Designed By:
Richard A. Beu
Manufactured By:
Teledyne Dental, Hanau Division Buffalo, NY
Patent Date:
08/27/1975
US Patent:
3897632
Description:
The Teledyne articulator, initially called the Hanau XP-51, was marketed by Hanau in the 1970’s but was short-lived. It is a semi-adjustable articulator with the arcon feature, that is, the condylar element or ball is on the lower member and the condylar guidance in on the upper member. The intercondylar distance is fixed at 90 mm, but the condylar controls embody a feature that addresses the individual variances in patients.
The condylar mechanism includes, in addition to the adjustable superior wall (to set the condylar inclination with a protrusive record) and medial wall (to set the Bennett angle with lateral records), an adjustable posterior wall. After the Bennett angle is determined, “this posterior wall can be adjusted to the position of the working side condyle in lateral movement with a formula. When adjusted, this wall contacts and forms a continuous guiding surface for the working side condyle. Further, the posterior wall combines to compensate for the lack of an intercondylar distance adjustment on the articulator. The angle formed is called the compensating angle. This "compensating angle" is formed by the transverse hinge axis of the Hanau XP-51 articulator and the adjustable posterior wall of the condylar housing.” Two incisal guides are available, the Hanau universal guide and an incisal cup for fabricating a custom incisal guide.
Tanaka H, Beu RA: A new semi-adjustable articulator. Part I Concept behind the new articulator. J Prosthet Dent 1975; 33: 10-16.
Dr. Edgar N. Starcke's articles in the Journal of Prosthodontics have more information on the history of articulators.