Abstract: A model of at least a part of a dental structure, an articulator, and methods of manufacturing such devices are provided. The model and the articulator can be used to approximate the natural movements of a jaw of a patient to facilitate preparation of a dental restoration. The model can comprise the dental structure, an interface, and at least one void extending from a reference surface of the interface inwardly toward the void. The articulator can comprise upper and lower portions on which models of upper and lower dental structures can be held. The upper and lower portions of the articulator can be configured to generally maintain a vertical alignment while at least one gap formed between respective first and second alignment components thereof allows horizontal movability of the upper and lower portions relative to each other to test the interfit of the models therebetween.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining data and for manufacturing a dental component and a physical dental model of at least a part of a dental structure are provided which can improve processing times and provide sufficient manufacturing accuracy. An embodiment of the method can comprise obtaining a first data record for manufacturing the dental component and a second data record for manufacturing the physical dental model. The first data record can comprise data based on a portion of a digital dental model. The second data record can comprise data based on at least the portion of the digital dental model. In this regard, the data upon which the first and second data records are based can be obtained using first and second scanning resolutions in order to improve processing times and provide sufficient accuracy.

Abstract: A dental impression tray, a kit, and method of using the same are provided for taking an impression of at least a portion of a dental structure of a patient. The tray can comprise a tray portion, fiduciary markers, and can also have a holding section with two opposing sides and fasteners disposed thereon. The kit can comprise the tray and a handle portion. The handle can be removably secured to the holding section of the tray. In some embodiments, the handle can comprise a pair of handle portions. In other embodiments, a part of the handle can be aligned with a facial feature of a patient from whom a dental impression is to be obtained.

Abstract: A method, system and dental prosthesis are provided to facilitate simulation of the natural appearance of teeth. The prosthesis can be formed to include a component to which an aesthetic coating, such as a coloring or tint, can be applied. Further, the prosthesis can include a porcelain coating disposed on the outer surface thereof, and on top of the aesthetic coating, such that the aesthetic coating can be visible through the porcelain coating of the prosthesis. During production, the crown can be coated with a metal and/or ceramic powder by means of a powder printer that can be controlled by computer equipment. A practical and rapid application function can be obtained to produce an extremely natural-looking result.

Abstract: An optical fibre through which light passes is used for detecting blood leakage from a wound. The fibre may be comprised by a blood leakage detection apparatus having a light source and a photo detector in radiative communication with the respective ends of the fibre and producing an electrical signal in response to the light detected, photo detector signal amplifying means, means for detecting changes in the amplified signal over time, and alarm means, wherein a decrease in signal strength during a selected time period activates the alarm means; a corresponding method of detecting blood leakage; a device for use with the apparatus of the invention comprising the optical fibre thereof provided with coupling means at its ends and a patch of blood absorbing material.

Abstract: A system for production of a dental crown (23, 24) includes identification equipment (2), modeling equipment (9), ordering equipment (6), and an automated production arrangement (16). The latter, as a function of one or more first information items, is arranged to effect production, by means of pressing or pressure-casting, of an integrated dental crown which is made up of two layers. The first layer comprises or consists of porcelain material, and the second layer consists of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, etc. The second layer forms a cap, via which the dental crown can be applied to a tooth stump (28) of a patient (1). The invention also relates to a dental replacement component consisting of the dental crown.

Abstract: A loop pump (1) for pumping liquid, i.e. a pump comprising a pipe (3) or the like embodied in a plurality of turns/loops. The pipe is rotated by a drive source to introduce alternately air and liquid into an inlet (4) and to pump the liquid to a drawing place by way of a conduit (6) or the like rotatably connected with the pipe. The drive source, which may be a propeller (8), absorbs the flow energy of the liquid. A floating body (10) gives the pump the desired floatability on the liquid and the pump includes an anchor (11) for anchoring it relative to the surroundings of the flowing liquid.