Antes-Lewis Articulator and Grinder, 1900
Designed By:
R.H. Antes and T. G. Lewis
Manufactured By:
Buffalo Dental Mfg. Co., Buffalo , NY
US Patent:
US Patent No . 659,871, October 16, 1900
Description:
One of the earliest articulators with features to create the so-called “seesaw” denture grinding motions was patented by T. G. Lewis of Buffalo, NY, in 1900 (US Patent No . 659,871, October 16, 1900). By using right and left thumb plates, oscillating as well as protrusive movements on the horizontal plane could be achieved. A posterior “return” or tension spring was provided in a casing attached perpendicular to the yoke. Elements of Lewis' articulator were combined with that of R. H. Antes (US Patent No. 547,195, October 1, 1895) to create the Antes-Lewis Articulator.
Three quarter view of Antes-Lewis Articulator
Top view clearly showing the thumb plates and the center spring assembly
Dr. Edgar N. Starcke's articles in the Journal of Prosthodontics have more information on the history of articulators.