece including a shaft receiveable with the sleeve of the tool-clamping section for clamping therein by the collet; the opposite end of the extension piece being formed with a sleeve for receiving the shaft of the dental tool, and having a clamping element for clamping the shaft of the dental tool within the sleeve of the extension piece.

Abstract: A dental handpiece including a housing of a size and configuration to be conveniently graspable by a user; a dental tool clamping device carried by the housing; a dental tool to be clamped in the clamping device; a rotary drive for rotating the clamping device, and the dental tool when clamped therein; and a transmission system coupling the rotary drive to the dental tool to rotate same. The dental tool includes a driving tip for engaging the head of a fastening member to be fixed by rotation within the patient's mouth. The transmission system includes a torque limiter for limiting the torque applied by the rotary drive to the driving tip. In some described embodiments, the torque limiter is included within the dental housing, and in other described embodiments it is included within the dental tool.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a rodlike member to a housing, particularly a dental tool to a handpiece, includes a tapered sleeve and a tapered collet received within the tapered sleeve, both having open ends for receiving the rodlike member. A depressible button is engageable with the closed end of the tapered collet to move the collet outwardly of the tapered sleeve, thereby to expand the tapered collet and to permit removal or insertion of the rodlike member. Several improved versions are also described including an annular seal carried by the open end of the tapered sleeve, a coiled spring urging the tapered collet inwardly of the tapered sleeve, an air bearing rotatably mounting an air turbine and the tapered sleeve, etc.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a rodlike member to a housing, particularly a dental tool to a handpiece, includes a tapered sleeve and a tapered collet received within the tapered sleeve, both having open ends for receiving the rodlike member. The inner diameter of the sleeve and outer diameter of the collet decrease from their open ends to their opposite ends. The tapered collet is formed with an axial slit starting from its open end and extending along a part of its length towards its closed end, permitting the collet to contract in diameter in order to firmly clamp the rodlike member. A depressable button is engageable with the closed end of the tapered collet to move the collet outwardly of the tapered sleeve, thereby to expand the tapered collet and to permit removal or insertion of the rodlike member.