Abstract: A flow controller arranged to provide controlled constriction of a hollow body conduit, including a catheter including a first end and a second end, a strap slidably arranged within the catheter, the strap including a third end and a fourth end, the third end arranged to be connected to the catheter to form a loop, and a tensioning means connected to the second end and the fourth end, wherein the tensioning means is operatively arranged to axially displace the strap relative to the catheter to increase and decrease a diameter of the loop.

Abstract: In a method according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of microsphere targets is applied to a surface of a tooth on the upper dentition of a person and a tooth surface of the lower dentition of the person. At least two sets of stereoscopic images are obtained, where the microsphere targets are visible in the field of view of each image. The center position of the beads is photogrammetrically determined in three dimensions for each set using the images taken from perspective positions. The change in bead positions in the sets of stereoscopic images is analyzed to mathematically characterize the jaw motion of the person.

Abstract: Methods are provided to record and utilize jaw motion data using low-angle photogrammetric techniques. A method is described based on using an extraoral imaging apparatus to capture images of texture placed on tooth or soft tissue surfaces. Upper and lower textural surface regions of the oral cavity are imaged simultaneously, and their surfaces derived as a function of time to produce 4d data. The clinically derived surface data may be directly registered to the 3d anatomy of an individual, providing the ability to animate the relative motion of the mandible. An imaging apparatus suitable for capture of low-angle image groups is disclosed.

Abstract: In a method according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of microsphere targets is applied to a surface of a tooth on the upper dentition of a person and a tooth surface of the lower dentition of the person. At least two sets of stereoscopic images are obtained, where the microsphere targets are visible in the field of view of each image. The center position of the beads is photogrammetrically determined in three dimensions for each set using the images taken from perspective positions. The change in bead positions in the sets of stereoscopic images is analyzed to mathematically characterize the jaw motion of the person.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for designing dental articulator inserts from 3d dental data (4d datasets). These 4d datasets may be used directly to provide a jaw motion model suitable for enhanced CAD or, they may be used to derive mathematical expressions that are then used to design dental articulator inserts. The methods of the invention are based on acquiring time-based 3d data representing the upper and lower teeth. Each datum in the 4d dataset may therefore contain an accurate record of the relationship between the upper and lower arch in three dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for acquiring and utilizing time-based 3d jaw motion images (4d datasets) to enhance the computer-aided design (CAD) of dental devices, which may include dental restorations, oral prostheses, and oral appliances. These 4d datasets may be used directly to provide a jaw motion model suitable for enhanced CAD or, they may be used to derive mathematical expressions that are then used to drive a motion simulation. The methods of the invention are based on acquiring time-based 3d images (a 4d sequence) of the upper and lower teeth, with each 3d frame in the time sequence capturing some upper and lower arch anatomy (the oral anatomy). Each image in the 4d sequence may therefore contain an accurate record of the relationship between the upper and lower arch in three dimensions.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket design is disclosed together with the associated method of attachment to a tooth wherein the bracket contains an integral light source such as a solid state emitter. The bracket is placed on a tooth using a tool that also provides electrical power to the bracket to cause the integral light emitter to produce radiation of an appropriate wavelength to cure the adhesive used to attach the bracket to a tooth. The electrically powered bracket system overcomes many of the variabilities associated with the current clinical present practice of bonding orthodontic brackets to teeth to provide faster, stronger, and more consistent bonding.

Abstract: An adjusting tool and associated method of use for turning orthodontic expansion screws are described. The tool or device consists of a contra-angled molded plastic handle or housing with a rotatable pin at the distal end for inserting into an expansion screw located in a patient's mouth. The tool housing is designed to limit the angular rotation of the pin to the arc required for insertion and subsequent activation of the orthodontic screw. When rotated to the position associated with screw activation, the pin is captured and held in place by a locking mechanism which then requires the tool to be disengaged from the screw prior to its removal from the patient's mouth. This feature eliminates the possibility of reversing and deactivating the expansion screw by pulling the expansion key straight out of the mouth. A manual release mechanism on the tool frees the pin to allow the pin to be rotated back to the insertion position.

Abstract: A mass-customization method is described for the computer-based design and production of complex 3-dimensional wireforms for fabricating orthodontic appliances. The method comprises of: 1) digitizing a patient's dentition into a computer, 2) designing 3-dimensional polylines on the dental models using a computer, 3) translating the mathematical representation of the wires into algorithms for commanding wire bending machines, and 4) using wire bending machines to produce near net-shape wires. In this way, wires for retainers, Herbst appliances, palatal expanders, and other orthodontic appliances are readily designed and produced. Near net-shaped wires are produced by having the bending algorithms consider wire diameter, springback of the metal, and the mechanics of the bending head.

Abstract: An adjusting tool and associated method of use for turning orthodontic expansion screws are described. The tool or device consists of a contra-angled molded plastic handle or housing with a rotatable pin at the distal end for inserting into an expansion screw located in a patient's mouth. The tool housing is designed to limit the angular rotation of the pin to the arc required for insertion and subsequent activation of the orthodontic screw. When rotated to the position associated with screw activation, the pin is captured and held in place by a locking mechanism which then requires the tool to be disengaged from the screw prior to its removal from the patient's mouth. This feature eliminates the possibility of reversing and deactivating the expansion screw by pulling the expansion key straight out of the mouth. A manual release mechanism on the tool frees the pin to allow the pin to be rotated back to the insertion position.

Abstract: A convertible tensile test machine having a dual capability for selectively testing a specimen in an open environment or in solution including a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion and a central portion therebetween, a support plate on the central portion of the frame, a carriage on the frame above the support plate on the upper portion of the frame, a load cell transducer on the carriage, a drive for driving the carriage toward and away from the support plate, an upper grip on the load cell transducer, a lower grip on the lower portion of the frame below the support plate, an opening in the support plate, a connector member connected to the upper grip and extending through the opening in the support plate for connection to the upper end of a specimen, the lower end of which is connected to the lower grip for open environment testing, a shelf mountable on the lower portion of the frame for supporting a vessel for solution testing, a second lower grip, a carrying member attachable to the support

Abstract: A biomaterial suitable for use in medical devices which comprises peritoneal tissue, especially animal parietal peritoneum tissue, which has been chemically treated to crosslink the collagen in the tissue.