Abstract: A method of taking a dental impression of dentition including conditioning a surface comprising one or more of dentition and a dental appliance by the application thereto of a wetting agent to form a controlled hydrophilic wet film. The wetting agent includes water, a surfactant, and an additive. The controlled hydrophilic wet film is hydrophilic and is formed by brushing the wetting agent onto the dentition. The brushing controls the thickness and hydrophilicity of the controlled hydrophilic film to a thickness and hydrophilicity that is capable of inducing flow of an impression material that comes into contact with the controlled hydrophilic film. The flow is sufficient to flow into sub-gingival places. The film is contacted with a dental impression material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic and hydrophobic dental impression materials.

Abstract: A method of taking a dental impression of dentition including conditioning a surface comprising one or more of dentition and a dental appliance by the application thereto of a wetting agent to form a controlled hydrophilic wet film. The wetting agent includes water, a surfactant, and an additive. The controlled hydrophilic wet film is hydrophilic and is formed by brushing the wetting agent onto the dentition. The brushing controls the thickness and hydrophilicity of the controlled hydrophilic film to a thickness and hydrophilicity that is capable of inducing flow of an impression material that comes into contact with the controlled hydrophilic film. The flow is sufficient to flow into sub-gingival places. The film is contacted with a dental impression material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic and hydrophobic dental impression materials.

Abstract: A method of taking a dental impression of dentition including conditioning a surface comprising one or more of dentition and a dental appliance by the application thereto of a wetting agent to form a controlled hydrophilic wet film. The wetting agent includes water, a surfactant, a compatibilizing agent and a film stabilizing agent. The controlled hydrophilic wet film is hydrophilic and is formed by brushing the wetting agent onto the dentition. The brushing controls the thickness and hydrophilicity of the controlled hydrophilic film to a thickness and hydrophilicity that is capable of inducing flow of an impression material that comes into contact with the controlled hydrophilic film. The flow is sufficient to flow into sub-gingival places. The film is contacted with a dental impression material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic and hydrophobic dental impression materials.

Abstract: A method of taking a dental impression of dentition including conditioning a surface comprising one or more of dentition and a dental appliance by the application thereto of a wetting agent to form a controlled hydrophilic wet film. The wetting agent includes water, a surfactant, a compatibilizing agent and a film stabilizing agent. The controlled hydrophilic wet film is hydrophilic and is formed by brushing the wetting agent onto the dentition. The brushing controls the thickness and hydrophilicity of the controlled hydrophilic film to a thickness and hydrophilicity that is capable of inducing flow of an impression material that comes into contact with the controlled hydrophilic film. The flow is sufficient to flow into sub-gingival places. The film is contacted with a dental impression material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic and hydrophobic dental impression materials.

Abstract: A device includes a stationary housing. A carriage is slidable mounted on to the housing and at least one corrugated diaphragm mechanism is housed in the housing and connectable to the carriage. The corrugated diaphragm is structured to elastically expand and retract, depending on an application of pressure, to extend and retract, respectively, the carriage relative to the stationary housing. A manifold is provided to connect the corrugated diaphragm to a pump system.

Abstract: A device includes a stationary housing. A carriage is slidable mounted within the housing and at least one corrugated diaphragm mechanism is housed in the housing and connectable to the carriage. The corrugated diaphragm is structured to elastically expand and retract, depending on an application of pressure, to extend and retract, respectively, the carriage relative to the stationary housing. A connecting assembly is provided to connect the corrugated diaphragm to the carriage.

Abstract: A device includes a stationary housing. A carriage is slidable mounted on the housing and at least one corrugated diaphragm mechanism is housed in the housing and connectable to the carriage. The corrugated diaphragm is structured to elastically expand and retract, depending on an application of pressure, to extend and retract, respectively, the carriage relative to the stationary housing.

Abstract: A process of conditioning a corrugated diaphragm adapted for use in a traction device in order to impart a spring force. The process includes obtaining a neutral state corrugated diaphragm with a length of predetermined size. The process further includes heating the corrugated diaphragm at a predetermined temperature and time to reduce the overall length of the corrugated diaphragm and increase a minor and major diameter of the corrugated diaphragm. The process further includes having the corrugated diaphragm installed on the traction device at a length greater than the reduced overall length and less than the neutral state.

Abstract: Method of performing an orthopedic procedure using an orthopedic device and an electrode comprising a body portion having a first surface and indicia located on a side opposing the first surface. The method includes arranging the first surface of the electrode on a patient's skin during an orthopedic procedure so that the indicia provides for visual stimulation during the orthopedic procedure. This abstract is not intended to limit the invention in any way.

Abstract: A lumbar traction device comprises a first frame member having a first handle portion and a second frame member attached to the first frame member by a hinged member. The second frame member has a second handle portion. The first frame member and the second frame member are moveable between an open position and a closed position. The first handle portion and the second handle portion are substantially aligned to form a first handle when the first frame member and the second frame member are in the closed position.

Abstract: A traction device, comprising a stationary support and a movable carriage mounted on the stationary support. A mechanism is provided for moving the moveable carriage between a first position and a second position. A wedge system is mounted to the moveable carriage and a stand is adjustably mounted to the stationary support. The stand provides different adjustable angles for the wedge system.

Abstract: An electrode including an adhesive and sensing or emitting layer and an outer surface having a design or indicia thereon. The design is used for entertainment and visual stimulation to the patient. The electrode is a preferably a skin electrode and is used with an orthopedic device such as a muscle stimulation, electrotherapy, inferential stimulation or EMG device.