Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket portion including a receiving slot extending across at least a portion of the bracket portion and configured to receive an arch wire. The bracket includes a metal mesh bonded to the ceramic bracket portion on a side of the ceramic bracket portion opposite the receiving slot. Another orthodontic bracket includes a metal core coated with a tooth-colored coating. Methods of attaching and aligning the brackets are provided as well as a tool for aligning the brackets. Inserts are also described for reinforcing the brackets and/or increasing a surface area for enhancing bonding strength.

Abstract: A system is provided for attenuating tonal acoustic noise associated with a single positive displacement compressor, or multiple positive displacement compressors proximately located from each other. A controller selectably controls the rotational speed and the frequency of operation of each of the compressors. The controller controls the rotational speed of the compressors about a predetermined rotational speed, in a random manner, within the pre-selected speed band to reduce the magnitude of the central tonal acoustic frequency of the pressure pulsations and disperse the sound power over a wider acoustic bandwidth.

Abstract: A medical imaging system with a base unit including an electronic display, and a remote imaging transducer connected to the display unit via a flexible cable. The cable includes a number of signal transmission lines, each of which includes a twisted pair of conductors for digital differential signal lines. Each conductor is connected at a first end to the transducer, and at a second end to the base unit. The signal transmission lines may be wrapped about a core, which may be an optical conduit communicating with a light source at the base unit.