Amoco Corporation

Bisco Inc.

Richard Nagel

Paul Mulhauser

Karl Dallas Kirk, Iii

David Czarnecki

The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing specifically metered doses of at least two flowable dental materials in desired ratios to one another. In particular, the present invention allows for controlled metering and dispensing of two or more flowable dental substances which when subsequently mixed form a dental bonding composition, dental adhesive, dental cement, or other dental restorative or preparative materials. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a multi-rack system as well as a drive spring action to provide a substantial mechanical advantage to the user such that a relatively long throw of the dispensing button creates a relatively short, metered distance of movement of the multiple racks and corresponding pistons in the each lumen of a cartridge containing the component of the desired dental composition, allowing for small, metered doses of each flowable dental component to be dispensed from the apparatus in the proper proportions.

Dispenser for dental compositions

A laser radiation source apparatus comprises a laser source means for producing laser radiation; a stepped-index optical fiber; first coupling means for coupling the laser source means with one end of the stepped-index optical fiber; and second coupling means for coupling the other end of the stepped-index optical fiber with another fiber suitable for transmission of laser radiation. The stepped-index fiber optic includes a core suitable for transmission of laser radiation, which is encompassed by at least one cladding layer and a buffer layer, in which the refractive index value for the core is greater than the refractive index value for the cladding layer, and the refractive index value for the cladding layer is greater than the refractive index for the buffer layer, so that laser radiation transmitted into the cladding layer is transmitted through the fiber. Single index fibers having several diameters may be coupled to the apparatus.

Growing community of inventors

West Chicago, IL, United States of America

Richard Nagel