Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a orthodontic template that assists in the placement of an orthodontic apparatus includes processing that begins by obtaining a digital model of an orthodontic structure of an orthodontic patient. The processing continues by obtaining a selection of one of a plurality of orthodontic apparatuses for the orthodontic structure to produce a selected orthodontic apparatus. The processing then continues by obtaining a digital model of placement of the selected orthodontic apparatus on the digital model of the orthodontic structure. The processing then continues by retrieving a digital image of a tooth mounting apparatus (e.g., a bracket, a band, a headgear tube, etc.) of the selected apparatus for a given tooth.

Abstract: Templates are disclosed that permit an orthodontist to accurately place appliances such as bracket shims or brackets on a tooth or teeth at a desired position. The templates can be used for accurately locating the position of other dental or orthodontic procedures, such as varnishing, tooth etching and root canals. The templates are made from a flexible sheet of material adapted to be adhered directly to the surface of the tooth or teeth. The sheet of material is formed with the outline of the tooth or teeth or in the shape of the tooth to allow the template to be posited in a proper, reference position. The sheet of material is also formed with one or more marks indicating the location of the bracket on the tooth, for example one mark indicting the bracket base location and other marks indicating the orientation of the base and bracket slot.

Abstract: A method is provided for scanning the surface of an object in which moisture such as saliva or water is present on the surface. The method includes the step of applying a saliva and water-resistant composition to the surface, wherein the composition is characterized in that it does not readily wash off the surface after application of the composition to the surface in the presence of saliva or water. The composition forms an opaque film on the surface. The method further includes the step of scanning the surface having the film with a scanner. Several formulations for the composition are disclosed. One includes a liquid alcohol base, such as dehydrated ethyl alcohol, a reflective pigment, and a binder for promoting good adhesion of the formulation to the surface of the object being scanned. A suitable binder for scanning teeth and other oral structures is a denture adhesive such as an off-the-shelf denture adhesive, in powder form, that is mixed with the pigment and the alcohol base.

Abstract: This invention provides reagents and methods for specifically delivering antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, drugs and agents to phagocytic mammalian cells. The invention also relates to specific delivery to and uptake of such compounds by phagocytic cells. The invention specifically relates to reagents and methods for facilitating the entry of antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, drugs and agents into phagocytic cells. The invention specifically provides compositions of matter and pharmaceutical embodiments of such compositions comprising such antibiotic, antimicrobial or antiviral compounds, drugs and agents conjugated to, impregnated with or coated onto particulate carriers generally termed microparticles. In particular embodiments, the antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, drugs and agents are covalently linked to a microparticle via a specifically-degradable linker molecule which is the target of a microorganism-specific protein having enzymatic activity.

Abstract: A toll saving method and apparatus for a remote access system is provided. A first communication device receives a connection request from a second communication device. The first communication device then decodes caller identification information from the connection request to determine a user identity, without completing the connection request. The first communication device determines whether an event associated with the user identity has occurred. If the event associated with the user identity has not occurred, the connection request is not completed. In a preferred embodiment, the toll saving method and apparatus allows an email user to call an ISP to determine whether unaccessed email is present in the user's account. If no email is present in the user's account, the call is never answered and no toll charges are incurred.

Abstract: A data processing system comprises a magnetic or optical disc 1, a disc controller 2, and a main data processing unit 5 communicating with the controller by means on an interface 6. The controller 2 comprises an internal processing unit which receives requests from the main data processing unit 5 for data to be read from the disc 1, and controls retrieval of the data from the disc 1 and transmission of data to the main data processing unit 5 via the interface 6. The controller 2 further comprises a buffer 3 for data read from the disc 1 prior to transmission to the main data processing unit 5. The controller 2 also comprises a look-up table 4 for modifying the data read from the disc 1 in accordance with predetermined. modification criteria prior to transmission to the main data processing unit 5. The system may be used in colour processing of image data, with the disc controller providing primary colour correction.

Abstract: A furniture glide assembly including a threaded rod, a convex glide foot, and an retractable glide foot, wherein the furniture associated with the glide assembly is essentially immobile when the glide foot is engaged, and wherein the furniture can be easily moved when the glide foot is retracted.