Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for flossing interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth in the presence of orthodontic braces and an arch-wire. The apparatus comprises a handle portion and a floss support portion comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member separated by an intervening concave recess. The first elongate member comprises a narrow section and an angled first floss support, and the second elongate member comprises a narrow section and a second floss support. A floss strand extends under tension at an acute angle from the angled first floss support to the second floss support at substantially a right angle. The acute angle facilitates positioning the first floss support between a patient's upper teeth and the arch-wire while passing the floss strand into the interproximal space between the upper teeth. The substantially right angle facilitates positioning the floss strand into the interproximal spaces between the lower teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-compartment devices having a pre-applied dispensing element. The device is adapted for dispensing multi-component compositions that are kept separate prior to use. Supplying a pre-applied dispensing element facilitates and simplifies the dispensing operation during use and reduces the chance of misuse due to improper application of the mixing element, loss and/or damage of the component.

Abstract: The present invention describes an ultrasonic dental insert capable of enhanced operating efficiency. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic insert, when seated in the handpiece, is substantially decoupled, on a rotary axis, from the handpiece. A rotary force need only be applied to the insert to rotate it in the handpiece. At least one light source substantially proximate or distal to the tip may also be provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes an ultrasonic dental insert capable of enhanced operating efficiency. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic insert, when seated in the handpiece, is substantially decoupled, on a rotary axis, from the handpiece. A rotary force need only be applied to the insert to rotate it in the handpiece. At least one light source substantially proximate or distal to the tip may also be provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to devices utilized for retraction of the lips, tongue and oral cavity during dental procedures. In particular, the invention relates to a flexible or semi-flexible oral device used to comfortably and quickly retract the patient's lips to properly expose the patient's teeth and gums for dental procedures.

Abstract: A self-sealing male connector device for connection with a female Luer connector. The device has an elongated male body configured with lengthwise relatively rigid and flexible wall segments cooperating to allow the body to be radially compressed from an expanded configuration to a contracted configuration. A closure cap formed with a resealable aperture is disposed on the distal end of the male body so as to be responsive to the compression of the male body. The relatively flexible wall segments may be installed within notches in the male body or be formed integral with the relatively rigid wall segments.

Abstract: Composite materials having at least one of the following desirable properties is described. Such properties include: rigidity, printability, water-proofness, pliability, recyclable, thermochromic, antimicrobial, electrically conductive, compostable or biodegradability. The composite includes a filler-containing layer and a fiber-containing layer substantially coupled together continuously across the at least one surface of the layers. These composites maybe useful in various markets including, but not limited to, construction, packaging, shipping, consumer products and medical packaging. The inventive composites provide, advantages such as reduction of environmental footprint, improved mechanical properties, usefulness/cost ratio, reduction in material costs compared to prior art, and cosmetic performance are embodied in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-compartment devices having a pre-applied dispensing element. The device is adapted for dispensing multi-component compositions that are kept separate prior to use. Supplying a pre-applied dispensing element facilitates and simplifies the dispensing operation during use and reduces the chance of misuse due to improper application of the mixing element, loss and/or damage of the component.

Abstract: A self-sealing male connector having a body, a resilient boot mounted over the body, and a male thread hub. The body is formed with an elongate post that extends to the distal end. The body includes a fluid flow lumen extending from its proximal end to its distal end. At its proximal end, the body may be formed as a female Luer connector, or may be directly connected to tubing, or other arrangements. The internal fluid flow lumen extends through the post to its distal end. The body includes a first groove in which is mounted the boot. In a second groove is mounted the thread cuff. The thread cuff is used to engage a female connector and through thread action, draw in into engagement with the post. As the female connector is further engaged with eh sealed male connector, the post protrudes through the boot and into fluid communication with the female fluid flow passage thus establishing a flow path through both connectors.

Abstract: A needle free vacuumized blood collection device includes a male connector having a valve element disposed within the internal bore of the male connector that opens or closes a flow passage into the blood collection vial. The valve element includes an activation arm extending outwardly through the male connector that contacts a female connector when the male and female connector are engaged. The activation arm shifts the valve element in the proximal direction to open a naturally open flow opening in the valve element to permit flow into the vial. A spring device biases the valve element to the non-flow configuration.

Abstract: A self-sealing male connector having a body, a resilient boot mounted over the body, and a male thread hub. The body is formed with an elongate post that extends to the distal end. The body includes a fluid flow lumen extending from its proximal end to its distal end. At its proximal end, the body may be formed as a female Luer connector, or may be directly connected to tubing, or other arrangements. The internal fluid flow lumen extends through the post to its distal end. The body includes a first groove in which is mounted the boot. In a second groove is mounted the thread cuff. The thread cuff is used to engage a female connector and through thread action, draw in into engagement with the post. As the female connector is further engaged with eh sealed male connector, the post protrudes through the boot and into fluid communication with the female fluid flow passage thus establishing a flow path through both connectors.

Abstract: A self-sealing male connector device for connection with a female Luer connector. The device has an elongated male body configured with lengthwise relatively rigid and flexible wall segments cooperating to allow the body to be radially compressed from an expanded configuration to a contracted configuration. A closure cap formed with a resealable aperture is disposed on the distal end of the male body so as to be responsive to the compression of the male body. The relatively flexible wall segments may be installed within notches in the male body or be formed integral with the relatively rigid wall segments.

Abstract: A self-sealing male connector having a body, a resilient boot mounted over the body, and a male thread hub. The body is formed with an elongate post that extends to the distal end. The body includes a fluid flow lumen extending from its proximal end to its distal end. At its proximal end, the body may be formed as a female Luer connector, or may be directly connected to tubing, or other arrangements. The internal fluid flow lumen extends through the post to its distal end. The body includes a first groove in which is mounted the boot. In a second groove is mounted the thread cuff. The thread cuff is used to engage a female connector and through thread action, draw in into engagement with the post. As the female connector is further engaged with eh sealed male connector, the post protrudes through the boot and into fluid communication with the female fluid flow passage thus establishing a flow path through both connectors.

Abstract: A needle free vacuumized blood collection device includes a male connector having a valve element disposed within the internal bore of the male connector that opens or closes a flow passage into the blood collection vial. The valve element includes an activation arm extending outwardly through the male connector that contacts a female connector when the male and female connector are engaged. The activation arm shifts the valve element in the proximal direction to open a naturally open flow opening in the valve element to permit flow into the vial. A spring device biases the valve element to the non-flow configuration.

Abstract: A self-sealing male connector having a body, a resilient boot mounted over the body, and a male thread hub. The body is formed with an elongate post that extends to the distal end. The body includes a fluid flow lumen extending from its proximal end to its distal end. At its proximal end, the body may be formed as a female Luer connector, or may be directly connected to tubing, or other arrangements. The internal fluid flow lumen extends through the post to its distal end. The body includes a first groove in which is mounted the boot. In a second groove is mounted the thread cuff. The thread cuff is used to engage a female connector and through thread action, draw in into engagement with the post. As the female connector is further engaged with eh sealed male connector, the post protrudes through the boot and into fluid communication with the female fluid flow passage thus establishing a flow path through both connectors.