Abstract: A needle protection safety package, instead of being enclosed in a pouch or other containment wrappings, has fitted thereto at respective ends thereof caps or sheaths so that both the needle and the end to which a syringe is adapted to mate remain enclosed and sterile. Such an arrangement enables easy transport of the safety needle package and provides convenience for the user at the same time. The safety package is further designed to prevent burring of the tip of the needle as the cap or sheath is removed from the needle portion of the package. A further embodiment of the safety package incorporates a locking mechanism which prevents contact between the needle and the housing as the housing is pivoted to envelop the needle after use.

Abstract: A floss dispenser has an essentially cylindrical case, the case including a cylindrical wall with an inner surface and two opposite ends. The case further includes an opening formed in at least one end for receiving a spool having floss wrapped around a hub. A cap is received within the opening in the end of the case. The cap has an annular wall for receiving and centering the hub of the spool when the cap is sealing the opening of the case, and at least one opening formed therein through which floss is threaded out of the end of the case. For securely attaching the cap to the case, a first interlocking engagement member associated with the cap engages a mating second interlocking engagement member associated with the case. The arrangement is such that upon insertion of the cap into the open end of the case and rotating the cap, the first engagement member of the cap engages the second engagement member of the case for preventing the axial movement of the cap relative to the case.

Abstract: A combined storage container and installation device for a dental post having an elongated distal end and a proximal head. The device includes an elongated container having a top opening, a cap has a recess therein to hold the proximal head in the recess while allowing fluid to pass into and through the recess. The cap is received and held in the open top of the container. By holding and manipulating the cap, the dental post may be removed from the container and installed under sterilized conditions.

Abstract: A protective sheath for an endoscope probe comprises a pair of elongated plastic sheets peripherally sealed together at the sides and distal ends thereof, while being unsealed at the proximal ends. A first of the sheets is transparent, having greater optical clarity than the other sheet. The other sheet has better frictional slip characteristics than the first sheath. Also, an intermediate plastic sheet may be provided between the pair of plastic sheets, so that the endoscope probe slides into the sheath between the other sheet and the intermediate sheet. The intermediate plastic sheet may have better frictional slip characteristics than the first sheet, to render easier the advancement of the probe into the sheath. The intermediate sheet terminates short of the distal ends of the sheet pair.

Abstract: A novel disposable container and method is used for cleaning and lubricating a standard dental handpiece. The disposable container completely encloses a head of the dental handpiece. When the handpiece is cleaned or lubricated with cleaning or lubricating agents, the container collects cleaning or lubricating agents and any other materials that are expelled therewith from the handpiece to prevent these materials from entering the atmosphere.

Abstract: An article includs a) a tray having at least two holes; b) at least two substrates each having a top surface and a single well opening only at the top surface and being removably retained in one of the holes in the tray; c) a lid releasably attached to the top surface so as to cover the well opening in a manner such that the substrate is removable from the hole with the lid attached to the top surface thereof; d) an orthodontic appliance having a tacky substance on an exterior surface thereof that is positioned in the well such that the tacky substance does not separate from the appliance upon removal from the well.

Abstract: A novel disposable container and method is used for cleaning and lubricating a standard dental handpiece. The disposable container completely encloses a head of the dental handpiece. When the handpiece is cleaned or lubricated with cleaning or lubricating agents, the container collects cleaning or lubricating agents and any other materials that are expelled therewith from the handpiece to prevent these materials from entering the atmosphere.

Abstract: A forming apparatus has a passage with a chamfered entrance for bending a tip of a syringe such as a syringe used for dispensing dental material. The passage and chamfered entrance enable the tip to be bent to a desired angular configuration while in view of the user.

Abstract: A one-use flexible elastic impervious protective sleeve adapted to be readily placed on a handle of a dental or medical instrument to prevent the transmission of bacteria from one patient to another. The sleeve is provided with finger engaging ring-shaped retention members to aid in placing and expanding the sleeve from a collapsed position over the handle to expose only the patient-engaging portion of the instrument. After use, the rings are utilized to remove the sleeve.

Abstract: A holder for supporting dental discs in a position such that the spindle of a rotary drill can be inserted through the center of the disc in order to pick up the disc without manipulating the disc with the user's hands. The holder has a notch and storage area for removing the used disc from the spindle.

Abstract: A dental tray for counting, storing, shipping and dispensing cartridges that includes a plurality of integrally formed wells for securely holding and sealing a dental cartridge which are placed horizontally within the wells in a manner whereby the discharge nozzle of the cartridge is positioned so that it abuts a portion of the well for sealing it from contamination and which the tray may be formed of opaque or color material which will block curing rays when light activated material is placed within the dental cartridges. Each cartridge is individually retained within its respective well by a snap or friction fit. A sliding or rotating cover is provided which is spaced slightly above the cartridges so as to prevent unintentional dislodgement of the cartridge from its well or seat.

Abstract: In operation of the apparatus of the preferred embodiment, a used surgical sharp is placed into a drop window or receiving opening. Once the sharp is resting upon the partial floor of the housing assembly, the user will engage a safety slide having a pinch style cutter mechanism, so that a mandrel and blade converge and shear any remaining suture material from a needle. This also closes a window protector over the receiving opening. A magnet properly aligns metal items for disposal. Once any suture material is cut from the needle, a safety device consisting of opposing intermeshable rakes sweeps the sharp along the partial floor and into the drop window. This sweeping motion is created by the user moving the shuttle assembly from front to rear from a first to a second position. The shuttle assembly must be moved to the second position before it can be returned to the first position. A counter is then engaged to advance one increment.

Abstract: A receptacle for holding dental burrs comprising a container which includes a container body and a cover. The container body provides a compartment having an open end. At least one dental burr holder is provided in the compartment with the dental burr holder having a plurality of bores terminating in an opening. The dental burr holders are pivotally attached to the container body for pivotal movement between a first position in which the opening of the bores face generally outwardly of the open end of the compartment and a second position in which the openings of the bores are closer to a bottom wall of the container body than in the first position. The container has at least one aperture for providing fluid access to the compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packaged element containing a) a substrate that transmits less than about 0.5% of actinic radiation and has at least one recess, b) a cover that transmits less than about 0.5% of actinic radiation and transmits at least part of the visible light spectrum, c) a structure for maintaining the cover in contact with the substrate such that the cover filters incident radiation entering the recess, and d) an element located in the recess and having a substance thereon that is curable by exposure to the actinic radiation. Also disclosed is an article containing a) a substrate having at least one recess with an interior surface, b) an element having a tacky substance on a surface thereof, and c) a structure for positioning the element inside the recess such that the tacky substance does not separate from the element upon removal from the recess.

Abstract: A protective cover for the bristle portion (10) of a toothbrush (12) is adapted for disposability and reduced bulkiness. The cover is composed of two pieces of flexible, waterproof material (14, 14') which have been bonded along the top edge (16) and lateral edges (18, 20) to form a pouch-like container. The remaining lateral edges (26, 26') are supplied with rib-and-groove closure profiles (32, 34) to provide for ease of insertion and resealability. The bottom edges (22, 22') are unbonded to allow the toothbrush handle (24) to project externally. Alternately, an adhesive strip closure (72) may be used in place of rib-and-groove closure profiles (32, 34). The toothbrush cover may be produced rapidly and inexpensively to allow for disposal after a usage period of up to ten days, thereby reducing the probability of microbial colonization.

Abstract: A dispenser for maintaining light sensitive substances utilized in the practice of dentistry shielded from light and providing easy and convenient access by the dentist includes a container and a cover therefor with the cover being hingedly attached to the container. The container includes wells for receiving one or more light sensitive substances. The container is provided with a finger hold or holds for maintaining the container on one or more digits of a hand. In one embodiment, the cover is connected to the container by a resilient hinge and the cover may be released from engagement with the container by pushing forward on the hinge side of the cover. The resilient hinge will cause the cover to automatically open. Accordingly, the dispenser may be held in one hand and readily opened and closed to provide easy, quick, convenient access to the light sensitive substances by the dentist.

Abstract: An improved dental floss dispenser is provided and consists of a roll of waxed dental floss having a shaft that is rotatably supported in a chamber of a container with a quantity of powdered baking soda. Spring biased perforated sandpaper in the bottom of the chamber roughens the dental floss when it is pulled out. The container is agitated so that the baking soda can adhere to the roughened dental floss. A cutter on the container is for removing a piece of the roughened dental floss with the baking soda adhered thereupon so it can be utilized in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide when used in areas between the teeth for the treatment of gingivitis.

Abstract: A handle adapted for engaging, holding and delivering a dental implant to a surgical site, and for holding a dental implant within a package for the implant comprises a body section with a middle portion adapted to fit into a container for the implant; a flange portion connected to the middle portion and adapted to engage an opening in the implant container; a first end portion connected to the middle portion and including an implant-engaging configuration internal or external to the handle; and a second end portion connected to the flange and including a configuration suitable for engaging an implant-insertion tool. The body portion includes an internal passage adapted to receive a shaft that includes a portion for securing an implant to the handle at the implant-engaging configuration.

Abstract: A dispenser for maintaining light sensitive substances utilized in the practice of dentistry shielded from light and providing easy and convenient access by the dentist includes a container and a cover therefor with the cover being hingably attached to the container. The container includes a plurality of recesses for receiving one or more light sensitive substances. The container is provided with structure such as a finger hold on the bottom or an elastic band for maintaining the container on one or more digits of a hand and the cover is provided with a ring or other suitable structure for maintaining the cover in operable engagement with another digit of the hand, such as a thumb, whereby the dispenser may be held in one hand and readily opened and closed to provide easy, quick, convenient access to the light sensitive substances by the dentist.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packaged element containing (a) a substrate that transmits less than about 0.5% of actinic radiation and has at least one recess, (b) a cover that transmits less than about 0.5% of actinic radiation and transmits at least part of the visible light spectrum, (c) a structure for maintaining the cover in contact with the substrate such that the cover filters incident radiation entering the recess, and (d) an element located in the recess and having a substance thereon that is curable by exposure to the actinic radiation. Also disclosed is an article containing (a) a substrate having at least one recess with an interior surface, (b) an element having a tacky substance on a surface thereof, and (c) a structure for positioning the element inside the recess such that the tacky substance does not separate from the element upon removal from the recess.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dental hygiene kit including a sealed flat rectangular package formed of a pair of foil lined synthetic plastic sheets sealed together around all the edges thereof and having an end portion which is tearable to open the package. Within the package is a synthetic felt pad about 3.5 by 7.0 by 0.2 cm. folded once to form a square; within the folded synthetic felt pad is approximately 30 cm. of unwaxed dental floss wound on a plastic or paper spindle about 3 cm. by 1 cm. The pad is impregnated with about two cc of liquid consisting of water, about 15% alcohol, and a dentafrice consisting of one or more of the substances thymol, eucalyptol, menthol or benzoic acid. As an alternative to the spindle for the dental floss, the floss may be contained in a transparent plastic bag about 2.5 by 3.0 cm. or may simply be wound in a flat spiral coil.

Abstract: A heat or adhesively sealed envelope containing a coiled predetermined length of dental floss is set forth. Alternatively, a dental floss container is provided wherein a continuous groove is formed within a side and forward wall of the container that merge at a common intersection. Dental floss contained within the container includes an exterior poriton provided with an adhesive strip fixedly secured to the exterior portion of the dental floss to provide a manual securement member to enhance grasping of the dental floss by an individual.

Abstract: A device to be mounted to a wall, cabinet, counter, or other surface in the dental operatory or medical facility that will securely hold the protective needle cap provided on disposable needles used on dental syringes, or other syringes of similar design, in order that the needle cap may be removed and replaced without risk of an infectious needle stick injury. This is accomplished by engaging a raised annular ridge on the outer surface of the needle cap against an internal shoulder at the open end of a specially shaped trough, sized to accommodate the needle cap. A spring at the other end of the trough provides a rearward force to keep the annular ridge of the needle cap firmly engaged against the internal shoulder at the open end of the trough.

Abstract: My copending application Ser. No. 41,421 filed Apr. 23, 1987, now abandoned disclosed a (throw-away) packaging construction for Sterilized Dental Bits. These drill bits are so constructed and arranged that it is unnecessary for the Dentist or his assistant to touch the drill bits prior to the time that the bits are used with respect to each particular patient. The necessity for this construction came about to overcome the fear that many dental patients have of being contaminated by a communicable disease such as "Aids", where the Dentist or his assistant touches the drill bits used to drill out decayed portions of teeth that need "filling", or where a drill bit is used that has been previously used on another patient. My copending application discloses individual drill bits packaged in individual containers and closed by individualized closure members after the drill bits have been sterilized.

Abstract: The package of the present invention comprises a sheath formed from a folded, relatively rigid strip having structure for receiving and releasably holding the ends of the fiber to be packaged. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber is between the two folded over parts of the strip with the ends of the fiber anchored in place in a pair of slits. The sheath is in a pouch formed by a pair of foil members on opposite sides of the sheath. When ready for use, the package is opened by peeling the foil members apart, thereby exposing the sheath and permitting access to the fiber carried by the sheath. An improved apparatus and method are provided to form the package. In the first instance, the sheath is prepared by first folding a strip of relatively rigid material, such as siliconized polyester, the moving the folded strip along a path of travel and feeding the fiber into the region between the parts of the strip as the strip moves.

Abstract: The package of the present invention comprises a sheath formed from a folded, relatively rigid strip having structure for receiving and releasably holding the ends of the fiber to be packaged. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber is between the two folded over parts of the strip with the ends of the fiber anchored in place in a pair of slits. The sheath is in a pouch formed by a pair of foil members on opposite sides of the sheath. When ready for use, the package is opened by peeling the foil members apart, thereby exposing the sheath and permitting access to the fiber carried by the sheath. An improved apparatus and method are provided to form the package. In the first instance, the sheath is prepared by first folding a strip of relatively rigid material, such as siliconized polyester, then moving the folded strip along a path of travel and feeding the fiber into the region between the parts of the strip as the strip moves.

Abstract: A stack of improved bracket table cover sheets for use by dentists is disclosed. The sheets have ridges throughout their peripheries. The outer edges of the ridges extend downwardly. The ridges are designed to fit snugly over the peripheral ledges of the bracket table or of a separate backing designed to be positioned on the bracket table. Preferably, one of the raised edges is provided with an integral flap. The improved bracket table cover sheet of the stack comprises a paper component and a water and organic solvent impervious component. In one form, the impervious component is wax that impregnates the paper component. In another form the impervious component is a polymeric coating. Each bracket table cover sheet of the stack is characterized by a drape, hand, and feel that permits it to be easily folded and wrapped into a disposable pack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing light curable substances, such as substances used for various dental applications. The dispenser includes a body defining a dispensing formation, the body and dispensing formation being designed to cooperate with a closure, such as a lid, for closing-off the dispensing formation and thereby isolating light curable substances contained in the dispensing formation from light. A charging opening may also be defined by the body, that leads into the dispensing formation and permits charging of light curable substance into the formation by means of a syringe, or the like, in which these substances are generally contained.

Abstract: A sterilizer having a bottom part and a lid with a pair of pivotable closure bars mounted on the lid and adapted to be moved between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closure bar coacts with a detent to fix the lid to the bottom part. The free end of the closure bar is angled outwardly for ease of grasping the bar. A stop is provided which defines the open position of the closure bar. When in its open position, the closure bar is generally parallel to the top of the lid and is adapted to be used as a carrying handle for the lid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral lavage apparatus. The apparatus includes a hand-held trigger actuated device for providing liquid in streams of pulses and an external reservoir for holding the liquid to be distributed through the device. The invention is additionally chracterized in that all elements may be easily stored inside the reservoir when the trigger actuated device is not in use. This provides the two-fold benefit of portability while maintaining a sufficient amount of liquid to supply to the hand-held device.

Abstract: An autoclave tray for sterilization of surgical components and equipment includes slotted, polysulfone holders each having a base portion, a body portion and a connecting portion wherein the connecting portion is narrower than both the base portion and the body portion, the body portion being designed to receive and hold at least one surgical component, a tray arranged with oblong slots for receiving and holding one or more synthetic holders wherein the oblong slots include a narrow channel portion and an enlarged keyhole portion. The holders may be positioned in the oblong slots by passing the leading edge of the base portion through the enlarged keyhole portion of the slot and sliding the connecting portion along and within the narrow channel portion. The tray further includes a plurality of steam holes disposed about the surface of the tray.

Abstract: A germicide sleeve for dental and medical instruments comprising a flexible non-permeable outer sleeve wall of plastic or the like, the sleeve being closed at one end, the inner wall lined with a compressible absorbent material such as foam rubber surrounding an elongated central cavity or bore which extends the length of the sleeve and opens at an open end thereof to receive the working portion of a dental or medical instrument therein, the absorbent material being impregnated with a germicide solution to disinfect the instrument while stored therein, the compressible absorbent material which completely surrounds the central bore or cavity also serving as a protective cushion for the instrument stored therein while awaiting use. The germicide sleeve is disposable after its first use, and the instrument may be placed in a new germicide sleeve after each use of the instrument. The open end of the germicide sleeve is covered by a breakable seal prior to use.

Abstract: This plate for packaging dental root-canal instruments comprises a support formed with recesses adapted to receive the instruments and a protection cover which is a slide fit on the plate. The recesses consist of parallel elongated cavities extending at a short distance from, and at right angles to a longitudinal edge of the support, and comprise each an extension in the form of a neck towards the opposite longitudinal edge. The support also comprises a flat central area somewhat recessed in relation to the bottoms of the necks in order to facilitate the gripping of the instruments' shanks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage container for pre-sterilized surgical implements. The container is comprised of a bottom assembly containing at least one cavity for receiving a surgical implement such as a drill bit, pin or wire and a lid portion which is heat sealed onto the bottom assembly such that it acts as a sterile barrier in containing the product.The invention utilizes a plurality of areas spaced apart longitudinally in the cavity for selectively placing protective plugs at each end of the implement such that one packaging cavity may be used for various lengths of implements. The protective plugs prevent the implement from penetrating the ends of the cavity which would break the sterile barrier.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a mirror antiscratch protector case mountable on a dental mirror, having a spaced-away recess portion of an interior concave wall surface with spaced-apart points on the interior concave wall surface on each of opposite sides of the recess portion supportable of mirror bezel structure of mirror mounting structure, and having a biasing spring positioned to press a mounted dental mirror's mirror bezel structure against the spaced-apart points, and having a barrier structure pressing against a leading edge of the mirror bezel structure when the mirror is mounted within the protector case such that the reflective surface of the mounted mirror is retained opposite the recess portion, with opposite edges of the protector case in alignment with the spaced-apart points converging from a wide to narrow width of the protector case such that varying sizes of dental mirrors are received and such that narrower portions of the concave wall surface serve as the barrier structure.

Abstract: An autoclavable dental bur block or portable holder for dental burs and the like having elastomeric insert receptacles adapted to releasably hold burs of different shank diameters, with the receptacles color coded and arrangeable and rearrangeable in organized manner as a convenient means to identify and organize the different kinds of burs in the holder. The tubular insert receptacles have a downwardly tapered central bore, including an upper portion of relatively large average diameter extending above the support panel to accommodate large-shank burs, and a lower portion extending below the support panel to accommodate small-shank burs. Dovetail fitting elements on the sides of the bur blocks adapt them to interengage complemental fittings on other blocks so as to hold a plurality of the bur blocks in substantially coplanar relationship permitting them to be handled as a composite unit.

Abstract: Sterilizing apparatus and method for dental and surgical tools. A main sterilizing chamber is provided with a cover having heating means and capsule-supporting means, which may comprise a plurality of removable trays, each one of which has a capsule-supporting basket. A plurality of tool-holding capsules are removably mounted in the capsule-supporting means and a normally solid petroleum product that is liquid at sterilizing temperatures surrounds and covers the capsules. The same kind of material is within each capsule in contact with the tool. The capsules are hermetically sealed by removable closures, and they include a tool-support structure inside. The tools are placed in the capsules and the capsules into the container, usually by means of the trays and basket, and then the sterilizer is heated for the necessary time at the necessary temperature to obtain sterilization, the heat acting through the medium of the normally solid petroleum product.