Abstract: A lamp and picture assembly comprises a frame, a series of frames or surfaces in the lamp base to display pictures or photographs. The lamp illuminates both the room and the pictures or photographs. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a hollow metal leg mounted at one end to a lamp frame support at the upper end of a U-shaped member. Elongated channels are mounted within the interior of the legs to support a glass/photo/backing assembly. An electrical wire is run within the hollow leg to a light bulb mounted on the support. A lamp support is also mounted on the frame. Alternate embodiments include various bases which cooperate with a lamp to provide illumination for the frames and at the same time general lighting for the room. Multiple picture frames may be incorporated in a design and magnets may be employed to hold the frames or pictures in place.

Abstract: A customized dental abutment is provided which replicates a tooth being replaced. The dimensions of the abutment are determined by a computer algorithm that modifies standard tooth type models according to a series of measurements taken of the site of desired tooth replacement. Methods of the invention relate to taking a series of measurements of the site of desired tooth replacement, determining the type of tooth being replaced, and preparing or selecting a customized dental abutment based on the measurements and determination. The preparation or selection is made by modifying standard measurements for the type of tooth being replaced in conformity with the measurements taken of the site of desired tooth replacement.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for attachment to the distal end of a ligating device having proximal and distal ends with a lumen extending therebetween and being adapted for supporting a plurality of ligating bands includes a support for attachment to the distal end of the ligating device and for carrying the plurality of ligating bands and having a passage communicating with the lumen; and a dispenser including a first displacement element looped about each of the bands in series attached to the support and extending through the passage and lumen whereby proximal motion of the operator element from the proximal end of the ligating device transfers individually the most distal ligating band off the distal end of the support.

Abstract: An impression coping device for customized implant restorative systems comprises a head having an end for mating with a dental implant fixture and a guide stem attached to that head for insertion into a dental implant fixture. The mating end of the head has a plurality of axially extending, radially resilient fingers for a radial friction fit onto an implanted dental fixture.

Abstract: A barrier-free drainage apparatus includes a trough positioned adjacent the front edge of a platform. The trough has a bottom wall which is positioned below the front edge of the platform, and at least one outlet opening in fluid flow communication with a drain pipe. A grate is positioned inside the trough and has an upper, generally horizontal portion with a plurality of apertures therethrough. The upper portion is supported such each that said upper portion is spaced apart from the trough bottom wall in a generally horizontal position and a top surface of the upper portion is substantially the same height as the front edge of the platform. Another aspect of the invention is the configuration of the outlet openings. A plurality of spaced apart, elongated insert receptacles depend from the bottom wall. The insert receptacles have side wall means and a horizontal base which define a cavity, and each base has two spaced apart outlet openings therein adjacent opposing ends of the base.