Abstract: The present invention pertains to devices and methods for increasing the ease of data gathering and efficiency of information flow in a clinical setting. The devices of the present invention comprise medical examination tables, dental examination chairs and vital signs monitors, all of which further comprise integrated hardware and software that allow these devices to effectively collect and communicate data in a manner that allows for greater ease of use of these devices and subsequent increased efficiency in the clinical space on the part of the clinician. The medical examination tables and dental examination chairs of the present invention preferably include at least one load sensor for measuring a subject's weight when the subject is seated thereon. The methods of the present invention are directed at using the aforementioned devices to increase ease of data collection and efficiency of care delivery within a space in which the devices are used.

Abstract: The self-locking guillotine door assembly includes a door, a locking mechanism attached to the door, and a cable attached to the locking mechanism. Pulling the cable releases the locking mechanism and lifts the locking mechanism and door. Pushing up on the bottom of the door locks the locking mechanism and resists lifting the door. The locking mechanism can include a post, a vertical slide with a slot, connector bars and cams such that when the cable is pulled, the cable lifts the vertical slide to lift proximal ends of the connector bars, which pivots the cams to release the locking mechanism. When the enclosure door is pushed up from the bottom, the locking mechanism pivots the cams towards the top of the enclosure door to lock the locking mechanism and resist lifting of the enclosure door.

Abstract: A system comprises a storage device, a piece of medical equipment, a portable computing device, and a hub portal. The piece of medical equipment has at least one electrically powered feature and comprises either a medical examination table or a storage cabinet. The storage device is operable to store data and is remotely located relative to the first piece of medical equipment and relative to the portable computing device. The hub portal is operable to provide communication of one or both of data or commands between the storage device, the piece of medical equipment, and the portable computing device. A method includes enablement or activation of an electrically powered feature of medical equipment upon entry of a portable computing device into a medical examination room. The method also includes disablement or further activation of the electrically powered feature upon exit of the portable computing device from the medical examination room.

Abstract: Tools are described for preparing digital dental models for use in dental restoration production processes, along with associated systems and methods. Dental modeling is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration. Interactive modeling tools may be similarly enhanced.

Abstract: A medical examination table includes a base assembly, a table assembly, a table actuation assembly, a wheel assembly, and an actuating mobility assembly. The base assembly configured to support the medical examination table in a first mobility configuration. The table actuation assembly is configured to raise and lower the table assembly relative to the base member to thereby transition the table assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. The wheel assembly is configured to support the medical examination table in a second mobility configuration. The actuating mobility assembly is configured to cooperate with the table actuation assembly to thereby actuate the wheel assembly relative to the base assembly to thereby transition the medical examination table between the first mobility configuration to the second mobility configuration.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model of an object is employed to aid in navigation among a number of images of the object taken from various viewpoints. In general, an image of an object such as a digital photograph is displayed in a user interface or the like. When a user selects a point within the display that corresponds to a location on the surface of the object, another image may be identified that provides a better view of the object. In order to maintain user orientation to the subject matter while navigating to this destination viewpoint, the display may switch to a model view and a fly-over to the destination viewpoint may be animated using the model. When the destination viewpoint is reached, the display may return to an image view for further inspection, marking, or other manipulation by the user.

Abstract: A system comprises a storage device, a piece of medical equipment, a portable computing device, and a hub portal. The piece of medical equipment has at least one electrically powered feature and comprises either a medical examination table or a storage cabinet. The storage device is operable to store data and is remotely located relative to the first piece of medical equipment and relative to the portable computing device. The hub portal is operable to provide communication of one or both of data or commands between the storage device, the piece of medical equipment, and the portable computing device. A method includes enablement or activation of an electrically powered feature of medical equipment upon entry of a portable computing device into a medical examination room. The method also includes disablement or further activation of the electrically powered feature upon exit of the portable computing device from the medical examination room.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for application of polymer thermofoil to a metal substrate. The method involves first coating a metal substrate with an oxidation-preventing or oxidation-limiting coating, then adhering a polymer thermofoil to the metal substrate. After application of the thermofoil, the metal substrate can be formed to the final shape. The method is advantageous in that it allows one to efficiently manufacture metal objects in a variety of aesthetically pleasing surface finishes.

Abstract: A system comprises a storage device, a piece of medical equipment, a portable computing device, and a hub portal. The piece of medical equipment has at least one electrically powered feature and comprises either a medical examination table or a storage cabinet. The storage device is operable to store data and is remotely located relative to the first piece of medical equipment and relative to the portable computing device. The hub portal is operable to provide communication of one or both of data or commands between the storage device, the piece of medical equipment, and the portable computing device. A method includes enablement or activation of an electrically powered feature of medical equipment upon entry of a portable computing device into a medical examination room. The method also includes disablement or further activation of the electrically powered feature upon exit of the portable computing device from the medical examination room.

Abstract: A medical procedure chair that includes a sitting area, a sliding seat back section, and a living hinge connecting the sitting area of the chair to a sliding seat back.