Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic—cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis includes an expandable tubular stent, a prosthetic valve within the stent, and an anti-paravalvular leakage component coupled to and encircling the tubular stent. The anti-paravalvular leakage component includes a radially-compressible annular scaffold, which is a sinusoidal patterned ring of self-expanding material, and an impermeable membrane extending over the annular scaffold. The anti-paravalvular leakage component has an expanded configuration in which at least segments of the annular scaffold curve radially away from the tubular stent. Alternatively, the anti-paravalvular leakage component includes a plurality of self-expanding segments and an annular sealing element coupled to inner surfaces of the segments. The anti-paravalvular leakage component has an expanded configuration in which the segments curve radially away from the tubular stent and the annular sealing element is positioned between an outer surface of the tubular stent and inner surfaces of the segments.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a fluted endodontic file are provided. The apparatus may include a fluted endodontic file defining a central longitudinal axis. The fluted endodontic file may include a working length extending along the central longitudinal axis. The working length may include a single flute. The working length may define an off-center cross-section having three vertices.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic—cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis includes an expandable tubular stent, a prosthetic valve within the stent, and an anti-paravalvular leakage component coupled to and encircling the tubular stent. The anti-paravalvular leakage component includes a radially-compressible annular scaffold, which is a sinusoidal patterned ring of self-expanding material, and an impermeable membrane extending over the annular scaffold. The anti-paravalvular leakage component has an expanded configuration in which at least segments of the annular scaffold curve radially away from the tubular stent. Alternatively, the anti-paravalvular leakage component includes a plurality of self-expanding segments and an annular sealing element coupled to inner surfaces of the segments. The anti-paravalvular leakage component has an expanded configuration in which the segments curve radially away from the tubular stent and the annular sealing element is positioned between an outer surface of the tubular stent and inner surfaces of the segments.

Abstract: A method for continuously evaluating the effectiveness of debridement of a root canal of a tooth, the tooth having an open access cavity and an apex end, includes delivering a fluid to the open access cavity of the tooth, evacuating the fluid near the apex end of the tooth such that the fluid flushes most of the root canal before being evacuated, and continuously evaluating the evacuated fluid for at least one of a presence of debris, a concentration level of the debris, or a type of the debris. An apparatus for use in debriding a root canal of a tooth includes a microcannula or a macrocannula configured to evacuate a fluid in the root canal, and a sensing mechanism fluidically coupled to the microcannula or the macrocannula, the sensing mechanism configured to continuously sense debris in the evacuated fluid in real time.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Devices and methods for dispensing material from a dental handpiece. In one example, the method includes receiving an input that indicates that an amount of the material is to be dispensed from the container of the dental handpiece. The method also includes rotating an electric motor to rotate an imbalanced mass to vibrate a vibration transmission element that vibrates the material in the container. The method also includes dispensing the amount of the material from the container with a piston based on the input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods of endodontic treatment. The endodontic treatment system includes an endodontic device for use in endodontic procedures. The endodontic device is coupled to a fluid delivery system and includes an end effector, a first cannula (70), and a second cannula (72). The first cannula (70) and the second cannula (72) are movable relative to one another to an extended position in which the second cannula (72) extends from the first cannula (70). A method for endodontic treatment of a root canal of a tooth includes moving a first cannula (70) and the second cannula (72) relative to one another from a first position to a second position in which the second cannula (72) extends from the first cannula (70) into the root canal and evacuating the irrigant from the root canal with the second cannula (72).

Abstract: A curing light device includes a body with a tip portion that has a plurality of elements for providing electrical energy to the distal end of the tip and for removing heat from the distal end of the tip. A light engine includes at least one light emitting element operable for emitting light and is positioned on the distal end of the tip portion. A power supply is positioned in the body and is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element. Spring electrical contacts are positioned in the body and electrically coupled with the ultracapacitor element. The spring electrical contacts are spaced along the length of the body and configured for electrically engaging the tip portion along its length for delivering power to the light engine and for provide a spring alignment of the tip portion in the body.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a compule with a dental handpiece including a piston. The compule contains a dental material. The adapter includes a coupling portion that defines openings for attaching the adapter to the compule and for attaching the adapter to the dental handpiece. A plunger portion extends through one opening and engages the piston. A breakable tab connects the coupling portion and the plunger portion and breaks during dispensing of the material. The plunger portion is then movable relative to the coupling portion. A tip for use with the dental handpiece includes a housing that defines a chamber. A needle extends from the housing and defines a lumen having an opening from which the dental material is dispensed. A plunger slides within the chamber to push the dental material through the lumen and includes a rib that seals the plunger against the chamber during sliding movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A method for continuously evaluating the effectiveness of debridement of a root canal of a tooth, the tooth having an open access cavity and an apex end, includes delivering a fluid to the open access cavity of the tooth, evacuating the fluid near the apex end of the tooth such that the fluid flushes most of the root canal before being evacuated, and continuously evaluating the evacuated fluid for at least one of a presence of debris, a concentration level of the debris, or a type of the debris. An apparatus for use in debriding a root canal of a tooth includes a microcannula or a macrocannula configured to evacuate a fluid in the root canal, and a sensing mechanism fluidically coupled to the microcannula or the macrocannula, the sensing mechanism configured to continuously sense debris in the evacuated fluid in real time.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A curing light device includes a body with a tip portion that has a plurality of elements for providing electrical energy to the distal end of the tip and for removing heat from the distal end of the tip. A light engine includes at least one light emitting element operable for emitting light and is positioned on the distal end of the tip portion. A power supply is positioned in the body and is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element. Spring electrical contacts are positioned in the body and electrically coupled with the ultracapacitor element. The spring electrical contacts are spaced along the length of the body and configured for electrically engaging the tip portion along its length for delivering power to the light engine and for provide a spring alignment of the tip portion in the body.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.