Abstract: In a tray feeder, in which a drawing section draws a palette from a container and supplies the palette to a pick-up point where a pick-up head of a parts-mounting-apparatus picks up parts, the head starts lowering and halts at a stand-by position before the palette held by the drawing section arrives at the pick-up point. When the drawing section arrives at the pick-up point, the head lowers again from the stand-by position. This mechanism reduces a time necessary for picking up a part.

Abstract: Multiple horizontal axis type rotors are coaxially attached along the upper section of an elongate torque transmitting tower/driveshaft, The tower/driveshaft projects upward from a cantilevered bearing means, and is bent downwind, until the rotors become sufficiently aligned with the wind to rotate the entire tower/driveshaft, Power is drawn from the shaft at the base. Surface mount, subsurface mount, and marine installations, including a sailboat, are disclosed. Blade-to-blade lashing, and vertical axis rotor blades may also be included. Vertical and horizontal axis type rotor blades may be interconnected along the length of the tower/driveshaft to form a structural lattice, and the central shaft may even be eliminated. Aerodynamic lifting bodies or tails, buoyant lifting bodies, buoyant rotor blades, and methods of influencing the tilt of the rotors, can help elevate the structure. This wind turbine can have as few as one single moving part.

Abstract: A device for obtaining electric power from moving water, made up of a floating cylindrical body having a first end extending to a second end along a cylindrical surface having at least two blades. Each end of the floating cylindrical body is fixedly connected to a waterwheel sprocket, and rotatably connected to an arm pivotally connected to an anchor. The waterwheel sprockets are connected to a generator sprocket by a drive means. When the new device is placed and held in a body of moving water, the moving water impacts against the blades and causes the floating cylindrical body to rotate. The rotation of the floating cylindrical body causes the first and second waterwheel sprockets to rotate and move the drive means which are connected to a generator and in turn create electricity.

Abstract: A ventilation fan assembly (10) having a fan (22) mounted in a housing (12) and a shutter assembly (60). The housing has a square inlet portion (12C), a circular center portion (12E) and a conical outlet portion (12D) having rifling grooves (20). The shoulder (16) formed between the inlet portion and the center portion is radiused to reduce disruption of air flowing from the inlet portion to the center portion. The shape of the blades (32) of the propeller (28) is such that the axial velocity produced as the propeller rotates is essentially constant along the length of the blades. The shutter assembly has a large, radiused entrance and airfoil shaped blades which reduce air disruption. The blades have a flexible flap (68) along the trailing edges (64D) which form a seal between adjacent blades to prevent air from leaking from the housing through the shutter assembly.

Abstract: In a cooling structure for a gas turbine, cooling air diffusion holes are formed from inner surface to outer surface of a platform so as to open from high pressure side blade surface of a moving blade offset in a direction toward low pressure side blade surface of adjacent moving blade confronting the high pressure side blade surface, in a direction of primary flow.

Abstract: An airfoil in a gas turbine comprises an improved cooling construction at its trailing edge providing impingement as well as enhanced film cooling. The airfoil comprises cavities arranged between the suction and pressure side wall for a cooling fluid and exit passages leading from the cavities to exit ports positioned on the pressure side wall. According to the invention the suction side wall is shaped such that the tip portion of the trailing edge has a cross-section comprising a part of a circle that is equal or greater than a semi-circle extending from the suction side around the tip to the pressure side and beyond into the exit passage. The exit passages comprise a bend in the region of the tip where they form an exit plenum for the cooling fluid to diffuse further.

Abstract: An air cooled guide vane (20) is provided with a stack of ducts (40) each of which converges towards its outlet end. Air flow turbulators (42) are positioned in ducts (40) and pressure losses in the air flow brought about by flowing over the turbulators (42), is recovered by the constricting effect of the ducts (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a blade and a rotor for a gas turbine and to a method of joining blade parts of a gas turbine, a blade-body section (1) and at least one further blade part (4, 16, 21) being provided, and the blade-body section (1) being provided with at least one end joining area (2 , 3) and the further blade part (4, 16, 21) being provided with an end joining area (6, 18, 24), an inductor (10) being arranged so as to be adjacent to the joining areas (2, 3, 6, 18, 24) of the blade-body section (1) and of the second blade part (4, 16, 21), the joining areas (2, 3, 6, 18, 24) of the blade-body section (1) and of the further blade part (4, 16, 21) being positioned essentially in alignment with and at a distance from one another, and the blade-body section (1) and the second blade part (4, 16, 21) being welded to one another by energizing the inductor (10) with a high-frequency current and by bringing them together with their joining areas (2, 3, 6, 18, 24) touching one another (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Impeller blades and a method for designing impeller blades wherein the blades comprise a plurality of specially designed airfoil sections, each section having along substantially the entire length thereof, a cross-sectional shape characterized by a maximum thickness located substantially constantly between about 16% chord to about 23% chord and a maximum camber located substantially constantly between about 40% chord to about 51% chord. The blades are designed so that the axial width of the blades is decreased while maintaining performance parameters and design constraints.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a squealer tip to include some proportion of a highly oxidation-resistant material, and a method for casting same, such that if any environmental coating were removed, the tip would retain some increased level of environmental resistance. The oxidation-resistant material optionally may also be a high abrasion resistance material, such that recession of the tip due to rubbing against a stator would be reduced. In a preferred embodiment, an abrasion-resistant and/or oxidation-resistant material is placed and suitably anchored into the tip region of a wax precursor used to cast a turbine airfoil. During the casting operation, the abrasion-resistant and/or oxidation-resistant material is not completely melted. As the alloy used to form the majority of the turbine blade solidifies, the abrasion and/or oxidation resistant material is incorporated into the turbine airfoil by the solidification of the alloy around it.

Abstract: A passive fan blade for a cooling package for use in an agricultural combine comprises a generally rectangular member having an axis, a central mounting area and two opposed legs, each leg having a middle region, a leading region and a trailing region, the leading and trailing regions being angled toward the downstream direction of intended air flow. The trailing regions increase in width in proportion to distance from the axis, while the leading regions decrease in width in proportion to distance from the axis, whereby the member is impelled to rotate in the direction of the leading edges when air flows past the member. In an assembly, the passive fan blade is mounted via a bearing assembly and mounting hardware onto a hub connected to a bracket. In a cooling package, the passive fan blade assembly is mounted on a frame in close proximity to a face of a radiator or a charge air cooler to provide turbulence thereby minimizing accumulation of chaff, dust and debris in order to maintain cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A tapered polygon coupling for an impeller and shaft. The shaft has a tapered bore having a polygonal cross-section. The impeller includes a corresponding tapered polygon plug configured to be placed in the bore of the shaft. A fastener is provided for securing the impeller to the shaft. The fastener passes through a passage in the plug of the impeller. The plug of the impeller is split so that when the fastener is inserted into the passage the plug expands to contact the bore and create an interference fit between the shaft and the impeller. Additionally, the impeller may include the tapered bore having a polygonal cross-section, and the shaft may include the tapered polygon plug configured to be placed in the bore of the impeller.

Abstract: A reciprocating electromagnetic pump comprising a coil wound about a bipolar or tripolar core, a diaphragm structure mechanically coupled to at least one arm with a magnet attached to one end of the arm and a controller electronically connected to the coil. The controller comprises a pulse generator, a solid state switch that interrupts current flow through the pump electromagnet and additional electronic circuitry for signal processing. The arm is vibrated under the influence of a periodic electromagnetic field to produce the flow of gas. The flow of current through the electromagnet is interrupted so that the magnets are impelled during either a vacuum or a pressure stroke, but are not impelled during the reciprocal stroke. A signal produced in the electromagnet coil during the reciprocal is processed to provide feedback to control the pump drive frequency and phase to match the pump mechanical self-resonant frequency and phase under varying pumping loads.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for controlling a compressor, by setting a stroke reference value so as to be smaller than a maximum stroke value in a maximum load state and operating the reciprocating compressor stably, damage of a reciprocating compressor can be prevented, a cost in a motor design can be reduced, and a size of a motor can be decreased in designing of the motor.

Abstract: A fuel gas compression system includes a system which operates on direct current, a system which operates on alternating current and a system which is capable of operating on either direct current or alternating current. In the system that operates on either direct current or alternating current, a jumper is provided which is placed in the circuit when an alternating current is provided. When a direct current is provided, the jumper is removed from the circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variable capacity compressor driven by a motor. Preferably, said system and method are used with a reversible, two-stage compressor motor. In one embodiment, the method includes, for example, operating the variable capacity compressor at a first capacity to satisfy a demand for heating or cooling; detecting a change in the demand for heating or cooling; operating the variable capacity compressor at a second, different capacity based on the detected change in demand; detecting an operating parameter that can indicate an opportunity to increase compressor efficiency when the compressor is operating at a given capacity; and varying the torque applied by the motor when the detected operating parameter indicates an opportunity to increase efficiency of the compressor by varying the torque.

Abstract: The sputter ion pump includes a vacuum chamber that includes an inner wall having a cylindrical section which is rugged in cross section. The rugged cylindrical section has outer recesses each of which is provided with a permanent magnets, each magnet having a same shape and a same characteristic so that a magnetic pole is directed to a same direction. The rugged cylindrical section has also inner recesses each of which is provided with a cylindrical anode electrode member spaced from the vacuum chamber wall. The rugged cylindrical section of the vacuum chamber wall is formed as a cathode electrode. A cylindrical shield member having a peripheral portion provided with evacuating bores is provided coaxially to the permanent magnets and anode electrodes. The permanent magnets and anode electrode members are arranged with equal spacing in an axis symmetrical configuration.

Abstract: A method and system for evacuating vapors from a vessel comprising at least one fluid line which can have a pump configured to draw a water and/or air mixture which is combined with vapors vacuumed from a tank via another inlet, yielding a solution that can then be disposed as a liquid. Vacuum at the inlet is created by the flowing of the water or air/water mixture past the inlet. The reduced pressure of the moving liquid causes a pressure differential with the higher pressure within the tank, and thus the vapors migrate into the vapor evacuation assembly, are mixed with the fluid, and can then be disposed, or continually recycled, with the fumes stored for later disposal.

Abstract: In a variable displacement pump, a pressurizing cylinder is provided in an opposite side of the first fluid pressure chamber, holding the cam ring there between, and a piston inserted to the pressurizing cylinder collides with the cam ring. A pressure in an upstream side of both throttle passages comprising the variable throttle passage and the fixed throttle passage provided in the pump discharge side passage is introduced to the first fluid pressure chamber and the oil chamber of the pressurizing cylinder, and a pressure in a downstream side of the both throttle passages is introduced to the second fluid pressure chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pump assembly for a hydraulic brake system with traction control, having an electric motor and a piston pump. To reduce a bearing load, the invention proposes rotatably supporting and thereby radially bracing a motor shaft, or an eccentric sleeve pressed onto the motor shaft, on both sides of pump pistons. To economize on installation space, a pump bearing is disposed in an end of the eccentric sleeve that protrudes past the motor shaft.

Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly, especially one having two or more stages, comprises a first compressor casing having. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a first impeller rotatable within the first compressor casing. The assembly further comprises a second compressor casing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a second impeller rotatable within the second compressor casing. Drive for the compressors is provided by an electric motor, preferably a permanent magnet motor, disposed between the first and second compressor casings and comprising a stator and a rotor rotatable within the stator. A drive shaft is provided, wherein the first impeller, second impeller and the rotor are mounted on the drive shaft and rotatable therewith.

Abstract: A cooling fan dust structure has provided on the end of the fan blade hood a recess that mutually forms an overcut height difference with a flange protruding from the peripheral of a motor base so to prevent the airflow carrying dust an easy ingression and even keep off the flying dust from entering into the spindle as the fan blade unit rotates.

Abstract: A turbo-machine includes a housing (1); a rotor (3) of a centripetally flow-through expansion turbine stage (4) overhung on the one end of the rotor shaft; a rotor of a radially flow-through compressor stage (6) overhung on the other end of the rotor shaft; a measuring system (7) for directly detecting an axial thrust of the rotor shaft (2) supported in roller bearings (8); and at least two pressure control valves (10, 11), which are installed in control lines (12, 13) and controlled by a controller (9). Via the control lines (12, 13), a rotor piston surface (14), which is sealed against the housing (1) and located on the rear side of one of the rotors, for example the compressor rotor (5), can be acted upon by the pressure (p1) prevailing on the inlet into the compressor stage, and the pressure (p2) on the outlet of the compressor stage (6).

Abstract: A drive system for a compressor that delivers compressed air to a fuel cell system in a motor vehicle. The drive system includes an electric motor that drives the compressor. During normal operation of the fuel cell system, the motor is fed with electrical energy from the fuel cell system. During start-up of the fuel cell system, the electric motor receives electrical energy from a low voltage battery, where the electric motor can be operated at a voltage that is significantly higher than the output voltage of the low voltage battery. An expander can be connected to the compressor to drive the compressor with energy from cathode exhaust gases. Further, hydrogen recirculation can also be employed.

Abstract: A feed device (1) for washer fluid, wherein an electric motor (3) which is provided for driving a feed pump (4) has a housing (6) which is sealed in the upper region and an opening (11) which is arranged in the lower region level with the feed pump (4). Ventilation of the electric motor (3) takes place via this opening (11). In the event of a water level reaching the electric motor (3), for example if the motor vehicle passes through water, an air bubble is formed in the housing (6), the air bubble preventing water from penetrating into the electric motor (3).

Abstract: An airlift piston mechanism is disclosed to include a casing having a piston chamber, an air inlet, a check valve in the air inlet, and an air outlet, a link, a piton reciprocated by the link in the piston chamber, the piston having an air accumulation chamber in communication with the piston chamber, annular grooves around the periphery, and an air passage in communication between the air accumulation chamber and the annular grooves, and seal rings mounted in the annular grooves, the seal rings each having radial through holes for discharging of air from the air accumulation chamber for enabling the seal rings to be lifted subject to the variation of air pressure in the air accumulation chamber to reduce friction resistance between the casing and the piston.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A double-cylinder two-stage compression rotary compressor (10) comprising a first and a second compressors (32 , 34), driven by an electric motor (14), all accommodated in a sealed container (12). The first and the second compressor (32, 34) have respective first and second cylinders (40, 42) accommodating first and second rollers (48, 50), fitted on respective first and second eccentric cams (44, 46). The inner spaces of the first and second cylinders are partitioned by respective first and second vanes (52, 54) to form suction spaces and compression spaces. The two cylinders are separated by an intermediate partition panel (38), which has a central bore (36) for passing therethrough a shaft (16) of the motor (14).

Abstract: This method comprises carrying out the mounting of the body of the compressor and of the compression elements in the casing of the compressor, with the body or fixed scroll bearing on one end of the shroud of the casing, and then welding a cap to the shroud, the crankshaft being engaged in a bearing belonging to the movable part of the compression stage and in a bearing belonging to the body, engaging on the free end of the crankshaft a bearing mounted in a support, itself mounted with radial play in the shroud, with the possibility of being fastened to the latter, displacing the free end of the crankshaft in a plurality of directions perpendicular to its axis, in order to take into account the plays of the bearing mounted in the body, then determining the axis of the bearing on the basis of the various displacements, positioning the bearing and/or its support as a function of this axis, and fastening the support to the casing of the compressor or the bearing on its support.

Abstract: Scroll compressors (1) may include a housing (2, 3) having an inlet port (3a) and an outlet port (3b). A drive scroll (10) may be rotatably disposed within the housing and may have a rotational axis. A driven scroll (20) may be rotatably disposed within the housing and may have a rotational axis. The driven scroll rotational axis preferably is offset with respect to the drive scroll rotational axis. Further, at least one compression chamber (30) is preferably defined between the drive scroll and the driven scroll. First bearings (14, 16, 16a) may rotatably support one of the drive scroll and the driven scroll in a straddle manner. A second bearing (24) may rotatably support the other of the drive scroll and the driven scroll in a cantilever manner. A transmission (31, 131, 231 and 331) or other device may be provided to rotate the driven scroll in synchronism with the drive scroll.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor has a piston valve mechanism for controlling the feeding of lubricating oil to slidable parts of the compressor. The piston valve mechanism includes a cylinder bore that connects a medium pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber, and a piston valve and a spring accommodated with the cylinder bore. The spring resiliently biases the piston valve toward the medium pressure chamber. The piston valve is driven by a pressure difference between the medium pressure chamber and the low pressure chamber, and by the spring. In one embodiment, an inwardly stepped, narrowed portion formed in the cylinder bore engages the piston valve to prevent further compression of the spring.

Abstract: A fluid pump cowling for attachment to at least a pair of helical drivetrain gears having teeth and lands. The cowling has a pair of sidewalls adapted to extend at least partially over the lands of a first of the pair of drivetrain gears and a curved sump wall extending between the sidewalls that corresponds generally to the outermost circumference of the first gear. A sump channel is defined between the sidewalls on the sump wall adjacent a distal end of the sump wall. The sump channel has a generally frustoconical shape and leads to a fluid outlet opening defined in one of the sidewalls. The cowling is positioned such that the teeth of the pair of helical gears mesh in an area in fluid communication with the sump channel to create an area of high fluid pressure upon rotational movement of the gears with a fluid.

Abstract: A motor for converting fluid pressure to rotational motivation and pump for moving fluid, comprising an outer race centered about a first axis and an inner race centered about a second axis. The first axis is different from, but parallel to, the second axis. A plurality of vanes is coupled for movement relative to the inner race and a fluid is provided into the vane at a pressure sufficient to cause the vane to rotationally drive the inner race relative to the outer race. Alternatively, the inner race may be driven directly to pump fluid between the inner race and the outer race.

Abstract: The invention provides a blowing agent metering system and method for use in polymeric foam processing. The system may be used to control the rate of introduction of blowing agent into polymeric material in a processing apparatus to form a mixture having the desired blowing agent weight percentage. The metering system includes a restriction orifice which is positioned in a pathway between a blowing agent source and a blowing agent port within a foam processing apparatus. The metering system measures the pressure differential as blowing agent flows across the restriction orifice from the source to the port and may also measure the temperature of the blowing agent at one or more locations. Using a pre-determined relationship between the flow rate, the orifice dimensions (e.g., length, diameter) and the measured variables (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus of polymer web by electrospinning process and manufacturing method thereof, which can manufacture porous polymer web using an electrospinning method. The method for manufacturing porous polymer web by electrospinning process includes the steps of: forming, pressurizing and supplying at least one or more kinds of polymer materials in a liquid state; and discharging and piling the polymer materials to a collector through one or more charged nozzles, the collector being located under the nozzles and charged to have a polarity opposed to the polarity of the charged nozzles, the collector moving in a prescribed speed.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing semiconductor packages, which allows leadframes to be easily separated from a top mold section after a molding process by utilizing eject pins therein. The mold includes a bottom mold section having housing parts on the upper surface so as to allow leadframes to be placed in a flat state therein, and a top mold formed with transports therethrough. The top mold also incorporates runners formed along a lower surface with connections to the transports to introduce encapsulation material into select regions. A plurality of gates and cavities for molding the semiconductor packages are in flow communication. The eject pins are reciprocally mounted in the top mold section contiguous with the runners thereof to facilitate separation of the leadframes from the top mold.

Abstract: Proposed is a device for continuously producing seamless plastic tubes, wherein provided as a distributor element for the molten material to be fed to an annular gap is a distributor plate which is arranged within the cross-section of the mold cavity and in which the molten plastic material is passed to the peripheral surface of the distributor plate substantially radially with respect to the direction of production by way of distribution passages which branch tree-like, wherein the flow path of the molten plastic material is the same in each of the individual distribution passages between the entry opening and the peripheral surface

Abstract: Continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of a polycaprolactam includes forming a reaction mixture by bringing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator into contact with one another, and then subjecting the reaction mixture to anionic polymerization reaction conditions in the reactor zone to obtain a molten polycaprolactam. The molten polycaprolactam is the directly (i.e., without intermediate solidification) transferred to, and extruded through, a fiber-forming orifice of a spinneret to form a fiber thereof. A spinneret zone downstream of the reactor zone thus receives the molten polycaprolactam directly from the reactor zone and forms a fiber therefrom by extruding it through the spinneret's fiber-spinning orifice.

Abstract: A rounding apparatus for rounding dough pieces comprises a conveyer having a surface for supporting thereon and transporting dough pieces; and a plurality of rounder bars any one of which is selectively brought into contact with the surface of the conveyor to engage with the dough pieces conveyed by the conveyor thereby rotating the dough pieces on the surface of the conveyor to round the dough pieces.

Abstract: A speed-up mechanism for an injection molding machine has a front fixed plate having a through hole at the center; a rear fixed plate arranged parallel with the front fixed plate, and the rear fixed plate having at least one through hole; at least two guide bars parallel to each other arranged between the front fixed plate and the rear fixed plate in an equal distance; a movable plate slidably arranged on the guide bars between the front fixed plate and the rear fixed plate, and capable of moving toward and away; a rotary power source fixed on one side of the movable plate for providing rotary power, the rotatry power source comprising a transmission device; a fixed nut mounted on the rear fixed plate; at least one ball screw having two threads in opposite directions at two ends, the front end is engaged with the transmission device for generating a radial rotation, the rear end is engage with the fixed nut and through the rear fixed plate to generate an axial movement for the ball screw during the rotation;

Abstract: An injection molding machine with a vertically oriented clamp is equipped with a rotatable table for sequentially processing a plurality of bottom mold halves mounted thereon. An aligning device insures accurate positioning of a bottom mold half in molding relation to a top mold half in the clamp by insuring seating of a locating pin in a locating hole in the table after the table has been rotatably indexed to bring a bottom mold half into alignment with a movable top half. The locating pin is secured to an actuator mounted by a guide rail and runner block to the machine's stationary platen. As the pin is pushed into the locating hole by the actuator, the aligning device linearly moves along the guide rail and the table slightly rotates to allow seating of the locating pin into the locating hole.

Abstract: Low NOx axial premix burner apparatus and methods for burning fuel gas are provided by the present invention. The methods of the invention are basically comprised of the steps of mixing a first portion of the fuel gas and all of the air to form a lean primary fuel gas-air mixture, discharging the lean primary fuel gas-air mixture into the furnace space whereby the mixture is burned in a primary combustion zone therein, discharging a second portion of the fuel gas into the primary combustion zone to stabilize the flame produced therein and discharging the remaining portion of the fuel gas into a secondary combustion zone in the furnace space.

Abstract: An igniting rod which ignites by the operation of an operating member comprises a lock member for locking said operating member during a non-use state. The igniting rod automatically returns to a locked state after ignition. The invention improves operability, simplifies assembly and reduces the number of parts by eliminating an urging member. A lock portion of said lock member, which interferes with a part of said operating member, is disposed such that it is displaceable as said lock member is elastically deformed from a fixed portion where the lock member is fixed to a main body portion. The elastic force returns the lock portion to a locked position. A protruding lock release portion is provided for releasing the lock portion, the lock release portion being provided with a smooth curvature on which a finger F for operating an operating portion of the operating member can simultaneously rest.

Abstract: A system and method by which an orthodontic appliance is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient provides for preferably scanning a model of the patient's mouth to produce two or three dimensional images and digitizing contours and selected points. A computer may be programmed to construct archforms and/or to calculate finish positions of the teeth, then to design an appliance to move the teeth to the calculated positions. The appliance may include archwires and brackets. Machine code is generated and appliances are automatically produced that will straighten the teeth of the patient. Custom placement jigs may also be automatically designed and fabricated and are provided with the custom appliance to position the appliance on the patient's teeth.

Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electric drive device for medical applications, especially for driving drills, cutting instruments and screw drivers. Such endo-instruments have predetermined working rotation areas and comprise maximally permissible torque load limits according to the materials thereof. The drive device is equipped with a stepping motor in order to avoid exceeding the torque load limits. The stepping motor disconnects when the maximum torque limit of the stepping motor is fixed below the torque load limit of the instrument. In order to precisely set the torque load limit, a calibration is carried out within the limits of a no-load operation during which the efficiency of the driving shaft up to the instrument is detected, and with it, the value of the current is determined for a zero torque.

Abstract: A dental device for exposing teeth to electromagnetic radiation includes a carrier and at least one source of electromagnetic radiation attached to the carrier and oriented so that the electromagnetic radiation is emitted from the source to a surface of a tooth. The dental device may also include a power source internally or externally disposed with respect to the carrier, and may include a circuit for controlling radiation emitted from the source. The dental device may be used for whitening teeth, and dental hygiene in general. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispenser for controllably heating a compule of dental material removably inserted in the dispenser and for extruding dental material from the compule. The dispenser includes an elongated tubular barrel having a substantially semi-cylindrical front end to accommodate the body of the compule, a cavity at the front end of the dispenser open to the atmosphere and a slot disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the for accommodating an end flange of the compule when the compule is inserted into the dispenser. The dispenser further includes a plunger reciprocally mounted in the tubular barrel in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the cavity for engaging the compule to express dental material from said compule by means of a motorized assembly or manual control under the control of the operator and a heating unit disposed in the cavity at the front end of the dispenser for heating the compule.

Abstract: The invention concerns an articulator for parametering a prosthetic or occlusal directional plane and dentoalveolar stages, for producing dental prostheses. The device includes two planar elements, upper and lower (1, 2), mutually articulated about a horizontal pin (3) parallel to the two planar elements (1, 2) and located above the lower planar element (2). The two planar elements are designed to fix, opposite each other and in contact with each other, a patient's two dental arch models (5, 6), namely an upper model (5) fixed beneath the upper element (1) lower surface and a lower model (6) fixed on the lower element (2) upper surface, and means for defining, between the two elements (1, 2) a plane inclined with respect to the upper element (1) and corresponding to an occlusal plane P between the two models (5, 6). The means defining the inclined plane corresponding to the occlusal plane P are borne by the upper element (1). They include a plate (7) representing the occlusal directional plane P.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical treatment instrument (1) having a grip sleeve (11), an oscillatory rod (13) which extends longitudinally in the grip sleeve (11) and is mounted therein in a radially or also axially elastically yielding manner, and an oscillation generator (31) for transmitting oscillations to the oscillatory rod (13). In order to attain a compact construction, the oscillatory rod (13) is of a base part and an attachment part which is fixed on the base part.