Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for communicating a message prior to enabling communication over a communication link between user devices. In one aspect, a method is provided for communicating a message prior to enabling communication over a communication link between a user device and a second user device. The method includes receiving a request to initiate the communication link from the second user device, causing a notification of the request to initiate the communication link to be generated at the user device, receiving an acknowledgement from a user of the user device that the notification has been received, causing a message to be communicated to the user of the user device, receiving a user initiated acknowledgement from the user of the user device that the message has completed, and enabling communication between the users of the user device and second user device upon receipt of the user initiated acknowledgement.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for communicating a message prior to enabling communication over a communication link between user devices. In one aspect, a method is provided for communicating a message prior to enabling communication over a communication link between a user device and a second user device. The method includes receiving a request to initiate the communication link from the second user device, causing a notification of the request to initiate the communication link to be generated at the user device, receiving an acknowledgement from a user of the user device that the notification has been received, causing a message to be communicated to the user of the user device, receiving a user initiated acknowledgement from the user of the user device that the message has completed, and enabling communication between the users of the user device and second user device upon receipt of the user initiated acknowledgement.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a dental device comprises first and second gripping elements rotatably coupled to one another for movement between a gripping configuration in which a first gripping surface of the first gripping element is positioned adjacent a second gripping surface of the second gripping element to grip a dental device there between and a release configuration in which the first and second gripping surfaces are spaced from one another, wherein each of the first and second gripping surfaces includes a device receiving recess shaped to accommodate a gripping portion of a device to be gripped by the apparatus and a locking mechanism for locking the first and second gripping elements in the gripping configuration. The apparatus may further include a seating surface for applying a seating force to a bearing surface of the dental device.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a dental device comprises first and second gripping elements rotatably coupled to one another for movement between a gripping configuration in which a first gripping surface of the first gripping element is positioned adjacent a second gripping surface of the second gripping element to grip a dental device there between and a release configuration in which the first and second gripping surfaces are spaced from one another, wherein each of the first and second gripping surfaces includes a device receiving recess shaped to accommodate a gripping portion of a device to be gripped by the apparatus and a locking mechanism for locking the first and second gripping elements in the gripping configuration. The apparatus may further include a seating surface for applying a seating force to a bearing surface of the dental device.

Abstract: This invention relates to biomechanical devices comprising a liquid sinterable metallic alloy, characterized by a multiphase, composite microstructure of isolated spherical grains approximately 50 microns in diameter distributed in an essentially nonporous matrix. The dental prosthetic devices include full-cast crowns, copings, pontics, inlays, onlays, and bridges. Other devices include reconstructive and orthopedic pieces. A method for fabricating a dental prosthetic device is also recited.

Abstract: A high strength porcelain dental prosthetic device, such as an infrastructure, inlay or onlay is formed directly from a dental porcelain fired at elevated temperatures of about 1000.degree. F. and above, under a pressure of about 10 to 1000 microns of Hg. A special furnace is devised which will achieve this pressure range in a rapid efficient manner. The resultant porcelain dental infrastructure has a high density, and the strength approaching that found in commercial cast ceramic restorations.

Abstract: An alloyed metal dental prosthetic device, such as a coping, of an alloy dental reconstructive element, is formed from a liquid phase sintered powdered metal alloy at elevated temperatures of about 1000.degree.-1300.degree. C. under a high level of vacuum of about 10 to 1000 microns of Hg. A special oven is devised which will achieve this high level of vacuum in a rapid efficient manner. The resultant metal prosthetic device has the density of at least that found in commercial cast prosthetic devices.

Abstract: This invention provides a lubricating compound for the fitting of crowns, bridges and other prosthodontic restorations as used in prosthodontic dentistry. This compound in a preferred embodiment has a base which comprises 90 or more percent of the compound. A coloring agent which may be zinc oxide is five percent or less of the compound while small percentages of a bacteriostatic agent and an anti-inflammatory agent make up the rest of the compound. The compound is preferably readily washed from the prepared teeth and restoration after a try-in of the unfinished crown, bridge or other prosthodontic restoration has been done. This lubricant provides a new testing technique to be employed for the duration of the trial period of the restoration.