Abstract: An impactor for safely, efficiently, and effectively placing mercury-free dental restorations in a cavity of a patient's tooth, the impactor having a housing, anvil, hammer, solenoid or other transducer, end cap, source of restoration paste, and paste feeder tube for condensing mercury-free paste in the cavity. The impactor provides periodic impulses by activating the solenoid, causing the hammer to strike the anvil. The anvil is forced into contact with the paste, thereby condensing the paste into a high-density metal or other material suitable for dental restoration. (Also disclosed is a solenoid or other transducer having a “T” shaped hammer which strikes an anvil.) The solenoid or other transducer can be used to compact or strike any surface. The paste feeder may be incorporated into the impactor or alternatively be a separate hand operated device.

Abstract: A ram air parachute of the present invention includes specific cross porting of the ribs between certain cells to create a two-stage or multi-stage deployment. Cross ports between certain sets of cells have reduced or no conductance. In this manner, the center cells of the canopy open first, slowing decent, before the outer cells. The staged deployment reduces the opening forces on the pilot particularly in high speed flights.