Abstract: An alarm access controller is operative to control access to an enterprise network of a communication system responsive to alarms generated by products that are part of a set of internal resources of the enterprise network. In one aspect, the alarm access controller is implemented by a server or other processing element comprising a processor coupled to a memory. The alarm access controller is configured to receive an alarm from one of the products, to identify an external service provider for handling the alarm, and to provide temporary authenticated access of the service provider to the product. By limiting service provider access to an alarm-generating product in accordance with specified time periods or other conditions determined based at least in part on the alarm itself, system security is considerably improved and access control is made more flexible and efficient.

Abstract: An integrated dental porcelain system for making dental prostheses and restorations is provided. The system includes three universal major components: a) opaque porcelain composition; b) pressable dentin ingot; and c) veneering porcelain composition that can be used interchangeably for making restorations. Techniques for making the prostheses and restorations include porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM), press-to-metal (PTM), and either pressed and/or machined all-ceramic methods. The system uses both a hand-layering of veneering porcelain (PFM technique) and a hot-pressing process (PTM and all-ceramic technique) to fabricate the prostheses and restorations.

Abstract: A telephone is provided with a port for disconnectably connecting an external information source, such as an MP3 player, to the telephone, and an on-hold function that operates while a call of the telephone is on hold and either presents to the telephone's user the information from the external source if the external source is connected, or presents to the user on-hold information from a telephone network if the external source is not connected, or presents silence at the user's option, irrespective of whether or not the external source is connected.

Abstract: An entry in an authentication database of an enterprise network is activated responsive to generation of an alarm by a corresponding product that is part of a set of internal resources of the enterprise network. A dynamic URL or other resource identifier based on the activated entry is supplied to an external service provider associated with the product. The external service provider is granted access to the product responsive to submission of the resource identifier by the service provider.

Abstract: An integrated dental porcelain system for making dental prostheses and restorations is provided. The system includes three universal major components: a) opaque porcelain composition; b) pressable dentin ingot; and c) veneering porcelain composition that can be used interchangeably for making restorations. Techniques for making the prostheses and restorations include porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM), press-to-metal (PTM), and either pressed and/or machined all-ceramic methods. The system uses both a hand-layering of veneering porcelain (PFM technique) and a hot-pressing process (PTM and all-ceramic technique) to fabricate the prostheses and restorations.

Abstract: An integrated dental porcelain system for making dental prostheses and restorations is provided. The system includes three universal major components: a) opaque porcelain composition; b) pressable dentin ingot; and c) veneering porcelain composition that can be used interchangeably for making restorations. Techniques for making the prostheses and restorations include porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM), press-to-metal (PTM), and either pressed and/or machined all-ceramic methods. The system uses both a hand-layering of veneering porcelain (PFM technique) and a hot-pressing process (PTM and all-ceramic technique) to fabricate the prostheses and restorations.

Abstract: A series of ceramic ingots is provided in which each ingot in the series, referred to as base ingots, has a shade corresponding to a different shade of a shade guide. The number of differently shaded base ingots is less than the total number of shades associated with the shade guide. A base ingot is selected from the series having a shade of a value at least as high as a shade associated with a patient's tooth. If the base ingot shade matches the patient's tooth, a restoration made with the selected base ingot can be glazed as is; otherwise the dental restoration is stained with a stain having a lower value than the selected base ingot to match the tooth. Thus, the total different number of ingot shades needed in inventory is reduced but without requiring staining in every case.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for providing and updating electronic communications are disclosed. For example, a system for utilizing multi-tiered messages is disclosed that includes receiving a message that has a message content, a condition and a future control rule exclusively associated with the message. At least the message content is delivered, and upon satisfaction of the condition, the future control rule is applied to the individual message.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for determining the status and/or extent of damage caused by a disaster. More specifically, a disaster status system (DSS) is used to create a backup communication network, in the event that the primary communication network has been damaged, to locate and/or contact users that may be in or around a disaster-affected area.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for scheduling recurring calendar items. More specifically, a recurring meeting may be scheduled between participants where the recurring meeting includes at least two different meetings that are set to occur at two different times with a determined periodicity. Allowable dates and times for the recurring meeting can be scheduled based on a number of criteria defined such as the availability of the participants for all meeting times and the availability of participants for certain meeting times.

Abstract: An integrated dental porcelain system for making dental prostheses and restorations is provided. The system includes three universal major components: a) opaque porcelain composition; b) pressable dentin ingot; and c) veneering porcelain composition that can be used interchangeably for making restorations. Techniques for making the prostheses and restorations include porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM), press-to-metal (PTM), and either pressed and/or machined all-ceramic methods. The system uses both a hand-layering of veneering porcelain (PFM technique) and a hot-pressing process (PTM and all-ceramic technique) to fabricate the prostheses and restorations.

Abstract: A series of ceramic ingots is provided in which each ingot in the series, referred to as base ingots, has a shade corresponding to a different shade of a shade guide. The number of differently shaded base ingots is less than the total number of shades associated with the shade guide. A base ingot is selected from the series having a shade of a value at least as high as a shade associated with a patient's tooth. If the base ingot shade matches the patient's tooth, a restoration made with the selected base ingot can be glazed as is; otherwise the dental restoration is stained with a stain having a lower value than the selected base ingot to match the tooth. Thus, the total different number of ingot shades needed in inventory is reduced but without requiring staining in every case.

Abstract: An entry in an authentication database of an enterprise network is activated responsive to generation of an alarm by a corresponding product that is part of a set of internal resources of the enterprise network. A dynamic URL or other resource identifier based on the activated entry is supplied to an external service provider associated with the product. The external service provider is granted access to the product responsive to submission of the resource identifier by the service provider.

Abstract: An alarm access controller is operative to control access to an enterprise network of a communication system responsive to alarms generated by products that are part of a set of internal resources of the enterprise network. In one aspect, the alarm access controller is implemented by a server or other processing element comprising a processor coupled to a memory. The alarm access controller is configured to receive an alarm from one of the products, to identify an external service provider for handling the alarm, and to provide temporary authenticated access of the service provider to the product. By limiting service provider access to an alarm-generating product in accordance with specified time periods or other conditions determined based at least in part on the alarm itself, system security is considerably improved and access control is made more flexible and efficient.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis, typically formed in a press to metal process, includes application of a porcelain composition sufficient to form a veneer on a dental prosthesis supporting metal structure, the composition having an integrated tooth-like translucency providing an aesthetic appearance. The composition is formed of a dentin frit and an enamel frit, typically sintered into a desired ingot shape including an amount of composition sufficient to veneer the prosthesis. The porcelain composition is a component of a kit that includes opaquers, other porcelains and stains useful in finishing to provide an aesthetic prosthesis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for translating a telephone number to a packet network address in a soft modem. A connection over a network is established to a device by receiving a request to establish a connection over a network to a device, the request including a telephone number associated with the device; accessing a database, such as a Domain Name Server, to translate the telephone number to a packet network address; and establishing a connection to the device over a packet network using the packet network address. The Domain Name Server can optionally map the telephone number to the packet network address.