Abstract: A latch for securing the ends of a belt together so as to encircle an inflatable cuff of an artificial sphincter. The latch includes two rotatable components with cavities which receive the belt ends when the components are suitably rotated and capture the belt ends within the latch when the belt is in tension.

Abstract: An orthodontic direct bond appliance has a body with a base. The base includes a rim extending from its periphery at an angle between about 90.degree. and 170.degree. so as to define a recess for receipt of bonding material. The rim shears off any excess flash.

Abstract: A pad eliminatable by heat prior to casting has a patterned surface and a non-porous backing. The pad is sized and shaped into at least part of the appliance and the patterned surface is conformed to the desired bonding surface contour. The patterned surface yields irregularities in the cast bonding surface which increases bondability.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance which converts from a buccal tube to a bracket upon the removal of a wire insert which is partly positioned within the longitudinal slot of a bracket body and attached to the surface of the bracket.

Abstract: A pad eliminatable by heat prior to casting has a patterned surface and a non-porous backing. The pad is sized and shaped into at least part of the appliance and the patterned surface is conformed to the desired bonding surface contour. The patterned surface yields irregularities in the cast bonding surface which increases bondability.

Abstract: An electric hair dryer having a radiometer which remotely senses the infrared radiation emanating from the hair being dried and which contains a control means that causes the heating means in the dryer to turn off when the infrared radiation indicates the temperature of the hair is about 50.degree. C.

Abstract: There is disclosed massage mechanisms comprising one or more drivers having an angled socket on the end of each driver. The socket has a massage head rotatably engaged therewith by means of a post fixed essentially perpendicularly to the back of the massage head. The massage heads are generally conical in shape and can have collars around the periphery and downward from the base. The socket is angled to a degree which results in the axis of the head and the axis of the driver guide shaft intersecting at a point on the massage head or the driver. The diameter of the post on the massage head is less than the inside diameter of the socket. In operation the edges of the massage head rise and fall about 26.degree.-30.degree. in an undulating motion without imparting rotational motion while imparting a kneading, massaging action. The driver rotates at about 60-70 RPM which enables the massaging action to be synchronized to the heartbeat.

Abstract: An orthodontal palatal arch wire is provided for directional control over a pair of brackets; each bracket being mounted on an opposing molar in a patient's mouth. A resiliently flexible wire with a device intermediate its length for producing corrective forces has a torquing band transversely mounted thereon. The torquing band is securable by an elastic device to a receiving unit mounted on the lingual side of each bracket, so as to bear both forward and laterally against the receiving unit for transmitting correctional forces therebetween. A bracket is provided having a receiving unit with planar surfaces capable of bearing flushly against a torquing band having planar forward and lateral bearing surfaces.

Abstract: An electrically heated, hand-held portable facial sauna appliance has a top air inlet, side air inlet, an air flow adjustment arrangement and a fan to mix ambient air with steam generated from a quantity of water contained in an internal steam generating chamber having an associated electric heater and a bottom fill opening such that the appliance must be inverted to fill the chamber with water. A water trap and overflow arrangement in the container ensures that the chamber cannot be overfilled and enables the appliance to be overturned during use without leaking. The appliance is provided with attachments in the form of a facial mask, concentrator tube, brush and sponge, each designed to fit over a steam-air mixture outlet and control the quantity of air entering through the top air inlet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vibrating electric heating pad connected to a vibrator having a vibrating plate suspended in foam plastic in the vibrator housing and a control module with a slide switch and a transformer/rectifier. In a preferred embodiment, the vibrator is attached by velcro strips to the heating pad, and via a jack to the control module. The control module is also electrically connected to the heating pad and controls the heating pad and the vibrator.