Abstract:
A composite flame retardant fabric is provided comprising an interior layer formed of thermoplastic fibers and exterior nonwoven webs on opposite sides of the interior layer. The exterior webs are formed of cellulosic fibers that include a flame retardant chemical. The interior layer provides strength and integrity to the composite fabric while allowing the composite to remain flexible and light in weight. The exterior layers impart flame retardant properties to the composite. Preferably, the interior layer is a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, and in a preferred embodiment the interior layer is a polyester spunbond nonwoven fabric. The exterior layers are preferably carded nonwoven webs, and in a preferred embodiment, the carded webs comprise rayon fibers that have been treated with a flame retardant chemical.
Abstract:
Self-ligating orthodontic brackets with archwire retainers formed of materials exhibiting shape memory. Each bracket which includes a base from which extends two spaced and opposing pairs of tie wings each pair of which define an archwire guide slot therebetween. The retainers include at least one flange to retain an archwire within the archwire guide slot but which is yieldable to permit insertion and/or removal of the archwire relative to the archwire guide slots. Portions of the brackets and/or retainer may be coated to reduce friction between the archwire and the bracket and to promote aesthetics and overall bracket appearance.
Abstract:
Self-ligating orthodontic brackets which are at least partially formed of materials exhibiting shape memory each of which includes a base from which extends two spaced and opposing pairs of tie wings each pair of which define an archwire guide slot therebetween. Each of the opposing tie wings include portions which are normally spaced to retain an archwire within the archwire guide slot but at least a portion of one of each pair of opposing tie wings is yieldable relative to the other to permit insertion and/or removal of the archwire relative to the archwire guide slot. Portions of the brackets may be coated to reduce friction between the archwire guide slot and the archwire and to promote aesthetics and overall bracket appearance.
Abstract:
An apparatus for constricting or closing a conduit comprises a pair of generally parallel clamp frames opening in the same direction and disposed at a separation such as to accommodate the conduit between them, the clamp frames being formed in one side of their opening with a recess in which fits a stationary clamp member and being secured on their other side to a fluid operated ram that actuates a movable clamp member towards the stationary clamp member. After operation of the ram the two clamp members are fastened together, eg by bolts, and then the ram is retracted. The clamp members can then be removed from the clamp frames.
Abstract:
An antenna system is disclosed, to be used with a radio component particularly a wireless access point or bridge. The present system includes an antenna element for transmitting and receiving signals at radio frequencies. An antenna connector is provided for establishing a signal connection between the antenna element and a radio component. An electronic serialization component is provided for indicating one or more predetermined antenna characteristics. This component is adapted to read out the predetermined antenna characteristics through the antenna connector to the radio component.
Abstract:
An improved method for attaching soft tissue to bone by passing a suture through an opening in the bone, e.g., a transosseous tunnel, and affixing the soft tissue with the suture. The improvement, for preventing the suture from migrating through the bone at the end of the opening, includes placing a eyelet into an end of the bone opening and passing the suture through the eyelet, as well as through the opening in the bone, in order to affix the soft tissue to the bone with the suture.
Abstract:
A method of direct or indirect bonding orthodontic brackets including metal, ceramic, sapphire, plastic and other clear brackets to teeth utilizing light curable polymer bonding agent compounds which are sufficiently viscous in an uncured state to retain a bracket in an applied position on the tooth until the bonding agent is cured and which bonding agents are curable within approximately twenty (20) seconds or less, by directing a visible and/or ultraviolet light source between the base of the bracket and the tooth to thereby thoroughly and securely bond the bracket to the tooth in the desired position. The method subsequently permits the bracket to be removed simultaneously with most of the bonding agent attached thereto thereby facilitating tooth cleaning following bracket removal.
Abstract:
A rivet-like bone anchor has a floating washer at its head that can adapt to an angled bone surface and, thereby, better secure a tissue thereto. The anchor includes a rivet, an expandable sleeve, and a washer. The rivet includes a head and an elongate body having proximal and distal ends, the head being mounted on the proximal end of the elongate body. The expandable sleeve has an inner bore adapted to receive the rivet body. The washer “floats” at a proximal end of the sleeve. As the rivet is inserted into sleeve, the sleeve expands into an interference fit with the bone. The head of the rivet, moreover, forces the floating washer into contact with the tissue at an angle that conforms to that of the underlying bone surface. A deployment tool permits the anchor to be deployed without application of unnecessary counterforce. The tool includes an outer tube, the distal end of which can hold the anchor housing, e.g., via a screw fit. A rod, which is slidably disposed within the bore of the tube, can be used to push the rivet into the expandable sleeve so that the sleeve expands into the bone, so that the floating washer is forced into position against the bone surface, and so that anchor is broken away from the housing. This can be effected, for example, by squeezing the distal ends of the outer tube and the rod together, e.g., in the manner that the end of a syringe is squeezed.
Abstract:
An improved method for attaching soft tissue to bone by passing a suture through an opening in the bone, e.g., a transosseous tunnel, and affixing the soft tissue with the suture. The improvement, for preventing the suture from migrating through the bone at the end of the opening, includes placing a eyelet into an end of the bone opening and passing the suture through the eyelet, as well as through the opening in the bone, in order to affix the soft tissue to the bone with the suture.
Abstract:
An improved method for attaching soft tissue to bone by passing a suture through an opening in the bone, e.g., a transosseous tunnel, and affixing the soft tissue with the suture. The improvement, for preventing the suture from migrating through the bone at the end of the opening, includes placing a eyelet into an end of the bone opening and passing the suture through the eyelet, as well as through the opening in the bone, in order to affix the soft tissue to the bone with the suture.