Abstract: A capacitive deionization cell comprising a first electrode, an anion membrane adjacent said first electrode forming an anion membrane-electrode conjugate, a cation membrane in spacial relation with said anion membrane defining a fluid flow path between said anion membrane and said cation membrane, and a second electrode adjacent said cation membrane forming a cation membrane-electrode conjugate, wherein said anion membrane-electrode conjugate and said cation membrane-electrode conjugate each have an effective capacitance, and the ratio of the effective capacitance of said cation membrane-electrode conjugate to the effective capacitance of said anion membrane-electrode conjugate is a non-zero number less than 2.

Abstract: Methods for disinfecting and removing smear layer from prepared tooth surfaces are provided. The methods involve irrigating the tooth surface with a disinfectant solution containing doxycycline or tetracycline, a surfactant such as polysorbate, and organic acid such as citric acid. The methods can be used in various dental treatments including, for example, endodontic and periodontic procedures as well as tooth restoration and reconstruction.

Abstract: A single use, reciprocal reverse rotation, endodontic file includes a plurality of spaced apart helical flutes with spiraled lands therebetween. The lands have an edge with a positive cutting angle when the file is rotated in one direction and a scraping angle when rotated in the opposite direction. The file provides for sequential rotation of a selected angle in a forward direction followed by rotation of a slightly less angle in a reverse direction. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flutes is concave polygonal-shaped at a proximal end of the file and square-shaped at the distal end. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flutes is convex arcuate-shaped, the lands lying normal to the central longitudinal axis of the file. The handle portion of the file may be configured for use in a rotary handpiece or for manual rotation.

Abstract: A dental instrument for cleaning and shaping a root canal of a tooth includes a working portion having three helical flutes and a guide tip with a first, second, and third face surface. A portion of the guide tip is removed so that each of the first and second surfaces are contiguous to a lateral surface of a conical-shaped envelope defining the original tip but a portion of the third surface is not contiguous to a lateral surface of the conical-shaped envelope. The intersection of the first and second surfaces, however, remains at the center point of the guide tip. The removed portion of the guide tip may result in an arcuate-shaped face surface, an angular-shaped face surface, or some combination of the two.

Abstract: A method of producing an endodontic file that involves grinding in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a rotating dental instrument blank. By grinding the dental instrument blank in this manner, the torsional strength of the resulting endodontic file is not eroded during its production, thereby providing a file that is less susceptible to breakage during its use.

Abstract: The invention is a method of reducing catalyst dissolution in the cathode of a membrane electrode assembly fuel cell, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode; (b) assembling a fuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly; (c) applying a fluid comprising an oxidant to the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly; (d) applying a fluid comprising a fuel to the anode of the membrane electrode assembly; and (e) supplying a sufficient quantity of reducing agent to the cathode to maintain the average open-circuit voltage of the cathode at less than about 0.98 V.

Abstract: The invention is a method of reducing catalyst dissolution in the cathode of a membrane electrode assembly fuel cell, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode; (b) assembling a fuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly; (c) applying a fluid comprising an oxidant to the cathode of the_membrane electrode assembly; (d) applying a fluid comprising a fuel to the anode of the membrane electrode assembly; and (e) supplying a sufficient quantity of reducing agent to the cathode to maintain the average open-circuit voltage of the cathode at less than about 0.98 V.

Abstract: A rotatable endodontic file for cleaning/shaping a tooth root canal, comprising an elongated shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion having a rotational axis, the working portion extending from the proximal portion to the distal end, the external surface of the shaft working portion having a plurality of at least two spiraled, spaced apart continuous helical flutes, the flutes having therebetween an equal number of spiraled, spaced apart flanges, each flange having in a plane perpendicular the rotational axis an outer end surface forming a continuous spiraled scraping/cutting edge extending the length of the shaft working portion, the flutes having helical angles relative to the rotational axis of between 10° and 30° and wherein the helical angles vary at selected longitudinal locations.

Abstract: Methods and solutions are provided for removal of the smear layer on prepared tooth and bone surfaces, especially in endodontic environments.

Abstract: A decorative and practical framed showcase for pendant medals comprising a slotted display panel positioned between a primary back panel and a transparent viewing pane. The showcase attractively displays pendant type awards. The display panel comprises a slot or series of slots arranged uniformly in rows. The ribbon portion of an award is inserted into a slot in the display panel, and is pulled through to the back of the panel. The medal and a part of the ribbon remain visible from the front of the display panel. Retainers attached to the rear surface of the display panel secure the excess length of ribbon out of view and hold the medal suspended in place on the front side of the display panel. The showcase further comprises an integral means for secure attachment and simple removal to and from a wall.

Abstract: A dry pulverulent ash composition is described which comprises a dry pulverulent fly ash to be used as a portland cement substitute for improving the physical properties of a finished concrete product. The ash composition includes fly ash together with an oxidizer present in a dry pulverulent form that is unreacted with the ash and is maintained in an unreacted state during shipment and storage but is capable of reacting with the fly ash upon an addition of water to convert virtually all and preferably over 95% of the sulfur compounds present in the ash to the sulfite form. The oxidizer is present in minor amount from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition. An aggregate comprising pellets can also be added to the composition together with a minor amount of portland cement and a conditioner e.g., accelerator to form a concrete block product that is up to 10% lighter than a standard concrete block that does not use the present composition and at the same time exhibits improved crushing strength.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure employing a wire frame having first and second arms that extend in divergent directions with respect to each other. A fish attracting element and a hook are secured to one arm, and a spinner is attached to the other arm. The wire frame is formed of a nickel titanium alloy which provides flexibility and shape memory that are substantially greater than that provided by conventional stainless steel wire whereby when the lure is pulled through water, it has improved fish attracting action.

Abstract: Methods and solutions are provided for removal of the smear layer on prepared tooth and bone surfaces, especially in endodontic environments.

Abstract: Producing both colored and noncolored lightweight aggregates. The processes involve mixing a lightweight fine material such as ash with cement, and optionally pigment, then agglomerating the mixture, curing, and sizing the lightweight aggregate. Calcium stearate is added to the lightweight aggregate for reducing the moisture permeability of the lightweight aggregate end product. The colored and noncolored lightweight aggregate may be used in a variety of ways such as to provide a lightweight concrete mix with the same exterior and interior color, and for other asphalt pavement, geotechnical, horticulture, and specialty uses.

Abstract: A nontoxic and environmentally compatible insect control, e.g., a liquid spray, for eradicating insects includes an aqueous solution or dispersion of a surfactant that is present in a sufficient amount to debilitate or kill the insects and a thickener. The surfactant can be any synthetic detergent such as sodium lauryl sulfate and the thickener is preferably a water soluble or dispersable thickening agent. Optional components include a source of biocompatible cations, a salt and preservative. A method is disclosed for releasing an insect control composition when the insect is sensed, e.g., by means of a microphone and for attracting the insect to the microphone or other sensing means.

Abstract: Methods and solutions are provided for removal of the smear layer on prepared tooth and bone surfaces, especially in endodontic environments.

Abstract: A cutting tool with a cutting tool holder and a plurality of replaceable indexable cutting inserts releasably attached to the holder. The holder has seats located about the circumference of one end of the holder for mounting of the cutting inserts. The seats are oriented with respect to the central axis of the tool holder such that not all seats have the same orientation, and this change in orientation allows greater use of the cutting edge of each insert.

Abstract: A cutting tool with a cutting tool holder and a plurality of replaceable indexable cutting inserts releasably attached to the holder. The holder has seats located about the circumference of one end of the holder for mounting of the cutting inserts. The seats are oriented with respect to the central axis of the tool holder such that not all seats have the same orientation, and this change in orientation allows greater use of the cutting edge of each insert.

Abstract: A decorative and practical framed showcase for pendant medals comprising a slotted display panel positioned between a primary back panel and a transparent viewing pane. The showcase attractively displays pendant type awards. The display panel comprises a slot or series of slots arranged uniformly in rows. The ribbon portion of an award is inserted into a slot in the display panel, and is pulled through to the back of the panel. The medal and a part of the ribbon remain visible from the front of the display panel. Retainers attached to the rear surface of the display panel secure the excess length of ribbon out of view and hold the medal suspended in place on the front side of the display panel. The showcase further comprises an integral means for secure attachment and simple removal to and from a wall.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure employing a wire frame having first and second arms that extend in divergent directions with respect to each other. A fish attracting element and a hook are secured to one arm, and a spinner is attached to the other arm. The wire frame is formed of a nickel titanium alloy which provides flexibility and shape memory that are substantially greater than that provided by conventional stainless steel wire whereby when the lure is pulled through water, it has improved fish attracting action.