SYSTEME FONCTIONNEL POUR CABINET DE DENTISTE

DENTAL OPERATORY SYSTEM

Abrégé anglais

DENTAL OPERATORY SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A dental operatory system is disclosed which converts
generalized space to a multi-operatory dental clinic at minimum
expense. Each dental operatory unit is generally L-shaped and
forms a wall-like partition structure between a first operatory
and a second operatory. The L-shaped structure incorporates
lead-lined protective panels. An x-ray unit and light unit are
mounted so as to be accessible to each operatory. Drawers are
also cooperatively mounted to ease of access by the dentist or
assistant in each operatory.

Revendications

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A dental operatory system comprising:
a generally L-shaped first dental operatory unit,
wherein the inside of the L defines an operatory work
space for a first dental operator, and wherein the
outside of one leg of the L provides an operatory work
space for a second dental operator, said L leg outside
comprising dental operatory implements for dental
operations, and means to mount said implements for
accessing into said second operatory work space for use
by said second dental operator, said unit further
comprising dental operatory means said dental operatory
means comprising an X-ray unit, and means to mount said
X-ray unit on said one leg of the L-shaped unit, and
means to permit alternative use of said X-ray unit by
said operators in the respective operatory work spaces,
and further comprising an X-ray operatory control unit,
and means to mount said X-ray operatory control unit on
the outside of the other leg of the L-shaped unit for use
by the operators, and whereby a generally L-shaped second
dental operatory unit, is spacedly positionable from and
in registration with and performing the dental operatory
functions as in said first unit with said one leg of said
second L-shaped unit being substantially parallel to one
leg of said first L-shaped unit, and the other leg of
said second L-shaped unit being aligned substantially
-16-

along a common rectilinear axis and in tandem with the
other leg of said first L-shaped unit, so that L-shaped
units may be incrementally added in registration with one
another.
2. The dental operatory system of claim 1, wherein
said dental operatory means comprises a dental lamp.
3. The dental operatory system of claim 1, wherein
said dental operatory means comprises a sink and faucet.
4. The dental operatory system of claim 1, wherein
said generally L-shaped structure comprises a first
portion and a second portion joined together by a curved
portion for strengthening said structure.
5. The dental operatory of claim 4, wherein said
curved portion comprises a double steel wall so that said
curved portion provides strength to said L-shaped
structure.
6. The dental operatory of claim 5, wherein said
L-shaped structure is affixed to the floor of said room,
and spaced from the ceiling.
7. The dental operatory system of claim 1, further
comprising X-ray shielding means being mounted to said L-
shaped unit.
8. The dental operatory system of claim 1, said L-
shaped unit comprising doors, communicating from the X-
ray control space, said doors further comprising X-ray
shielding material.
9. The dental operatory system of claim 1, said L-
shaped unit comprising a dental assistant's tray, and
-17-

means to swing said tray from a first position within
said unit to a second position into the operatory work
space.
10. The dental operatory system of claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of storage drawers, and means to
permit at least one drawer to open to said second
operatory area work space.
11. The dental operatory system of claim 1, said L-
shaped unit being formed as a curved L.
12. The dental operatory of claim 11, said curved
portion being formed with reinforcing walls disposed in
the inside and the outside, and said unit being floor
mounted but spaced from a ceiling.
13. The dental operatory system of claim 1, said
means to mount said elements comprising retractably
extensible means.
14. The dental operatory system of claim 13, said
elements comprising a tray.
15. The dental operatory system of claim 1, further
comprising said second L-shaped operatory unit in re-
gistration with the first unit, whereby two operatory
work spaces are provided, and wherein the second L-shaped
unit comprises operatory elements mounted on the outside
of the L to permit incremental expansion to a third unit.
16. A dental operatory system comprising:
a generally L-shaped first dental operatory unit, wherein
the inside of the L defines an operatory work space for a
-18-

first dental operator, and wherein the outside of one leg
of the L provides an operatory work space for a second
dental operator, said first unit further comprising
dental operatory means, together with means to mount said
dental operatory means on said one leg of said first L-
shaped dental operatory unit, so as to permit alternative
use of said dental operatory means by said first and
second dental operators in their respective operatory
work spaces, said outside of said one leg comprising
means to provide dental operatory implements for use in
said second operatory work space; a generally L-shaped
second dental operatory unit, said second unit being in
registration with and spaced from said first unit, said
second unit performing substantially the same dental
operatory functions as in said first unit, with one leg
of said second L-shaped unit being substantially parallel
to said one leg of said first L-shaped unit, and the
other leg of said second L-shaped unit being aligned
substantially along a common rectilinear axis and in
tandem with the other leg of said first L-shaped unit, so
that L-shaped units may be incrementally added in
registration with one another, and said second L-shaped
operatory unit being substantially identical to and in
registration with said first unit so as to provide said
two operatory work spaces, whereby the second L-shaped
unit permits incremental expansion to a third L-shaped
unit substantially identical to, and in registration
with, said first and second units.
-19-

17 The dental operatory system of claim 16 in
which a dental operatory element is mounted in the first
L-shaped dental operatory unit, at the junction of the
one leg and the other leg of the first unit, so as to
permit alternative use of said dental operatory element
by the first and second dental operators in their
respective operatory work spaces.
18. The dental operatory system or claim 17 in
which the dental operatory element is a sink-and-faucet
combination.
19. A dental operatory system comprising:
a generally L-shaped first dental operatory unit, wherein
the inside of the L defines an operatory work space for a
first dental operator, and wherein the outside of one leg
of the L provides an operatory work space for a second
dental operator, said first unit further comprising
dental operatory means, together with means to mount said
dental operatory means on said one leg of said first L-
shaped dental operatory unit, so as to permit alternative
use of said dental operatory means by said first and
second dental operators in their respective operatory
work spaces, said outside of said one leg comprising
means to provide dental operatory implements for use in
said second operatory work space; a generally L-shaped
second dental operatory unit, said second unit being in
registration with and spaced from said first unit, said
second unit performing substantially the same dental
-20-

operatory functions as in said first unit, with one leg
of said second L shaped unit being substantially parallel
to said one leg of said first L-shaped unit, and the
other leg of said second L-shaped unit being aligned
substantially along a common rectilinear axis and in
tandem with the other leg of said first L-shaped unit, so
that L-shaped units may be incrementally added in
registration with one another, and said second L-shaped
operatory unit being substantially identical to and in
registration with said first unit so as to provide said
two operatory work spaces, whereby the second L-shaped
unit permits incremental expansion to a third L-shaped
unit substantially identical to, and in registration
with, said first and second units, each of said first and
second operatory world spaces being adapted to receive a
respective dental chair, each of said dental chairs being
capable of being aligned substantially parallel to and
spaced from the one leg of its respective L-shaped dental
operatory unit, with the operative end of said dental
chair being juxtaposed and disposed adjacent the junction
of the one leg and the other leg of the respective L-
shaped dental operatory unit.
20. The dental operatory system of claim 19 in
which the dental operatory means comprises a pivotally
attached dental operatory lamp.
21. The dental operatory system of claim 19 in
which the dental operatory means comprises a pivotally
attached X-ray unit.
- 21 -

22. The dental operatory system of claim 19 in
which a dental operatory element is mounted in the first
L-shaped dental operatory unit, at the junction of the
one leg and the other leg of the first unit, said
junction of said legs being continuous above and below
said dental operatory element, but discontinuous at said
dental operatory element, so that said element is
accessible from both said first and second operatory work
spaces, so as to permit alternative use of said dental
operatory element by the first and second dental
operators in their respective operatory work spaces.
23. The dental operatory system of claim 22 in
which the dental operatory element is a sink-and-faucet
combination.
24. The dental operatory system of claim 19 in
which retractably extensible means comprising a dental
operatory tool is mounted to a partition below a
rectangular recess.
25. A dental operatory system comprising:
a generally L-shaped unitary modular first dental
operatory unit, wherein the inside of the L defines an
operatory work space for a first dental operator, and
wherein the outside of one leg of the L provides an
operatory work space for a second dental operator, said
first unit further comprising dental operator means
together with means to mount said dental operatory means
on said one leg of said first L-shaped dental operatory
-22-

unit, so as to permit common and dual accessibility and
alternative use of said dental operatory means by said
first and second dental operators in their respective
operatory work spaces, said operatory work spaces being
oriented in areas disposed on opposite sides of said one
leg of said first L-shaped dental operatory unit, the
inside of the other leg of said first L-shaped dental
operatory unit comprising means to provide dental
operatory implements for use in said first operatory work
space, said outside of said one leg comprising means to
provide dental operatory implements for use in said
second operatory work space; a generally L-shaped unitary
modular second dental operatory unit, said second unit
being in registration with and spaced from said first
unit, said second unit performing substantially the same
dental operatory functions as in said first unit, with
one leg of said second L-shaped unit being substantially
parallel to said one leg of said first L-shaped unit, and
the other leg of said second L-shaped unit being aligned
substantially along a common rectilinear axis and in
tandem with the other leg of said first L-shaped unit, so
that L-shaped units may be incrementally added in
registration with one another, and said second L-shaped
operatory unit being substantially identical to and in
registration with said first unit so as to provide said
two operatory work spaces, whereby the second L-shaped
unit permits incremental expansion to a third L-shaped
unitary modular unit substantially identical to, and in
-23-

registration with, said first and second units, each of
said first and second operatory work spaces being adapted
to receive a respective dental chair, each of said dental
chairs being capable of being aligned substantially
parallel to and spaced from the one leg of its respective
L-shaped dental operatory unit, with the operative end of
said dental chair being juxtaposed and disposed adjacent
the junction of the one leg and other leg of the
respective L-shaped dental operatory unit, retractably
extensible means including a dental operatory tool
mounted to a partition below a rectangular recess, a
dental operatory element comprising a sink-and-faucet
combination being mounted in the first L-shaped dental
operatory unit, at the junction of the one leg and the
other leg of the first unit, said junction of said legs
being continuous above and below said dental operatory
element, but discontinuous at said dental operatory
element, so that said element is accessible from both
said first and second operatory work spaces, so as to
permit alternative use of said dental operatory element
by the first and second dental operators in their
respective operatory work spaces.
26. The dental operatory system of claim 25 in
which the dental operatory means comprises a pivotally
attached dental operatory lamp.
27. The dental operatory system of claim 25 in
which the dental operatory means comprises a pivotally
-24-

attached X-ray unit.
28. The dental operatory system of claim 25 in
which the means to mount the dental operatory means on
the one leg of the first L-shaped dental operatory unit,
so as to permit common and dual accessibility and
alternative use of the dental operatory means by the
first and second dental operators in their respective
operatory work spaces oriented in areas disposed on
opposite sides of the one leg of the first L-shaped
dental operatory unit, comprises a pass through cabinet.
29. The dental operatory system of claim 28 in
which shielding material against X-rays is disposed about
the pass through cabinet, and on the outside of the legs
of the first L-shaped dental operatory unit.
30. A dental operatory system comprising:
a generally L-shaped unitary modular dental operatory
unit, wherein the inside of the L defines an operatory
work space for a first dental operator, and wherein the
outside of one leg of the L provides an operatory work
space for a second dental operator; said unit further
comprising dental operatory means, together with means to
mount said dental operatory means on said one leg of said
L-shaped dental operatory unit, so as to permit common
and dual accessibility and alternative use of said dental
operatory means by said first and second dental operators
in their respective operatory work spaces, said operatory
work spaces being oriented in areas disposed on opposite
sides of said one leg of said L-shaped dental operatory
-25-

unit, the inside of the other leg of said L-shaped dental
operatory unit comprising means to provide dental
operatory implements for use in said first operatory
work space, said outside of said one leg comprising means
to provide dental operatory implements for use in said
second operatory work space; said first operatory work
space being adapted to receive a respective dental chair,
said dental chair being capable of being aligned
substantially parallel to and spaced from the one leg of
its respective L-shaped dental operatory unit, with the
operative end of said dental chair being juxtaposed and
disposed adjacent the junction of the one leg and other
leg of the respective L-shaped dental operatory unit,
retractably extensible means including a dental operatory
tool mounted to a partition below a rectangular recess, a
dental operatory element comprising a sink-and-faucet
combination being mounted in the L-shaped dental
operatory unit, at the junction of the one leg and the
other leg of the first unit, said junction of said legs
being continuous above and below said dental operatory
element, but discontinuous at said dental operatory
element, so that said element is accessible from both
said first and second operatory work spaces, so as to
permit alternative use of said dental operatory element
by the first and second dental operators in their
respective operatory work spaces.
31. The dental operatory system of claim 30 in
-26-

which the dental operatory means comprises a pivotally
attached dental operatory lamp.
32. The dental operatory system of claim 30 in
which the dental operatory means comprises a pivotally
attached X-ray unit.
33. The dental operatory system of claim 30
together with a generally L-shaped unitary modular second
dental operatory unit, said second unit being in
registration with and spaced from the first unit, said
second unit performing substantially the same dental
operatory functions as in the first unit, with one leg of
said second L-shaped unit being substantially parallel to
said one leg of the first L-shaped unit, and the other
leg of said second L-shaped unit being aligned
substantially along a common rectilinear axis and in
tandem with the other leg of the first L-shaped unit, so
that L-shaped units may be incrementally added in
registration with one another, and said second L-shaped
operatory unit being substantially identical to and in
registration with the first unit so as to provide said
two operatory work spaces, whereby the second L-shaped
unit permits incremental expansion to a third L-shaped
unitary modular unit substantially identical to, and in
registration with, said first and second units, each of
the first and second operatory work spaces being adapted
to receive a respective dental chair, each of said dental
chairs being capable of being aligned substantially
parallel to and spaced from the one leg of its respective
-27-

L-shaped dental operatory unit, with the operative end of
each dental chair being juxtaposed and disposed adjacent
the junction of the one leg and the other leg of the
respective L-shaped dental operatory unit.
34. The dental operatory system of claim 30 in
which the means to mount the dental operatory means on
the one leg of the first L-shaped dental operatory unit,
so as to permit common and dual accessibility and
alternative use of the dental operatory means by the
first and second dental operators in their respective
operatory work spaces oriented in areas disposed on
opposite sides of the one leg of the first L-shaped
dental operatory unit, comprises a pass through cabinet.
35. The dental operatory system of claim 34 in
which shielding material against X-rays is disposed about
the pass through cabinet, and on the outside of the legs
of the first L-shaped dental operatory unit.
-28-

Description

12~8884
¦! This invention generally relates to a dental
operator
system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART
heretofore, dental operator systems have attempted to
duplicate the conditions and facilities which exist when a dental
operator is installed in a room such as used by an individual
dental operator. In fact, it is still the practice in some
instances to construct a multiplicity of small rooms for use as
separate dental operators.
The systems which are based on the foregoing description
generally do not share equipment with adjacent operators nor do
they provide for movement into and out of the operator area by
Gore than one exit or entrance.
Some of the prior art patents which concern themselves with
dental operator systems are US. Patent Nos. 4,095,379; 3,922,-
788; 3,524,256î 3,4~7,955; 3,455,620; 3,250,583; 3,229,368 and
3,111,7~9.
Also pertinent is a dental operator system made available
by the Dental EN Co., the G15 System, requiring two operator
modules for each dental operator.
OBJECTS OF TOE INVENTION
_ .
It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved dental operator system.
Another object is to provide a dental operator system
which can be used as a basic module for multi-operatory dental
offices.
-2-
I, if

'I `
` 1;~888~
A further object is to provide a dental operator system as
aforesaid with units in which two or more dental operators can
simultaneous utilize.
An additional object is to provide a dental operator
system which is more efficient and less costly than prior art
systems.
Still another important object is to provide a dental
operator system in which personnel on either side of a partition
structure have common access to common dental appliances.
Still a further object is to save time and effort in a
dental office by providing a more efficient dental operator.
Yet another object is to provide a portion of the operator
structure having facilities for use by a dental assistant.
Yet an additional object is to provide another portion of
the structure having multiple requisite facilities for use by a
dental operator.
Yet another object is to conveniently and easily convert a
given area into a modern dental clinic by installing a plurality
of movable partition structures such as herein described.
A GRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The operator of the present invention incorporates a
multi-functional integral L-shaped operator unit for Sims
ulatenously serving multiple operator needs.
Each generally L-shaped operator of the present invention
provides everything needed by each set of the dental operators,
(that is each dentist and his assistant), thereby preventing each
from crossing over into the others area. Eliminating the
crossover results in greater efficiency and productivity.
Therefore, one side of the present invention contains the
assistant's cabinetry and equipment whereas the other side
-3-

12~88~3~
contain. thcdoc~or 's cabinetry and equipment. When the
present involution is used in multiple operator arrangements
each side of the structure provides the needs of each no-
spective operator.
Specifically, the invention relates to a dental
operator system comprising:
a generally L-shaped first dental operator unit, wherein the
inside of the L defines an operator work space for a first
dental operator ! and wherein the outside of one leg of the L
provides an operator work space for a second dental operator,
the first unit further comprising dental operator means, to-
getter with means to mount the dental operator means on the
one icy of the first L-shaped dental owe Tory unit, so as to
permit alternative use of the dental operator means by the
first and second dental operators in their respective opera-
tory work spaces, the outside of- the one leg comprising means
to provide dental operator implements for use in the second
operator work space; a generally L-shaped second dental open-
Tory unit, the second unit being in registration with and spaced
I from the first unit, the second unit performing substantially
the same dental operator functions as in the first unit, with
one leg of the second L-shaped unit being substantially parallel
to the one Luke of the first L-shaped unit, and the other leg
of the second L-shaped unit being aligned substantially along a
common rectilinear axis and in tandem with the other leg of the
first L-shaped unit, so that L-shaped units may be incrementally
added in registration with one another, an the second L-shaped
operator unit being substantially identical to an in registrar
lion with the first unit so as to provide the two operator work
. ., .
fit/ j

I 8884
assess, whereby the second L-shaped unit permits incremental
expansion to a third L-shaped unit substantially identical to,
and in registration with the first and second units, each of
the first and second operator work spaces being adapted to
receive a respective dental chair, each of the dental chairs
being capable of being aligned substantially parallel, to and
spaced from the one leg of its respective L-shaped dental open-
Tory unit, with the operative end of the dental chair being
juxtaposed and disposed adjacent the junction of the one leg
and the other leg of the respective L-shaped Donnelly operator
unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings in which is shown one of the
various possible embodiments of the invention:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the first dental
operator system,
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the first dental operator
system;
FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the outer side of the
partition structure of the first dental operator system;
FIG. 4 shows the rear side of the first system in elevation
view;
FIG. 5 shows the inner side of the first system in elevation
view;
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the first dental operator
system;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the second dental operator;
FIG. 8 is a perspective elevation Al view of the inner side
of the second dental operator;
I,. . --
Jo rut ? - pa-

1218884
FIG. 9 is perspective elevation Al view of the outer side of
the second dental operator; and
FIG. 10 is fragmentary elevation Al view of the power
module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
.
Referring now to the Figures, the first dental operator
system includes, viewed in tot, a unitary generally L-shaped
partition structure as shown in the Figures. The present
- _~_

lZ18884
partition structure is charac~erized'by the-prDvision-of assay
upright vertical flat planar partition generally designated as
10, and a second upright vertical flat planar partition, gent
orally designated as 12. The partitions 10 and 12, as shown, are
generally perpendicular to each other and of generally equal
height. A curved partition, generally designated as 14, is
disposed between the partitions 10 and 12. The curved partition
14 extends between the inner end 16 of the first partition 10 and
the inner end 18 of the second partition 12, so that the '
partitions 10 and 12 are joined by the partition 14 into a unitary
entity capable of being disposed in an upright orientation (as
shown) in a room. -- I-- - ~~~'
The outer edge 20 of the partition 10 terminates at 22 byway
the upper edge 24 of the first partition 10, and the upper edge
24 of the first partition 10 terminates at 26 short of the outer
edge 20 of the partition 10, so that a rectangular recess
generally designated as 28 is provided in the upper outer corner'
of the first partition 10. This recess 28 is defined by a vertical
wall 30 which depends from the outer end 26 of the upper edge 24
of the first partition 10, and a horizontal wall 32 which extends
from the lower end 34 of-the vertical wall 30 to the upper end 22
of the outer edge 20 of the first partition 10. -
A common dental X-ray apparatus 36 is provided, the X-ray
apparatus 36 being accessible to dental operators, not shown, on
either side of partition 10. Thus, the X-ray apparatus 36 is
suspended from a first pivot able bracket 38 which is mounted and
attached to the first partition 10 proximately at the vertical
wall 30, i.e. at 40, and is pivot able at 42 and 40. As shown, at
least a portion of the first bracket 38 extends out of the recess
I -' ' -I` ~~-'~- :-: ~-~-~ --I- --- - --- ;
, I
"
... '.. _. . . I' , .'

- ~2~8884
A dental operator lamp 44 is suspended from a second
pivot able bracket 46, the bracket 46 being pivot able at 48 and 50
and being mounted and attached at 52 to the top edge 24 of the
first partition 10 proximately at the vertical wall 30, i.e. at
26. The lamp 44 may alternatively be fixedly mounted to 10.
The curved partition 14 has a through opening 54
proximately at its middle region. A common sink 56 is mounted to
the curved partition 14 at the through opening 54, so that the
sink 56 is accessible to dental operators on either side of the
first partition 10 without entering the other respective opera-
tory. A common faucet 58 is provided to pass water or other liquid
to the common sink 56, the common faucet 58 being disposed, as
shown, intermediate the opposite sides 60, 62 of the common sink
56, so that the common faucet 58 is accessible to dental operators
on either side of the first partition 10 without entering-the
other respective operator.
A dental operator tool 64 (Figs. 3 and S) is mounted to the
first partition 10 below the rectangular recess 28. A first
plurality of drawers 66 (Fig. 3) constituting a first means for
containing dental accessories is integral with the first -
partition 10 and disposed in the first partition 10 below the level of the rectangular recess 28. A second plurality of drawers
68 constituting a second means for containing dental accessories
is integral with the second partition 12 and disposed in the
second partition 12 on the inner side of the second partition 12,
as shown. Additional drawers or cabinets 70 (Fig. 5) may be
provided on the inner side of the first partition 10. The entire
partition structure may be readily and detachably attached to the
floor of a room or other enclosure by means of bolt holes 72 (Fig.
I
It is evident that the pivot able bracket 38 constitutes a
- 6 -

~Z18884
means for mounting the common dental appliance, consisting of X-
ray apparatus 36, on the partition structure 10 for swinging
movement between the first and second dental operators
respectively on the inner and outer sides of the first partition
10. Thus, common accessibility of the apparatus 36 is granted to
both dental operators. It is also apparent that the common sink
56 in the through cutout opening 54, which opening extends through
the partition structure to opposite sides thereof, is also
accessible to both dental operators. Thus, either the first
dental operator on the inner side of partition 10 (the inner side
being designated with cabinets 70, Fig. 5, and with the dental
operator lamp 44), or the second dental operator on the outer
side of partition 10 (the outer side being shown with drawers 66),
has common access to the common sink and common dental appliances
without the necessity for entering the other respective operator
on the opposite side of partition structure 10.
It should also be noted that the pivot able bracket 38,
constituting a means for mounting the common dental appliance 36,
mounts the same on a pivot able mounting 40 in the recess 28
proximately at the top of the partition 10, at a location
characterized by recess 28 so that the common dental appliance 36
is free from mechanical interference with any part of the
partition structure 10 during transfer of the common dental
appliance 36 between the dental operators on either side of
partition structure 10.
It thus will be seen that there is provided a dental
operator system which achieves the various objects of the
invention and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of
practical use.

~.Z~.8884
A unitized second dental operator system showing two
adjacent operators generally designated 110 and AYE, de-
furring operators areas 301 and AYE, respectively is shown
in FIGS. 7-10.
Operators 110 and AYE have similar features with
similar distinction number designations, with the suffix "An.
Operator 110 is seen to have a straight portion 112 joined to
a curved portion 114 which in turn is joined to a shorter
straight portion 116 to form the walls 190 and 116.
A dental operator lamp 118 is shown pivot ably attached
to the top most part 201 of cabinet 221 of straight portion 114.
n X-ray unit 120 is shown pivot ably attached to a vertical
..
part 203 of cabinet 202 of straight portion 112. In this manner
of construction lamp unit 118 and x-ray 120 may be pivoted and
serve operation areas 301 and AYE respectively.
A delivery drawer unit is shown to dispose the outer side
of straight portion 112. Extending from shorter straight
portion 116 is an assistant's unit 124 containing dental tools
and materials used by the dental operators.
An assistant stool 126 and a doctor stool 128 are shown
in disposition to a dental chair 130 in dental space 110. In
the left portion of FIG. 7 is seen a starting unit 132 having
attached thereto a side delivery unit 122B.
Straight portion 112 is further comprising a base
section 126 having attached an upper section 128. Upper section
128 is seen to pivot ably support lamp 118 and X-ray unit 120 as
aforesaid. A portion of upper section 128 has an inwardly
facing first cabinet 130 and directly below and within base
section 126 is a first drawer set 132 and a single drawer 134.
- 8 -

1218884
Shorter straight portion 116 is seen to consist of a
second base section 136 having attached a second upper section
138. Upper section 138 is further seen to comprise a second
cabinet 140 having a pair of transparent sliding doors 142.
Cabinet 140 contains a series of horizontal shelves 144 and a
vertically disposed compartment 140. Immediately below cay
bidet 140 is a power section 146 which is seen with greater
detail in FIG. 10. below power section 146 and proximate to a
counter top 148 is an intercommunication system 150.
Alongside intercommuni-
cation system 150 and vertically arranged is a series of plug-
in connections 152. Further, located at the end of straight
portion 116 is a compartment 154 for installation of analgesia
equipment. Compartment 154 comprises a front portion 156 which
is pivotal attached by a hinge 158 so that when a handle 159
is pulled forward, compartment 154 opens for access to the
analgesia equipment. Alongside compartment 154 is the dental
assistant's unit 124 which is pivotal secured to second base
section 136 by a set of arms 160. Therefore, unit 124 can be
pulled out for use or pushed into the recess provided in
shorter straight portion 116.
Curved portion 114 serves to provide support and rig-
idiot to portion 112 and portion 116. The required rigidity is
derived from double steel wall curved portions 206 and 208 being
interconnected by an intermediate portion 207. Just above
opening 162 is an intermediate portion (not shown similar to
portion 207. The aforedescribed portions are attached together
by spot welding means or other fastening means to form a rigid
box structure. Curved portion 114 has an opening 162 which
provides accessibility to a sink 164 located on counter top
148. Counter top 148 begins at shorter straight portion 116

I ~,2~8884
continues through curved portion 114,and~-thence octet
portion 112. Sink 164 is therefore accessible from either side,
of operator 110 as can be seen when reference is made to FIG,,-
8 and FIG. 9. Sink 164 has proximate one of the side walls
secured a faucet set 166 which is shown positioned so-as to Allah
be easily accessible from either side of operator 110.
Alongside sink 164 is an opening 165 which provide access to a
waste receptacle (not shown). Below sink 164 is located a pair
of access doors 168 which provide an opening in the cabinet for
plumbing connections to sink 164 and faucet set 166. --
FIG. 9 shows a number of items which are not shown in FUGUE and will therefore redescribed Located on the outside of-,
generally L-shaped operator 110 and -in the upper part of
portion 116 are a pair of sliding opaque doors 170. Opaque doors
170 provide rear access to second cabinet 140 (best seen in FIG.
9) for records delivery. Below opaque doors 170 and in the rear
wall is found an X-ray control unit 171. Opaque doors 170, the
rear portion of shorter straight portion 116, the wrier,
curved portion 114 and the upper part of straight portion 112J
contain an x-ray shielding material 172 which provides pro-
section for an operator using control unit 171.
The rear part of straight portion 112 of operator 110
comprises an X-ray film viewer 174 and below, contained within-
a storage compartment 176 is side delivery unit 122. Further,
there is seen a pull out shelf 178 and a second drawer set 180
which is made to fit between first drawer set 132 and single
drawer 134 both best seen in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view of power section 146 in an
opened position. Power section 146 is shown opened to
illustrate internal wiring and the accessibility to a printed
circuit board 182. Accessibility is provided by a hinged ,
panel 84 which can be closed unauthorized access to the
contents within power section 146. The rear part of power
section 146 houses the x-ray control unit.
-10-
.

~8884
FIG. 7 illustrates a typical installation of unitized dental
operator 110 as used by first and second dental operators. Each
operator has access to his side of the generally L-shaped
operator 110. Referring to FIG. 7 we see operator 110
duplicated as structure AYE and between them is placed assist-
ant's stool AYE, doctor's stool AYE and dental chair AYE.
Directing our attention to operator 110 we see that
contained within the first side (inside) of L-shaped operator
110 is doctor's stool 127, assistant's stool 125 and dental chair
129. Operator 110 is further seen to contain dental operator
lamp 118 and X-ray unit 120 both pivotal attached to operator
110. To the left of doctor's stool 127 is starting unit 131 which
houses side delivery unit AYE. Between starting unit 131 and the
first side (inside) of L-shaped operator is contained all that
is necessary for first dental operators.
Between the second side (outside) of L-shaped operator 110
and the first side (inside) of operator AYE is a replica of the
aforedescribed operator for the first dental operator. This
replica is now available to the second dental operators who have
for their use side delivery unit 122, doctor stool AYE, assistant
stool AYE, and dental chair AYE. Operator AYE has dental lamp
Elba and X-ray unit AYE far use by the second dental operators.
Each dental operator 110 contains a series of leveling
devices (not shown) and a series of brackets (not shown) for
adjusting each operator 110 to compensate for an uneven floor.
Operator 110 can then be demountably fastening to the floor using
the series of brackets. This remountable fastening to the floor

' 12~8884
stabilizes operator 110 as dental light 118 is moved, X-ray unit
120 is moved to X-ray a patient or as side delivery 122 is moved.
The foregoing generally describes the most general
features of dental operator 110 and illustrates the application
of operator 110 to a plurality of dental operation systems for
use in a multi-patient clinic. Operator 110 provides the
partition between individual operators to ensure each patient
privacy while at the same time not requiring extensive alteration
of the room housing the plurality of dental operator systems.
FIG. 8 and 9 shows in greater detail the novel features of
operator 110.
The first side (inside) of L-shaped operator 110 is shown
in FIX. 8. Here is seen assistant unit 124 Wheaties pivotal
attached to operator 110 and can be moved out for use by the
assistant when sitting in assistant's chair 125 or pushed in to
clear the working area. To the left of assistant unit 124 is
compartment 154 which houses the analgesia unit. Access to the
analgesia unit is had by pulling on handle 159. Above the
analgesia unit is found an intercommunication system unit 160 for
use by the first operator to send or receive information.
Alongside intercom 160 are plug in connections 152 providing
water and air to dental tools when required. Above the intercom,
unit 160 is a novel power section 146 which serves as a junction,
box for all the electrical equipment mounted on operator 110. X-
ray control unit 171 is shown mounted on the rear of power section
146 and control unit 171 is connected to X-ray unit 120 by the
control board 182 and some of the wiring seen within power section
146. Mounted on hinged panel 184 are some components shown wired
to board 182. When panel 184 is open easy access is had to all
operator 110 electrical wiring at central location. In normal

lZ18884
use panel 184 is closed preventing unauthorized access to the
wiring.
Second cabinet 140 (FIG. 8) is located in the upper part of
shorter straight portion 116 and has the following features. PIG.
8 shows the pair of sliding doors 142 which are transparent and
permit the assistant to select the appropriate trays for use in
assistant's unit 124. The various trays may be color coded and
the color coding corresponds to particular operator procedures.
FIG. 9 shows the pair of opaque doors 170 which open to make
shelves 144 accessible to a person in the rear operator 110.
Therefore, new trays can be placed onto shelves 144 from the rear
and used trays removed without interfering with the area
containing the first operator and patient. Cabinet 140 also
contains vertically disposed compartment 141 for the storage of
next patient records which can be inserted from the rear and then
is accessible to either of the first operators when the next
patient arrives.
Located within curved portion 114 is sink 164 which is placed
so as to be accessible from the first side and second side of
operator 110. Opening 162 is designed to permit easy access to
faucet set 166-. Immediately below is the pair of access doors 168
for making plumbing connections to sink 164 and faucet set 166,
as well as giving access to a waste receptacle which may be stored
therein.
In FIG. 8 is also seen the various features of straight
portion 112 which are conveniently accessible to the or his
assistant. Specifically seen is first cabinet 130 having sliding
doors and shelves within for storage of various dental supplies.
below cabinet 130 is an open space which may be used to house a
computer terminal for use in recalling information if patient's I,
.

I lZ18884
records are computerized. In the base of straight portion 112
and below the open space are the first drawer set 132 and single
drawer 134. It will be seen that drawer set 132 and drawer 134
are separated by a blank panel. Where the blank panel appears in
FIG. 8 there is located second drawer set 180 best seen in FIG.
9, the foregoing is another feature so operator 110.
FIG. 9 shows items which are conveniently accessible to the
doctor. Seen herein is x-ray film viewer 174 which is available
to the doctor for diagnostic purposes and can readily seen by the
patient. Further seen is storage compartment 176 which houses
side delivery unit 122. Compartment 176 is used when it is
necessary to move side delivery unit 122 out of the operator
area. FIG. 7 shows unit AYE in a position close to doctor stool
127. In this position unit AYE or unit 122 enables doctor to
control the various functions of dental chair 129. Shown
partially withdrawn is pull out shelf 178 which provides a
temporary surface for use by the first operator or the assistant.
The second side (outside) of shorter straight portion 116
shows X-ray control unit 171 from which the first operator
(doctor) controls the operation of X-ray unit 120. After
placement of X-ray unit 120 near the patient's mouth the first
operator retreats to the rear part of portion 116. In this
position the first operator is shielded from any stray X-rays by
X-ray shielding material 172 which is attached to the indicated
areas of operator 110. Operator 110 then has an in built
shielding which prevents the first operator from receiving an
overdose of x-ray exposures during the course of a day when x-
ray machine 120 is used on a plurality of patients. Shielding
material 172 also is placed to prevent stray x-ray exposure to
the adjacent operator.

~2~8~38~
The embodiments of the invention particularly disclosed an - .
described herein above is presented merely as an example of the
invention. Other embodiments, forms and modifications of the
invention coming within the proper scope and spirit of the
appended claims, will of course, readily suggest themselves to
those skilled in the art.
-15- .,