Importance

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Abstract

A trigger-actuated sliding dental amalgam dispenser is provided with a material distribution shell within which a transport carriage is longitudinally reciprocated under the control of a trigger actuator. Liquid conduit channels in the shell carry mercury from a reservoir above the shell to a measuring chamber in the carriage. Upon actuation of the trigger, the measuring chamber, otherwise held in communication with the mercury reservoir by a spring bias on the trigger, is reciprocated relative to the shell to that the mercury in the measuring chamber is discharged into a dispensing well. Concurrently, a slide with a silver receptacle tray is repositioned to receive another tablet of silver from a tablet dispensing cartridge positioned above the material distribution shell. When the trigger is released, the tray carries the silver tablet into vertical registration with the dispensing well to drop the tablet into the well. A micropore filter communicates with the measuring chamber through a relief vent when the measuring chamber is in communication with the mercury reservoir to allow air to escape as mercury fills the volume of the measuring chamber, while at the same time preventing the escape of mercury therethrough. A vacuum break vent is preferably located to communicate with the measuring chamber when the chamber is moved into registration with the dispensing well.

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First Claim