Abstract: The invention provides a heat formable tray having a bite block and a method of forming the tray to a patient and forming a final impression in a single visit to the dental office by the patient. A custom fitting variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray, is provided which includes a bite registration member, and a dental impression tray. The dental impression tray comprises a heat adjustable material having a softening point above 38 ° C. and below 120 ° C. The variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray is used in a method for making an impression of dental tissue, comprising the steps of: a) providing a variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray, b) heating the dental impression tray to softened state, c) adjusting the dimensions of the dental impression tray, d) cooling the heat adjustable material so that it solidifies; and e) enveloping the tissue with the dental impression material, whereby a final dental tissue impression is obtained.

Abstract: Hydrogel materials suitable for use in bandages and the like have been made from modified copolymers of poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride). The modifying groups are three to seven carbon amines, amides or alcohols having a terminal vinyl group which may crosslink to other such modifiers or to intermediary difunctional coagents. A method for REDOX initiated crosslinking and continuous casting of the hydrogel, on a support material suitable for employment in a bandage, is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cushion for absorbing energy to dampen vibration, distribute pressure and absorb shock. The cushion has a deformable polyurethane bladder which defines a chamber adapted to contain a fluid, such as air. A piece of viscoelastic material, such as a highly plasticized PVC gel, may be located inside the bladder so that when air is introduced into the chamber, the cushion is capable of absorbing energy to dampen low amplitude vibration, distribute pressure and absorb high amplitude shock. The cushion has a valve in fluid communication with the chamber for selectively varying the amount of air so that the shock absorbing capability of the cushion may be varied.Various embodiments incorporating the cushion are disclosed, including a removable bicycle saddle pad, a bicycle saddle, a wheelchair seat pad and a cyclist's glove.

Abstract: An electrically conductive shoe insole is disclosed for cushioning a user's foot and for transferring electrical charges from the wearer's foot to a conductive shoe. The shoe insole includes a cushioned layer, which contains an electrically conductive material, and a fabric, which is bonded to the top surface of the cushioned layer by a nonconductive adhesive. The fabric contains a noncorrosive electrically conductive fiber interwoven therein. The adhesive is applied such that the electrically conductive fibers in the fabric contact the cushioned layer. This allows transfer of electrical charges from the fabric to the cushioned layer.