Abstract:
Locking structures and syringe systems provide increased locking force and/or sealing between a syringe and another syringe or applicator tip coupled thereto. One locking structure includes a tubular member having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, one or more first tabs projecting from the exterior surface of the tubular member so as to at least partially encircle the tubular member, and means for increasing resistance between the one or more first tabs and corresponding structure (e.g., grooves) of a device (e.g., a syringe or applicator tip) that is selectively coupleable to the tubular member.
Abstract:
An exoskeleton support and associated placement system for use in placing a thin, flexible dental treatment strip over a person's tooth surfaces. The exoskeleton support includes an exoskeleton body that is curved so as to approximate the curvature of a person's dental arch. The exoskeleton support includes an inner surface that is oriented toward a person's tooth surfaces during use, an outer surface oriented away from the person's tooth surfaces during use, and means for temporarily holding or attaching a flexible dental treatment strip to the inner surface of the exoskeleton support. The exoskeleton support allows a user to more easily and accurately place a dental treatment strip on tooth surfaces to be treated.
Abstract:
A syringe delivery system for dispensing a highly viscous material through a syringe delivery opening. The system includes a syringe barrel having a delivery opening, a plunger including a threaded shaft that threadably engages the syringe barrel for selectively dispensing a viscous material through the delivery opening, and a plunger gripping member in griping communication with the plunger that includes means for sealing the threaded shaft of the plunger so as to prevent contamination by foreign matter. According to one embodiment, a sheath may be included that covers the threaded shaft of the plunger so as to hide the plunger beneath the sheath. The sheath provides a sealed environment for the threaded shaft so as to prevent entrance or contamination by foreign matter.
Abstract:
Method and system of managing requests arriving at a central location. One embodiment of the invention provides a system for managing requests. The system includes destination paths configured to receive the requests and a server configured to receive the requests and forward each request to one of the destination paths. The system also includes an application executed on the server that intercepts the requests forwarded by the server to the destination paths, analyzes each request, extracts information from each request, and places the extracted information in a formatted output file before forwarding the request to one of the destination paths.
Abstract:
An integrated remote control and sound recording device includes a housing, a remote control input interface for enabling a user to control at least one electronic entertainment device, and a sound recorder at least partially enclosed within the housing. The integrated device enables control of devices such as a television, an audio system, a video disc player, a video cassette recorder, a direct broadcast satellite receiver, a personal video recorder, a cable box, and a digital portable music and/or entertainment system. In addition, the device may be used as a sound recorder.
Abstract:
An orthodontic bracket packaging kit and system includes a base tray, a plurality of pedestals for supporting individual orthodontic brackets, and a protective lid. The kit may also include a blister cover fitting over the orthodontic brackets, helping to hold them in place on top of the individual pedestals. The base tray may have an undulating profile defining a lower level and an upper level, along with a tongue raised towards the lower level. The upper level may be used for placement of maxillary brackets, while the lower level may hold mandibular brackets. The pedestals may be arranged along the base tray in a staggered, radial arc arrangement to facilitate manual retrieval of the brackets. The protective cover may be substantially opaque to curing light wavelengths to protect light curable adhesive pre-applied to the individual brackets.
Abstract:
A dental post analog includes an analog post body, and at least one of means for determining the depth of placement of the distal insertion portion, means for gripping the post body, or means for tethering the post body. The analog post body includes a distal insertion portion and a proximal portion that extends beyond the distal insertion portion. The distal insertion portion is configured for temporary insertion into a recess of a tooth, and at least approximately corresponds to the size, shape, and length of a permanent dental post. The post analog may be radiopaque. It may be disposable or autoclavable.
Abstract:
A delivery tip for dispensing a high viscosity composition (e.g., a fluoride varnish composition) includes a tip body and a fiber flocked enlarged wing element disposed near a distal delivery end of the tip body. The tip body includes a passageway extending between an inlet orifice at a proximal end and a delivery orifice at the distal delivery end. A ratio of the width of the enlarged wing element to an inside diameter of the delivery orifice is at least about 5:1, which controls flow of the fluoride varnish composition through the delivery orifice while also providing for a wide application width for easily brushing the composition onto a patient's tooth.
Abstract:
5A light meter for detecting two or more different wavelengths of light and methods for determining whether a light source configure to emit light at two or more dominant wavelengths is working properly. The inventive light meter includes a housing, two or more receiving means for receiving light energy emitted by an external light source wherein each receiving means is configured to receive light energy of a desired wavelength, detecting means for detecting and measuring light energy received by the receiving means, and display means for providing a visual indication of the existence and intensity of one or more wavelengths of light energy received by the receiving means.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a dental bracket and associated kit used to attach a medicament-releasing pellet on a tooth. The kit is designed to provide slow release of fluoride or other medicament over a desired period of time. The medicament release kit includes a medicament-releasing pellet and a dental bracket. The bracket comprises a base and a socket configured to receive and retain the pellet at least partially therein. The device may be installed by a dental practitioner and remain attached to a patient's tooth for a few months or up to 20 years. The medicament-releasing pellet, designed to slowly release small quantities of fluoride or another medicament, may be replaced, for example, every 6 months to 2 years. Replacement of the medicament-releasing pellet may be performed at home or at a dentist's office.