Abstract:
An endodontic instrument extractor tool is configured for removing a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument that has become lodged within a root canal of a tooth. The extractor tool comprises an elongate shaft, including a hollow gripping body at a distal end, and a proximal handle portion. The hollow gripping body includes an inside diameter that is initially greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument to be removed from a root canal of a tooth. The inside diameter of the hollow gripping body defines a hollow interior cavity portion into which at least a portion of the fragment is receivable. At least the hollow gripping body of the body is formed of a shape memory alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium) or polymer in an expanded configuration so that upon heating, the shape memory alloy or polymer returns to its unexpanded configuration, tightly gripping around a proximal end of the fragment.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing endodontic instruments by milling. A provided metallic (e.g., a nickel-titanium alloy or stainless steel) thread or wire having a longitudinal axis is advanced along its longitudinal axis at a feedrate while contacting at least a portion of the metallic thread or wire with a plurality of rotating milling heads so as to remove portions of the thread or wire and yield a metallic rod including a cutting portion having a plurality of cutting edges.
Abstract:
An orthopaedic joint assembly for attachment to a bone is provided. The joint assembly includes a body having an interior wall defining an opening in the body and a fastener. The fastener has a portion of the fastener fitted through the opening of the body. The fastener is rigidly connected to the body.
Abstract:
An acetabular cup assembly for attachment to an acetabulum is provided. The cup assembly includes an acetabular cup including a first connector and a fastener. The fastener cooperates with the cup. The fastener includes a second connector. The first and second connectors cooperate to rigidly connect the fastener to the cup.
Abstract:
A method for controlling bleeding during dental procedures using a medicament delivery system having a medicament under pressure and a hollow cannula having a fiber coated distal delivery end through which the medicament is dispensed, includes: (i) applying under hydraulic pressure a medicament to a desired area of tissue using the medicament delivery system so as to infuse medicament into exposed capillaries; and (ii) rubbing the tissue with the medicament delivery system.
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.
Abstract:
Endodontic instruments or intermediate products (e.g., blanks) used to form finished endodontic instruments having a desired cutting edge and/or taper are formed, at least in part, by molding a metal powder into a desired shape and then sintering the metal particles together. The metal powder is initially formed into a green molded part that is sintered to yield a solid metal part. The sintered metal part may optionally be further processed by additional steps, as needed, to yield a finished endodontic instrument. One additional process includes cold forming the sintered metal body to provide a cutting edge, remove cracks and microfissures, or otherwise modify the characteristics of an intermediate product or endodontic instrument. Other processes include chemical milling and mechanical milling, grinding or cutting to sharpen the cutting edge, form a taper, or otherwise modify the intermediate product or endodontic instrument in a desired manner.
Abstract:
Endodontic instruments having a desired cutting edge are formed, at least in part, using a cold forming process. The method of forming the endodontic instrument includes providing a blank metal thread or wire and at least one die that has a negative impression of a cutting edge. The die is pressed against the blank with sufficient force in order for the die to form an at least partially formed cutting edge in the blank. Any desired shape can be formed into the blank by selecting a die with the proper corresponding negative impression. Cold forming techniques suitable for forming endodontic instruments include roll forming, flat rolling, radial forming, cold drawing, and similar techniques. The files can be sharpened or otherwise modified before or after cold-forming using techniques such as cutting, grinding, and chemical milling.
Abstract:
Wax-based lubricant coatings for conveyors, and in particular for container transporting conveyors, are provided. The lubricant coatings provide conveyor surfaces having low coefficients of friction. In one embodiment, the lubricant coatings are composed of a mixture of carnauba wax and at least one additional wax. Conveyors having the lubricant coatings applied thereto are also provided.