Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.

Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.

Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.

Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an all digital ramp generator may use a string of series connected delays or digital to time-based circuits to perform voltage ramp generation. Thus in some embodiments conventional operational amplifier circuits and relaxation oscillators may be replaced for generating triangular ramp waveforms for DC to DC or direct time-based DC to DC converters. The use of delay lines may produce sufficient resolution for many applications. Thus time domain techniques may afford a more digital approach that scales with process technology and allows high speed operation in some embodiments. A design based on use of inverters and capacitors may scale well with process technology. The decoder and drive logic may be integrated into the voltage ramp generation in some embodiments.

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.

Abstract: Resources associated with a communication system switch are monitored by storing information defining one or more resource groups. Each of the resource groups includes multiple identifiers, with each of the identifiers specifying at least one resource to be monitored. A client external to the switch is permitted to select at least one of the resource groups for monitoring. In response to selection of one of the groups by the client, monitoring of the corresponding resources is established on behalf of the client. The resource monitoring may be established, controlled and maintained by a telephony server coupled between the client and the switch. Such a telephony server can preserve monitoring for a resource group, independent of the requests of clients, in order to reduce the amount of execution time needed to set up and tear down monitors for client applications. This is particularly advantageous in call centers or in other client applications that involve monitoring large numbers of switch resources.

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.

Abstract: A method of making an internal nasal apparatus (10) configured to retain and deliver a quantity of compound within the nose of a user over a minimum period.

Abstract: Call messaging techniques are disclosed that allow a called party and a calling party to communicate without interfering with an on-going call in which the called party is participating, and enable the called party to communicate with the calling party even after the call has left the called party's endpoint. For example, a call messaging methodology includes the following steps. Information is maintained regarding an endpoint location of a call within a call switching system handling the call, wherein the call is placed by a calling party to a called party, but wherein the called party is not answering the call. In accordance with the methodology, a message channel is provided between the called party and the calling party, such that the called party and the calling party are able to communicate without having a call connection established between them.

Abstract: A method of making an internal nasal apparatus (10) configured to retain and deliver a quantity of compound within the nose of a user over a minimum period.

Abstract: An internal nasal dilator and compound delivery method presents an improved dilator including a U-shaped clip having septum engaging pads, first and second nasal expanders, and first and second delivery elements. The pads engage the septum along planar surfaces. Each of the expanders further include a conforming nostril engaging element and a flexible arm interconnecting the engaging element and clip. The delivery elements are each adapted to receive and retain a quantity of a compound and to discharge the compound over a period of time.

Abstract: A contoured pillow includes a top, a bottom, a front, a back and opposite sides. The front slopes forwardly from bottom-to-top and changes laterally in depth from side-to-side for cradling and supporting the shoulder. A neck support extension projects upwardly from the top and front and provides enhanced neck support due to the sloping configuration of the front. The top includes a recess forming a face relief pocket, right and left jaw relief areas, right and left airways extending from the jaw relief areas to the sides and a cranial support ridge. The pillow is molded from memory foam with thermally responsive characteristic for shaping itself to a particular user in conjunction with the generally concave geometry designed to give way to a generally spherical facial structure.

Abstract: Resources associated with a communication system switch are monitored by storing information defining one or more resource groups. Each of the resource groups includes multiple identifiers, with each of the identifiers specifying at least one resource to be monitored. A client external to the switch is permitted to select at least one of the resource groups for monitoring. In response to selection of one of the groups by the client, monitoring of the corresponding resources is established on behalf of the client. The resource monitoring may be established, controlled and maintained by a telephony server coupled between the client and the switch. Such a telephony server can preserve monitoring for a resource group, independent of the requests of clients, in order to reduce the amount of execution time needed to set up and tear down monitors for client applications. This is particularly advantageous in call centers or in other client applications that involve monitoring large numbers of switch resources.

Abstract: A dental care device combines a flossing tool for dispensing dental floss and holding a length of the floss under tension with a double-edged tongue scraper. The dental care device includes an ergonomic handle. A floss fork is connected to one end of the handle and includes a pair of prongs extending outwardly from the handle, the prongs each having tips adapted to support a length of dental floss across the gap between the prongs. The device includes a floss tensioner having a floss cog rotatably mounted in the handle. The handle includes a tool storage compartment which may be used to contain dental hygiene tools such as a microbrush and a pick. The tongue scraper is attached to the end of the handle opposite the floss fork and includes a semicircular blade having opposing edges which are formed so that one of the edges is sharper than the other.

Abstract: A kinesiological mouthpiece includes a strap assembly with a bridge, a pair of extensions extending generally rearwardly and outwardly from the bridge and a pair of wings extending generally rearwardly from the extensions. The strap assembly is flexible for forming in a generally U-shaped use configuration. The wings are displaced at a different level from the bridge whereby the bridge can be positioned generally between the lower teeth and the lower lip with the wings approximately located on bite lines of the back teeth. A pair of bitepad assemblies are rotatably and longitudinally-adjustably mounted on the wings and each includes a bitepad with upper and lower contact surfaces for contacting by the back teeth.

Abstract: The method for removing a thermophilic group of cells from a source of mixed cells, such as blood, comprises the steps of obtaining a sample, testing the sample to determine the temperature gradient required to cause migration of the thermophilic cells from the sample. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of bringing the sample back to its ambient temperature quickly if it is desired to do so.

Abstract: The process of the present invention involves extracting components from a tobacco material or other plant material using a solvent having an aqueous character to provide separately an aqueous tobacco extract and a water insoluble tobacco portion. The insoluble tobacco portion is refined and a slurry is produced. The slurry is formed into a predetermined shape, e.g., a formed web. The formed web can be pressed to reduce the moisture content. The tobacco material preferably has a moisture content of at least about 50 percent by weight. The material is contacted with an aqueous mixture of an aerosol precursor material. The ratio of liquid having an aqueous character to aerosol precursor material is typically from about 25 to 75 percent by weight. Immediately after the introduction of the aerosol precursor material, the web is dried at a preselected temperature so that the aerosol precursor material is dispersed evenly throughout the web.

Abstract: A refuse recycling system includes untreated refuse directed into a collection bin, whereafter the refuse is directed by a first conveyor into a pulverizing hopper utilizing parallel rollers to effect crushing and pulverizing of the refuse, whereupon the pulverized refuse is directed into a dryer utilizing super-heated steam to effect drying of the refuse. Liquid fertilizer is then directed into the refuse that is directed through a tumbling mechanism to effect coating of the liquid fertilizer about the refuse for subsequent use in agricultural situations.