Abstract: A method for the making of a tooth mold which includes the steps of scanning the surface of a model of a tooth to obtain data on the three-dimensional surface locations of the model, processing the data in a CAD/CAM computer, and using the processed data to fabricate a tooth mold. The scanning step involves subjecting a rotating tooth model to radiant energy from a laser beam, receiving and translating reflections of the radiant energy into electronic signals, and digitizing the signals into data of the three-dimensional surface locations of the tooth model. The processing step involves translating the data, editing the data, creating a three-dimensional surface pattern of the tooth model, evaluating the surface pattern by visual analysis and comparison to known geometric values of the tooth model, and creating a tooth path program.

Abstract: A combination mixing and discharge capsule for storing separate ingredients which are to be mixed together prior to use and including a container body for one ingredient closed at one end by a slidable piston and the opposite end being displaceably received in a cup-shaped cap which forms a second compartment with a perforated wall of the container body opposite the end containing the piston for receiving a frangible pillow containing a liquid second ingredient to be mixed with the ingredient in the body. The cap has a discharge nozzle extending axially therefrom and when the cap is displaced farther onto the body the innermost wall of the pillow is burst to cause the discharge of the liquid ingredient through the perforated wall end into the container body for mixing with the ingredient therein.