Abstract: A data transcoding device includes a memory device for storing clear data containing private information and a processor configured as a data transcoder. The processor is configured to create packets of the clear data, prepare the packets for transcoding the clear data into an indecipherable multimedia data file appearing as noise, by determining properties of the indecipherable multimedia file based on parameters of the clear data. The processor is configured to generate the indecipherable multimedia file by transcoding the clear data based on the determined properties.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, an implant that anchors into bone may have a bone-facing region that comprises a plurality of interconnected struts. The interconnected struts may define local features such as engagement ridges, fins, crests, a macroscopic surface-interrupting feature, a divertor structure, and sawteeth in any combination. Such features may help resist translation or rotation of the implant, and may be conducive to bone ingrowth. Parameters such as local empty volume fraction and local average strut length can be varied, even within the features, by the design of the network of struts. Struts may be tapered. Cantilever struts may also be provided, which may point in a desired direction. The pattern of struts may be specified to the level of dimensions and location of individual struts. The implant may be manufactured by additive manufacturing methods. The mesh of struts may be generated by an algorithm using Voronoi tessellation.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, an implant that anchors into bone may have a bone-facing region that comprises a plurality of interconnected struts. The interconnected struts may define local features such as engagement ridges, fins, crests, a macroscopic surface-interrupting feature, a divertor structure, and sawteeth in any combination. Such features may help resist translation or rotation of the implant, and may be conducive to bone ingrowth. Parameters such as local empty volume fraction and local average strut length can be varied, even within the features, by the design of the network of struts. Struts may be tapered. Cantilever struts may also be provided, which may point in a desired direction. The pattern of struts may be specified to the level of dimensions and location of individual struts. The implant may be manufactured by additive manufacturing methods. The mesh of struts may be generated by an algorithm using Voronoi tessellation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for whitening the teeth of a patient or subject include the application of at least one tooth whitening composition to the surface of a stained tooth, accompanied by the application of a sealant composition that forms a protective film or coating on the tooth surface to resist moisture contamination of the oxidizing composition. The whitening procedure can be further enhanced by removal of acquired pellicle from the tooth surface prior to application of oxidizing and sealant compositions. The novel procedure allows for a high degree of tooth whitening by protecting the oxidizing composition while it is in contact with the tooth surface.

Abstract: A tooth whitening method uses an application device having a reservoir containing an oxidizing composition comprising a fluid carrier and an oxidizing agent, an applicator member in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a dispensing mechanism for moving contents of the reservoir into the applicator member. The oxidizing composition is dispensed into the applicator member by actuating the dispensing mechanism and is applied to one or more teeth in an oral cavity. Then, a sealant composition is applied to the teeth having the oxidizing agent thereon to form a coating that resists moisture contamination of the previously applied oxidizing agent. One embodiment uses an oxidizing composition with a viscosity less than 150 cps that is absorbed in a porous material in the device reservoir, from which it is introduced by capillary action into a porous applicator member.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for whitening the teeth of a patient or subject are described for performing a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure during which at least one tooth whitening composition is applied to the surface of a stained tooth, said compositions and methods resulting in a tooth color change that is noticeable to the patient or subject immediately following the procedure. The novel procedure allows for a high degree of tooth whitening to be safely achieved in a short period of time while under the control of a dentist, dental hygienist, or other dental professional, and which at least partially coincides with the performance of a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure in order to save significant clinical operatory chair time compared to cleaning and whitening procedures that are performed in non-overlapping time frames or appointments. Light may also be used to enhance whitening.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, an implant that anchors into bone may have a bone-facing region that comprises a plurality of interconnected struts. The interconnected struts may define local features such as engagement ridges, fins, crests, a macroscopic surface-interrupting feature, a divertor structure, and sawteeth in any combination. Such features may help resist translation or rotation of the implant, and may be conducive to bone ingrowth. Parameters such as local empty volume fraction and local average strut length can be varied, even within the features, by the design of the network of struts. Struts may be tapered. Cantilever struts may also be provided, which may point in a desired direction. The pattern of struts may be specified to the level of dimensions and location of individual struts. The implant may be manufactured by additive manufacturing methods. The mesh of struts may be generated by an algorithm using Voronoi tessellation.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, an implant that anchors into bone may have a bone-facing region that comprises a plurality of interconnected struts. The interconnected struts may define local features such as engagement ridges, fins, crests, a macroscopic surface-interrupting feature, a divertor structure, and sawteeth in any combination. Such features may help resist translation or rotation of the implant, and may be conducive to bone ingrowth. Parameters such as local empty volume fraction and local average strut length can be varied, even within the features, by the design of the network of struts. Struts may be tapered. Cantilever struts may also be provided, which may point in a desired direction. The pattern of struts may be specified to the level of dimensions and location of individual struts. The implant may be manufactured by additive manufacturing methods. The mesh of struts may be generated by an algorithm using Voronoi tessellation.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, an implant that anchors into bone may have a bone-facing region that comprises a plurality of interconnected struts. The interconnected struts may define local features such as engagement ridges, fins, crests, a macroscopic surface-interrupting feature, a divertor structure, and sawteeth in any combination. Such features may help resist translation or rotation of the implant, and may be conducive to bone ingrowth. Parameters such as local empty volume fraction and local average strut length can be varied, even within the features, by the design of the network of struts. Struts may be tapered. Cantilever struts may also be provided, which may point in a desired direction. The pattern of struts may be specified to the level of dimensions and location of individual struts. The implant may be manufactured by additive manufacturing methods. The mesh of struts may be generated by an algorithm using Voronoi tessellation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for whitening the teeth of a patient or subject are described for performing a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure during which at least one tooth whitening composition is applied to the surface of a stained tooth, said compositions and methods resulting in a tooth color change that is noticeable to the patient or subject immediately following the procedure. The novel procedure allows for a high degree of tooth whitening to be safely achieved in a short period of time while under the control of a dentist, dental hygienist, or other dental professional, and which at least partially coincides with the performance of a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure in order to save significant clinical operatory chair time compared to cleaning and whitening procedures that are performed in non-overlapping time frames or appointments. Light may also be used to enhance whitening.

Abstract: A tooth whitening method applies a light transmitting oxidizing composition to teeth in an oral cavity, after which a hand-held LED light source with a light transmitting lens and a cup forming a chamber having an open end is moved over the teeth so that the cup distributes the oxidizing composition while the teeth are exposed to light transmitted through the lens. This not only ensures intimate contact of the teeth with the oxidizing composition, but also maintains a more or less constant spacing between the light source and the tooth surfaces for optimum results. A sealant is then applied to the teeth to resist moisture contamination of the oxidizing composition.

Abstract: Total knee replacements for hinged knee implants include a tibial member, a femoral member, a hinge assembly having a laterally extending axle configured to hingedly attach the femoral member to the tibial member, and a lock mechanism in communication with the hinge assembly. The lock mechanism is configured to (i) lock the femoral member in alignment with the tibial member for a full extension or other defined stabile walking configuration to thereby allow an arthrodesis or stiff knee gait and (ii) unlock to allow the femoral and tibial members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending when not ambulating.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for whitening the teeth of a patient or subject include the application of at least one tooth whitening composition having a viscosity of at least 100 centipoise to the surface of a stained tooth, accompanied by the application of a sealant composition that forms protective film or coating on the tooth surface to resist moisture contamination of the oxidizing composition. The whitening procedure can be further enhanced by removal of acquired pellicle from the tooth surface prior to application of oxidizing and sealant compositions. The novel procedure allows for a high degree of tooth whitening by protecting the oxidizing composition while it is in contact with the tooth surface.

Abstract: Total joint replacements for implants include a first member configured to attach to a first bone, a second member configured to reside in an adjacent second hone and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to (i) lock the first and second members in alignment for full extension or other defined stabilized configuration and (ii) unlock to allow the first and second members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending.

Abstract: Total joint replacements for implants include a first member configured to attach to a first bone, a second member configured to reside in an adjacent second bone and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to (i) lock the first and second members in alignment for full extension or other defined stabilized configuration and (ii) unlock to allow the first and second members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending.

Abstract: A hand-held, ergonomic instrument with an LED that emits actinic light in visible wavelengths mounts a replaceable applicator cup with a reservoir for a tooth whitening composition held in place against a user's tooth during a whitening procedure. Actinic light is directed onto the tooth surface through a window in the cup and the tooth whitening composition substantially without attenuation, delivering at least about 100 milliwatts per square centimeter of light energy to the tooth surface. The cup includes a rigid body for mounting the cup to the instrument and an opaque flexible sleeve molded in place over the outside of the body to form a seal with the tooth surface and prevent exposure of soft mouth surfaces to the actinic radiation during a whitening procedure. A safety switch disables the LED when the applicator cup is not in contact with a tooth surface.

Abstract: A thickened tooth whitening composition in gel form comprises hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide precursor, and a thickening polymer or copolymer comprising a pendant sulfonic acid group moiety, preferably hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer. Gels in accordance with the invention exhibit an extended shelf life without requiring refrigeration or other special storage conditions. A particularly efficacious manner of method of whitening teeth comprises applying a volume of a gel in accordance with the invention onto the bristles of a toothbrush, applying a volume of a toothpaste onto the toothbrush bristles, and brushing one or more teeth to be whitened with the toothbrush bristles onto which the toothpaste and the thickened tooth whitening composition were applied for a sufficient period to cause the composition and toothpaste to mix together.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for whitening the teeth of a patient or subject are described for performing a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure during which at least one tooth whitening composition is applied to the surface of a stained tooth, said compositions and methods resulting in a tooth color change that is noticeable to the patient or subject immediately following the procedure. The novel procedure allows for a high degree of tooth whitening to be safely achieved in a short period of time while under the control of a dentist, dental hygienist, or other dental professional, and which at least partially coincides with the performance of a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure in order to save significant clinical operatory chair time compared to cleaning and whitening procedures that are performed in non-overlapping time frames or appointments. Light may also be used to enhance whitening.