Abstract: An integrated instrument assembly for a dental unit has a table for supporting at least one dental instrument; and a negatoscope for viewing a dental X-ray, and which has a screen for supporting the X-ray, and a light source for illuminating the screen; the light source being defined by at least one LED.

Abstract: The invention is a self supporting oral evacuation hose consisting of a post, a base for supporting the post in a substantially vertical orientation, a flexible evacuation hose, an evacuation tip operatively coupled to one end of the hose, a hose coupling connector located on the other end of the hose, and an arm having a distal end. The arm is secured to the post and the evacuation tip is positioned on the distal end of the arm. The arm is adapted to selectively position the evacuation tip relative to the post. The arm may be hollow to permit a portion of the hose to be contained in the hollow of the arm. The arm is preferably articulated in the manner of a goose neck and bendable such that the distal end can be positioned as desired. A valve may be positioned at the distal end to control the evacuation tip. A platform may also be mounted to the post to act as a stand for x-ray print outs or the like.

Abstract: A device for cleaning endodontic files and indicating flaws in endodontic files comprises a foam core contained in a housing and a covering overlaying the core through which a file is inserted into the device. A method for cleaning endodontic files using the device comprises the steps of inserting a file into the device and withdrawing the file. A method for detecting flaws in a file, includes the steps for cleaning the file and then examining the file for debris from the endodontic procedure adhering to the file which indicates the presence and location of damage to the file.

Abstract: An instrument delivery head for supporting hand-held instruments used in dental and other medical procedures. The instrument delivery head includes base and a lid connected to the base for movement between open and closed positions. Various instrument controls are supported by the lid so that the controls are accessible when the lid is opened. After the control adjustments are made, the lid is closed to conceal the controls within the instrument delivery head.

Abstract: A dental unit comprises at least one chair, a base, positioned next to the chair and mounting a handpiece tray. The tray is equipped with a plurality of operative or auxiliary handpieces for dental operations of traditional conservative type and/or for implants. At least one of the handpieces is fitted with a drive unit consisting of a brushless micromotor presenting a unit for continuously controlling the speed of the brushless micromotor according to parameters that depend on the type of application, that is, traditional, conservative type operations or implants.

Abstract: A dental irrigation device is provided having an irrigation system and a pressurizer. The irrigation system includes a reservoir having a volume of at least approximately eight ounces and an attachment mechanism adapted for positioning the reservoir on a bar of a dental unit. The reservoir has a connector configured for providing an irrigant under pressure to a handpiece adapted for use with dental tools by a surgeon. The irrigant may be pressurized by an external source of compressed air through the connector, for example, or have a pump in communication with the irrigant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the presence and growth of microorganisms and biofilms in water lines is provided. The systems include, for example, a valved, multi-port control manifold for accepting inlet water to be treated and a filter for (1) reducing particulate physical matter, (2) further reducing particulate matter while also reducing the content of absorbable organics, and (3) physically removing microorganisms.

Abstract: A container for packaging a plurality of endodontic instruments, and for laying out the endodontic instruments to indicate the preferred sequential use of the instruments by a practitioner, includes a case having a bottom, and a lid for enclosing the bottom of the container. The bottom includes a tray for receiving the endodontic instruments and a plurality of sequence markings which illustrate (for example, by color) progressive operating procedures for using sequences of the endodontic instruments. The lid is removed by the practitioner at the start of a treatment, and includes at least one counter which can be used to indicate the number of times a particular sequence of endodontic instruments has been used.

Abstract: A dental treatment system which can include at least one dental bracket table; at least one portable base unit; and at least one suspension device coupled between the at least one dental bracket table and the at least one portable base unit, the at least one suspension device structured to allow a dental patient chair to be positioned substantially below the at least one dental bracket table. A dental treatment system which can include a portable enclosure structured to support at least one dental operatory component, the portable enclosure having at least one quick-release access panel. A method which can include coupling a suspension device between at least one dental bracket table and at least one portable base unit, the suspension device structured to allow a dental patient chair to be positioned substantially below the at least one dental bracket table.

Abstract: The rack for dental burrs includes a base (1) and a cover (5) and is provided with a plurality of passages (8) distributed over its surface, each adapted to receive a dental burr. Each of these passages (8) includes at least two piercings (9, 10) of different diameters corresponding to standard diameters of shanks of dental burrs.

Abstract: A mixing arrangement and method for mixing a substance for the field of dentistry are provided, with the production of the substance requiring at least one base material and one reactant. A catalyst is applied to a base surface as reactant in a solid or semi-solid layer. The unit comprising catalyst and base is prefabricated, and the base material, particularly in liquid form, can be applied or introduced to the base surface that is provided with the catalyst prior to using the substance. The substance can be applied ready for use by means of an application element after the catalyst and base material have been mixed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation unit for tubeless and cordless dental treatment appliances such as handpieces or the like which comprise at least one charging device that is connected to a pressure source for flowable media in order to charge the treatment appliances.

Abstract: A bur block adapted for identifying and training dental personnel employs a block and a cover. The block has a surface having a number of holes sized to retain a number of dental burs. Each hole has indicia representing characteristics of the bur situated in the hole. The characteristics include sizes and shapes of the bur, colors, grits, part numbers, and the like. By putting the characteristics of each bur in proximity to the bur itself, persons can readily learn and/or become accustomed to the bur characteristics so that bur identification in the future is made easier.

Abstract: A block member is selectively positioned on a dental impression tray with an outer engagement surface of the block member in engagement with the tray portion defining a lingual recess to block entry of plaster or other casting material into the lingual recess.

Abstract: An oral hygiene system comprising a hand-held instrument attached to a mobile cart by an accessory hose. The instrument has two main components: a pistol-grip hand-piece, and an individualized patient attachment. The pistol-grip hand-piece includes irrigation, suction and brush speed controls, as well as an adjustable swivel piece for changing the orientation of the attachment. Inside the hand-piece is a light source with fiberoptic tubing which channels light to the attachment, and a two speed electric motor which powers a rotary brush. The attachment itself is a relatively inexpensive component, one of which is assigned to each patient. It is cylindrical with a right angle curve at the distal end, to which is attached a disposable rotary brush. An orifice for the suction, and irrigation portal, and the fiberoptic lighting are also located at the distal end of the attachment.

Abstract: A holder for use with a support member and an oral suction device having a distal end for suctioning a patient's oral cavity. The holder includes a sleeve having an interior and an entrance opening communicating with the interior; and a mount for mounting the sleeve to the support member so that the distal end of the oral suction device can be inserted into the sleeve after the sleeve is mounted to the support member.

Abstract: A finger-mounted dental instrument servicing system is provided, the system including a socket-forming member having a first end of predetermined contour, and a resiliently deformable cushion having a first end of a contour which mimics the contour of socket-forming member's first end. The cushion thus may be provided with a plurality of distinct surface regions, each surface region being configured to receive endodontic files or related instruments of a particular size or type. In this manner, the servicing system may be used both to service the files, and as a dental organizer. A finger mount is attached to the socket-forming member, accommodating use of the system by a wearer without the need for an additional pair of hands.

Abstract: A method of mounting tools used in dentistry, the tools having flexible tubes associated with instruments remote from the tools, in which a redirector bar is mounted to a bottom surface of a bench top between tool receiving brackets and the instruments so as to support the tubes and define a forward loop and a rearward loop. The tubes in the rearward loop are parallel while the tubes in the forward loop converge when they are extended to the mouth of a patient. Preferably, the tool receiving brackets are supported on the forward edge of a bench top which is slidably mounted for movement in a direction which is parallel to the rearward loop.

Abstract: A dental or medical instrument containing device includes a container and a supporting material. The supporting material supports an instrument, such as an endodontic file, within the container. A disinfecting solution within the container permeates the supporting material such that a distal insertion end of the instrument is immersed within the disinfecting solution. The disinfecting solution is preferably capable of maintaining the distal insertion end of the instrument in at least an aseptic condition. The supporting material maintains the instrument in an upright position such that the proximal end of the instrument is readily grasped.

Abstract: A dental implant delivery system comprising a vial having two cavities. One cavity in the body of the vial houses an implant and a driver mount, and the other cavity in the lid of the vial houses a healing screw.

Abstract: A holder for use with a support member and an oral suction device having a distal end for suctioning a patient's oral cavity. The holder includes a sleeve having an interior and an entrance opening communicating with the interior; and a mount for mounting the sleeve to the support member so that the distal end of the oral suction device can be inserted into the sleeve after the sleeve is mounted to the support member.

Abstract: A holder for use with a support member and an oral suction device having a distal end for suctioning a patient's oral cavity. The holder includes a sleeve having an interior and an entrance opening communicating with the interior; and a mount for mounting the sleeve to the support member so that the distal end of the oral suction device can be inserted into the sleeve after the sleeve is mounted to the support member.

Abstract: A dental treatment apparatus with a root canal length measurement function comprising a cordless handpiece equipped with at least a cutting tool drive motor, a root canal length measurement circuit and a power supply battery, and a charger equipped with at least a charge circuit for charging the power supply battery. With this structure, the handpiece can be operated as desired without interference with any tube since no tube is necessary to connect the handpiece to a main control unit, thereby capable of providing an easy-to-use treatment apparatus. By charging the power supply battery for the handpiece using the charger, the battery can be used repeatedly.

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

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

Abstract: A dental tray liner including a sheet configured to cover the bottom of a conventional dental tray. On the upper surface of the sheet is imprinted a chart of the teeth found in the human mouth with representations of the upper teeth arranged in a row adjacent similar representations of the lower teeth. During a dental examination, a user may easily note applicable dental conditions on the chart with a writing implement. After the examination, the user may, without touching the patient or liner, transcribe the information noted on the chart into a patient's permanent record without danger of spreading germs.

Abstract: A dryer for drying dental models includes a solid base member, a top member, a variable plurality of modular drying units, each of which includes a frame and a slidable, foraminous tray, an air blower and an articulated support arm. In use, the modular drying units are positioned in an over-and-under stacked relation, such that the slidable trays therein form a column of trays. Each slidable tray contains a central aperture and a duct extending upward from the perimeter of the central aperture. The aperture and duct in the center of each tray collectively form a channel running through the center of the column of trays. The base member is fixedly connected to the articulated support arm, which supports the dryer. The top member, which is positioned on top of the uppermost modular drying unit, includes a central aperture with an inlet tube inserted therein and exhaust vents around the perimeter of its top surface for the release of air.

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

Abstract: A dental organizer is provided which includes an opaque base having plural wells configured to contain light-sensitive materials and an opaque cover pivotally coupled with the base so as to protect light-sensitive materials both from spillage and from exposure to light. The cover is configured to engage the base when in a closed orientation, such cover including a plurality of projecting plugs which mate with the wells to seal the onboard light-sensitive materials in the wells. A resilient hinge is mounted intermediate the base and cover, such hinge accommodating pivotal opening and closing of the cover relative to the base. The hinge typically is configured to bias the cover toward an open orientation wherein the cover defines an acute angle relative to the base so as to at least partially shade the onboard materials from light.

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

Abstract: The system is adapted for use with a portable dental delivery system and provides a selector for activating one of two handpieces. When one of the handpieces is to be activated, the supporting base is lifted from its wheels by a pneumatic support assembly that is controlled by the same valve system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage box for dental equipment, comprising a box and a cover which are joined together with pivotal parts; a chute is made on the box and laid with a plurality of check plates; along the close end the check plate, has a plurality of hopper type slots interweaving with the check plates; the slots may hold the drilling/filing needles which are separated by these check plates, and head end of each needle is projecting over the check plate in facility of chucking up the needle with the clip; the open end of the cover may receive the contact side of the notch, when the cover is open from the box it may be turned to the bottom of the box and holding up the back of the box so that the box may be leaning inclined upon the notch of the cover to ensure that drilling/filing needles are securely placed in the box.

Abstract: A mobile multifunctional dental apparatus comprising: a generally rectangular shaped outer casing having a front wall, a rear wall, sidewalls, a floor, an interior compartment, a hinged lid, a plurality of wheels and an electrical coupling device, the front wall including a plurality of switches and a lighted screen, a plurality of hoses each having a first end positioned through the outer casing and a second end including a handle control, each handle control including a device to permit activation and deactivation thereof; and the interior compartment being divided into a plurality of levels by at least one divider wall, a first level including a motorized suction device, a second level being positioned beneath the first level with an aperture extending through a divider wall separating the levels, the motorized suction device causing inward suction, a collecting basin for retaining fluid being positioned within the second level, a limit switch including a stopper plug and a floatation device positioned wit

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

Abstract: A support device for a dentist's drill comprising a support, an articulated arm comprising two articulated quadrilateral devices disposed in series with one another, and an adjustment device operable to vary the direction of the working axis of the drill. The support is provided with a fixing device for connecting it to a seat back of a dentist's chair and the articulated arm can assume a working condition in which the two articulated quadrilateral devices are disposed at 90.degree. to one another.

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

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

Abstract: In a training and practice apparatus (1) for simulating and practicing clinical dental processes and for carrying out technical dental work, with a liquid extraction device (17) and a solids extraction device (14), a common vacuum source (25) is provided for both extraction devices (14, 17), with a suction line section (26) which branches at a branch (27) with two suction line branches (28, 29) to the extraction devices (14, 17), a change-over device (37) being arranged in the area of the branch (27) to open the one suction line branch and simultaneously close the other suction line branch (28, 29).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and controlling fluid delivery to a dental handpiece includes a frame with a holder for receiving the handpiece, a compressed air actuating arrangement having a valve which is opened and closed by the insertion and removal of the handpiece into and from the holder, and fluid delivery tubing which extends to the handpiece and is affixed at spaced locations to the frame and to the actuating arrangement for folding of the tubing upon itself to close the tubing against fluid flow when the handpiece is mounted in its holder and for unfolding the tubing for open fluid flow when the handpiece is removed from the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and controlling fluid delivery to a dental handpiece includes a frame with a holder for receiving the handpiece, a support arm connected with the handpiece and pivoted to the frame, an actuating linkage operated by the support arm, and fluid delivery tubing which extends to the handpiece being affixed at spaced locations to the frame and to the actuating linkage for folding of the tubing upon itself to close the tubing against fluid flow when the handpiece is mounted in its holder and for unfolding the tubing for open fluid flow when the handpiece is removed from the holder.

Abstract: A holder assembly for a medical instrument having two sections releasably coupled together. One section is mounted to a support, while the second section, which contains a holder for a medical instrument, can be easily detached from the first section without the use of tools, such that the instrument holder may be sterilized along with the instrument.

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

Abstract: In a medical treatment device for a treatment station, consisting of a motor-operated treatment instrument having a hand piece consisting of at least two portions, of which the one hand piece portion can be connected to a control unit by means of a media supply line and the other hand piece portion is used to receive a treatment tool, one of the two hand piece portions contains a separable motor cartridge and associated with the treatment location there is a receiving arrangement for the motor cartridge, to which arrangement the motor cartridge can be transferred using the hand piece portion which supports the cartridge and from which the motor cartridge can be transferred back again using the hand piece portion which supports the cartridge.

Abstract: A station assembly for use with a patient chair is disclosed. The station assembly includes a mounting bracket which can be attached to the patient chair. A first station arm and a second station arm are pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket such that they have nested translational paths when pivoted. Instrument stations are mounted to the station arms such that either station can be brought to either side of the patient chair by pivoting the station arms.

Abstract: A quick disconnect multi-line utility connector including a first body member configured and sized to permit passage, end to end, through the hollow interior of an upstanding tubular mounting post. The first body member is connected to a second body member associated with primary utility support conduits at a junction box.

Abstract: A protective shroud for a dental handpiece having particular adaptability for encasing a bur-containing chuck on a handpiece to avoid percutaneous contact by the bur with an individual and the transfer of a contaminated substance, such as a virus. The protective shroud is provided with sufficient depth so that the bur of a dental handpiece is stored behind the leading edge of the shroud and does not protrude therefrom, thereby preventing accidental contact with the bur. The shroud is also provided with a cut-out portion, typically facing the direction of the dentist or dental technician, which permits grasping of the handpiece below the bur to effect ready withdrawal and return of the handpiece from and to the protective shroud while performing dental operations on a patient.

Abstract: A dental control unit for use by dentists and having a base, a housing on the base to enclose control structure for dental handpieces and connections for conduits interconnecting the control structure and the handpieces and a removable top cover that is fitted over the housing to prevent spattering of contaminating fluids onto the housing and that further includes parallel, spaced apart elongate cavities that are shaped to receive, position and maintain separated the conduits and attached handpieces placed on the top cover.

Abstract: A dental instrument deposit table includes a base member, which has an arrangement for mounting it, and a cover unit which unit includes a deposit surface for receiving the instruments and holders for receiving handpieces, such as handpieces having hoses and handpieces having cables secured thereto. The cover unit is removably mounted on the base member, which, preferably, has a catch member for grasping a rear edge of the cover member and a catch hook for engaging a front lower edge of the cover member to hold the cover member on the base member. Handles are preferably provided on the cover member, which handles can be used for positioning the instrument deposit table.

Abstract: A dental control unit of the kind pivotally mounted on a swinging arm and having a support base for operatory equipment and a housing covering said equipment and base includes a pair of fully interchangeable handles, releasable mounted to the bottom of the base and means on the top of the base to lock the handles to the bottom of the base with the handles being selectively locked in place and released by movement of finger tabs projecting through the base by an operator grasping the handles beneath the base.

Abstract: An object holder, especially for dental or medical practitioners, comprises an annular frame having mounted at one end a rotatable tool holding member having holes for receiving the shanks of various objects. When rotated into an upright position, tools are readily inserted or removed. With tools inserted, the tool holding member is rotated downward until the tools lie flat protected by the frame side walls. It can then be placed into a standard autoclave bag for sterilization by autoclaving or by chemicals.