Abstract: A switch resource receives control plane packets and data packets. The control plane packets indicate how to configure the network in which the switch resource resides. The switch resource includes a classifier. The classifier classifies the control plane packets based on priority and stores the control plane packets into different packet priority queues. The switch resource also includes a flow controller. The forwarding manager selectively forwards the control plane packets stored in the control plane packet priority queues to a control plane packet processing environment depending on a completion status of processing previously forwarded control plane packets by a packet processing thread. The control plane packet processing environment includes a monitor resource that generates one or more interrupts to an operating system to ensure further forwarding of the packets downstream to the packet processing thread for timely processing.

Abstract: An implant system including a substructure, a suprastructure, abutments and an implant. The suprastructure is preferably fabricated of a light polymerized resin material having reinforcements such as fibers or fillers. The suprastructure is fabricated before the substructure. The use of resin materials that exhibit less shrinkage and the fact that the process begins with the suprastructure fabrication prevents distortion of the prosthesis when the suprastructure is bonded to the substructure and placed in the patient's mouth. Additionally, the method involved in making this implant system provides a prosthesis that is available to the patient almost immediately after surgery.

Abstract: An implant system may comprise implants, abutments, cylinders and a structural framework with a veneer thereon. A prosthesis comprises the structural framework and veneer. The cylinders are provided with grooves or shelves thereon to retain a structural framework thereon. The structural framework may comprise fiber reinforced composite material which is disposed on and around the cylinders to provide the framework for a prosthesis. Abutments are provided for single or small implant systems wherein the abutments comprise mechanical retentive features such as grooves, holes, nodules or beads thereon for retaining polymeric material thereon.

Abstract: A switch resource receives control plane packets and data packets. The control plane packets indicate how to configure the network in which the switch resource resides. The switch resource includes a classifier. The classifier classifies the control plane packets based on priority and stores the control plane packets into different packet priority queues. The switch resource also includes a flow controller. The forwarding manager selectively forwards the control plane packets stored in the control plane packet priority queues to a control plane packet processing environment depending on a completion status of processing previously forwarded control plane packets by a packet processing thread. The control plane packet processing environment includes a monitor resource that generates one or more interrupts to an operating system to ensure further forwarding of the packets downstream to the packet processing thread for timely processing.

Abstract: CADCAM blocks are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of dental appliances. The blocks are fabricated of a fiber-reinforced composite material wherein the fibers may be randomly dispersed to provide blocks having isotropic properties. The polymeric matrix is partially or fully cured to the point of sufficient hardness to provide a ready-to-use structural component for use in the fabrication of dental appliances such as orthodontic retainers, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts, teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, retainers, cylinders, and connectors.

Abstract: Ready-to-use preshaped, prefabricated cured components and hybrid components are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of dental appliances. Preferably the structural components are fabricated of a fiber-reinforced composite material comprising fibers impregnated with a polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix is partially or fully cured to the point of sufficient hardness to provide a ready-to-use structural component for use in the fabrication of dental appliances such as The component of claim 1 wherein the dental appliance system is selected from the group consisting of orthodontic retainers, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts, teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, cylinders, abutments, pins and connectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental appliance system having use as an orthodontic retainer, bridge, space maintainer, splint and the like, the improvement wherein a structural component thereof is formed from an effective fiber-reinforced composite material comprising a polymeric matrix and a reinforcing fiber component embedded within the matrix, the reinforcing fiber component comprising at least 20% by weight of the composite material and being substantially fully wetted by the polymer matrix, the composite material being substantially free of voids and having a modulus of elasticity greater than 0.5 x 10.sup.6 psi.

Abstract: A force imparting orthodontic appliance system is provided wherein the components thereof are formed from fiber reinforced composite material comprising a polymeric matrix and at least five percent of a reinforcing fiber embedded in the matrix.

Abstract: A beta-titanium alloy wire is used as the force-imparting component in orthodontic appliances. The alloy provides up to a threefold improvement over 18-8 stainless steel wire in load deflection rate and a twofold increase in maximum elastic displacement while providing a low modulus of elasticity and optimum low level force magnitudes. The wire also finds utility as ligature wires, as clasps and related structures in orthodontic and prosthetic appliances and as surgical arch bars for jaw fractures and the like.