Designed By:
Harry C. Hagman, CDT
Manufactured By:
The Hagman Balancer Company, Minneapolis, MN.
US Patent:
2119579
Description:
The “Junior Balancer” that was introduced in 1934 was a smaller, simpler, and less expensive version of the “Deluxe” model. The “Junior” model was usually cadmium coated although a few were chrome plated. There was no provision for mounting plates so casts were mounted directly to the instrument. The various attachments that were provided for the “Junior Balancers” were the Occlusal Arc Guide and the Flat Plane Guide.
The “Balancer” articulators were designed according to Monson’s “Spherical” theory of mandibular movement. Hagman believed that the mandible functioned in an arc from centric relation and that all movements can be produced in an articulator functioning from a single point of rotation. The operating mechanism of the “Balancer” articulators was a single ball and socket (universal) joint called the “functioning head” located 4 inches directly above the occlusal plane. The hinge joint of the “Balancer” is located to be “in line” or concentric to the occlusal path.
Side view of the Hagman Junior Balancer, closed position
Side view of the Hagman Junior Balancer, partial open position demonstrating the position of the hinge
Detail of the functioning head (universal joint connected to upper cast holder)Dr. Edgar N. Starcke's articles in the Journal of Prosthodontics have more information on the history of articulators.