Movably Mounter Tray Or Holder Patents (Class 433/79)
  • Patent number: 11471356
    Abstract: A shelf for a dental delivery system comprises a shelf member and device mounting locations on the shelf member. The shelf member is shaped to fit within a dental delivery system housing. The shelf member is movable between at least a closed position and an open position. The device mounting locations define locations devices can be coupled. According to another implementation, a dental delivery system comprising a housing defining an interior, at least one connection extending from the housing to a dental handpiece holding area, a removable cover and a shelf member movable between at least open and closed positions is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: A-dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Berry, Joseph Van Domelen, Rebekah Slyter
  • Patent number: 11043609
    Abstract: A light emitting diode includes an n-type confinement layer, a quantum well active layer formed on the n-type confinement layer, a p-type confinement layer formed on the quantum well active layer, a gallium phosphide-based quantum dot structure formed in the p-type confinement layer, and a GaP-based current spreading layer formed on the GaP-based quantum dot structure. A method of manufacturing the light emitting diode is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: XIAMEN SAN'AN OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Senlin Li, Jingfeng Bi, Chun-Kai Huang, Jin Wang, Chih-Hung Hsiao, Chun-I Wu, Du-Xiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9962232
    Abstract: A medical support device includes an arm having a drill attached at a tip part of the arm, a first position obtainer obtaining a representative position of the drill attached to the arm, a second position obtainer obtaining a bury start position, and a controller. The controller controls the arm and applies a burying reaction force to the drill in a burying direction, i.e., a direction from the bury start position to an inside of a implant area, when the representative position of the drill obtained by the first position obtainer is at the inside of the implant area relative to the bury start position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutaka Toyoda, Tsuyoshi Ueyama, Go Mukumoto
  • Patent number: 9912257
    Abstract: A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: MicroZeus, LLC
    Inventor: Harold L. Stalford
  • Patent number: 9865689
    Abstract: A monolithic integrated semiconductor structure includes: A) an Si carrier layer, B) a layer having the composition BxAlyGazNtPv, wherein x=0-0.1, y=0-1, z=0-1, t=0-0.1 and v=0.9-1, C) a relaxation layer having the composition BxAlyGazInuPvSbw, wherein x=0-0.1, y=0-1, z=0-1, u=0-1, v=0-1 and w=0-1, wherein w and/or u is on the side facing toward layer A) or B) smaller than, equal to, or bigger than on the side facing away from layer A) or B) and wherein v=1?w and/or y=1?u?x?z, and D) a group III/V, semiconductor material. The sum of the above stoichiometric indices for all group III elements and for all group V elements are each equal to one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NASP III/V GMBH
    Inventor: Bernardette Kunert
  • Patent number: 9755111
    Abstract: A structure of a high luminance LED and a high luminance LD is provided. The present invention provides a light emitting device containing, on a zinc blend-type BP layer formed on an Si substrate, an AlyInxGazN (y?0, x>0) crystal as a mother crystal maintaining the zinc blend-type crystal structure and In dots having an In concentration higher than that of the AlyInxGazN (y?0, x>0) crystal as the mother crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignees: NITTO OPTICAL CO., LTD., SOLARTES Lab, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Terashima, Suzuka Nishimura, Muneyuki Hirai
  • Patent number: 9621078
    Abstract: A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MicroZeus, LLC
    Inventor: Harold L. Stalford
  • Patent number: 9196481
    Abstract: A monolithic integrated semiconductor structure includes: A) an Si carrier layer, B) a layer having the composition BxAlyGazNtPv, wherein x=0?0.1, y=0?1, z=0?1, t=0?0.1 and v=0.9?1, C) a relaxation layer having the composition BxAlyGazInuPvSbw, wherein x=0?0.1, y=0?1, z=0?1, u=0?1, v=0?1 and w=0?1, wherein w and/or u is on the side facing toward layer A) or B) smaller than, equal to, or bigger than on the side facing away from layer A) or B) and wherein v=1?w and/or y=1?u?x?z, and D) a group III/V, semiconductor material. The sum of the above stoichiometric indices for all group III elements and for all group V elements are each equal to one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: NASP III/V GMBH
    Inventor: Bernardette Kunert
  • Patent number: 9121805
    Abstract: A radiation generating apparatus and a radiographing apparatus configured to allow a radiation generating unit to be installed at arbitrary positions include an arm configured to support a radiation generating unit that generates radiation, a pillar configured to rotatably support the arm, and a movable base configured to support the pillar and move on a floor surface are provided, and the arm includes an expandable mechanism configured to expand and contract in a longitudinal direction of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru Omura
  • Publication number: 20140242542
    Abstract: A dental handpiece and general implement rack is provided, along with a method of tracking implement use in a patient environment. The rack comprises a housing having a plurality of removable trays therein, the trays being adapted to support a dental implement thereon. Each tray includes a visual indicator that matches a marker placed on an implement being stored in that tray. The tray indicators are utilized to determine which implement has been utilized during the course of the day in order to implement sterilization procedures for only those implements that have been used on patients and are now unsterile. The device and associated method prevent sterilization by autoclave for implements that do not require cleaning, thereby extending their useful life and preventing over-cleaning thereof. The housing is preferably a wall-mountable structure having a hinged lid closure and a ventilated design to prevent moisture capture therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Jubenville
  • Patent number: 8074799
    Abstract: For easy washing and sterilizing of a holding tray for drill bits used in a dental implant operation, a holding tray X includes a tray main body 1 made of a hard material capable of autoclave sterilizing and holding members 2 made of an elastic material capable of autoclave sterilizing, the tray main body 1 includes holding plates 1b and holding member supporting plates 1c on a back surface of a substrate part 1a having rows of linearly aligned through holes 1aa for drill bits, the holding plates 1b include half circular cylindrical recessed parts 1ba at portions corresponding to the through holes 1aa, the supporting plates 1c have a fixed interval to a plane 1bb along the recessed part 1ba, and the holding members 2 are detachably held between the holding plates 1b and the supporting plates 1c to hold the drill bits together with the recessed parts 1ba.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Fujii, Yusuke Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20110212412
    Abstract: Dispensing assemblies for dental articles such as orthodontic brackets include a supply tube having a generally omega-shaped configuration. The supply tube receives a carrier strip as well as a number of containers that are releasably connected to the carrier strip. A dispenser array includes a plurality of supply tubes that are coupled to a spline by connectors. A dispensing system includes a mechanism for selectively positioning an array of supply tubes in either an upright orientation for storage or alternatively in an inclined orientation for dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Casey L. Carlson, Katie B. Thompson, Gopal B. Haregoppa, Armineh Khachatoorian
  • Publication number: 20100190131
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dental utility system for managing dental utilities, including a dental utility housing, a dental delivery assembly base fixed to the front side of the dental utility housing, and a dental delivery assembly main arm horizontally pivotably connected to the dental delivery assembly base and which permits vertical movement of a dental delivery assembly main arm distal end. The dental delivery assembly base and a dental delivery assembly base cover define a dental utility housing utility pathway that directs dental utilities from the dental utility platform to the dental delivery assembly main arm. Also included are a dental utility platform, and a dental utility platform extendable mount. The dental utility platform extendable mount permits the dental utility platform to be positioned anywhere along a continuous range of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Tom Benfield, Joe Bria, John Helgesen, Austin Unsworth
  • Publication number: 20100159415
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental rear delivery unit for providing an increased range of positioning of a doctor's hand piece delivery head and an assistant's instrument work delivery head at a head end of a dental chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Tom Benfield, Joe Bria
  • Patent number: 7581951
    Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment element which is used to receive dental hand instruments. Said treatment element comprises a base part (1) which is provided with connections (2; 39) and which is used to accommodate the instruments, and a instrument storage place (5; 15). Said treatment element comprises an exchangeable upper part (4; 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Lehmann, Peter Frey
  • Publication number: 20090104579
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus has a mixing base on which components of a material, in particular a ceramic material, which are to be kept moist, are to be mixed, and a liquid reservoir and moistening means which communicate with the liquid reservoir and which are arranged and adapted to keep moist components which are to be kept moist, wherein the moistening means include a liquid carrier of an elongate configuration which provides for liquid transport in the longitudinal direction thereof and allows liquid delivery to components which are to be kept moist over the surface of the liquid carrier in transverse relationship with the longitudinal direction and which on the one hand is in communication with the liquid reservoir and which on the other hand adjoins a mixing surface on the mixing base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Jurgen Mehrhof
  • Patent number: 7490837
    Abstract: A portable medical apparatus for holding a plurality of surgical tools wherein at least one of said tools is electrically powered and includes a power supply cord and a power plug is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having at least one electrical outlet for removably receiving the power plug is disposed within said inner shell. The housing includes an upstanding wall having at least one area for receiving and supporting a power supply cord. A removable enclosure lid is received by the housing. An upright member supports the housing and provides a passageway for a conductor in electrical communication with the electrical outlet. A base supports the upright member and includes a laterally extending leg having a channel for receiving the electrical conductor. The leg is apertured to receive a connector for attachment to the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Inter-Med, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Pond, Scott N Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7472789
    Abstract: A method of transporting and processing a set of three-dimensional dentition models includes (a) providing a container having an outer shell containing a shock-absorbing core, wherein the core defines a plurality of compartments each configured to hold one model in the set of three-dimensional dentition models; (b) loading each of the dentition models into its respective compartment; (c) transporting the container to a processing site; and (d) processing the dentition models while they are in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Wu, Srinivas Kaza, Subir Basu
  • Patent number: 7338282
    Abstract: Packages for dispensing dental appliances of the type used in corrective orthodontic treatments, methods of using such packages, and methods of manufacturing such packages. The package generally includes a holder and drawers containing the dental appliances that are removable from the package. The characteristics of the dental appliances positioned in each individual drawer are appropriate for application to different quadrants of the patient's teeth. The drawers of the package may be color coded with regions on a setup card so that the dental appliances, while remaining positioned in the drawers, may be organized among the regions according to the intended quadrants for bracket application. Other color coding schemes are possible involving the drawers, the brackets held by the drawers, the setup card, and the brackets themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Sean Corcoran
  • Patent number: 7210483
    Abstract: An interocclusal sports prophylaxis includes a core having an arch shaped occlusal plate with upwardly extending buccal and lingual walls. A labial force dispersal shield and molar framing braces extend downwardly from the plate at incisor and lingual zones of the plate. The occlusal plate is thickened at the molar and incisor zones so that breathing spaces are provided between mandibular occlusal surfaces not registered with the zones and a mandibular face of the plate. A shock absorption dentition encasement is molded over the upper surface of the core and also covers the molar and incisor zones. The prophylaxis is heated in water, seated in the mouth and then biting pressure is applied to embed the maxillary dentition in the encasement and the lower incisor and molar occlusal surfaces in the encasement covering the zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Medtech Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Lesniak, Naushirwan R. Mehta, Gerard Kugel, Ayman Aboushala
  • Patent number: 7195219
    Abstract: A system for reconfigurably adapting a dental chair for use, including, e.g., use from the right side or left side, use by right-handed or left-handed practitioners and use in various dentistry practice styles, may include a link arm, a primary arm and a secondary arm. The link arm is pivotably connectible to a rear side of the dental chair. The primary arm is pivotably connectible to the link arm to swing in a generally horizontal plane about a generally vertical axis. The secondary arm is coupleable to the link arm, preferably along substantially the same axis. The secondary arm has multiple pivotably connected segments allowing its distal end to be positioned as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: A-dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn R. Irwin, Jonathan E. Myers, Paul H. Johnson, Jr., J. Rick Halbirt, Robin R. Winter
  • Patent number: 7011519
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Casteleini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Castellini
  • Publication number: 20030073395
    Abstract: A workbench for dental prostheses is disclosed comprising: a working table leaning on a support frame; a couple of arm resting appendages projecting from the table to an operator; a drawer slidably inserted into the frame and provided with arm resting outlines; a suction unit to collect the working residues of the prosthesis, arranged between the arm resting appendages and comprising a shaped bracket protruding to the operator and provided with a through opening communicating with a suction tube. The shaped bracket is coupled to the suction tube through connecting means allowing the rotate the shaped bracket along a generally vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: John Anthony Faccin, Giampietro Vitella
  • Publication number: 20030027099
    Abstract: A stacked layer structure including a single crystal substrate; an amorphous or polycrystalline buffer layer formed from a boron-containing Group III-V compound semiconductor. The buffer layer is provided on the substrate; a cladding layer formed from a boron-containing Group III-V compound semiconductor is provided on the buffer layer; and a light-emitting layer having a quantum well structure including a barrier layer formed from a boron-containing Group III-V compound semiconductor and a well layer formed from a Group III nitride semiconductor is provided on the cladding layer. The barrier layer is formed from a boron-containing Group III-V compound semiconductor having the same lattice constant as a boron-containing Group III-V compound semiconductor constituting the cladding layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Takashi Udagawa
  • Publication number: 20020106606
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Steven L. Eikenberg
  • Patent number: 6206694
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards a handpiece assembly for use with air abrasion apparatuses used in a wide spectrum of applications and industries. This handpiece assembly comprises the following components: (1) a handle comprising a proximal end and a distal end; the distal end also comprising an attachment means for attaching the handle of the handpiece assembly to the air abrasion apparatus; (2) a quick-releasing and quick-connecting socket comprising a male portion and a female portion; and (3) a nozzle comprising a proximal end and a distal end; the distal end of the nozzle provides the male portion of the socket and the proximal end of the handle provides the female portion of the socket. The distal end of the nozzle also fits into the proximal end of the handle to form the quick-releasing and quick connecting socket. This novel handpiece assembly may further comprise an articulating socket located towards the proximal end of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Crystalmark Dental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jawn P. Swan
  • Patent number: 5997297
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Andrew Coburn, Donald G. Coburn
  • Patent number: 5802735
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: John Schoonhoven
  • Patent number: 5692609
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Jyh-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 5667381
    Abstract: A telescopic arm assembly for use in conjunction with a dental chair unit and attachable to a post of the unit. A main arm defines a slot at its inner end to receive an arm support including a pivot pin about which the arm may move in an upright manner. A limit stop on the support controls arm movement. A secondary arm supports a tool holder at its outer end and is provided with pin-shaped followers at its inner end which ride along guides extending lengthwise of the main arm to prevent rotation of the secondary arm within the main arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Dental Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry S. Young
  • Patent number: 5626227
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Institut Straumann AG
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Roland Scacchi, Pascal Rerat, Paul Keller
  • Patent number: 5601331
    Abstract: Clearance in the seat base to which a post is pivotally mounted provides for wide-angle rotation of post-mounted equipment that is supported by the post that is mounted to the base. The location of the pivot axis is such that the mechanisms employed for pivotally mounting the equipment to a dental chair do not protrude from the back of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., William F. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5529533
    Abstract: The present invention is a device which can be portable and easily attachable and removable from existing dental work station tables. The apparatus comprises a work platform which can be removably connected to the work station table. A suction tube at the work station can communicate with the surface of the work platform. The suction tube can easily be connected and disconnected from the work platform for use in treating the patient, such as providing mouth suction. The apparatus preferably is supported by a mounting means on the work table with the work platform preferably horizontal. Preferably the platform is supported by a support means through which it is attached by the mounting means to the table. The work platform thereby provides both support for the article being worked on and suction to remove debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: Lawrence L. Kantrowitz, Edward J. Littman
  • Patent number: 5377823
    Abstract: A dental dispensing tray has a plurality of wells formed in a substrate, along with a cover that is slidably attached to the substrate. The cover transmits at least a portion of the visible light spectrum but does not transmit a substantial portion of actinic radiation that might otherwise prematurely cure photocurable material in the wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dirk L. Steen, Malcolm W. Wilcox, Thomas W. Martin
  • Patent number: 5348472
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: The Pelton & Crane Company
    Inventors: Klaus H. Joeckel, Duronnie L. Harrell
  • Patent number: 5346677
    Abstract: A cassette for the sterilization and storage of dental or medical instruments includes a lower tray and an upper cover hingeably joined together for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position. Both the tray and the cover have instrument positioning racks mounted therein to position the instruments in side-by-side relation within the tray and the cover. The cover is provided with an instrument retainer for simultaneously retaining the instruments in the positioning racks in the tray and the cover when the cassette is in the closed position. The instrument retainer includes an instrument retaining bar pivotally mounted at one end thereof within the cover and releasably fastened at the other end thereof to the cover. A resilient retaining member is mounted on the retaining bar and transversely pressingly contacts the instruments to retain them in the positioning racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: William B. Risk
  • Patent number: 5343391
    Abstract: A device for use in a dental or medical application to obtain three-dimensional contour information comprises a multiplicity of arm segments, first mounting elements for connecting the arm segments to one another to form an articulated assembly of the arm segments. A second mounting element serves to fix the articulated assembly relative to a person's head, while a third mounting element is provided for attaching a diagnostic or medical treatment instrument to the articulated assembly at a point spaced from the second mounting element. A feedback component or components are operatively coupled with at least some of the arm segments for providing electrical signal feedback data as to positions of the arm segments relative to one another, thereby providing information as to the position of the instrument relative to the person's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: David R. Mushabac
  • Patent number: 5332392
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Bierbaum, Heinz Schulz, Klaus Stoeckl
  • Patent number: 5322439
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: MDT Corporation
    Inventor: Barry S. Young
  • Patent number: 5308238
    Abstract: A dental handpiece holder adapted such that the length of the handpiece holder for holding and accommodating a dental handpiece is shortened in the axial direction, whereby the main unit of the handpiece can be attached to and detached from the joint section of the handpiece for the purpose of replacement with one hand of an operator. Also a dental treatment assembly by use of the holder.The handpiece holder comprising a gutter-shaped receiving seat, first and second grip sections extending from both side fringes of the receiving seat, contact sections formed at the leading ends of the first and second grip sections respectively and an engagement groove or projection extending across the contact sections or the peripheral areas thereof in the internal circumferential direction of the grip sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Morita Seisakusho
    Inventors: Daryl R. Beach, Katsumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5244389
    Abstract: A dental handpiece holder adapted such that the length of the handpiece holder for holding and accommodating a dental handpiece is shortened in the axial direction, whereby the main unit of the handpiece can be attached to and detached from the joint section of the handpiece for the purpose of replacement with one hand of an operator. Also a dental treatment assembly by use of the holder.The handpiece holder comprising a gutter-shaped receiving seat, first and second grip sections extending from both side fringes of the receiving seat, contact sections formed at the leading ends of the first and second grip sections respectively and an engagement groove or projection extending across the contact sections or the peripheral areas thereof in the internal circumferential direction of the grip sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Morita Seisakusho
    Inventors: Daryl R. Beach, Katsumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5161970
    Abstract: A tool holder for mounting on the instrument panel in a dentist's office contains a grooved surface for receiving one or more syringe or scalpel or other implement holders. These holders have hexagonal bases for mounting in one of several different positions. A novel syringe holder employs a tapered threaded member for gripping the protective cover on the needle so that the cover can serve as the syringe holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Unique Barrier Products Inc.
    Inventor: Morris J. Baskas
  • Patent number: 5127830
    Abstract: A dental instrument shield for shielding medical or dental instruments, as well as industrial tools and equipment, which, due to position and configuration, may accidentally pierce or contact tissue and cause injury. In a preferred embodiment the dental instrument shield includes a curved, transparent, protective guard adjustably supported on parallel support rods mounted on an instrument support bar which is attached to a console or other supporting surface. An instrument tray may be mounted in adjustable relationship on the curved guard and the guard is designed to extend over the various handpieces containing dental instruments, to prevent accidental contact with the dental instruments. The various handpieces are typically removably supported in handpiece receptacles of various design for convenient access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventors: John J. Sheridan, Maureen C. Sheridan, Richard F. Finger
  • Patent number: 5116223
    Abstract: A swing arm for supporting a saliva suction pump nozzle which can be maneuvered by an operator without an assistant, consisting of an upper arm and forearm made of lengths of pipe and connected together by a pivotal joint like an elbow, with cables and hose which pass through the forearm and the upper arm being stowed under the surface of the forearm and the upper arm except for the area of said the joint, a vertical part of the upper arm being inserted revolvably in a shaft-supporting holder in the form of a cut of pipe fixed on a pole of a dental chair unit by a two part band, with a saliva suction pump nozzle being fixed on the free end of the suction pump hose at the free end of the forearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Won-Young Chung
  • Patent number: 5102340
    Abstract: Dental teaching and practicing apparatus for the simulation and practice of dental-clinical working or operating procedures, such as are generally employed for the education and training of dentists and their assistants. The apparatus which represents or incorporates a patient-simulator can be individually positioned, especially with consideration being given to limited space or place conditions, whereby during non-use thereof the apparatus can be brought into a space-saving stored position, and can also be set up in such a manner that within an unchanged assembly, it is comfortable for either a right-handed or left-handed person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Frank Berlinghoff, Hans-Walter Lang
  • Patent number: 5013240
    Abstract: A portable dental apparatus. A main housing includes a plurality of wheels mounted therebeneath. A control panel on the main housing includes a variety of controls for operating a plurality of dental tools removably and suspendedly mounted to a holder in turn movably mounted to the main housing. A storage cavity formed in the housing allows storage of the holder and tools when the portable dental apparatus is in a transport state. The tools are connected by a plurality of lines to a plurality of drive and power components located in the interior of the main housing. A lid hingedly mounted atop the control panel may be opened revealing the controls for the tools. An X-ray display screen and amalgamator are provided respectively on the lid and control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: International Equipment & Supply Corp.
    Inventors: James R. Bailey, C. Robert Schrock
  • Patent number: 4976616
    Abstract: A dental tray handle protective covering, shield or prophylactic comprised of a thin, tear-resistant, semi-rigid but elastic material which is disposable for providing a covering or barrier for the entirety of each of several different types of dental tray which will significantly reduce and/or prevent the spread of disease through the continued touching of the dental tray handle by non-sterile gloved or ungloved hands of dental practitioners and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Steri-Shield Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Eisner, Charlton D. Becker
  • Patent number: 4958963
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a podiatrist in the performance of various para-medical operations on patients. The apparatus consists of a unit movble on the ground as if a dental unit used by dentists. The work unit includes a pneumatic network, connected to an external air compressor, and to which is connected three tools. Two of these tools include drilling heads, pressurized water outlets and pressurized air outlets, while the third tool includes a pressurized water outlet and pressurized air outlet. Operation of each tool, and of each outlet and drill of a given tool, is made independently of each other, and controlled by a number of knobs, buttons and dials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Ronald Perrault
  • Patent number: 4948368
    Abstract: A mixing device for molding compositions for use in dentistry has a housing into which and from which a trough plate and the underlying tray can be displaced like a drawer. A mat of bibulous material substantially completely fills the tray beneath the trough plate and delivers water in a controlled manner through passages traversing the trough plate and leading to the troughs. A vessel containing the moisturizing liquid is placed on the housing and is connected by a conduit with the tray, the conduit including a valve for controlling flow to the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Alexander Kanotscher
  • Patent number: D540942
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Mar-Lin Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald A. Homra, Theodore E. Nelson, Ernest E. Wilson