Abstract: An equipment stand, in particular for dental implements, which consists of a carrier possessing holders for the dental implements or instruments. A stand which extends in a vertical direction, concurrently forms the carrier possessing the implement holders, so as to thereby eliminate a separate component as a carrier in the form of a cross-bar, and consequently avoids a complex construction. Furthermore, through a superimposed arrangement of the implement holders there is afforded a good overview of the implements which are located in the holders.

Abstract: A periodontal probe instrument for measuring the depth of the gingival sulcus and periodontal pockets. A probe extending from a handle of the instrument includes a transparent portion which is insertable into the periodontal pocket. An optical fiber extends through the probe and may be retracted until its end is barely visible at the gingival line. A potentiometer driven by the retraction mechanism for the fiber generates an electrical output signal having a voltage proportional to the position of the fiber to provide a measure of the pocket depth. The signal is used to digitally display and print each measurement that is taken.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for effecting delivery of a chemical solution useful in the softening of tooth caries and/or plaque in a patient's mouth utilizes a reciprocating piston-type pump having flow and pressure regulation for injecting a pulsating jet stream of the solution at a controlled rate and pressure, in combination with a separate heater device adjacent an applicator maintaining the temperature of the solution at or near body temperature as it is delivered to the mouth.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the distance between two points in a patient undergoing dental diagnosis or treatment which includes a housing having an end which is placeable adjacent a first of said points. A distance measurement apparatus is coupled to the housing and provides an output signal representative of the distance between the two points. An analyzer responsive to the output signal determines the distance. The distance measurement apparatus may include an elongate probe slidably mounted in the housing so as to be extendable from one point to the other when the end of the housing is placed adjacent one said point. A probe actuator causes the probe to slide in the housing. A motion detector is responsive to motion of the probe with respect to the housing and provides an output which is useful for determining the position of the probe with respect to the housing. The probe actuator may be manually activated.

Abstract: An ammeter apparatus and method of taking current reading includes current inputs receiving a signal from a current source through a suitable gate. A conversion circuit having a preamplifier and an amplifier, in inverted configuration, produce a signed voltage proportional to the current signal. The signed voltage is passed, to both a rectifier and a polarity indicator through another gate. A comparator switches the polarity indicator gate and a third gate upon receipt of a threshold value rectified voltage from the rectifier. The third gate interconnects the rectifier and a charge-retaining element, and a meter outputs a display corresponding to the charge thereon. A fourth gate connects the charge-retaining element to ground in order to discharge the retained charge. A timing circuit with a manual override operates the input gate and the fourth gate, and a timed power supply provides operating voltage for the circuit.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for intraoral ambient sensing. In this embodiment, the device comprises a removable oral (Hawley) appliance containing a number of chemically sensitive electrodes and a common reference electrode at the chemical sensing sites and a telemetry unit plus power pack for signal transmission. This device may also be used to monitor non-chemical parameters, notably pressure, temperature, and flow. In this embodiment, the removable oral (Hawley) appliance contains a number of sensors to monitor the parameter of interest. For example, a pressure sensor configured as an artificial uvula and mounted to the oral (Hawley) appliance emulates actual uvula pressure events. To monitor chewing events, a pressure sensor is mounted to the oral (Hawley) appliance in such a manner that it is optimally located at an open bite location of the mouth. In either embodiment, a telemetry unit mounted to the oral (Hawley) appliance transmits the intraoral ambient information as radio frequency signal bursts.

Abstract: A self-temperature regulating hermetically sealed dental mirror includes a mirror encasement comprised of an inverted metal cup that contains electronic heating and temperature control components secured in its interior cavity by a heat conductive resin base potting material. The external surface of the closed end of the cup is a light reflective surface that functions as a mirror. The open end of the inverted cup is imbedded in a plastic base that is molded around and sealed to the sides of the cup in such a manner that the potting material and electronic components are completely sealed and not exposed to the exterior. A molded handle extends radially outwardly from the base, and electric wire leads for conducting electricity to the heating components are positioned longitudinally through the handle. A male jack plug is molded into the distal end of the handle for connecting the wire leads to a power source.

Abstract: The present invention primarily relates to an apparatus for improving the efficiency of the waxing-up work mainly in the dental technology. The apparatus comprises a casing which can be held in the palm of the operator's hand, a nozzle member connected to the end of the casing, a means for heating and a means for feeding bar-shaped solid wax which is accommodated in the casing. This apparatus allows the operator to ooze out a proper amount of melted wax required for the waxing-up work from the end of the nozzle member and can solve many problems caused by the conventional method using spatulas.

Abstract: A detector for diagnosing dental caries comprising a casing capable of being grasped with one hand and housed therein a reference voltage adjusting circuit, low frequency oscillating circuit, and an amplifying circuit and voltage comparing circuit, with a tooth electrode attached to the casing, and a power switch and a plurality of indicating lamps provided on the casing, in order to improve the operation of such detectors and to enable more accurate diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dental spray hand piece which has a valve for controlling the flow of an agent through an agent line that extends through the hand piece to a spray nozzle and an arrangement for preventing dripping of the agent from an end of the nozzle when the valve stops flow of the agent through the line, characterized by the arrangement for preventing dripping including a hose section of elastic material being positioned between the valve and the nozzle, a thrust piece for acting on the hose section in an arrangement for moving the thrust piece from a position engaging the hose section and a second position partially deforming the hose section from an enlarged cross-section to a cross-section of the flow through the valve. Thus, when the valve stops flow the hose section resumes its enlarged cross-section which causes a suction to draw fluid in the line between the valve and the end of the nozzle inward from the end of the nozzle.

Abstract: A medical or dental probe having a resistive, integrally heated tip. The probe tip provides a nearly continuous, controllable heat, and it may have a narrow, pointed shape. The tip may be heated rapidly, and it provides rapid heating of the instrument, continuous supply of heat for the purpose desired, and concentration of maximum heat at the end of the tip. Methods for making these tips are also described.

Abstract: A novel electrosurgical electrode tip with a spade-shaped end having one flat side coated with an insulating coating, especially adapted for a nail matrisectomy procedure.

Abstract: An induction heating process and apparatus for flameless heating of metallic dental laboratory tools, medical instruments, and the like. The induction heating coil is energized by placement of instruments within the annular zone formed by the windings of the coil, and differential light sensors are utilized to compensate for variations in ambient light levels.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument for emplacing, heating and condensing a sealing plug in a dental root canal comprises an elongated shank having a heat softenable and deformable root canal sealing plug, desirably formed substantially of gutta percha, detachably affixed to one end of the shank. Elongated retractable conductive means, such as a heat conducting wire, extends longitudinally in the shank and has one end terminating in the plug for detachable affixing the plug to the shank and for causing heating and softening of the plug, the conductive means being slidable in the shank for withdrawing the one end from the plug to enable the shank to be used in condensing the heat softened plug within the dental root canal.

Abstract: Electrosurgery electrodes for dentistry which are partially insulated on their radiating surfaces in such a manner that, in use, only the lateral wall of the sulcus is affected. The insulated portion of the electrode can safely be brought into contact with the tooth which is used as a guide.

Abstract: A novel and improved system is provided for detecting the apical constriction in the root canal of a tooth, in which the root canal, from which the dental pulp has been removed, is filled with electrolyte solution, a first electrode is put in contact with the mucous membrane in the oral cavity, a second electrode is put in the root canal, a fixed voltage or current is applied between the first and second electrodes, and a third electrode having an insulating coating except for the tip thereof is inserted into the root canal to detect sudden change in the potential along the root canal, and this change is visually and/or audibly indicated to indicate the apical constriction.

Abstract: A dental instrument heater having a pair of contact blades connected to a battery. The contact blades have notches formed along their respective edges, and they are mounted in parallel, spaced-apart relationship to each other. Consequently, a dental instrument may be positioned between adjacent notches so that electric current from the battery flows through and heats the dental instrument. The heating device includes a self-contained charging circuit which connects an external charger to the battery when the battery voltage is below a predetermined value, and it disconnects the charger from the battery when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An anesthetizer for dental treatment adapted to anesthetize the defective part of a tooth or gums by freezing. The anesthetizer comprises a hollow tubular anesthetizer body which is branched into a pair of branch tubes having ends opposing to each other with a suitable gap therebetween. A cap is detachably fitted around the end of each branch tube. The top of each cap is closed by a plate-type thermoelectric element with a colder surface directly outwardly. A connecting terminal is projected from the base end of each cap. Conductors for electrically energizing the thermoelectric element and conduits for supplying and discharging a fluid are extended through and sealed in the hollow anesthetizer body. In use, the cold side of the thermo-electric element is placed in contact with the outer surface of the defective part of the tooth or gums to freeze the same to a large depth to realize the anesthetized state without using any anesthetic agent.

Abstract: The invention is an improved dental instrument for root canal condensation dental work. The instrument is self-contained in that it is a combination tool used as a spreader, a condenser, and a filling material heating unit, each of which is alternately and/or concurrently useable while inserted within the root canal structure of a patient. The invention provides several embodiments, each of which comprises: a plugger component (which use combines the functions of a spreader, a condenser, and a material heating unit); a handle component affixed to the plugger component; a power supply component for producing heat; and a transmission component for transmitting heat produced by the power supply component to the material heating unit of the plugger component. The transmission component has a conveniently located finger operation switch to interrupt the power supply and cut off the flow of heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting the occlusal surface of wax occlusal rims to approximate the patient's proper plane of occlusion. The apparatus includes a heated planar member inclined from horizontal to produce gravity induced flow of melted wax into a receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental tool for obturating stripped root canals, comprising an elongated rod-like body having a shank or handle and a working portion with radially outwardly extending shoulders or flutes facing away from the shank and making an angle with the longitudinal axis of the body of about 90.degree. or less. The diameter of the shoulders or flutes may be progressively diminished from adjacent the shank toward the end of the working portion to provide a taper, and in another embodiment the shoulders are continuous and spiraled. In use, the tool may be linearly and angularly reciprocally mounted in a power operator, and may be heated for softening the obturating materials, such a gutta-percha. The reciprocation of the tool, particularly the linear reciprocation, forces the shoulders into compressive contact with the softened material and, when adequate density is attained, backs out of the root canal naturally through reverse action without specific operator effort.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying heat and cold to a tooth to determine if the nerves in the pulp of the tooth are alive.

Abstract: An air dispersing head for an air heater which includes a generally cylindrically-shaped cap having an inset or recess on one side and fitted with a nozzle base and nozzle in the recess, with the nozzle communicating with the interior of the cap. The nozzle is fitted with a hose of selected length and the cap is further provided with a primary air duct and a plurality of secondary air ducts in a curved rear face oppositely disposed from the nozzle. Air is forced through the bottom of the air heater by an internally located fan, and is heated by coils, channelled through the air dispersing head and ejected from the hose. Unheated, ambient air enters the air dispersing head through the primary and secondary air ducts and mixes with the heated air to control the temperature of the air ejected from the end of the hose.

Abstract: In an electrolytic method of and implement for removing metal pieces left in root canals of teeth, a metal needle as the positive electrode and a metal pipe as the negative electrode are used to establish an electrolytic reaction within the root canals to dissolve the metal pieces. The metal pipe is fitted about the metal needle in such a way as to be adapted to slide back and forth on the needle. The metal needle and the metal pipe end has an outer surface, thereof except its tip portion, coated with an electrically insulating material, and a hole for supplying an electrolyte is formed within the metal needle. An electrolytic cell is created in the root canal containing a metal piece by inserting the needle into the canal until it contacts the metal piece with the metal tube spaced above. Electrolyte is supplied to the root canal between the two electrodes (needle and tube) and a voltage is applied therebetween to dissolve the metal piece by electrolysis.

Abstract: A dental pulp vitality tester for selectively applying heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to a patient's tooth in a controlled reproducible manner. Broadly, the device includes a handle having a thermally and electrically conductive probe tip, a heat sink within the handle, and a thermoelectric element having a first junction thermally coupled to the probe tip and a second junction thermally coupled to the heat sink. Heating or cooling of the probe tip is accomplished by passage of electric current through the thermoelectric element. A temperature sensing device such as a thermistor is thermally coupled to the probe tip, and temperature regulation circuitry responsive to the state of the temperature sensing element regulates the current to the thermoelectric element to maintain the temperature of the probe tip constant at a predetermined desired value. The present invention includes circuitry for quantifying the stimulus applied.

Abstract: A thermoelectric diagnostic instrument including a housing, a thermocouple device in the housing and thermoconductor means for delivering heat and cold from the thermocouple device to contact elements located externally of the housing. Heat dissipating means including a heat sink for receiving excess heat from the thermocouple device and means for directing ambient air into engagement with the heat sink is also located in said housing.

Abstract: An electrically heated spatula for working heat softenable materials, such as dental wax, includes an elongated hollow sleeve secured at one end to a handle and having a heat producing diode unit supported at the other end. The diode unit includes a hollow metallic cylinder with an apertured metallic end wall. A forward biased diode has a threaded mounting stud disposed in the end wall aperture and is supported in interior of the cylinder in spaced non-contacting relation thereto. The stud extends outwardly of the other end of the sleeve and removably supports a working tip. Power supply conductors extend through the handle and sleeve and are connected to the anode of the diode within the cylinder and to the cathode of the diode through the cylinder, end wall and mounting stud. The arrangement minimizes undesirable transfer of heat from the diode to the cylinder and sleeve and maximizes transfer of heat through the threaded stud to the tip.

Abstract: A materials heating device includes rod-shaped electrical heating element which serves both to heat a thermoconductive receptacle containing the material to be heated as well as tools and instruments for working with the material. The heating element is mounted in spaced relationship to the receptacle by a thermoconductive bracket through which heat is conducted to the receptacle to heat the contents thereof. The end of the heating element protrudes from the bracket, whereby tools and instruments to be heated can be held in direct contact with the exposed end portion of the heating element until sufficient heat is transferred thereto. An adjustable heat dissipator can be provided on the receptacle to regulate the temperature of the receptacle.

Abstract: A dental mirror warmer to prevent fogging when the mirror is placed in a patient's mouth includes a housing with a cover having an opening. Below the opening is a heating well to receive the reflective end of the mirror. The well has a stainless steel wall connected to a transformer which supplies high current at low voltage to heat the wall. The supply to the transformer is controlled by a photoresponsive device responsive to insertion of the mirror and a timing circuit which permits current supply for a short heating interval. A temperature sensor shortens the interval when heating cycles are initiated frequently. The photoresponsive device is mounted in the housing in juxtaposition with a light transmissive opening in a wall of the heating well. The photoresponsive device includes a source of light arranged to direct light into the heating well through the opening and a photoresponsive element arranged to receive light reflected from the reflective surface of a mirror inserted into the heating well.

Abstract: An electrically heated endodontic syringe for injecting thermoplastic material, such as gutta percha, into a root canal cavity includes a syringe barrel for holding a supply of thermoplastic material, a heater body threadedly attached at one end to the syringe barrel and an injection needle threadedly secured to the other end of the heater body by means of a hub. A manual plunger is provided in the syringe barrel for ejecting thermoplastic material from the barrel through the heater body, hub and needle into the root canal cavity. The barrel and plunger are made of materials having a low coefficient thermal conductivity of less than about 20 Btu/(hr)(ft.sup.2) (F..degree./ft) and a thermally insulating washer is positioned between the barrel and the heater body to minimize heat transfer to the barrel. The heater body, hub and needle are made of materials having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity of at least about 200 Btu/(hr) (ft.sup.2) (.degree.F./ft) to maximize heat flow to the needle.

Abstract: The specification discloses a dental syringe with a tubular handle adapted to pre-heat water before it is delivered through the syringe tip into a patient's mouth. Water and air supply hoses are connected to the handle, and electric heater and thermostat elements are mounted within the handle for maintaining the temperature of the water therein at from about 95.degree. F. to about 105.degree. F.

Abstract: A dental-caries detector for the determination of dental caries by measurement of the electrical conductivity or other electrical property of a tooth, which dental-caries detector comprises: an electrically conductive, caries-detector probe having a probe tip which is adapted to be placed on a wet, electrically conductive area of the tooth; a dry air mechanism for providing a surrounding curtain of drying air about the probe tip to provide a dry, electrically nonconductive area about the probe tip; and a shield surrounding the probe tip to seal the probe tip from the dry area.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument is illustrated wherein a counting cycle may be initiated by pressing the active electrode against a tooth to be examined. A digital to analog converter controls a battery operated current source to supply stimulating current pulses whose intensity is linearly increased in steps at the counting rate, independently of the electrical resistance presented by the external current flow path. The counter controls an indicator which displays the successive output current values, and displays the last reading for a predetermined time interval at the end of the counting cycle.

Abstract: A water heater including an elongate tubular case, a block and a plug in spaced relationship in the case defining a chamber, an elongate heater tube with a helical portion within the chamber, and defining a central longitudinal opening, means connecting the ends of the tube with water supply and delivery lines, an elongate resistance heater unit extending longitudinally through said tube, an end extending from one end of the tube, a power supply line extending from a power source to the unit and means to control the supply of power from the line to the unit including a temperature sensing device positioned in the opening defined by the coiled tube and operable to stop and start the flow of power to the unit when the temperature of air in said opening is above and below a set temperature.

Abstract: An electroconductive dental implant is permanently imbedded in the jawbone of the subject, with a portion thereof extending into the oral cavity which is connected to a current source to act as a cathode. A second electroconductive electrode is non-permanently affixed to the skin of the subject, preferably at the ear, and connected to the source to act as an anode. The direct current applied to the implant and the electrode is preferably regulated so as to maintain a substantially constant current level throughout the application thereof. A continuous current, preferably of 200 microamperes or less is applied intermittently for relatively short periods not exceeding approximately one hour in duration. In this manner, osteogenic activity in the bone structure adjacent to the contours of the dental implant is stimulated in order to increase the rate of the normal healing process.