Abstract: A surgical apparatus having a locking mechanism that receives a cutting burr and that may include a loading and running position. The locking mechanism may include a motor driven spindle that carries a locking pawl and a detent pawl that lock the cutting burr in place an prevent the cutting burr from inadvertently falling out of the surgical drill instrument when in its load position. A diamond-shaped portion of the cutting burr may be formed in a six-sided diamond configuration and a perpendicular back end surface. The end of the cutting burr may include another diamond-shaped portion formed in a six-sided diamond shape surface that mates with a complementary surface formed in the receiving end of the spindle of the motor/locking mechanism. In an aspect, the attachment of the cutting burr is such that the cutting burr has substantially zero axial movement and runs true in the running condition.

Abstract: A cutting burr that includes a pair of axially spaced diamond-shaped portions designed to be keyed into a spindle of a locking mechanism of a high speed surgical drilling instrument and adapted to fit into a single pawl thereof to lock said cutting burr in place so as to prevent axial movement thereof and provide concentric rotation of said cutting burr without any wobbling. The orientation of both portions may be identical with respect to a center plan and diamond shape in the portion at the proximal end of the shank of the cutting tool may be larger than the intermediately located diamond shape of the other portion. The apexes of the facets of the six-sided diamond shape may be disposed below the surface of the shank of the cutting burr.

Abstract: An instrument hose support device includes a rod that supports an instrument hose at a position higher than an instrument that is held by a holder, a pulley support portion that is supported by a distal end of the rod, a pulley that is supported by the pulley support portion and over which the instrument hose is looped. The distal end has a groove in which a taper is formed. A first member of the pulley support portion has a shaft protrusion, and a gap is formed between the shaft protrusion and the groove. The gap serves as the range of motion of the pulley support portion, and the pulley support portion follows the movement of the instrument hose and, relative to the rod, swings freely toward the front and the back and toward the sides and rotates freely with a movable axis (X) as an axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to implants used in medical procedures such as bone fixation or fusion. More specifically, this application relates to fenestrated implants used in bone fixation or fusion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, methods, tools and surgical procedures that provide for improved, faster and/or more efficient methods for cleaning bone of soft tissue in preparation for use in bone grafting and surgery, including specific applications particularly useful in fusion procedures and/or other surgeries of the lumbar, cervical, and/or thoracic spine and/or other anatomical locations, desirably allowing for faster and complete healing.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to surgical cutting systems having a surgical tool and a powered hand piece. The surgical tool can include a cutting tool having a coupling portion for selective connection to a drive pin of the hand piece. The coupling portion defines a tang that is configured to promote self-alignment of the cutting tool and the drive pin during connection of the cutting tool and the hand piece, thus promoting ease of use.

Abstract: A chuck mechanism for a dental handpiece holds a columnar rotary tool for dental care rotatably with an annular rotor of the dental handpiece. The columnar rotor tool is concentrically detachable to the annular rotor which is rotatably attached to a head part of the dental handpiece. The chuck mechanism has an annular chucking member with a cylindrical base part into which the annular rotor is integrally fitted and an elastic chucking piece having a chucking pawl for engaging with a locking groove formed at a base end of the rotary tool. The chuck mechanism enables the rotary tool to be easily removed from the annular rotor by elastically deforming the elastic chucking piece against elastic force of the elastic chucking piece to disengage the chucking pawl from the locking groove.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus which includes a handpiece having a passage. The retention assembly includes a pair of radially movable buttons, aligned in axially extending passages in communication with the passage and can engage with and cause rotational movement of a collet member assembly rotatably supported in the passage. The collet assembly includes rolling lock members which can be moved by the collet member from a lock position, in which the lock members are forced by the wall of the passage to extend inwardly of the collet member and an unlocked position, in which the lock members are aligned with a recess in the wall of the passage and are not forced to extend inwardly of the collet member. The surgical apparatus may find particular use with irrigation fluid, suction, and powering of a surgical tool. The passage may include a cutting blade retention assembly integrated in the passage.

Abstract: A head assembly for attaching to a dental instrument has a body, a rotary shaft with a pinion thereon, at least one retractable catch latching lever and a retractable catch. The rotary shaft has a central bore suitable for receiving a shank of the dental instrument therein. The latching lever has a peg engageable with an annular latching groove of the shank of the dental instrument. The catch has a positioning plane coinciding with the drive flat of the instrument. The body has a circular opening closed off by a push button cooperative with the rotary shaft so as to release the shank of the dental instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-aided process of dental bar design for the purpose of fabricating removable implant-based dental restorations. The aim of the invention is to improve and automate the present dental restoration design process, which is very labor intensive and requires a lot of artistic work on the part of a dentist. The invention includes the developments of several algorithms and their integration into a computer-aided system to process the gingival and related data scanned from a patient's mouth and output a CAD model for fabricating the actual dental bar. Software has been developed to implement the inventive process.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed including a turbine construction creating a radial in flow of air onto the impeller blades about the whole circumference of the turbine. This generates additional torque and avoids asymmetrical thrust on the impeller wheel. A pair of axially spaced air bearings support the turbine. Air supply to the bearings is controlled in such a way that the air bearings are floated before drive air is supplied to the turbine and after drive air to the turbine has been shut off. This ensures that the air bearings are always operational irrespective of the operational state of the turbine. The handpiece has an improved ergonomic shape, especially the shape and configuration of the front or drive head, which provides additional tooth clearance and a better field of view. An angled swivel connection to the umbilical cord is provided which reduces physical strain on the dentist's wrist.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for locking a dental instrument having a rotating spindle, formed by a hollow spindle and adapted to receive the head of an instrument, and a locking spring formed by a lower ring extending on a common side by two branches or a plurality of elastic branches. Each branch is provided with a pin engaged in an annular groove provided in the head of the instrument. There is a push-button having, in its underside, a central conical pressure head adapted to space apart radially the branches of the locking spring to release the pins from the annular groove of the instrument. The locking branches are housed in the slots provided in the rotary spindle to lock in rotation the spring relative to the rotary spindle, the spring being moreover maintained axially between the push-button and a shoulder of the rotary spindle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved dental tool drive arrangement for a handpiece with a drive head, the tool drive arrangement permitting length adjustment of the tool in the drive head by concentrically supporting the tool in the drive head at any position from a fully inserted position to a maximum retracted position. The tool drive arrangement preferably includes a tool and a rotatable tool supporting element for concentrically supporting the tool from the fully inserted to the maximum retracted position, the tool preferably including a maximum retraction indicator for indicating to a user when the tool has been retracted to the maximum retraction position. This provides a significant advantage over the prior art by allowing a user to adjust the exposed length of a rotatable tool, preferably a dental bur, without exceeding safe operating limits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding a dental instrument in the head of a contra-angle, an instrument of the type comprising, in its upper part which is inserted into the head of the contra-angle, a lateral flat for rotating it and an annular groove for axially retaining it, characterized in that the shank receiving the handle of the instrument, comprises a transverse cutback (7d), offset with respect to the longitudinal axis (7e) of the shank, made in the end of the shank and emerging in the bore (7b), the width (1) of the cutback being such that it allows the handle of the instrument to be engaged so that, on the one hand, the lateral flat of the handle is in contact with the wall (7f) of the cutback, closest to the longitudinal axis (7c), so as to ensure rotational coupling, and that, on the other hand, the shoulder of the flat of the handle abuts against the bottom (7c) of the longitudinal bore (7b) of the shank, in order to act as an axial stop in the direction of insertion.

Abstract: At the front, a handpiece (1) has a clamp (10) fitted to tightly grip the shank of a removable tool housed in guide holes (23, 25). The clamp has two or more levers (26) attached to an annular section (22) of the clamp by elastic joints (27), each of which has a gripping jaw (20) to grip the tool shank. On each lever, the gripping jaw (20) is located much closer to the joint (27) than to a supporting surface, on which a tightening mechanism (17) exerts a centripetal force so that the lever multiplies this force. The tightening mechanism preferably has a sliding sleeve (40) having a conical inside surface (44), which produces the force at the levers of the clamp by means of balls (45) housed in the holes of a hollow rotatable shaft (11).

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) has a rotor (15) and a ball bearing assembly (13, 14) supporting the rotor (15). The handpiece (10) also has a pusher (32), wedge (20) and chuck jaws (22). Any or all of the handpiece components in metal-to-metal contact (such as, 15, 13, 14, 15, 22, 30, and 32) may be coated with an anti-friction and/or anticorrosion coating.

Abstract: A disposable dental contra-angle comprising a plastic housing having a sleeve, a tapered neck, a head and a disposable bur. The bur being removably coupled to a driven rotating mandrel located in the head section. The rotating mandrel having an integral axis pole member extending through and outwardly from its top and bottom portions wherein the bur is maintained in a 1:1 rotational luted connection, with virtually no slippage. The sleeve section having an elongated opening for receiving a power drive from a dental handpiece. A gear ratio mechanism located in the sleeve section rather than the head section, for either increasing or decreasing the shaft speed. A gear to gear arrangement in the head section for translating rotation from the drive shaft to the bur.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coupling a driving shaft and a mating tool shaft to transmit rotational forces and axial tension and compression forces between the shafts. The coupler provides for axial tension transmission through tension transmission surfaces spaced-apart from torque and compression transmission surfaces of the mating tool shaft. Reversible shaft locking means prevent accidental disconnection of the driving shaft and mating tool shaft. A separate safety lock release attachment is preferably removed during tool shaft rotation and can automatically hold the driving shaft stopped when used to release the shaft locking means for a tool change. An optional reversible mechanical interlock further ensures that the driving shaft will remain stopped during a tool change. Malfunciton (e.g., improper seating) of the shaft locking means with the attachment ring in place results in a positive visual indication of the malfunction.

Abstract: A releasable chucking device for a rotating medical or dental tool includes a tool shaft with a chucking end, wherein the chucking end of the tool shaft has a flattened portion and an annular groove in the area of the flattened portion, wherein the chucking device further includes a holding member protruding radially inwardly into the annular groove during operation, and an additional frictionally engaging support of the tool, for example, by providing the sleeve surrounding the circular cylindrical portion of the tool shaft with a collet or to construct the sleeve as a collet.

Abstract: A dental prophy angle which includes a separate rib for securing each of the drive assembly and a workpiece by a friction lock. Preferably this rib is circumferential and present in both the shank end and the head end of the prophy angle. Each rib of the friction lock will permit the workpiece or the drive assembly to pass by the rib and be inserted into the housing. However, the ribs will not permit the inserted workpiece or drive assembly to pass backwards over the rib and be withdrawn from the housing.

Abstract: In the case of a medical or dental treatment instrument for the treatment of body tissue or a substitute material, in particular by cutting, with an elongated handpiece which in its front end region comprises a retaining device with a plug-in hole, into which the tool with its tool shank is capable of being inserted and is capable of being locked by means of a locking part which is movably supported transversely in relation to the tool shank between a locking position in which it is set into a locking recess in the tool shank and a release position releasing the tool shank and is pressurised into its locking position by the force of a spring, an actuating member which is manually accessible from outside is provided which is movably supported on the retaining device and with which the locking part is capable of being displaced into its release position, the actuating member being displaceably supported transversely in relation to the tool shank.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coupling a driving shaft (60) and a mating tool shaft (50, 50') to transmit rotational forces and axial tension and compression between the shafts. The coupler (15) provides for axial tension transmission through tension transmission surfaces (80, 80') spaced-apart from torque (54, 54') and compression (55, 55') transmission surfaces of the mating tool shaft (50, 50'). A separate satefy lock release attachment (17) is preferably removed during tool shaft rotation and can automatically hold the driving shaft (60) stopped when used to release the shaft locking means for a tool change. An optional reversible mechanical interlock (91, 92) further ensures that the driving shaft (60) will remain stopped during a tool change. Malfunction (e.g., improper seating) of the shaft locking means with the attachment ring (70) in place results in a positive visual indication of the malfunction.

Abstract: A medical/dental device is provided which includes a body having a hollow sleeve and a head at an end of the sleeve. The head defines an upwardly opening chamber which receives a chuck. The chuck includes a bur tube which removably receives a medical/dental tool of the latch-shaft type and a push button actuator to release the shaft from the bur tube. The bur tube includes a flexible arm which extends above the bur tube's upper surface and has an inwardly extending finger positioned to engage the groove of the shaft. The push button includes a downwardly extending pedestal which engages the arm to move the arm from a first position in which the groove and the finger create an interference fit to prevent the shaft from being removed from the head to a second position in which the finger is disengaged from the groove to allow removal of the shaft.

Abstract: In a handpiece (2) having a housing (3), a drive sleeve (7) mounted therein, into which drive sleeve a tool (9) can be inserted with its shaft (11) and which drive sleeve is mounted in the housing to be rotatable around its middle axis (9a) by a drive, a releasable coupling for rotational locking connection of the shaft (11) in the drive sleeve (7), and a releasable coupling for axial connection of the shaft (11) with the drive sleeve (7), whereby each coupling is formed by a coupling recess (18) in the shaft (7) and a coupling pin (19) on the drive sleeve (7) engaging in the coupling recess, the two couplings are formed by at least one common coupling recess (18) and the common coupling pin (19) is mounted to be moveable between a coupling position engaging in the coupling recess (18) and a decoupling position releasing the coupling recess (18) and is biased into its coupling position and against the shaft (11) by the force of a spring (34).

Abstract: A dental handpiece contains a tool for dental treatment operation, tool holding members for detachably and rotatably holding the tool, tool detachment members for abutting against the tool holding members to detach the tool from the tool holding members, and rotatable contact members capable of being point-contacted with the tool holding members. The rotatable contact members when contacted with the tool holding members is rotatable with the tool holding members.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coupling a driving shaft and a mating tool shaft to transmit rotational forces and axial tension and compression forces between the shafts. The coupler provides for axial tension transmission through tension transmission surfaces spaced-apart from torque and compression transmission surfaces of the mating tool shaft. Reversible shaft locking means prevent accidental disconnection of the driving shaft and mating tool shaft. A separate safety lock release attachment is preferably removed during tool shaft rotation and can automatically hold the driving shaft stopped when used to release the shaft locking means for a tool change. Malfunction (e.g., improper seating) of the shaft locking means with the attachment ring in place results in a positive visual indication of the malfunction.

Abstract: A drill chuck is provided for surgical drilling machines in which the entire chuck is made of material permeable to X-radiation.

Abstract: The cutting shank of an instrument to be received in the head of a contra-angle of a dentistry handpiece is clamped in position with a pushed-button control device which is displacable counter to a tensioning spring. The control device generally takes the form of at least one reversal element for receiving pressures responsive to movements of the push-button and for converting such movements into a traction movement exerted by the reversal element on the pusher which is used to control the collet chuck which receives the shank of the instrument.

Abstract: An endodontic filing tool which can be chucked into a dental tool holder with slight play but secured against rotating movement as well as against axial movement by chucking balls. A circumferential groove is provided at the rearward end of the tool shaft, wherein the circumferential groove is interrupted at at least one location, so that a stop for the chucking ball is formed.

Abstract: A chucking device for a dental handpiece includes a dental bur having a retention groove, a stationary disk having a central opening, a pair of locking members having projecting engaging portions for engaging with the reaction groove, a retention spring for thrusting the locking members towards abutment with each other, and a pushbutton for releasing retention of the bur. When the bur is inserted into the central opening, the retention groove is engaged by the projecting engaging portions of the locking members for retaining and securing the bur within a bur tube. When the pushbutton is pressed down, the locking members are extended apart from each other to release the retention of the retention groove by the projecting engaging portions to permit the bur to be disconnected from the inside of the bur tube.

Abstract: A quick change right angle drill head incorporates mechanism rotating components within the drill head housing thereby resulting in a more compact package which facilitates use in space-limited locations. A single push button release enlarges a chuck opening to receive a cutting tool. An internally located compression spring becomes operative when reverse thrust forces are exerted against a cutting tool. The design of the present invention may be constructed to either lock the cutting tool into the drill head chuck or release it, upon exertion of the reverse thrust forces.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis angle formed of molded plastic parts is provided, which includes two accurately supported rotors extending at right angles to each other in an easily manufactured construction. The prophylaxis angle includes an elbow-shaped forward housing member (54, FIG. 2) which surrounds the output rotor (18) and the forward portion of the input rotor (14), and a rearward housing member (60) which snaps into arrangement with the rear of the forward housing member. The rearward housing member has a rotor-engaging shoulder (72) that can abut the shoulder (44) at the rear end of the input rotor forward portion.

Abstract: A chuck device for a dental handpiece includes a dental bur, a sleeve for accommodating and attaching the dental bur, a push button for detaching the dental bur, and a connecting-removal unit for removably holding and securing the dental bur within the sleeve. The connecting-removal unit includes an elastic engagement member normally engaging with an engaging projection of the dental bur for securing the dental bur within the sleeve, and an opening for accommodating the elastic engagement member within the sleeve or an upper sleeve portion for fitting the elastic engagement member on the outer side of the sleeve. The elastic engagement member has a slit and can be extended apart. When the push button is pushed downwards, the cam surface of the push button abuts on and extends the elastic engagement member apart to release the engagement between the elastic engagement member and the engaging projection of the dental bur to detach the dental bur from the sleeve.

Abstract: There is provided a dental tool for use with a reciprocating drive means and a sleeve member operatively connected to the drive means for reciprocating motion and designed to retain a dental tool, the dental tool comprising a shank portion designed to be retained for reciprocating movement by the sleeve member of the handpiece, and a dental blade, preferably with an abrasive surface, secured to one end of the shank; in one embodiment, the dental tool is preferably hollow and further comprises an axially extending channel, preferably extending along the full length of the shank and a plenum extending within the dental blade, and outlet perforations from the plenum extending through the blade, and in a second embodiment there is further provided means secured to the shank portion for spplying pressure within the channel to force any fluid material within the channel and plenum out through the outlet perforations through the blade. Finally, there is provided means for dispensing fluid material, e.g.

Abstract: A dental toolholder (2) has an endodontic filing tool (18) which is clamped in the toolholder so as to be secured against rotational and axial movements. A vibrating movement is impressed on the tool. The tool (18) can be clamped at its rear shaft end with a slight play and the vibrations can be imparted to the tool at its front shaft end (15). This part encloses the front shaft end (7b) with slight play and comprises a cylindrical recess whose cross-sectional shape has a constant-diameter configuration. Accordingly, the tool is set into a swinging movement perpendicular to its axis. The structural component part (15) rotates preferably at approximately 20,0000 rpm.

Abstract: A dental instrument employs a tool having an upper portion for use in contacting teeth and a lower portion defining a shank with a lower end, a hollow elongated gripping holder having an opening at one end, a device in the holder communicating with the opening in the holder to removably receive said part of the shank, including the lower end; and a manually operated coupling mechanism having a first section connected to the holder and a second section on the shaft, the mechanism having a lock position at which the first section engages the second section in such a manner that the tool is locked in the holder in position for use, and having a release position at which the first and second sections are disengaging and the tool can be removed from the holder.

Abstract: An electric motor-driven drill has an irrigating tube for squirting water onto a drill bur. The tube has convolutions surrounding the motor for cooling the motor and warming the irrigating water. A quick-release chuck holds the bur shank coupled to the motor shaft.

Abstract: The parapulper restorative pin comprises a stem provided with a handle permitting to operate it manually, the dentist rotating this handle by gripping it between his fingers. This handle is provided with four longitudinal grooves constituting holds for four longitudinal fingers provided at the front end of a stem constituting a driving member intended to be connected to a motor driving mechanism, for example a dental engine. The engagement of the fingers with the grooves of the handle not only renders the stem of the driving member angularly rigid with the stem of the pin but, moreover, renders these two elements also rigid axially, owing to the fact that the said engagement is a friction fit, that facilitates the presentation of the pin opposite the hole of the dental root into which it has to be screwed.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement, especially for the clamping or gripping engagement of dental implements, consisting of a receiving sleeve which is rotatably supported in a handpiece and is connected with a rotary drive, which includes at least one rod-shaped elongated clamping element exerting a radially inwardly directed pressure against the shaft of the implement which is inserted into the receiving sleeve because of contact against an inclined track oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamping arrangement. The handpiece can pertain to a straight handpiece or to an angled handpiece (elbow) with an angled headpiece.

Abstract: A dentinal retention pin and dental tool for inserting the retention pin into the healthy dentine portion of a tooth. A cylindrical hole with a beveled top is predrilled in the tooth to receive a threaded end portion of the pin such that the threads cut into the dentine to secure the pin. A chamfered stop is positioned above the threaded portion, which seats against the beveled top of the hole to limit penetration of the pin into the tooth. The pin is dimensioned to stop before the threaded portion engages the bottom of the hole. A supra-coronal portion of the pin pertrudes above the stop and provides a surface for securely attaching a reconstructed coronal portion to the tooth. A manipulating section of the pin attaches to the supra-coronal section by a frangible link. The manipulating section comprises a cylindrical extension of the pin having a flat engagement surface in a plane approximately along the diameter of the pin.

Abstract: This contra-angle head of a dental handpiece comprises means for axially locking the dental instrument, in the form of a hollow guide member enclosing the upper portion of the driving pinion inside the head casing, this guide member being mounted for axial movement in the casing and rotating with the pinion by means of at least two wedge members disposed in the guide member and adapted to engage an annular groove of the dental instrument and to bear against the upper edge of this groove. A spring constantly urges the guide member away from the casing so that the instrument is pushed inwardly in the pinion by the wedge members for engagement with a shoulder formed in the pinion bore and acting as a stop means, the wedge members thus exerting a constant play take-up function.

Abstract: A vibratory endodontic device is described for mechanical preparation of dental radicular canals, i.e., root canals, prior to their obturation. The device includes a housing, a vibratory drive means supported within the housing to minimize the transfer of vibration to the housing, an endodontic file connected to the drive means for vibratory movement and stop means operatively connected to the housing and substantially isolated from the mechanical vibrations created by the vibratory drive means. Additionally, fluid transport means are provided for maintaining a continuous flow of irrigation fluid along the endodontic file. Various assemblies for retaining the endodontic files on the operative end of the vibrating device are also described.

Abstract: A rotatable socket for supporting a tool for rotating in a head housing of a dental handpiece, includes a catch device which includes at least one catch member movable between a locking position for retaining a tool in the socket and an unlocking position for releasing the tool and a thumb actuated purchase. The purchase has a pressure surface that is movable from a position disengaged from each catch member to a position engaging each catch member, a cover member having a peripheral edge that is rigidly secured to the head housing, and the cover member has an elastically deformable portion movable through a stroke when pressure is applied to the purchase so that the deformable portion of the cover member will move through the stroke to cause the pressure surfaces to move each catch member to an unlocking position to release the tool from the socket.

Abstract: A rotary driving apparatus having a collet housing defining a passageway which is adapted to receive, engage and rotate a bur having one end thereof which terminates in a notched bur key formed of a magnetizable material having a driving shaft having a first end and a second end which is rotatably supported in a collet housng with the first end of the driving shaft operatively coupled to and rotated by a rotary driving motor and with the second end of the driving shaft positioned within the collet housing passageway and being adapted to receive the bur and to engage and rotate the end of the bur which terminates in a notched bur key formed of a magnetizable material and wherein the second end of the driving shaft includes a cylindrically shaped housing defining a capture cavity and side walls which form a slotted opening which communicates with the capture cavity and with the collet housing passageway to receive and pass the notched bur key end of a bur transported within the collet passageway and to position

Abstract: Dental anchoring means includes a cylindrical shank having a turned over portion at one end and an integral threaded pin at the other end which is detachable from the shank.The anchoring means locates in holding means in the form of a sleeve with a longitudinal opening. The shank extends through the opening and is held for rotation with the sleeve by a stop member at one end of the sleeve which engages the turned over portion.The sleeve is located as a gear wheel in a dental handpiece which may be a self-contained unit.

Abstract: A rotatable socket for supporting a tool for rotation in a head housing of a dental handpiece. The socket includes a cylindrical or hollow tubular shaft for supporting a tool extending out of one end and having a dog for engaging a flattened surface on the shank of the tool for transmitting torque. To hold the tool in the socket, the socket has a catch device comprising at least one resilient element with a catch nose being disposed in the interior of the shaft to extend parallel to the axis of the shaft with the catch nose releasably engaging an annular groove in the shank of the tool. To disengage the tool, the catch device also includes a pressure element, which is disposed on the housing adjacent the free end of each resilient support element and which is urged into engagement with the free end of the support element to cause disengagement of each of the catch noses when a purchase has been actuated by pressure from the operator's thumb.

Abstract: A rigid tubular housing provides separate enclosures for a drive shaft and a dental tool that are rotatable on axes that are angularly related. A wall separating the two enclosures provides bearing support for tool-driving gears in one of the enclosures and connection to a driving shaft in the other. A latching mechanism envelops the housing and covers it smoothly. The latching mechanism is movable on the longitudinal axis of the tubular housing for controlling access to the enclosure for a dental tool.

Abstract: A dental tool such as a drill, burr, anchor, reamer and the like, which is receivable in a dental tool holder, such as a dental handpiece or a hand driver, for operative positioning thereof with respect to the teeth of a patient, the dental tool having a body member provided with an operative end portion for association with the teeth and a shank extending from the operative end portion for association with the holder. The shank portion is provided with at least two cylindrical sections, each section having a circumferential groove defining a neck portion for receiving a retaining member of the tool holder for removably engaging the shank in the holder. The neck portion separates a head portion from a body portion of each section.

Abstract: A dental tool such as a drill, burr, anchor and the like which is receivable in a dental hand piece for operative positioning thereof with respect to the teeth of a patient, the dental tool having a body member provided with an operative end portion for association with the teeth and a shank extending from the operative end portion for association with the hand piece. The head portion of the shank is provided with a first arrangement including a flat surface to provide driving engagement between the shank and the hand piece, and a circumferential groove for receiving a latching member of the hand piece for removably engaging the shank in the hand piece. A second similar arrangement is spaced downwardly on the head portion, where additional arrangements may be provided on the shank downwardly along the head portion as desired to provide a series of locations for driving and latching the shank in the hand piece.

Abstract: A dental toolholder (2) has an endodontic filing tool (18) which is clamped in the toolholder so as to be secured against rotational and axial movements. A vibrating movement is impressed on the tool. The tool (18) can be clamped at its rear shaft end with a slight play and the vibrations can be imparted to the tool at its front shaft end (15). This part encloses the front shaft end (7b) with slight play and comprises a cylindrical recess whose cross-sectional shape has a constant-diameter configuration. Accordingly, the tool is set into a swinging movement perpendicular to its axis. The structural component part (15) rotates preferably at approximately 20,000 rpm.