Abstract: A tray having a pair of stamped instrument racks includes a pair of side walls which taper transversely and longitudinally toward each other at their opposite ends. The tapered ends form wedge-like extensions which lead into a pair of rounded end walls. The tapered ends and rounded end walls form a chisel shaped profile which facilitates insertion of the tray into an autoclave bag. A spring-actuated retainer is operable with one hand to secure or release a plurality of instruments held in the racks.

Abstract: A vial for a dental implant delivery system. The vial includes a clip and a lid that is permanently attached to the body of the vial. The lid disengages from the top of the vial when the body of the vial is squeezed.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a method of making same wherein a plurality of mixing wells is formed as a unitary sheet of individual mixing wells arranged in rows and columns. The boundary between each mixing well is scored, perforated, or otherwise made to allow individual pieces to be removed from the sheet. Preferably, the mixing wells may be pressure formed rather than being vacuum formed.

Abstract: A calcium hydroxide unit-dose multi-package and method of forming the package that includes sealed chambers or compartments each containing a capsule having a connected needle forming a nozzle which is open at the discharge end. The capsule is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of calcium hydroxide formulation that is confined within the capsule by an end plug that functions as a piston to extrude the calcium hydroxide formulation from the capsule and directly to the tooth when used. Disposed within the sealed chamber or compartment containing the capsule, is a quantity of preservative liquid or distilled water saturated with calcium hydroxide to prevent dehydration or decomposition of the calcium hydroxide formulation in the capsule during shipping or storage. The multi-package with the capsule and liquid sealed therein can be sterilized by gamma radiation to ensure sterility of the calcium hydroxide and to prevent growth in the sealed container.

Abstract: An autoclavable instrument cassette for receiving and storing medical and dental instruments and equipment includes a separable tray and lid combination. The tray and lid are each configured with a plurality of sterilant apertures in order to facilitate the autoclaving of whatever instruments and equipment may be stored inside. The tray is configured with a plurality of separate compartments which are defined by various dividers. A lift-out rack is included and arranged for retaining a plurality of instruments. The lid is arranged with a finger mat in order to cooperate with the lift-out rack for securing the instruments in position. The lid also includes a plurality of retainers which are moveable and designed to accommodate a variety of instruments which can be retained in the lid. The tray and lid are secured together by a latch pin assembly which is secured to the tray and includes a latch pin which extends through an opening in the lid.

Abstract: An instrument rack for the sterilization and storage of surgical instruments within autoclave devices includes a bumper plate made from durable CECLON plastic, which is attached to the underside of the rack's top panel, to prevent the delicate sharp ends of surgical instruments from hitting the top of a metal rack when the rack is turned upside down. Therefore the edges of the instruments stay sharper longer and the instruments require less frequent repairs and sharpening. A "tent-like" or angled plate is attached to the rack's bottom panel, is constructed integral with the bottom panel, to prevent instruments from tilting outward or falling out of the rack when the "gate," which otherwise holds the instruments in place, is open. The angle of the tent or panel forces instruments to tilt toward the inside of the rack.

Abstract: A box for holding a plurality of dental posts and drill bits. The box is formed of a sterilizable material, i.e., stainless steel, and has a pair of end walls, a bottom wall and opposed open sidewalls. A pivotable cover is provided on the box over the bottom wall. A pair of plates are located within the interior of the box and include plural openings therein into which the dental posts and drill bits are extended. When the drill bits and dental posts are in position within the holes in the plates and the box's cover is closed, they are prevented from falling out of the box. The open sides of the box enable the posts and bits to be sterilized within the box by merely placing the box within a sterilizing environment, e.g., within the interior of an autoclave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for marker disks which limit the depth of penetration of root-canal preparatory instruments or the like. The dispenser is composed of a box assembly composed of base 1 and cover 2. The space between the base 1 and cover 2 at least in part evinces a height approximately equal to the thickness of the marker disks. A guide 8 is provided to select the marker disks and to place a marker disk at a specified site. In the zone of this site are present a puncture aperture 7 in the base 1 and an opening 6 in the cover 2. The opening 6 in the cover 2 is at least large enough to pass a marker disk 4. The box assembly composed of base 1 and cover 2 is arranged in an insertion case 5 of such design that for the inserted state of the box assembly, said insertion case will close the aperture 6 in the cover 2.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding and installing a plurality of orthodontic brackets on a patient's teeth includes an opaque housing having a plurality of spaced slots each adapted to receive a pliers, or tweezers, of the "reverse locking" type, where each pliers engages and supports a respective orthodontic bracket. Attached to the user engaging end, or handle, of each pliers is an opaque silicone cap which facilities gripping the pliers, maintains the pliers securely in position in the housing, and forms an airtight seal about each slot in the housing. Applied to each orthodontic bracket is a light-curable composite bonding material which is maintained in position within a respective slot in spaced relation from the housing. The bracket installer grasps a silicone cap in removing the pliers and orthodontic bracket combination from the housing and affixes the bracket to an intended tooth by means of the bonding material.

Abstract: A disposable oral hygiene applicator attachable to the ball of a user's fingertip whose finger then functions as an articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted in the oral cavity and applied omnidirectionally to the teeth and gingival tissues to sweep and clean the teeth and to massage the gums. The applicator includes a circular flexible base dimensioned to cover mainly the round ball of the fingertip, the underside of the base having a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon. Anchored on the base and projecting upwardly therefrom is a dense array of multi-strand filamentary loops that form the bristles of a miniature brush, a charge of viscous dentifrice being entrapped in the loops. In one preferred embodiment of the applicator, adhering to the layer on the underside of the base is a removable carrier disc whose diameter exceeds that of the base to define a peripheral flange to facilitate removal of the disc so that the applicator may then be adhered to the fingertip.

Abstract: The tray is designed to hold medical and dental instruments in firm and parallel alignment during transport and sterilization and to be opened for ready withdrawal or placing of such instruments. It includes a main part in the form of a rectangular bottom surrounded by upstanding rims along both side edges and along its rear edge of which the rear rim is higher than the side rims and forms a channel-shaped pocket configured to cover the heads of the instruments. Two serrated strips are firmly attached to the bottom in parallel spaced-apart alignment with the serrations serving to support and hold the instruments in position. A trough-shaped front cover is pivotally attached to the side rims and can be swung from a top position covering the front ends of the instruments into a position underneath the bottom serving to raise the front of the tray into rearwardly inclined position.

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 bracket container is provided for storing a plurality of orthodontic brackets having bases coated with a light curable adhesive. The container includes a housing and a tray slidably mounted in the housing. The tray includes an upper surface having a plurality of recesses, each for receiving one of the brackets. The tray is movable between a closed position in which the housing covers the recesses in the tray and an open position in which at least some of the recesses are not covered by the housing. The housing comprises substantially opaque material to limit exposure of the brackets to light when the tray is in the closed position. A method of bonding orthodontic brackets to a patient's teeth is also provided. In accordance with the method, a set of orthodontic brackets suitable for bonding on the patient's teeth is first selected. Then, a light curable cement is applied on a rear bonding surface of the base of each bracket to prepare the bracket for bonding at a predetermined later time.

Abstract: A dispenser for marker disks to limit the depth of penetration of root-canal preparatory instruments is composed of a plastic base foil of such a strength that it may be punctured by a root-canal preparatory instrument. Deep-drawn recesses are formed in the base foil such that the marker disks are received on one of their large sides in the recesses in a plane running parallel to the base foil. A strip-off sheet is present above the base foil with which it is connected and in particular may be stripped off in segments from the base foil such that the recesses arrayed in rows or columns are uncovered. The root-canal preparatory instrument is able to puncture both the uncovered marker disk and the base foil below the recess until the marker disk has been mounted at the desired position on the root-canal preparatory instrument.

Abstract: A portable holder for safely supporting a plurality of sharp dental instruments, and which comprises a body member which includes a base plate having a plurality of openings therein for supportingly receiving the instruments. A pressure plate is slideably mounted to the body member immediately below the base plate, and the pressure plate includes a plurality of openings which are aligned with the openings of the base plate and are adapted to receive the shanks of the instruments which are supported in the openings of the base plate. The pressure plate is mounted for slidable movement between a loading position wherein the openings of the base plate and the pressure plate are aligned, and an instrument retaining position wherein the openings are offset so that the instruments are engaged and lock in the openings.

Abstract: A dental floss holder has a casing containing a cartridge that is slidable within said casing through various sequential positions. The cartridge contains a plurality of U-shaped segments with each segment containing a length of dental floss held across a mouth of the segment in a taut position. As the dental floss is used, the cartridge can be advanced to extend a first segment beyond the cartridge and sever the first segment from the cartridge. The severed first segment is then discarded and the dental floss in the next segment is used. The method is repeated until all of the segments of the cartridge have been used and discarded and a new cartridge is then inserted into the casing.

Abstract: A stick object storage box adapted for holding for example floss sticks, including a rectangular box body, and a sliding cover coupled to the box body by a slip joint, the sliding cover having two inward stub rods bilaterally disposed at the front end and moved in two longitudinal sliding grooves at two opposite sides of the box body. By moving the inward stub rods in the longitudinal sliding grooves and turning the sliding cover relative to the box body, the box body can be supported on the sliding cover in a tilted position in an open status.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for prepasting orthodontic appliances such as brackets with a light-cure adhesive and facilitating the mounting of the brackets in the mouth of a patient. The apparatus includes a kit having a storage box capable of storing a plurality of bond cards on which prepasted brackets are mounted in an organized fashion, a work box for facilitating the initial mounting of the brackets on the bond cards, a bond card cover for protecting the prepasted brackets against curing of the adhesive at the chairside of the patient, and a mouth shield for delaying the curing of the adhesive following initial placement of the prepasted brackets in the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets made of a light-transmissive material such as plastic or ceramic have a removable, water-based colorant to facilitate identification of the bracket and alignment of the bracket on the patient's tooth. The colorant is received in a ligature channel of the bracket and is visible through adjacent tiewings of the bracket. The colorant is protected by the overlying tiewings from inadvertent damage or removal as might otherwise occur during initial handling and placement of the bracket.

Abstract: A device that stores and sanitizes toothbrushes in individual storage pockets in a vessel containing a sanitizing solution. Each storage pocket is formed in the top surface of the vessel in such a manner that the storage pocket is partially filled with sanitizing solution and in normal use, the pocket is sealed from the sanitizing fluid contained in the main vessel. When the sanitizing solution has served its useful life in the pockets of the vessel, the vessel is overturned, the used sanitizing liquid in each of the pockets is dumped out by over-turning the vessel. The vessel is then returned to its normal orientation, and the top of the vessel is raised slightly to allow the top of each pocket to slightly separate from the lower portion of each pocket to allow the sanitizing liquid in the vessel to flow into each pocket to replenish the sanitizing fluid in each pocket.

Abstract: A dental hygiene storage apparatus comprising a housing having a removable partition that forms a toothpaste compartment for dispensing toothpaste therefrom. The partition has slots extending along opposite spaced apart side walls with each slot having a removable gear which is connected to a rotating shaft. The shaft is positioned adjacent to and above a compressor plate located within the partition. The shaft is connected to a handle that when turned causes the compressor plate to press against a removable toothpaste container located within the toothpaste compartment. The toothpaste container has a valve extending through the partition's front wall and is adapted to dispense toothpaste. The dental hygiene storage apparatus further includes a top surface with a storage compartment for storing dental floss containers, and several tubular cavities adapted to receive a dental floss device or a toothbrush. The dental hygiene storage apparatus also has a pull out drawer adapted to store toiletries.

Abstract: A package includes a) a tray that transmits less than about 0.5% of selective actinic radiation and having a top surface and at least two recesses in the top surface, each recess adapted to hold a light-curable material, b) a rigid plate covering the recesses that transmits less than about 0.5% of actinic radiation and transmits at least part of the visible light spectrum, such that the plate is sufficiently transparent to permit viewing inside the recesses, c) an arrangement for maintaining the plate in contact with the top surface of the tray to permit the plate to slide relative to the tray and filter incident radiation entering the recess, and d) a light-curable material in at least one of the recesses, that is curable upon removal of the rigid plate and exposure to sufficient actinic radiation.

Abstract: A case for dental instrument including a container, a lid for closing the container, a tray, and an insert arranged alongside of the container and including an instrument-receiving unit having a holder and a carrier and pivotable between a folded down position and an opened, vertical position, axle elements for supporting the instrument-receiving unit for pivotal movement, and elements for releasably holding the instrument-receiving unit in the opened position, with the carrier being provided with instrument-receiving insert openings and the holder being provided with stop arms for retaining the instruments in the insert openings.

Abstract: A surgical tool container system for the organization, sterilization, storage and presentation of a group of surgical instruments for selection and retrieval by a medical practitioner during a surgical procedure. The container system includes an outer case having separable base and lid portions with a tool-holding tray removably inserted within the base portion of the case. The tray is provided with a plurality of holes formed therethrough and wherein a respective plurality of elastomeric grommets are fixed to the tray. Each grommet includes an axially extending bore wherein the shank of a surgical tool may be inserted and frictionally engaged in a generally upright orientation with respect to the tray.

Abstract: An implement for cleaning a toilet bowl and surrounding bathroom surfaces. The inventive device includes a handle having a mounting base at a lower distal end thereof. A cleaning pad is removably coupled to the mounting base and can be utilized to scrub a toilet or like structure. A dispenser is provided for supplying new cleaning pads and receiving used cleaning pads for disposal thereof.

Abstract: A syringe system for matching tooth composite colors to natural tooth colors. The system includes a plurality of delivery syringes each having therein a different colored tooth composite. In one embodiment, a visible portion of each delivery syringe is colored with the same color as the tooth composite within that delivery syringe. In another embodiment, an actual cured sample of the tooth composite contained within the syringe is placed on a visible portion of each delivery syringe. Therefore, matching tooth composite color to natural tooth color can be performed by simple viewing of the delivery syringes. An organizer displays the delivery syringes in such a way that the colored portion, or composite sample portion, of each delivery syringe is clearly visible. The organizer means also displays the delivery syringes in such way that the delivery syringes together provide a visible palette of colors from which to choose a matching tooth composite.

Abstract: A tool support and presentation device is described. The device has a base with a centrally mounted spindle and a resilient diaphragm mounted on the spindle. The diaphragm has plural collets therein and each collet may receive a tool. The diaphragm may be automatically or manually flexed to display the tools in an easily accessible configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the device is cylindrical and the diaphragm is automatically flexed by a spring disposed between the diaphragm and the base which upwardly urges a central portion of the diaphragm and thereby presents the tools in a frustoconical array.

Abstract: A sterilization and storage cassette formed of heat-resistant plastic and having two identical tray halves. In one embodiment, at least one tray half includes a rotatable retaining member for retaining dental instruments within the tray. In a second embodiment, a clamping member is inserted in one tray and at least one and preferably a plurality of instrument supports is inserted into the other tray. When the trays are closed together, the clamping member presses down upon and retains dental instruments placed on the supports. The trays are detachably connected through a hinge mechanism. Each tray has separate, distinct hinge members on one of its sides, and a set of separate, distinct latch members on another of its sides.

Abstract: A pocket size dental travel pack which comprises a rectangular, resilient plastic carrying compartment having one face hinged at the side thereof to permit opening at least 90 degrees to completely expose the interior of said compartment; a plurality of dental care implements mounted within and rotatably extendable vertically from said compartment, said implements when rotated into the vertical position being locked into such position by the closing of said hinged face; said compartment forming a handle for using said implements when in the vertical position.

Abstract: A cassette for holding instruments, such as medical and dental instruments, through cleaning, sterilization, storage and use cycles, comprises a tray member having a bottom wall and a pair of opposite side walls, at least two clamping members fixed to the bottom wall extending transversely between the side walls, and at least one clip member releasably securable to the tray side walls for overlying and clamping the instruments against the clamping members so as to remain exposed. A method for using the instrument cassette comprises placing the cassette containing the instruments in an ultrasonic cleaning device, preferably after hand-scrubbing the instruments which have been arranged and secured within the cassette, and then sterilizing the instruments in the cassette.

Abstract: The presenting unit (1) comprises a bottom wall (2), two lateral walls (3), a tool-carrying tray (4) placed on the bottom wall between the lateral walls, and a cover (5), the latter and the tray being detachably freely articulated to and hooked on a transverse pivot pin (6) carried by the lateral walls (3). The tray comprises a series of transverse corrugations defining alternating and parallel planes (13,14) inclined relative to the bottom wall. In one of the planes (14) are placed pellets (15) for retaining tools (17 . . . 20). Each plane (14) corresponds to a given type of tool. The cover (5) with its bottom wall (2) and lateral walls (3) and the tray (4) can be easily separated after raising the cover. The corrugations of appropriate inclination place the successive rows of tools (17 . . . 20) in a position in which they are easily taken hold of by the surgeon.

Abstract: A syringe system for matching tooth composite colors to natural tooth colors. The system includes a plurality of delivery syringes each having therein a different colored tooth composite. A visible portion of each delivery syringe is colored with the same color as the tooth composite within that delivery syringe. Therefore, matching tooth composite color to natural tooth color can be performed by simple viewing of the delivery syringes. An organizer displays the delivery syringes in such a way that the colored portion of each delivery syringe is clearly visible. The organizer also displays the delivery syringes in such way that the delivery syringes together provide a visible palette of colors from which to choose a matching tooth composite.

Abstract: A dental bur storage device that includes a base member and a lid. The base member includes a bottom floor, a first support floor with a plurality of support apertures that is parallel to the bottom floor, and a second support floor with a plurality of support apertures that is parallel to the first support floor. The burs are secured in the storage device by placing them through the support apertures of the first and second support floor, which support the burs in a perpendicular position to the bottom floor. The lid is then closed to the base member. The lid, when closed, is of a dimension above the base member to fit burs in the storage device and also prevent them from falling out. The base member and lid also have open parallel sides to enable the burs to be sterilized while remaining in a storage mode. The storage device, with stored burs, is inserted into a cleaning apparatus, which is able to reach the burs through the open sides.

Abstract: A removal device for removing a hypodermic needle assembly from a syringe, wherein the removal device comprises a sleeve provided internally with a series of ribs which engage with a series of ribs on the needle assembly, or on an attachment adaptor on the needle assembly, when the sleeve is rotated to unscrew the needle assembly from the syringe, the sleeve having a clear passage therethrough and having an internal diameter such that the needle assembly and adaptor thereon (if present) can pass freely through it in an axial direction. The sleeve is removably engageable in a hollow shaft through which the needle assembly and adaptor (if present) can drop to a "sharps" container below. The shaft is integrally formed and is power-driven through a gear formation on its external surface. A manually-operated device is also described, having a fixed sleeve as described above in which the needle assembly is held while the syringe is unscrewed from it.

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 cassette for the sterilization and storage of dental or medical instruments includes a lower tray and an upper cover hingeably joined together for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position. Both the tray and the cover have instrument positioning racks mounted therein to position the instruments in side-by-side relation within the tray and the cover. The cover is provided with an instrument retainer for simultaneously retaining the instruments in the positioning racks in the tray and the cover when the cassette is in the closed position. The instrument retainer includes an instrument retaining bar pivotally mounted at one end thereof within the cover and releasably fastened at the other end thereof to the cover. A resilient retaining member is mounted on the retaining bar and transversely pressingly contacts the instruments to retain them in the positioning racks.

Abstract: An autoclavable cassette for the receipt and storage of dental and surgical instruments includes a metal tray portion including a base, four sides and two outwardly extending flanges and a metal lid portion which covers the open tray portion and assembles to the outwardly extending latches by means of a cooperating latch and pin combination. The metal cassette tray is configured with a variety of slots, apertures and pins which are used to receive customizing components so that the dentist or surgeon can, by his own selection of specific component options create his own customized cassette. Some of the customizing options include a generally rectangular rack which sets in and can be lifted out of the tray and which includes a series of aligned receiving channels for the receipt of dental or surgical instruments. Another customizing option includes a finger mat which fits within the tray with a snap-in/snap-out feature, providing greater versatility.

Abstract: A sterilization and storage cassette formed of heat-resistant plastic and having two identical tray halves. In one embodiment, at least one tray half includes a rotatable retaining member for retaining dental instruments within the tray. In a second embodiment, a clamping member is inserted in one tray and at least one and preferably a plurality of instrument supports is inserted into the other tray. When the trays are closed together, the clamping member presses down upon and retains dental instruments placed on the supports. The trays are detachably connected through a hinge mechanism. Each tray has separate, distinct hinge members on one of its sides, and a set of separate, distinct latch members on another of its sides.

Abstract: A kit for assembling a variety of dental devices using a plurality of delivery tips that differ from one another as to either size or type. The kit also includes a plurality of differently sized syringes each being releasably attachable to any one of the plurality of delivery tips. An organizer displays the syringes and delivery tips in such way that the size and type of syringe and delivery tip desired is easily identifiable. The kit may include adapters which connect any of the plurality of delivery tips to either a vacuum source or to an air bulb. The delivery tips may be color coded such that the size and type of delivery tip is indicated by the color code of the delivery tip.

Abstract: A sterilizable instrument cassette for use in storage and sterilization of medical and dental instruments includes two individual storage trays with base plates carrying silicone instrument-locating rails, and rotatable clamping members provided with silicone compression rails. The two trays may be separated or assembled and latched together, while the rotatable clamping member may be latched in its closed position. Multiple functions are performed by unitary structures simply and economically formed from single sheets of metal by stamping and bending.

Abstract: A plastic autoclave enclosure for retaining and storing medical instruments and apparata which must be autoclaved includes a molded tray, a molded lid and a pair of oppositely disposed slide latches which are used to secure the molded lid to the molded tray. The molded tray has an outwardly extending flange and disposed therein a pair of spaced-apart keyhole slots. The slide latches are attached to opposite ends of the molded lid and include a protruding pin portion from each latch which has an enlarged head and this enlarged head is received by the corresponding keyhole slot. The base of the molded tray is configured with two spaced-apart ribs and the molded lid has a pair of spaced-apart ribs which define the top surface into three generally rectangular areas. The spacing and length dimension of the tray ribs is such that the base of the tray may be stacked onto the top of the lid thereby allowing a plurality of autoclave enclosures to be stacked one on top of the other.

Abstract: An autoclavable cassette for the receipt and storage of dental and surgical instruments includes a metal tray portion including a base, four sides and two outwardly extending flanges and a metal lid portion which covers the open tray portion and assembles to the outwardly extending latches by means of a cooperating latch and pin combination. The metal cassette tray is configured with a variety of slots, apertures and pins which are used to receive customizing components so that the dentist or surgeon can, by his own selection of specific component options create his own customized cassette. Some of the customizing options include a generally rectangular rack which sets in and can be lifted out of the tray and which includes a series of aligned receiving channels for the receipt of dental or surgical instruments. Another customizing option includes a finger mat which fits within the tray with a snap-in/snap-out feature, providing greater versatility.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is a roll up mat-like structure which may be used to retain sterile and/or contaminated tools, dental and medical instruments, probes and the like. The device is adapted to protect the tools from contamination by coming in contact with persons, inadvertently, and to minimize the risk of the transmission of infectious disease by allowing contaminated tools to come into contact with persons. The device also minimizes the risk of cross-contamination of tools. Finally, the device in accordance with the present invention is of a size and shape which will allow it to be conveniently utilized with conventional cleaning apparatus thus reducing the amount of manipulation contaminated tools require.

Abstract: A tooth and gum appliance that includes a flexible sheet or pad which can carry cleaners, mild abrasives, medicaments or other substances has a miniature hook-loop fastener member at one edge of the pad, the mating fastener member being carried by a tab that extends from the pad opposite the one edge for fastening the appliance about a user's finger. The pad can be formed of cotton loop-woven cloth, and the tab can be a separate strap or an integral portion of the pad. A nested plurality of the polishers can be supplied in a foldable, rectangular carton dispenser having a side slot for access to the fasteners, the tabs protruding from one side of the slot. The dispenser can have a plurality of the slotted, cylindrical cavities spaced about a rotatable drum-shaped holder for permitting the user to select among several configurations of the polisher.

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 receptacle for containing medical instruments for sterilization is constructed having first and second broad sides connected along side and bottom edges. These sides are in turn constructed of an outer layer of flexible, durable fabric material, an intermediate layer of a plastic film material forming a barrier to microorganisms, and, in a preferred embodiment, an inner layer of the fabric material. A cuff extends from one of the edges adjacent the opening and is invertable over the opening to close the opening.

Abstract: Packaging for orthodontic brackets having a pre-dispensed adhesive. The packaging comprises light opaque compartments, each compartment sized and dimensioned to contain a bracket, and having a reservoir such that adhesive applied to a portion of the bracket will remain in contact with that portion of the bracket, and will not be distributed over other portions of the bracket. Also, a formulation of adhesive adapted for pre-dispensing to orthodontic brackets, comprising Bis/GMA, EBADMA, and at least one polymerizing agent.

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: 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: A dental cleaning kit includes a housing arranged with a cavity directed therethrough, with a trough positioned in communication with the cavity at a lower distal end of the front wall and floor of the housing to accommodate a plurality of replaceable toothbrush heads thereon. A side wall of the housing includes a handle structure to receive in a selective manner cleaning components to include a toothpick head and a dental floss holder head. A modification of the invention includes a mirror handle and mirror mounted to the side wall within a loop structure, as well as a further mirror member mounted to a deformable goose neck conduit secured to the first side wall to permit ease of visual observation by an individual during use of the apparatus.