Abstract: A device suited for dispensing a dental substance comprises a cartridge 20 or receiving the substance, with a curved dispensing nozzle 22 disposed at the front end and a flange 21 of octagonal cross-section provided at the rear end of the cartridge. The flange 21 serves to engage a slide-in socket 16 of an applicator 10 which includes a piston rod 12 for advancing a dispensing piston 23 disposed in the cartridge 20. In the retracted position of the piston rod 12, the cartridge 20 may be laterally inserted into the slide-in socket 16 of the applicator 10. The socket has two parallel walls spaced by a distance which is between the largest and the smallest diameter of the octagonal flange 21.

Abstract: A cartridge for containing material in paste form, having a cylindrical container unit, an outlet tip with an outlet passage disposed at one end of the container unit at an angle to its axis, a protective cap encasing the outlet tip, a mounting disposed at the second end of the cylindrical container unit, which is provided for mounting the cartridge in an ejector device, and a piston having a cylindrical circumferential surface and disposed for movement in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge which is provided for sealing off the cartridge interior as well as for dispensing the paste material. In order to attach the cartridge securely to an ejector device and assure a high standard of hygiene, the end of the outlet tip remote from the container unit, at which an outlet orifice is disposed, is at a radial distance from the axis of the container unit that is no more than exactly as great as the radius of the container unit.

Abstract: A dental capsule that requires a capsule body defining a reservoir that is loaded with predetermined amounts of one or more materials to be mixed, sealed by a removable plug having flexible gripping flange fingers extending laterally relative to the axis of the capsule to facilitate the removal of the plug. Subsequent to the mixing of the materials within the capsule by amalgamation, the capsule is placed in a suitable ejector or syringe whereby the mixed materials can be readily extruded therefrom and directly placed in or about a prepared tooth whereby the flexible gripping flange fingers function as a base for storing the capsule in a vertical position and which flexible fingers are capable of being deflected so as to be pushed through the capsule as the plug is displaced to extrude the mixed material.

Abstract: An applicator for highly viscous materials such as dental filling materials has a housing and a first and second jamming element positioned spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction in the housing. A coupling rod is connected to the second jamming element. A piston rod is supported in the housing. An actuating element is positioned at the housing and connected to the piston rod for moving the piston rod in a forward direction from an inactive position into a working position, and in a rearward direction from the working position into the inactive position. The first jamming element is jammed, when the actuating element actuates the piston rod in the forward direction, and is moved with the piston rod in the forward direction. The second jamming element is jammed by a spring force in the rearward direction so as to rest at the housing, when the actuating element actuates the piston rod in the forward direction.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivery of non-aqueous paste dental materials is provided, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge body made from an injection moldable material comprising amorphous polyolefin polymers. The cartridge contains only non-aqueous materials.

Abstract: A delivery tip for use on a delivery device for applying a dental composition to tooth surfaces includes a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the tubular member is coupled to the delivery device. A plurality of fibrous bristles are disposed on an outer periphery at the distal end of the tubular member. The fibrous bristles can be used in an agitating action to remove entrapped air bubbles from the applied composition such as an impression material. The fibrous bristles on the delivery tip can also be used to coat and spread the composition on tooth surfaces. With the fibrous bristles attached to the outer periphery at the distal end of the delivery tip, the composition can be delivered through the passageway in the tubular member without interference from the bristles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental amalgam capsule 10 arranged to contain mercury in a first compartment 16 and dental alloy powder in a second, or mixing, compartment 18, a conduit 28 being provided so that amalgam can be dispensed by a rod 66 directly from the capsule 10 into a cavity in a tooth.

Abstract: A supply and metering syringe for viscous dental compounds, having a syringe body which contains a piston and opens out in a delivery opening. The delivery opening adjoins the syringe body without a constriction. As a result, a separation of the compound components in the surface region of the emerging strand is prevented. The diameter of the syringe body preferably widens toward the delivery opening.

Abstract: Applicator for a dental compound, whose elongate implement body (1, 2) is or can be connected at the front end (3) to a syringe (4) containing the dental compound and has a ram (5) for advancing a plunger contained in the syringe (4), which plunger can be pushed forward by means of a pusher rod (10) protruding out of the rear end of the implement body (1). To avoid the stick-slip effect, the ram and the pusher rod (10) are each connected to a rack (6, 9), between which racks a gearwheel/pinion pair is arranged, which brings about a gear reduction from the pusher rod to the ram.

Abstract: An applicator has a ratchet mechanism for dispensing material from a single or multiple barrel container. The ratchet mechanism includes a clutch that substantially prevents movement of a plunger of the applicator whenever a resistance to plunger movement is greater than a certain value. As a consequence, bursting of the container, or damage to components of the applicator, is substantially avoided. A resilient, integral pawl hinders unintentional rearward movement of the plunger and provides for a compact construction especially suitable for use in dispensing dental material.

Abstract: A dispensing applicator includes a body with a handle, a pivotable lever and a front holder with a receptacle that is adapted to removably receive a dual chamber cartridge. In certain embodiments, the majority of the cartridge contents are expelled during a single stroke of the lever, an advantage when used for single patient use in dental or medical fields. In other embodiments, the holder is rotatably connected to the body so that the holder and the cartridge can be moved as needed in an arc in order to vary the orientation of the cartridge relative to the applicator handle. The rotatable connection enables the cartridge to be moved to any one of a number of different orientations as may be desired to provide optimum maneuverability of the applicator in use and to enhance the operator's vision of the application site.

Abstract: A dispenser adapter apparatus which allows activation and dispensing of multiple types of materials with use of a single dispensing device. The invention includes a cartridge holder with a socket for receiving a replaceable cartridge of adhesive, filler, or other material, and an activation chamber. The cartridge holder is reversibly coupled to a dispensing device such as a syringe or dispensing gun. The piston of the dispensing device applies an activating pressure to a cartridge within the activation chamber. The activated cartridge is transferred from the activation chamber to the socket. A plunger associated with the cartridge holder forces material from the cartridge. Force is transferred from the piston of the dispensing device to the plunger of the dispenser adapter apparatus by mechanically interfacing the piston and plunger.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dental material made of two components has a dual chamber cartridge that releasably connects to an applicator. The chambers of the cartridge are located in an over-under orientation relative to the user's grip on the applicator, enabling the system to be especially useful for placing dental material in regions of the patient's oral cavity that are difficult to access. Certain embodiments of the invention include a static mixing assembly having a swivelable cannula, and an exit conduit of the mixing assembly is optionally curved along its length. Other aspects of the invention relate to a reusable hygienic sheath useful for covering a dual chamber cartridge as well as a single chamber cartridge.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing a substance, particularly a dental substance, comprises a cylindrical cartridge 20 and a dispensing nozzle 21 communicating therewith. The dispensing nozzle 21 is formed as a rigid curved tube having an inlet opening of the same diameter as the cartridge 20 and being aligned with the cartridge axis 14, whereas the dispensing opening of the nozzle 21 extends at an angle with respect to the cartridge axis 14. The nozzle 21 is circularly curved and tapers in such a way that its inner cross-sectional shape is circular throughout the length of the nozzle. The interior cross-section and the wall thickness of the nozzle 21 decrease toward the dispensing end.

Abstract: The invention provides a miniature capsule-like cartridge having a hollow elongated generally cylindrical body having an inner wall with a substantially uniform diameter. The inner wall encloses a chamber. One end of the body is open and formed at the extremity thereof with an annular circular exterior flange. The opposite end of the body is closed by an end wall. A discharge nipple integrally connected to the body and has a passageway therethrough extending from the chamber at the closed end of the body to facilitate discharge of a polymerizable dental composition from the cartridge. The nipple has an outer wall. The outer wall has a proximal diameter proximal to the body and a medial diameter at a medial position along the central axis of the nipple and medial to the body. The medial diameter is greater than or equal to the proximal diameter. A cup-shaped cap is removably connected to the discharge nipple on the body to close the opening of the passageway at the outer end of the nipple.

Abstract: A system and method for storing in bulk and readily dispensing a dental composition includes a prefilled bulk storage syringe, storage container, or squeezable tube that is capable of storing multiple doses of the composition for dispensing into a dose administration syringe. The discharge end of the bulk storage syringe, storage container, or squeezable tube can be coupled directly to the discharge end of the dose administration syringe without an adaptor, allowing the dental composition to be readily transferred directly to the dose administration syringe. The dental composition can then be readily administered to a desired area from the dose administration syringe after the bulk storage syringe, storage container, or squeezable tube has been decoupled therefrom.

Abstract: A method for reattaching to a first abutment tooth a detached crown of a dental bridge having at least one other crown fixed onto a second abutment tooth includes the steps of forming a vent hole through the detached crown, inserting the open tip of a syringe needle into the vent hole, preliminarily securing and sealing the needle in the vent hole and thereafter applying a flowable dental adhesive material such as an acrylic resin to securely reinforce the connection between the needle and crown and seal any gap therebetween. The void under the detached crown is then washed by ejecting fluids through the needle with a syringe barrel. A flowable dental cement is then ejected through the needle to fill the void between the crown and abutment tooth. Upon curing of the cement, the acrylic resin is dislodged from the surface of the crown enabling withdrawal of the needle from the vent hole which is then plugged.

Abstract: A dispenser adapter apparatus which allows dispensing of multiple types of materials with use of a single dispensing device. The invention includes a cartridge holder with a socket for receiving a replaceable cartridge of adhesive, filler, or other material. The cartridge holder is reversibly coupled to a dispensing device such as a syringe or dispensing gun. A plunger associated with the cartridge holder forces material from the cartridge. Force is transferred from the piston of the dispensing device to the plunger of the dispenser adapter apparatus by mechanically interfacing the piston and plunger.

Abstract: A system for identification of hue and lightness of dental products formed from dental material within enclosures comprises an alpha series of at least three caps (A) having an alpha cap hue and supported by enclosures enclosing dental materials which are polymerizable to form an alpha series of dental products having an alpha product hue. The system includes a beta series of at least three caps (B) having a beta cap hue supported by enclosures enclosing dental materials which are polymerizable to form dental products having a beta product hue. The system includes a first series of at least three caps (1) having a first cap lightness and each of said first caps being supported by an enclosure enclosing a dental material which is polymerizable to form a dental product having a first product lightness.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivery of aqueous paste dental materials is provided, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge body made from an injection moldable material comprising polyolefin polymers. The cartridge body having a Moisture Permeability less than 25 g mil/m.sup.2 day atm. and an Oxygen Permeability greater than 180 cm.sup.3 mil/m.sup.2 day atm. The cartridge body comprises at least one chamber adapted for holding and simultaneously dispensing an aqueous paste dental material. The cartridge has a polymerizable aqueous paste dental material contained within the chamber of the cartridge body, and the cartridge is specially adapted to be mounted in a hand-held ejector-type gun.

Abstract: Delivery syringe for dental compound, especially for fillings and veneers, the plunger of which is displaceable by a screw spindle exhibiting a handle. The handle is configured, according to the invention, as a color sample for the dental compound contained in the delivery syringe. To enable a sufficient turning force to be applied to the spindle even by means of a narrow color sample, the syringe body, in order to reduce the necessary turning force, is expediently configured such that it is free from any constriction.

Abstract: The functional portion of the instrument includes a pin and lever assembly. One end of the pin is received in an opening in the handle. The other end of the pin is bent into a "U" shape to form a plunger. The lever, which carries a cylinder, is mounted on and moveable relative to the pin. As the lever is moved relative to the pin, the plunger moves within the cylinder to dispense the amalgam. The lever is held on the pin by a bias spring which extends from the handle. A flexible element within the handle normally engages the pin end to retain the assembly on the handle. Depression of a button on the exterior of the handle causes the internal element to flex to disengage the pin end. The assembly may then be easily removed from the handle as a unit by disengaging the bias spring from the lever. This facilitates thorough cleaning of all parts of the instrument and reassembly thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming dental products, such as dentures, denture relines, dental crowns, dental bridges and dental restorative materials, temporary crown, temporary bridge, provisional crown or provisional bridge, from two polymerizable paste compositions each having a complimentary component of a free radical catalyst system and a polymerizable acrylic compound. One of these paste compositions includes an oxidizing agent and a stabilizer and the other includes a reducing agent as components of a redox catalyst system for free radical polymerization. These paste compositions are mixed in a static mixer to form a polymerizing paste composition, which is then shaped into a dental prosthesis. A handheld mixing dispenser useful in carrying out this method, includes a static mixing conduit, and two containers enclosing the polymerizable paste compositions. The static mixing conduit encloses a static mixing member. The containers are adapted to be connected in fluid flow communication with the static mixing conduit.

Abstract: A syringe in which a discharge nozzle is connected to a cartridge of the syringe by ultrasonic welding. The discharge nozzle includes a triangular flow indicator configured to abut a triangular encircling groove located on the cartridge.

Abstract: An animal feeding or injecting device for orally supplying liquids, slurries, gels, and some solids to an animal. This device consists of a tubular container having a tapered end region and an opposite open end through which a plunger passes. A stop or collar is slidable along the outside of the tubular container which not only restricts the distance the plunger can be inserted within the tubular container, but also prevents the tubular container from being inserted too far within the animal's mouth. A connector is secured to both the stop and the plunger so as to prevent the plunger from being inserted too far within the tubular container.

Abstract: A syringe and adapter are constructed so as to provide a bend in the hypodermic needle allowing a dentist to reach hard to get to places inside the mouth. With a bend in the needle, the dentist can rotate the body of the syringe to point the needle in various directions while the body of the syringe is placed inside the mouth. Around the bend of the needle is a solid material to prevent the needle from breaking about the bend while in use.

Abstract: A manual dental extruder or syringe gun having a front end with rigid side walls and an opening therein adapted to receive a dental cartridge, capsule, ampule or tip having a flange. The body portion of the cartridge has a diameter less than that of the lateral width of the opening in the rigid side walls so that the dental cartridge can easily be dropped therein. At one end of the cartridge opening is a flange retainer. After dropping the dental cartridge in the front end, the cartridge is slid forward into the flange retainer. A portion of the rigid side walls extend over the flange when the dental cartridge is in position to be extruded. The rigid side walls improve the durability and strength of the dental extruder and prevents the dental cartridge from being pushed through the end of the extruder due to the large longitudinal forces required to extrude viscous dental materials.

Abstract: A syringe system for matching tooth composite colors to natural tooth colors. The system includes a plurality of delivery syringes each having therein a different colored tooth composite. In one embodiment, a visible portion of each delivery syringe is colored with the same color as the tooth composite within that delivery syringe. In another embodiment, an actual cured sample of the tooth composite contained within the syringe is placed on a visible portion of each delivery syringe. Therefore, matching tooth composite color to natural tooth color can be performed by simple viewing of the delivery syringes. An organizer displays the delivery syringes in such a way that the colored portion, or composite sample portion, of each delivery syringe is clearly visible. The organizer means also displays the delivery syringes in such way that the delivery syringes together provide a visible palette of colors from which to choose a matching tooth composite.

Abstract: A dental composite cartridge is made of a plastic material molded to define an elongated cylindrical hollow body portion forming a reservoir, and a discharge nozzle portion. A piston is disposed within an open end of the hollow body after the body is filled with dental composite material. The hollow body and the discharge nozzle define a planar end wall which intersects the longitudinal axis of the hollow body at an angle of about 45.degree.. The interior design of the hollow body and its angled planar end wall enables a simple, easy to manufacture and cost-effective piston to be used in the hollow body for discharging dental composite material from the reservoir.

Abstract: Syringe assembly apparatus and associated methods are provided for use in dispensing viscous materials, such as dental compositions, in a controlled fashion. The preferred embodiment of the syringe assembly of the present invention includes a syringe body of conventional fashion, having a passageway therethrough and a discharge port communicating with the passageway. An adapter member is provided which nests within the syringe body passageway, the adapter member having a bore passing through the length thereof for receiving a viscous material to be dispensed. When the adapter is nested within the passageway of the syringe body, the bore communicates with the discharge port of the syringe body. An important feature of the invention is that the bore has a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the discharge port at the location where the discharge port communicates with the bore.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivery of multiple-part dental materials comprisinga) a cartridge body made from an injection moldable material comprising polyalkylene oxide homopolymer or polyalkylene oxide copolymer wherein said homopolymer or copolymer comprises a repeat unit that is ##STR1## wherein R is H or an aliphatic moiety. The cartridge body has a Burst Pressure greater than that of an otherwise identical cartridge made entirely of polypropylene, and a flexural modulus greater than 1.3.times.10.sup.3 MPa at 50% relative humidity and 23.degree. C., andb) a multiple-part dental material. The cartridge is specially adapted to be mounted in a hand-held ejector-type gun.

Abstract: A syringe apparatus is disclosed for delivering a light-cured tooth composite material of a type that is essentially solid, yet pliable. The syringe apparatus comprises a barrel and a plunger which is used to push the composite material through the barrel. The barrel has an outlet end with a divider formed as an integral part thereof. The divider cuts, sectionalizes, and individually compartmentalizes the material as it is pushed to the outlet of the barrel. Thus, the material is extruded into a plurality of individualized sections. Each individualized section of material is contained in a separate compartment having a support surface that optionally extends beyond the outlet end of the barrel. The support surface serves as a cutting plate against which a dental tool can pinch off a discreet portion of the material.

Abstract: A prefilled disposable apparatus is provided for placing thermoplastic filling material including gutta percha in an endodontically prepared root canal. A hollow carrier has a distal end and a proximal end and has a cylindrical carrier bore defined therethrough. A plug of thermoplastic filling material is contained in the carrier bore. A displacing shaft is received in the proximal end of the carrier bore for displacing the thermoplastic filling material from the distal end of the carrier bore into the endodontically prepared root canal.

Abstract: A syringe system for matching tooth composite colors to natural tooth colors. The system includes a plurality of delivery syringes each having therein a different colored tooth composite. A visible portion of each delivery syringe is colored with the same color as the tooth composite within that delivery syringe. Therefore, matching tooth composite color to natural tooth color can be performed by simple viewing of the delivery syringes. An organizer displays the delivery syringes in such a way that the colored portion of each delivery syringe is clearly visible. The organizer also displays the delivery syringes in such way that the delivery syringes together provide a visible palette of colors from which to choose a matching tooth composite.

Abstract: A disposable capsule for dispensing a dental material and a method of making the capsule wherein the capsule includes a reservoir portion containing a predetermined amount of material to be dispensed, and which reservoir is connected in communication with a discharge tip. Connected to the end of the tip and projecting therethrough is a needle cannula through which the material is ejected. A displaceable piston may be provided when material is desired to be sealed within the reservoir portion, and which forces the material through the cannula when displaced within the reservoir portion. The method of forming such capsule includes the step of flaring one end of the cannula radially outwardly and inserting the cannula with the flared end trailing into the reservoir and through the discharge tip. A force is then applied to the cannula to force the flared end to be imbedded into the material of the capsule adjacent the end of the discharge tip.

Abstract: A disposable barrel dental impression syringe having a rotatable malleable needle cannula. A disposable barrel is fitted with a malleable needle cannula that is seated to permit easy rotation thereof. A handle is threaded onto the open end of the barrel. A plunger is fitted through the handle and barrel forming a syringe for the extrusion of dental impression material. The needle cannula is positioned within the discharge end of the barrel in such a way to permit easy rotation, yet prevent pushing or pulling the needle cannula through the discharge end of the barrel. This permits exact positioning of the needle cannula for placement of dental impression material. Additionally, only the barrel portion of the syringe being disposable, the precision and feel of a high quality impression syringe is maintained.

Abstract: A dental syringe tip having positioned in a material-containing passage therein a plug with a stepped nose configuration to minimize the force required to dispense material from the syringe tip. The stepped nose configuration also increases the amount of material dispensed from the syringe thereby reducing waste. The plug includes a sealing member to provide improved sealing between the plug and the internal surfaces defining the passage within the syringe tip.

Abstract: A dental syringe and disposable capsule for use therewith wherein the disposable capsule includes a body portion formed with a laterally extending collar having a groove therein connected to one end and having a discharge nozzle connected at the other end of the capsule body portion. A displaceable plug seals the material within the cartridge. The syringe includes a plastic barrel having a bore extending therethrough for receiving a reciprocating plunger slidably supported therein. Connected to the barrel adjacent one end is a handle extending normal thereto with a lever pivotally connected relative thereto for engaging the end of the plunger for effecting the displacement of the plunger when the lever is actuated. Connected to the front end of the plastic barrel is a cartridge holder formed as a metal part having a rear portion and a forwardly extending seat portion. The rear portion is embedded into the material of the plastic barrel with the seat portion extending forwardly of the front end of the barrel.

Abstract: An assembly for mixing and dispensing preparations such as dental cements includes a capsule and a lever actuated dispensing device. The capsule is received in a first orientation of the dispensing device for initial movement of a piston of the capsule to combine two components in a mixing chamber of the capsule. The capsule is received in a second orientation when dispensing of the components is desired. The capsule includes flanges engageable with one or more retention members of the dispensing device, and the flanges are positioned to substantially utilize the mechanical advantage provided by the dispensing device regardless of whether the capsule is in the first orientation or in the second orientation. The flanges are also arranged to substantially prohibit bursting of the capsule when the components are discharged from the mixing chamber, and essentially preclude dispensing of the components when the capsule is in the first orientation.

Abstract: A syringe device having a barrel enclosing a first chamber therein containing coaxially aligned primary and secondary plungers. A connectable mixing and delivery tip encloses a second chamber therein and is connected to the barrel by a coupling. A slidable valve having an aperture therethrough to allow passage of air into and out of the secondchamber is disposed between the two chambers. The primary plunger is slidable out one end of the syringe for the selective application of pressure into the syringe barrel. As the primary plunger is urged down into the syringe barrel, air is forced around the secondary plunger and through the valve aperture into the second chamber wherein the substances contained therein are mixed by turbulent aeration. Continued application of pressure on the primary plunger drives the secondary plunger into the slidable valve to plug the aperture in the valve thereby ceasing the agitation of the contents in the second chamber.

Abstract: A prefilled disposable apparatus is provided for placing thermoplastic filling material including gutta percha in an endodontically prepared root canal. A hollow carrier has a distal end and a proximal end and has a cylindrical carrier bore defined therethrough. A plug of thermoplastic filling material is contained in the carrier bore. A displacing shaft is received in the proximal end of the carrier bore for displacing the thermoplastic filling material from the distal end of the carrier bore into the endodontically prepared root canal.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying coatings to various surface types. The apparatus includes a dispenser for holding a quantity of the coating material and a delivery tip having adjustable bristles at one end. The bristles are slidably secured in a spiral passageway formed by a helical ridge inside the delivery tip, thereby allowing the coating material to be continuously applied without the need to stop the procedure and rewet the applicator. The applicator permits accurate control of the amount of coating material applied to the surface. In this way, the surface receives neither an excessive nor an insufficient amount of the coating material. Moreover, the bristles may be pushed in to permit the coating material to be applied to a small, irregular surface, such as pits and fissures, or pulled out to permit the bristles to fan out for application to broad surface areas.

Abstract: A dental cartridge for dispensing a dental material having a body portion made of a material transparent to at least a portion of the visible light spectrum and opaque to the actinic light of the dental material contained therein. Also, a dental cartridge having a body portion formed from a toroidal segment and a coaxial nozzle attached thereto. The dental cartridges are used in a dental syringe for application of the dental material to a patient. Several embodiments provide various discharge end configurations, including hemispherical, conical frustum, and flat. Additionally, dosing indicia are placed on the body portion of the dental cartridge, permitting the dentist to fill the dental cartridge with a predetermined volume of dental material. A specially configured piston having an appendage thereon is used in combination with the dental cartridge for extruding substantially all of the costly dental material therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivery of highly filled, thixotropic resin sealant to tooth surfaces. The apparatus includes a dispenser for holding a quantity of the sealant material and a delivery tip having adjustable bristles at one end. The bristles are slidably secured in a spiral passageway formed by a helical ridge inside the delivery tip, thereby allowing the sealant material to be continuously applied without the need to stop the procedure and rewet the applicator. The applicator permits accurate control of the amount of sealant material applied to the surface. In this way, the surface receives neither an excessive nor an insufficient amount of the sealant material. Moreover, the bristles may be pushed in to permit the sealant material to be applied to a small, irregular surface, such as pits and fissures, or pulled out to permit the bristles to fan out for application to broad surface areas.

Abstract: Dental impression material is applied to the surfaces of teeth under pressure and in a direction of flow perpendicular to the underlying tooth surface. The impression material is pushed into the sulci, interstices of teeth and crevices in adjacent tissues which presses air out and prevents formation of voids. The applicator can be an accessory which is frictionally and sealingly received over the tip of a syringe. The distal end of the applicator may contain a vertical flap spaced from the outlet orifice and adjacent side walls, forming a chamber. As the impression material is extruded, it collects in the chamber under pressure. The end wall may be hinged to wipe the material onto surfaces and may be cut into mini-flaps to conform to cusps and adjacent depressions on occlusal surfaces of teeth.

Abstract: A dental capsule for mixing a cement powder with an activating liquid having a frangible seal. The frangible seal is placed between a nozzle and the body portion of a capsule preventing unmixed cement from entering the nozzle. The nozzle has a circumferential groove facilitating positioning thereof. A vent formed in the body of the capsule prevents premature rupturing of the frangible seal upon insertion of the plug. A second and third embodiment use a two-part plug for dispensing activating liquid to the cement powder contained within the body of the capsule.

Abstract: A dental cartridge for dispensing a dental material having a body portion made of a material transparent to at least a portion of the visible light spectrum and opaque to the actinic light of the dental material contained therein. Also, a dental cartridge having a body portion formed from a toroidal segment and a coaxial nozzle attached thereto. The dental cartridges arae used in a dental syringe for application of the dental material to a patient. Several embodiments provide various discharge end configurations, including hemispherical, conical frustum, and flat. Additionally, dosing indicia are placed on the body portion of the dental cartridge, permitting the dentist to fill the dental cartridge with a predetermined volume of dental material. A specially configured piston having an appendage thereon is used in combination with the dental cartridge for extruding substantially all of the costly dental material therein.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a dental syringe having a capsule holder and a plunger for accurately and precisely placing a viscous or low viscosity composite resin dental restorative material from a capsule directly into a tooth. The improvement resides in a plunger having an ejector tip which is maintained under a positive bias that is intended to retract when a resistance exceeding a predetermined amount is met during an ejecting procedure so as to prevent any build-up of pressure within the capsule containing the material to be dispensed that may tend to distort or rupture the capsule. In the case of a low viscosity resin, the plunger having an ejector tip maintained under a positive bias that is intended to retract when the speed of ejection exceeds that of a predetermined rate, so as to prevent sudden and excessive extrusion of material from the capsule.

Abstract: A manual extruder or syringe having a longitudinal slot therein adjacent the full circumference front end for receiving the nozzle of a cartridge. A barrel of a syringe having a front end and a breach opening adjacent thereto for receiving a cartridge of the type having an angularly disposed nozzle and rear flange. The slot in the front end is only wide enough to receive the width of the nozzle and prevents the body portion of the cartridge from passing therethrough. The body portion can then easily be slid along the barrel into the front end to be held by the flange against a substantially full circumference shoulder. The front end can be made very rigid, and the shoulder extending substantially the full circumference of the front end securely holds the cartridge preventing any possibility of unintentional separation from the syringe. In one embodiment, a notch is also provided to permit the cartridge to be inserted with the nozzle pointing upward.

Abstract: An applicator to deliver and hold anesthetic to the gums of a teething infant. In a first embodiment, an open ended trough having a sponge lining has a handle, so that medicament may be applied to the sponge lining and then held against the gum. In a second embodiment, a tube and syringe are provided in place of the handle, and the trough has a passage where the tube attaches, so that medicament within the syringe may be measurably delivered and held to the gum. Handle and tube may be flexible, or if not flexible, attached to the trough by a joint. Orientation of the handle is preferably within 44 and 96 degrees from a normal to the trough.