Abstract: A dental articulator. The articulator holds a dental model of the upper teeth of a patient in selected orientations with respect to a dental model of the patient's lower teeth and permits the dental models to be readily removed from and reattached to the articulator in a desired selected orientation between the models.

Abstract: A dental articulator for use with a dental stone comprising; a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member mounted to the lower jaw member. One of said jaw members is provided with a pivot post and a key member and the other jaw member defines a apertre which fits around the pivot post and a key way which selectively receives the key member for positioning the jaw members in a selected fixed positional relationship. A plurality of slots are formed in each jaw member to give the jaw member flex in the vertical and lateral direction and serrations are formed in the end of each jaw member to prevent rotation out of the dental stone. A dowel holding rod with associated dowel pins mounted thereto is mounted to the ends of each jaw member for mounting in selective jaw casts in one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A dental fixator device includes a vertical staff, an upper horizontal arm, a lower horizontal arm, and a pair of clamps on each of the two arms, one of the clamps of each arm being adjacent the rear thereof and slidable on a jig towards the front clamp of the arm, each pair of clamps thereby holding releasably a dental model or cast against the associated arm. The clamps can be pivoted in a horizontal plane and include barrel-shaped serrated gripping surfaces on opposite ends thereof. Each arm has a front flange through which a longitudinal screw runs to the jig for moving the jig along the arm. The upper arm is connected to a cylinder, in turn connected to the staff so that the arm can be rotated around its longitudinal axis. The front end of the cylinder may be pivotably connected to the upper arm and locked in position at a selected angle to the cylinder to accommodate work on the dental models or casts borne on the arms.

Abstract: A face place assembly unit is provided for fixing a dental cast to one or both of the frame members of a dental articulator. The face plate is multidirectionally positionable relative to the frame member of the articulator, to provide for accurate positioning of a dental cast mounted to one of the frame members relative to a dental cast mounted the other of the frame members. In one embodiment, the face plate unit is provided with a position fixing assembly which allows the dental cast to be accurately positioned relative to a frame member of a dental articulator and then fixed in such relative position. The assembly can then be removed from the articulator and reconnected thereto while maintaining the position of the dental cast relative to the frame member of the articulator to which it was mounted.

Abstract: A universal articulator for prosthodontic use includes upper and lower frames with respective horizontal branches. The rear end of the upper frame has inclined wings with slots. The front end of the lower frame has an incisal tray that is inclined. An incisal pin extends from the incisal tray to the upper frame. Articulator pins extend from the lower frame into the upper frame slots. The articulator pins are in different length pairs and the incisal pins are of different lengths and the pins are substituted for accomplishing adjustable spacing between the horizontal branches of the upper and lower frames which are held parallel and horizontal. A dental plaster supporting dental plate is removably supportable on and removable from one or each of the branches by an attachment element easily removed. Alternatively, dental plaster supporting retaining pins extend across the frames.

Abstract: A device for mounting for mounting jaw casts in an articulator, has a spatially adjustable cast plate, an articulator base plate, and wedges that can be moved longitudinally and transversely. The wedges can be rotated axially, and fixation elements can be moved like a sled in the inclination of the wedges. The fixation elements can be locked in a predetermined position by screwing in the inclination of the wedges, with the cast plate being pressed against the wedges and fixed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a resilient cast by using impression material to fill any mold, such as an impression of an enucleated eye socket, an impression of the oral cavity, an impression of the tissue bearing surface of a denture, or any other mold in which it would be advantageous to have a resilient model on which to acomplish work. More specifically, a unique method and apparatus for performing a wide variety of procedures relating to the fabrication, repair and equilibration of dentures is provided. A non-reversible hydrocolloid impression compound, such as alginate, is used to form resilient denture casts supported on a support platform to provide a stable work surface. A similar support platform is incorporated in the base of an articulator, used for the mounting dentures in centric relationship directly from the patient's mouth in a method for correcting of occlusal discrepancies.

Abstract: A dental articulator has an anterior post having a C-shape to provide visual access to the front teeth. The upper and lower members of the articulator have dove-tail members for slidably receiving cup-like model carriers. The cup-like model carriers have sides of less than 360.degree., with a T-shaped beam on the bottom of the interior of the cup, and a pair of wedge-shaped beams on the bottom of the cup to slidably engage the dove-tail members. In alternative embodiments, the cup-like model carriers are bolted to the articulator, and can be rotatably indexed thereto.

Abstract: A flexible mold and method of forming a base defining either a full base or quadrant base of a dental model is provided with a perimeter member for defining the side walls of the base and a shelf extending inwardly from the rear side wall for delineating a slot at the rear of the base, which slot is usable for adhering an arm of an articulator. The configuration of the slot and/or the rear side wall of the base is striated for better adherence with the attached articulator.

Abstract: A dental articulator includes a pair of attachment members, each adapted to engage a dental casting and a hinge unit including two pivotably interconnected retaining members, each adapted to engage one of the attachment members by means of a joint which may be selectively and reversibly immobilized. The two retaining members are interconnected by a hinge which provides a pair of spaced apart pivot axes for pivoting each of said members and which further provides for the ready and reversible separation thereof.

Abstract: A dental model articulator 10, intended for use with a dental model 12 comprising a cast of a set of upper teeth, and a case of a set of lower teeth, comprises two parts 18 and 20 which are constituted by a strip 22 of a resiliently flexible material. The strip 22 has a region of reduced thickness to form a flexible hinge 26 about which the parts 18 and 20 can hinge flexibly relative to each other. Each part 18, 20 has a boss 34 formed integrally therewith, each boss 34 defining a socket 36. A pair of attachment means 28, comprising a substantially spherical member 30 with a spigot-like formation 32 projecting therefrom is provided. The spigot-like formations 32 are insertable into the sockets 36 of the bosses 34. Each attachment means 28 is attachable to one of the casts to enable a user of the articulator 10 to manipulate the casts pivotally and laterally with respect to each other to correlate the casts.

Abstract: A tooth positioning kit in a dental model enabling the lateral and outward adjustment of a neighbor tooth on either side of a tooth being fitted with a crown. The kit comprises a receptacle fixedly positioned in the base of the dental model, interchangeable first and second adapters for insertion in and removal from the receptacle, and a tooth-support insert that is attached to the neighbor tooth and the corresponding gum segment and is insertable in and removable from either adapter. When the first adapter is in the receptacle and receives the tooth-support insert, the neighbor tooth is at the exact position of the corresponding tooth in the patient's mouth. When the second adapter is in the receptacle and receives the tooth-support insert, the neighbor tooth is farther away from the tooth being fitted with a crown and is farther out from the base of the dental mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for removably mounting dental casts within a dental articulator. The apparatus includes two removable fixtures attached to the articulator by a connector such as a screw, bolt or threaded rod; each fixture having a plate for supporting a dental cast, a groove and pin arrangement for orienting the fixture within the articulator and at least two brackets, each provided with apertures for passing a retaining bolt which maintains the cast in a predetermined position. Also, a method for removably and reproducibly mounting dental casts within a dental articulator by using the removable fixtures of the invention.

Abstract: An articulator for casts of a dental model correlates the casts with the condition to be redintegrated throughout a full range occlusal and masticatory registration. The articulator includes hinged mirror image flexible brackets; each bracket has a base and arms of nonuniform cross section to encourage localized flexure of the brackets. Each base of the brackets supports a sphere to be positioned within a respective mounting attached to each cast. Each of the spheres may include at least a partially circumferential groove for distributing by capillary action or wicking an adhesive intermediate the sphere and the engaged cavity to secure the articulator to the casts after alignment of the paired casts. Simulating and tracing the paths of natural occlusal and masticatory registration is effected by pivotal movement about the hinge line between the brackets and flexing of the brackets forming the articulator.

Abstract: A dental articulator wherein each of two pivotally joined arms carries a plate-like first support and a shallow trough-shaped second support which confines a mass of synthetic thermoplastic material serving to couple the second support to the first support. If the position of the second support relative to the first support is to be adjusted, the mass of thermoplastic material is plasticized so that such mass then acts not unlike a universal joint which enables the two supports to assume any one of an infinite number of different positions relative to each other. Each second support can carry a dental model and can be provided with a magnetic insert to attract a complementary magnet of the model.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and manipulating a dental cast in a dental articulator and a method for using this apparatus in combination with an occlusal plane table to adjust and record the positions of the teeth before and after repositioning of the dental cast is disclosed. The apparatus enables the dental cast to be translated in a plane and to be rotated about one or more of a plurality of axes which are chosen to correspond to the axes about which adjustments are made during dental surgery. The occlusal plane table includes a removable grid which provides a reference system with which to measure the adjustments to the position of the dental cast without the need to calibrate the various translational and rotational controls for each dental cast.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing a plaster cast in an articulator for producing dental prostheses, including a three-point support (5) which is mainly defined by a body (8) to which two coaxial projections (15,16) are fixed and with which a small lath (11) is slidably received, the longitudinal direction of the lath (11) being perpendicular to the general longitudinal direction of the projections (15,16).

Abstract: A dental model has a tooth stump which is releasably secured on a stable base plate made of synthetic plastic material. The base plate is formed with a ridge and a side wall projected upwardly from the base plate and formed integrally therewith. The base plate further has a perforation which together with the surfaces forming the ridge and the side wall constitute guiding elements for the tooth stump, these guiding elements producing during the hardening of the model material, guiding surfaces on the tooth stump.

Abstract: A quadrant impression carrier is provided with ribs bearing on the edge of a through aperture of corresponding shape provided in an occlusion table of an articulator. The impression carrier is thus hooked in the opening, which enables the articulator to be used for the production of small prostheses whereas, originally, such apparatus was provided for the production of complete prostheses, the small prostheses normally being executed on occlusors the arms of which are merely articulated and do not have several degrees of freedom in their movements.

Abstract: A dental cast mounting plate is formed separate from a knob which extends through the plate and which is connectable to a dental articular frame by a mounting screw. A dental cast is mounted to the assembly by applying plaster to the plate and the knob. After the plaster has hardened and the cast and plate assembly removed from the articulator, the plate may be easily separated from the cast to be reused, while the knob remains embedded in the plaster for remounting or disposal.

Abstract: A measuring device for use in model surgery in connection with the surgical treatment of the teeth and jaws, commonly referred to as orthognathic surgery. The trial surgery is performed on a plaster dental model which has been correctly mounted on a dental articulator, and in which the Frankfort Horizontal plane or axis orbital plane is utilized. In addition, a model block to which the dental model is affixed is placed on a model platform provided with a caliper, such as an electronic digital caliper, precisely mounted relative to the base of the platform so that measurements of the dental models are made which are free from error due to positioning relative to the base line, as well as due to parallax.

Abstract: A dental die tray assembly for the production of a dental working model for use in producing a prosthetic dental device, the assembly including a die tray body member having upper and lower surfaces, and a peripheral outer wall. A hollow arcuate mold cavity extends entirely through the body member in an outwardly widening direction from the lower surface to the upper surface. The mold cavity is bounded by facing outer and inner walls, with the outer cavity wall being foreshortened by a recessed seat bounding an outer periphery of the mold cavity. Continuous teeth are disposed on the facing cavity walls and extend into the mold cavity. A pair of removable arms are pivotally coupled to respective side portions of the peripheral outer wall of the die tray body member and embrace at least a portion of the body member circumscribing the mold cavity to releasably hold the model in the mold cavity.

Abstract: A mounting cooperatively associated with the rear face of each cast of a pair of dental model casts interconnects one of opposed parts of an articulator to secure the articulator to the dental model. Each mounting includes at least one cast insertable locking member supporting one element of a ball and socket joint which joint is disposed intermediate the respective cast and the articulator.

Abstract: Articulator (1) for holding dental models with a stationary base (2) for the lower jaw model and an upper part (3) which is attached thereto in such a way that it can be swiveled, for holding the upper jaw model, with mountings (11, 12) in the upper part and the base for the jaw models, the mounting (11) for the upper jaw model being designed in such a way that it can be adjusted at random along three planes perpendicular to each other and can also be locked in any of the positions, and with the mountings (11, 12) being arranged such that the distance between them can be adjusted and locked.

Abstract: A device for use with an articulator in the construction of artificial dentures, comprising a base adapted to be placed on the articulator, a tabletop on the base, the height of which is adjustable; and a removable template adapted to be pivotably mounted to a cradle provided in said tabletop. A knife edge unit with spaced apart knife edges, and a spear box and pointer adapted to be raised or lowered by means of a ramp and associated adjustment screw is removably attached to said base in a manner such that said spear box is guided for movement along said ramp by threaded means in simultaneously both upward and forward directions, and the pointer being adapted to retain in place thereon an upper rim impression and tray prior to its being mounted to an upper mounting ring of the articulator.

Abstract: An improved connection of tray to dental articulator having a lower jaw and an upper jaw pivotally mounted to the lower jaw and consists of a lower member carried by the lower jaw and an upper member carried by the upper jaw, both members having a female receiving aperture and a dental model tray for each member formed with a male hold-release portion sized to releasably mount within either of the female receiving apertures.

Abstract: A dental articulator, having a spatially oriented mounting table permanently bonded to the one frame, allows for the positioning of mounting plates on the upper and lower frames of an articulator. The first mounting plate is oriented exactly the same on the same frame of each articulator. The mounting plate table, capable of orienting the second mounting plate within a range of positions, is fixed both vertically and horizontally by means of a special mounting block. Therefore, the mounting plate table being fixed, mounted dental casts on the mounting plates may be transferred from one articulator to the other without introduction of vertical or horizontal errors. As a result the relationship of the upper mounting plate to the hinge axis will be the same for each articulator. Additionally, the vertical and horizontal relationship of the lower mounting plate to the upper mounting plate will be the same.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improvement for dental articulators of the Arcon type. The improvement comprises spacer plates adapted to be mounted to the upper and lower frame members of the articulator by the mounting screw of the articulator so that the dental casts with reduced vertical dimension can be mounted between spacers thereby allowing the overall vertical dimension of the dental casts to be reduced to save material and storage space. The improvement also maintains the positional relationship between the frame members and the dental cast by duplicating on the opposing surfaces of the spacers positioning posts in the same position as the positioning posts found on the upper and lower frames. The improvement allows smaller, less costly, more easily stored dental casts to be used without losing any of the capacity of the articulator to duplicate the manipulation of the human mandible.

Abstract: A mechanically adjustable articulator for mounting poured dental casts used in the fabrication of dentures without the use of mounting plaster, the articulator having central locating pins for entering drilled apertures in the base of the casts, and further having adjustable retaining screws which enter drilled apertures in the perimeter of the casts to retain the casts in fixed position after which the casts may be adjusted to any desired relationship with each other; and a method for drilling and mounting the casts, including a drill jig useful for such purpose.

Abstract: An articulator for casts of a dental model correlates the casts with the condition to be redintegrated throughout a full range of occlusal and masticatory registration. The articulator includes an hinged two part flexible element, each of which parts is a mirror image of the other, or a hinged one part flexible element having like opposing halves. Each opposed end of either type of element supports a sphere to be positioned within a respective one of a cavity formed in each cast and adhesively secured thereto after alignment of the paired casts. Simulation and tracing the paths of natural occlusal and masticatory registration is effected by pivotal movement about the hinge line and flexing of the articulator.The present application is a continuation-in-part application of a copending application entitled "DENTAL MODEL ARTICULATOR", Ser. No. 261,562, filed May 7, 1981, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,787, issued 5/10/83 assigned to the present assignee and describing an invention by the present inventor.

Abstract: A dental device is provided for fabricating dies from flexible impression material wherein the model, die and articulation mounting are accomplished in a single pouring. The device comprises a pair of recessed pivotal trays generally shaped to an individual's jaw. The member each includes inner and outer walls having internal ridges running vertically therealong at spaced distances and a base having predetermined spaced apertures thereabout to receive an insert. The trays are designed to be mounted face to face with a like member and open to 180.degree.. The tray includes hollow cylindrical portions in the rear thereof, engaged by a transverse element for pivoting thereabout. A vertical stop pin is mounted through the distal arm to maintain the respective spacing of the trays. The insert member has downwardly projecting portions extending through the base apertures, a base engaging the base of the tray and an upwardly extending rib which is located centrally within the walls of the tray.

Abstract: A dental press or jig for rigidly positioning during a short curing period, a matching pair of dentures held in occlusal alignment with one or both having a contacting layer of relining material pressed against a respective model of the patient's mouth, all clamped together by the press within a body of plaster of Paris. The laterally-open press is formed of a pair of annular plates or disks, vertically spaced apart a constant distance by three, upstanding, peripheral posts which are thus tensioned against opposite faces of the composite workpiece. Each plate is formed with plaster escape-channels leading to catch basins on the outer faces, the basins being defined by a reinforcing pattern of diametric ribs within a peripheral rim which render the plates unbendable under pressure. The assembly may be molded of glass-reinforced terephthalate resin for high tensile and flex resistant properties.

Abstract: A dental articulator has a tooth supporting tray secured to a platform by a key and keyway wherein the sidewalls of the keyway are resiliently supported to permit yielding of the sidewalls to overcome any clogging by particulate matter which may be present in a place of use of the articulator. A set of legs upstanding from the tray maintains orientation of the tray relative to the platform.

Abstract: A dental articulator for mounting and adjusting paired dental casts; said articulator having at least one protruding locating pin entering an aperture in the base of each dental cast and having fastening means other than conventional mounting plaster for releasably retaining the dental casts in their mounted position; and further having means for adjusting the upper dental cast in centric anatomical relationship with the lower dental cast.

Abstract: A denture mold for making teeth prostheses has a base element for releasably supporting a positive copy of teeth and made of a mold material, and a plurality of pins arranged to connect the positive copy with the base element, wherein the base element is formed as a prefabricated plate of a shape-retaining material and the pins are releasably arranged on the plate parallel to one another and fixed on the same, so that the plate serves as a holder for the pins during making of the positive copy, whereupon the plate serves as a base of the denture mold. The denture mold is manufactured by releasably arranging a plurality of pins on the plate in correspondence with a negative denture impression, filling the negative denture impression with a mold material, dipping the pins into the mold material, and hardening the latter to form a positive copy of the teeth.

Abstract: A dental articulator for mounting and adjusting paired dental casts without the use of mounting plaster by means of contoured locating stops engaging suitable cavities formed by cutters in the base of the casts; the articulator being adapted for the rapid removal of, and the remounting of the casts to their originally adjusted positions in the articulator.

Abstract: A dental articulator for mounting stone models without the need of plaster, by the use of a flexible model former with a rim around its edge and a square raised nipple, a ferromagnetic disc, magnets and a square keying device on the articulator. This method permits rapid articulation. The models may also be removed and replaced at will while maintaining the previously established centric.

Abstract: The articulator is the type which has an upper part with a horizontal branch and a lower part with a horizontal branch below and substantially parallel to the upper branch. The upper part has a pair of spaced wings connected to the rear of the upper branch and angling upwardly at a small angle therefrom as well as an adjustable incisor pin extending downwardly from the front end thereof. The lower branch has a pair of spaced articulator pins extending upwardly into slots in the wings of the upper part as well as an incisal tray angling downwardly from the front end to receive the incisal pin. Thus the upper part is supported in the lower part as a tripod with a relatively low center of gravity. A mold is provided to be connected to the articulator.

Abstract: A detachable fastener for joining impressions of a mouth formed of a lower mouth model and upper mouth model, each of which may include impressions of teeth, onto an articulator formed of a base member or bottom bow adapted to support the lower mouth model and a top member or top bow adapted to support the upper mouth model and wherein each of the base and top members has a layer of cured binding material formed thereon adjacent the respective mouth model and the detachable fastener comprises a first connecting means having an annular shaped connecting collar of a predetermined length and diameter which has extending axially from one side a spherical shaped joining member and extending axially from the other side an enlarged base member, and a second connecting means having a socket housing formed of an elongated, thin walled tubular member having an opening at one end thereof which extends into and through the interior of the socket housing wherein the opening is adapted to receive and pass the spherical sha

Abstract: An occludator for an artificial denture having an upper holder for holding an upper artificial denture and a lower holder for holding a lower artificial denture. The upper and lower holders are pivotable to facilitate an observation of occlusion and adjustable to obtain neutral occlusion.

Abstract: An assembly for and a method of fabricating dental restorations. Dental impression material is disposed in a dental tray having a pair of spaced side walls, and an impression of teeth is taken. A die cavity is formed directly around the dental tray and a solidifiable plastic mass is injected into the die cavities, which mass solidifies to form dies. Vertical serrations, including alternating vertically tapered ridges and valleys, are formed on the bases of the dies during the solidification thereof, and these vertical serrations interfit with similar surfaces formed on a dental articulator to position the dies against displacement in a horizontal plane in the dental articulator, yet allowing ready removal thereof vertically when desired.

Abstract: A mounting plate is formed from plastic and with a first one of its planar surfaces substantially flat and otherwise formed to be affixed to a dental model. A connecting rib, formed to extend out from the other planar surface of the mounting plate, and along its entire length, has a modified "T" shaped configuration with a vertical leg extending up from the planar surface and a cross-arm extending out to each side of the leg so as to form a groove to each side of the vertical leg between the planar surface of the plate and the opposed surface of the cross-arm. A slot is formed through the central rib of each articulator with a shoulder extending from each wall of the slot into the slot but so as to leave a narrow passage sized to receive the vertical leg of the modified "T" shaped rib.

Abstract: A dental model supporting articulator has an upper articulation tongue and a lower articulation tongue and pivotal means connecting the tongues to each other; first and second dental model mounting plastic slide members are removably mounted on the upper and lower articulation tongue members. Each slide member has retaining flanges and positioning means engageable with an articulation tongue member for insuring that the slide member is always accurately positioned in a single unchanging position on the tongue member; each slide also has anchor means engageable with a connecting mass of self-setting hardenable material in which the gum portion of a dental model is embedded so that upon hardening of the connecting mass the model supporting slide, the connecting mass and the model constitute a unitary structure which can be removed from the articulation tongue but can be returned to its original position on the articulation tongue.

Abstract: A mounting plate is provided for use with a dental articulator. The mounting plate includes a plate member including a plurality of raised webs formed on the upper surface of the mounting plate and a plurality of raised support members formed on the lower surface of the mounting plate. The plate member further includes a threaded bore and a pair of depressions formed in the lower surface of the plate member, the depressions being located on opposite sides of the threaded bore in alignment therewith. At least one sidewall of the one of the depressions is elastic and the raised webs are dovetailed in cross section. The support members on the lower surface of the plate member are arranged in a honeycomb pattern.

Abstract: The upper and lower jaw members and intermediate connecting member of a dental model articulator are molded from suitable plastic as an integral unitary whole; with the jaw members spaced from each other, by the intermediate connecting member, a distance comensurate with the dental models to be mounted on the articulator, and so that the upper jaw member articulates with respect to the intermediate member and lower jaw member to facilitate relative positioning of, and the performing of work on, the dental models. An over-center toggle-type-hinge is integrally molded between the upper jaw member and the intermediate connecting member to provide for articulation of the upper jaw member.

Abstract: A dental articulator comprises a pair of opposed tray mounting arms pivotally connected together and removably securing thereto dental model mounting trays, an abutment on one end of each arm engaging surfaces formed in the tray to prevent lateral and vertical movement of one end of the tray, a key on the tray engaging a keyway in the arm to prevent lateral movement of the other end of the tray and a releasable clamp engaging an angular surface of the tray other end to prevent vertical tray movement. A dental model is adhesively secured to a mounting surface of the tray.

Abstract: This holder is characterized by a device with a double ball-and-socket joint mounted on the forward part of its holder and comprising a dual locking lever for simultaneously locking its two ball joints or selectively locking its rear ball joint, and by the use of retaining rings imbedded in the rear part of the dental bridge castings which insure their fastening on the base of the holder and on a connecting stud joined to the rear swivel joint of this holder. Used to study the articulation between dentures connected to the castings.

Abstract: A dental jaw simulator is provided for duplicating human jaw movements and, in particular, the movement of the lower human jaw. The simulator includes a support frame and an upper jaw member pivotally mounted on the support frame and which is adapted to receive an upper dental arch cast. A lower jaw member is also mounted on the support frame and is adapted to receive a lower dental arch cast. Movement of the lower jaw member in protrusive and retrusive directions and in a lateral direction is controlled by a ball and slot hinge arrangement in combination with a movable anterior platform mounted on the support frame and a forward pin connected to the lower jaw member and which engages and is movable relative to the anterior platform. The anterior platform is provided with sloping planes on which the forward pin moves to guide the lower jaw member in order to duplicate the dropping of the lower human jaw during lateral movement.

Abstract: A dental articulator has a generally horizontal base, one end of which acts as the lower bow. Projecting upwardly from this base is a stem. Mounted on the top of the stem by a slip-on construction is a removable hinge support. The hinge support has a pair of spaced vertical flanges, each of which has an elongated slot inclined to the horizontal at an angle approximating the angle between the jaws that the human condyles make upon forward and rearward motion. An upper bow is hinged to the flanges by a hinge pin passing through the elongated slots. Elastic bands engage both ends of the pin and the hinge support to normally keep the pin in the lower end of each slot. The bands are resilient enough to allow the operator to pull the upper bow backwardly along the condyle angle to check the teeth for forward and backward clearances and also to allow the operator to twist the upper bow with respect to the lower bow to check for clearances upon lateral movement of the teeth.

Abstract: A process for forming a removable dental cast embedded with a plastic, threaded, cast ejector button, and apparatus for fabricating a plurality of cast ejector buttons comprised of a mold device including an upper plate containing a plurality of mold cavities, and a base plate incorporating coil spring means for resiliently maintaining the upper plate in a predetermined spaced-apart and open relation thereto and a plurality of rigid support elements attached, at their bottom ends, in vertically-upright relation on the base plate and slidably engaged, at their upper ends, in a bottom opening in each upper plate-mold cavity and extending in overlapping relation into the respective cavity. The upper ends of each rigid support element are threaded so that, when the mold cavities are poured with and filled by a suitable material, in the plastic flow form that is allowed to set for a specified period, a separate and internally threaded plastic cast ejector button is formed in each cavity.