Abstract: Technologies are described for a distributed audio system configured to switch operating modes. In some examples, the distributed audio system may include a device configured to execute first instructions from a first memory corresponding to operation in a first mode, receive a signal to switch modes, and, responsive to receiving the signal, switch a select signal corresponding to the first memory to select a second memory. Responsive to selecting the second memory, the device may be configured to execute second instructions from the second memory corresponding to operation in a second mode. The device may enter a registration mode to register portable parts to the device.

Abstract: A distributed audio system can comprise a first radio and a second radio. The first radio can comprise a first control data pathway for wirelessly coupling to a first mobile device through which first control signals are transmitted and a first audio pathway for wirelessly coupling to a second mobile device through which audio signals are transmitted. The second radio can comprise a second control data pathway for wirelessly coupling to a second mobile device through which second control signals are transmitted and a second audio pathway for wirelessly coupling to the first mobile device through which audio signals are transmitted. Transmission of the audio and control signals is selectively blocked from one of the mobile devices when the other is recording or playing back audio.

Abstract: One or more wireless speaker units can be distributed through a room, such as a classroom. One or more instructor units can communicate with the speaker unit via base station. Audio pathways can selectively be provided between speaker units, between speaker units and instructor units and between instructor units. A remote control can be used to control the available audio pathways.

Abstract: An infrared light emitting diode circuit and related methods are disclosed. Exemplary features of embodiments comprise circuitry for controlling the voltage delivered to infrared light emitting diodes and for reducing the power consumption of the circuitry in the absence of audio signals to be transmitted.

Abstract: A portable infrared sensor and speaker assembly is described which, in one form, includes an elongated array of infrared sensors along respective first and second side portions of a speaker. Infrared reflective surfaces, which may include a portion of the side surface of the speaker, enhance the detection of infrared signals by the sensors. This technology can be used, for example, in infrared signal amplification systems for amplifying a speaker's voice in a classroom or auditorium.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument having a shaft with a near end and a removed end. The shaft is comprised of a first material. A head, the head being comprised of a second material is attached to the removed and of the shaft. The shaft is rotated so as to move with the shaft. The head is permanently attached to the shaft. The head is typically shaped to allow for the cutting of dentin or other tooth or pulp material. Applicant also provides a method for manufacturing such an endodontic instrument by including the steps of forming a tooth cutting member such as a head, forming an elongated shaft and permanently attaching the tooth cutting member or head to the shaft.

Abstract: An endodontic reamer and a method for manufacturing endodontic reamers and files, more specifically an endodontic reamer having a cylindrical shaft and a working portion extending forward from a removed end of the shaft. The working portion includes, typically, a pair of wedged shaped projecting sections that extend beyond the diameter of the shaft. Forward from the wedge shaped sections is a nose, typically non-cutting nose, that has a diameter of about equal to diameter of the shaft. There are typically two (2) wedge shaped sections projecting outward opposite one another. Applicant also provides a novel method for manufacturing an endodontic reamer, which consists of using a two piece mold and placing a wire blank between the mold, followed by forcing the mold together, under compression, against the wire blank, to deform the blank into the shape of the mold parts.

Abstract: A method of filling a root canal of a tooth includes inserting a plug of filling material into the root canal until a tip of the plug resides substantially at the apical foramen of the root canal and delivering a filling material into a remaining exposed portion of the root canal. An instrument for delivering a plug of filling material into a root canal of a tooth includes a shaft and a head formed integrally with the shaft, wherein the head includes a tip for receiving a plug of filling material. An instrument for delivering filling material into a root canal of a tooth includes a shaft and a working portion formed integrally with the shaft for carrying the filling material.