Abstract: A drive tube apparatus for providing a precisely adjustable linear range of motion to orthodontic devices. The drive tube apparatus includes a threaded tube with a roughened surface for secure attachment to a mounting. A drive screw engages the threaded tube through a predetermined range of motion. A ball and socket rotatably attaches the drive screw to the drive shaft allowing the drive shaft to move within a linear range of motion without rotating with the drive screw. The drive shaft attached to and accomplishes the positioning of an adjustable appliance.

Abstract: An enhanced deck for generating live fire simulations of fuel spill and chemical fires and the like includes a receptacle for receiving a volume of fluid such as water within which is mounted a fuel burner array. Gaseous or liquid fuel is delivered to the burner assembly under pressure, resulting in the expulsion of fuel into the liquid, where the fuel transforms into vapor and rises to the surface of the receptacle. A support surface such as a metal grating or other rigid temperature resistant structure is provided at the upper end of the liquid receptacle and is at least partially immersed in the liquid so as to be in heat transfer relationship with the support surface. The fuel vapor is ignited at the support surface to generate a training fire. Preferably, a flow of liquid is provided to the receptacle to replace liquid that evaporates from the heat of combustion to maintain the support surface at or below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An implant is loosely inserted in an opening in the bone. A packing composition and/or growth factor is inserted in the opening to anchor the implant in the opening.

Abstract: A training device for the graphic representation of the fluidic processes and functions for basic and advanced fluidics training, with an essentially vertically oriented panel, on which fluidic practice devices are mounted in a systematic arrangement and are controllable by means of directly or indirectly operated directional valves through permanently installed tube connections to create various functional flow path patterns, is improved upon with regard to its handling characteristics and its instructional utility. Toward this end it is provided that each practice device is coupled with a movable symbol plate (12) on the face of which the flow-path alternatives (13) of the practice device are indicated, and that the movement of the symbol plate (12) is directly translatable into the hydraulic loading of the practice device.

Abstract: In a medical or dental instrument having a driven treatment tool and an illumination device with a lamp, in particular for the treatment area, wherein the lamp is mounted in a plug-in socket, the plug-in socket is formed by two spring elements biassed towards one another between which the lamp is mounted to swing freely. Alternatively at least one damping element can be arranged between the holder and the lamp or the holder can be mounted elastically on the base part.

Abstract: The invention herein pertains to a method for manufacturing reading materials to help those with certain reading disabilities. The method of manufacturing consists of altering text by deleting certain "sight" words and thereafter printing the altered text with the sight words deleted. A reading disabled person can then read and reread the altered text until his or her phonetic reading abilities are improved. More advanced text can later be manufactured and supplied to further improve reading skills.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for language teaching is provided, which includes use of a microphone for receiving a statement by a person in the language sought to be learned. A first signal is created, and the first signal is subjected to a first processing step to create a second signal. The second signal contains the first signal in a modified form, in a predetermined manner according to the envelope curve derived from selected pass bands of the language sought to be learned. The first signal is subjected to a second processing step to create a third signal which contains the first signal modified according to the harmonic content of the statement and according to the characteristics of the language. Finally, either the second or third signal is sent to the person, depending upon whether the amplitude of the first signal is above or below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a bracket having a front face provided with a rectangular recess for receiving an archwire and rear face for attachment to a tooth or backing plate with an intermediate segment defining a peripheral groove having a pair of base surfaces which are curved about a common axis for receiving supplemental or primary archwires; the body is provided with a rear segment including a through channel for receiving a retaining pin which has a head for cooperation with a notch formed in the front face; the recess of the front face is angled in two directions to increase the variability of the forces that can be applied to the subjacent tooth in practice.

Abstract: A coloring or drawing board for use by children comprising a central planar surface upon which may be placed and held a coloring book or a paper pad and having a plurality of receptacles along the upper edge for receiving a plurality of crayons. Each of the crayons is tethered to the board permitting use for drawing and coloring on the board, but precluding improper use elsewhere such as on walls of a building.

Abstract: Process for producing dental restorations which are exactly matched in shape and in color, especially crowns, and for a positive working modal that can be used for this purpose.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the training of laparoscopic surgical techniques is disclosed. The device allows placement of a tissue specimen in different positions and angles that permit the surgeon to practice laparoscopic techniques such as suturing and stapling during laparoscopic simulation exercises.

Abstract: A selection of scaled photographic images of appearance modifications are printed with opaque backing on clear transparent overlay sheets. An instant color photograph of a user is removably attached by Velcro to an opaque carrier page. The overlay sheets each overlay the carrier page one at a time to view what the user would look like with the appearance modifications. Overlay sheets are bound together in a spiral binder to permit ease of use and storage and updating with replacable pages. A scaled viewing guide slides removably into a slotted U-shaped holder around the camera viewfinder. Additional views of the appearance modifiers viewed from different angles and information and images of products related to the appearance modifiers may be printed on each overlay sheet.

Abstract: A voice, familiar to a patient having a short-term memory loss problem, records comments, of the type that evoke responses, on a tape cassette followed by blank portions on the tape cassette to allow the patient to respond. The cassette is then played back for the patient over a personal cassette player through headphones to allow the patient to respond to the comments while the blank intervals are being played back.

Abstract: Apparatus for training an operator in use of hydraulic and electrohydraulic fluid power systems that includes a vertical panel upstanding from a wheeled base. A first plurality of electrohydraulic devices are mounted on one side of the panel, and second plurality of hydromechanical devices are mounted on the opposing side of the panel. Both of the device pluralities include fluid flow control valves that are distinct from each other between the respective pluralities, and fluid load devices such as rotary hydraulic motors and linear hydraulic cylinders that are shared by the respective pluralities. A fluid power source is carried by the base, as are a multiplicity of hoses for connecting the fluid power source to the devices among either or both of the first and second pluralities. Thus, a hydromechanical trainer and an electrohydraulic trainer are provided in a single device with shared components for loading the valves of the respective training sections, which may be used simultaneously.

Abstract: A dental instrument having an active tool for treating a hard dental substance includes an arrangement for spraying water to cool the preparation location with the water either forming an envelope surrounding the tool or being a finely atomized stream of a solid angle directed onto the preparation location. The volume proportion of cooling air relative to the volume of the water in both versions is not greater than the volume of the water so that the envelope or spray are substantially free of air.

Abstract: A modular terrain board is provided having a plurality of sections or terrain cell plugs which are held in place by a baseboard assembly having a corresponding plurality of cell receiving sections or cells formed therein. The terrain cell plugs can be easily removed to allow for quick and accurate reconfiguration of the terrain model. The terrain board has means for representing buildings, rivers, lakes, roads, and other topographical features.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable attached alongside or extending through the handle of a dental mirror to provide a source of illumination to the mirror. An end of the fiber optic cable is projected towards the mirror. Such end is either flat, shaped as a lens or having a lens attached thereto.

Abstract: A wax pattern is built up on the surface of the other end of a post comprising pure titanium. The wax pattern is used to produce a casting mold. While the casting mold is kept at a predetermined temperature, a crystallized glass having a thermal expansion coefficient falling within the range of .+-.5.times.10.sup.-7 with respect to that of pure titanium is melted and cast in the mold. The resultant mold product is heated and crystallized to obtain a dental prosthesis. A post comprising pure titanium is chemically bonded to a core comprising the crystallized glass. This invention provides a dental prosthesis which is easy to manufacture and nontoxic to the human body.

Abstract: A teaching device for indicating in real time the movement of a selected part of a person's body beyond a desired boundary limit is provided, as well as a method for teaching a person to control his or her body movement in response to alarms provided by the teaching device. The teaching device includes an element for detecting movement of the selected body part beyond a boundary limit, a first alarm element for providing a first alarm indicating encroachment of a nominal misalignment zone in which the body part is nominally out of alignment with a preferred location thereof, and a second alarm element for providing a second alarm in response to encroachment by the selected body part of a significant misalignment zone in which the selected body part is significantly out of alignment with the preferred location thereof. The first alarm provided by a first alarm element is an intermittent beeping tone and a blinking light.

Abstract: Process for modelling cranio-facial architecture on the basis of a lateral cephalometric X-ray by determining bony points and plotting analysis lines, measuring the angles and comparing them with thresholds and measuring the lengths and comparing the lengths with one another.