Abstract: An apparatus for use in dentistry to obtain positional data related to movement of a mandible about a maxilla comprises a rigid support frame for supporting a maxilla support member, a positionable mandibular member and sensing assemblies. The support member fixedly attaches to the support frame. The mandibular member is positionable proximate the maxilla member. The sensing assemblies attach to the support frame and connect to the mandibular member to obtain positional data related to the movement of the mandibular member. The positional data is collected by a computing device and stored in a data storage medium as time history files. The files can then be transformed into usable information to replicate the mandibular movement in real time either virtually or mechanically.

Abstract: A tooth mold retaining frame comprises an L shape seat; a pivotal block; a universal connector; a first positioning block; a second positioning block; and a first fine adjust unit. By using the first fine adjust unit, second fine adjust unit and the fine-adjust device, an upper teeth mold, and a lower teeth mold can move with respect to one another precisely. By a universal connector, the upper teeth mold can move three directionally and can lift or descend proportionally so as to avoid the error in manufacturing of the teeth mold. Thus the teeth mold can be made precisely and the condition of the teeth mold can be viewed conveniently. Furthermore, the teeth mold can be sent directly without needing to send the teeth frame. Thus, the manufacturer can make the teeth mold continuously without affecting the working time.

Abstract: The Articulator is used in the dental field. It combines the upper and lower models of the impression taken by the dentist of the patient's bite. When the dental technician receives the impression, he pours the master models until they dry and the models are combined in the articulator with the use of plaster, to register patient's bite to further design the prosthetic.

Abstract: The invention is a dental articulator with an extended range of motion of the maxilla relative to the mandible The articulator includes a base and a mandibular assembly extending horizontally from that base. A mandibular plate is provided with a supporting structure, which is aligned with corresponding cavities in the mandibular base cast for easy removal and attachment. A base is further equipped with a vertical post slidingly positioned on a vertical shaft of that base. A maxillary assembly is retained on that post via a ball-and-socket arrangement and further via a horizontal shaft positioned in two semi-opened sockets and retained by a spring-biased pin. The maxillary assembly contains a plate supporting a removable base cast in a manner similar to that of the mandibular assembly. The articulator saves time and allows for easy positioning of the maxilla and mandible.

Abstract: A face bow assembly including a face bow having a bite fork portion to carry an index trays to be positioned in a patient's mouth. The bow has outwardly extending wings to enable a dentist to support the bow. A vertical indicator rod mounted to the bow helps align the tray horizontally and the indicator rod vertically to the patient's mid-sagittal, while bite impression material on the tray hardens. The upper index tray is then mounted on a platform on a dental articulator. The platform has an incisal line for alignment with an incisal line(s) for adjustability on the upper index tray. The platform also has vertical or horizontal adjustability with a built-in scale.

Abstract: A mounting disk 60 for a mandible die comprises an upper rotary plate 61 and a lower rotary plate 62. At their extremities, the two plates are rotatably fastened to each other by means of a pivot member 64. If the median points are offset, then the entire mounting disk 60 is turned around a rotational axis provided by a vertical rotary shaft 3 which is fitted to a base of an articulator screwed into a threaded hole 74, to thereby achieve a median registration. If molars are positionally offset in spite of the coincident medial points, then a locking rode 81 is loosened so that the upper rotary plate 61 can turn around a rotational axis defined by the pivot member 64 till the molars come into registration, after which the plates are firmly fixed by the locking rod 81. The angle of rotation at that time is read by use of a scale 76 formed on an arcuate surface 67. More precise fundamental data can thus be obtained for the jaw joint positional coordination.

Abstract: A mounting disk 60 for a mandible die comprises an upper rotary plate 61 and a lower rotary plate 62. At their extremities, the two plates are rotatably fastened to each other by means of a pivot member 64. If the median points are offset, then the entire mounting disk 60 is turned around a rotational axis provided by a vertical rotary shaft 3 which is fitted to a base of an articulator screwed into a threaded hole 74, to thereby achieve a median registration. If molars are positionally offset in spite of the coincident medial points, then a locking rode 81 is loosened so that the upper rotary plate 61 can turn around a rotational axis defined by the pivot member 64 till the molars come into registration, after which the plates are firmly fixed by the locking rod 81. The angle of rotation at that time is read by use of a scale 76 formed on an arcuate surface 67. More precise fundamental data can thus be obtained for the jaw joint positional coordination.

Abstract: A dental articulator is claimed which comprises an upper frame, a lower frame, a positioning member for positioning the upper frame, and a clamp for securing the positioning member and fixing the upper frame in position. The upper frame includes a hinge such that a mounting portion of the frame can be moved through basic opening and closing mandibular movements. The mounting portions of the upper and lower frames are configured to accept for fixation upper and lower dental models respectively. The positioning member is coupled at one end to the upper frame for pivotal movement, such that an inclination of the upper frame relative to the lower frame can be effected. The positioning member is configured and dimensioned to position the upper frame in opposing relationship with the lower frame such that an articulation of upper and lower dental models can be effected.

Abstract: The adjustable mounting device comprises two superposed plates in sliding relationship. One of the plates is pivotally connected to the articulator. A first mechanism is provided to selectively slide and lock in position one of the plates relative to the other while this other plate is provided with a second mechanism to selectively rotate and lock the device in position with reference to the dental articulator. This mounting device replaces one or both conventional fixed mounting plates in a dental articulator to provide adjustability between the lower and upper parts of the dental cast.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for positioning a maxillary dental arch model in a dental articulator to simulate the positioning of a maxillary dental arch represented by the arch model. The arch model may be positioned on a plate having a substantially planar surface with a fulcrum point through which three generally mutually perpendicular axes are aligned. In addition, the plate may be movably mounted to an articulator and adjusted with respect to these axes based upon three linear and three angular measurements related to the positioning of a patient's maxillary dental arch in the patient's skull.

Abstract: A dental articulator and method for manufacturing same for properly positioning upper and lower dental casts relative to each other. Upper and lower brackets are provided which accommodate disposable platforms that are permanently adhered to the casts. A coupling plate is removably coupled to one of the brackets for pivotal movement therebetween about a first axis. The coupling plate is removably coupled to the other bracket for pivotal movement therebetween about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The coupling plate also provides sliding movement with respect to the other bracket for adjusting a distance between the brackets. The brackets and coupling plates are made from a metal having sufficient rigidity so that, even upon repeated assembly and disassembly, an accurate bite relationship between the upper and lower dental casts is repetitively reproduced. In manufacturing the articulator, the two brackets and coupling plates are stamped or cut from sheet metal.

Abstract: A dental articulator which is basic in construction and practical for use by dentists as a routine procedure in their general practices. The articulator includes a base platform for stabilizing the articulator in first and second positions on a work surface, a longitudinal support column attached to the base platform, upper and lower support arms connected to the support column, and may include quick-release couplings providing a firm, adjustable and quickly removable mount for stone teeth casts. The lower support arm pivots and the upper does not, to more accurately simulate human jaw movement.

Abstract: The articulating device according to the present invention is divided in three parts (1, 4 and 7) that integrate one with the others, and provides the insertion of the vertical branch (7) onto the lower branch (4) from front to back, so as to allow the registration of the condylar distance, one side after the other, without the encumbersome mechanism simulating the temple-mandible articulation of the opposite side.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of an upper jaw cast and a lower jaw cast using a dental articulator provides a disposable plastic holder in the lower jaw cast and mounts it in a metal bracket bar fitted to the base of the articulator whose telescoping post allows adjustment of the height of the head above the base. A bracket bar mounted on the head and spring biased so that this bracket bar can move in a plane and can pivot about a horizontal axis receives another plastic disposable holder which can fit into a cavity in the upper casting. Once the castings are properly positioned, a hardenable composition can be cast into the recess to embed the holder in the upper casting.

Abstract: A dental articulator has both a base and head enabling gnatho-condylar movements and locking by threaded screws. The movable members receive disposable rubber holders which can allow direct contact with plaster of the casts, anchoring of the casts by screws through stoppers on the holders or by embedding the holders which are disposable and rubber in the cast. The column has a post which can be locked at adjustable heights relative to the base.

Abstract: The dental articulator to test the "bite" of cast upper and lower jaw dentures in which a rearward horizontally oriented pivot of the upper jaw denture is mounted for pivotal traverses in an open arcuate-shaped cooperating support of the lower jaw denture and this simple articulating construction and vertical adjustment between the two dentures is due to a large extent to the use of rubber bands to hold the referenced pivots on their arcuate supports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a head-related model incorporating for transferring a jaw model between articulators of different types. The apparatus for the head-related incorporation of jaw models includes an articulator base plate, a ground plate connected to the articulator base plate and a cylinder having a cylindrical cavity connected vertically to an upper surface of the ground plate. A piston is inserted in the cylindrical cavity. A carrier plate is connected to the end of the piston opposite the articulator base plate. A split cast plate is positioned on the carrier plate and exactly repositionable via magnetic connection between the split cast plate and the carrier plate. A fixation element is connected to the carrier plate. An articulator mounting plate is supported by and connected to the split cast plate via a hardened viscous medium.

Abstract: An articulator device for establishing the articulated movement of a mandible of a jaw relative to a maxilla of a jaw comprising a lower part, an upper part positioned above the lower part and having two spaced apart condylar houses each including an outer vertical frame, a middle horizontal frame and an inner vertical frame, each for mounting a sheet or plate having a curvalinear edge surface representing movement of a mandible, and first and second condylar rods each adjustably mounted to the lower part and having an upper vertical rod portion and an upper horizontal rod portion.

Abstract: An articulator having an upper frame having an upper arm and a lower frame having a lower arm. A pivot is provided on the upper arm swingably supporting the upper frame on the lower frame. Adjusting mechanism is provided for adjusting the upper arm relative to the lower arm so that a casting supported on the upper arm can be rotated relative to the lower arm or tilted up and down, forward and laterally, as well as swinging the upper casting relative to the lower casting. The dental articulator simulates the operation of human jaws for use in the manufacture of false teeth. An upper frame representing the upper jaw is mounted to a lower frame by a pair of ball and socket joints which may be adjusted to approximate a specific patient's jaw hinge. The adjusting mechanism can include a computer controlled motor for adjusting the upper arm relative to the lower arm in accordance with X-ray data of a patient's jaw structure.

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 dental articulator incorporates members which are models of the patient's upper jaw and mandible, and incorporates six servo motors connected to the mandible member, for movement of the same about three orthogonal translation axes, and three orthogonal axes of rotation.

Abstract: The invention describes a model operating instrument for upper jaw osteotomy, with a basic frame on which it is possible to adjust the position of the two temporo-maxillary articular cups; from the side, there protrudes into the osteotomy plane a universally mounted disc which is rotatable in its own plane and which is displaceable in three directions at right-angles to one another, on which disc it is possible to fix an upper jaw model keyed with a lower jaw model.

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: 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: An adjustable occlusal plane table for use with an articulator having a dental arch model mounted thereon includes a planar surface that is three dimensionally adjustable so as to be positioned along the plane of occlusion defined by the arch model. The occlusal plane table includes grid lines on the planar surface for recording the initial position of the arch model on the surface and for recording the change in position of the arch model with respect to the original plane of occlusion thereof. An intrusion ruler having equal steps formed along one edge is used to measure vertical displacement of said arch model from said occlusal plane surface.

Abstract: Maxillary and mandibular arch models are positioned in an articulator so that the plane of occlusion is in a three dimensional relationship about the articulator hinge axis substantially corresponding to the three dimensional relationship of the intraoral plane of occlusion about the mandibular hinge axis. A mechanically adjustable guide plane element is substituted in the place of one of the arch models and adjusted to fit the plane of occlusion of the other arch model. The teeth of such model are then adjusted in accordance with the occlusal plane guide. The occlusal plane guide is replaced by the heretofore removed arch model and its teeth are brought into centric relation occlusion with the previously adjusted arch model. The arch models are then discluded to a preselected centric wedge of opening of which an impression is made. A gnathological positioner may be fabricated from this impression.

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: A mandibular motion reproducing device wherein a mandibular model supporting plate on which a mandibular model is fixed is deemed as a rigid plane, three points contained in this rigid plane are selected and marked, three reference points for reproduction are set each corresponding to one of the marked points and in a predetermined dimensional relationship therewith, drive means capable of shifting the individual reference points for reproduction along the coordinate axes of X, Y, Z respectively are connected therewith, the drive means have six alternative driving directions including the orthogonal X, Y and Z directions and are individually driven by inputting position coordinate information obtained from a measuring system and the resulting motions of the reference points for reproduction are synthesized for causing the rigid plate constituting the mandibular model supporting plate to undergo three-dimensional motion.

Abstract: A surgical dental articulator having a pivotable frame to which a pair of independently adjustable cantilevers carrying opposed dental casts are mounted. The dental casts are mounted to the cantilever for movement along the cantilever axis and for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis normal to the cantilever axis. The cantilevers are each mounted to the frame by a cantilever support assembly which includes linear support and pivot assemblies. The linear support assembly includes a first transverse support fixedly mounted to the frame and defining a first linear path and a second transverse support slidably mounted to the first transverse support for movement parallel to the first linear path and defining a second linear path perpendicular to the first linear path. The pivot assembly is slidably mounted to the second linear support along the second linear path via a pair of pivot arms.

Abstract: A dental articulator adapted for supporting jigs having an extending screw which engages a female thread in a button embedded in the base of a stone dental cast as opposed to the conventional method of supporting such dental casts by means of plaster. The apparatus and method also provides a means by which the dental cast can be removed for further laboratory processing with the assurance that it can be removed and remounted in the articulator into the precise position and relationship of the initial mounting, and also provides a novel method for embedding a button into a dental cast by forming a cavity and pouring a cold setting material such as plastic into which a screw is inserted while the poured button is in the fluid form before final setting.