Abstract: An integrated remote control and sound recording device includes a housing, a remote control input interface for enabling a user to control at least one electronic entertainment device, and a sound recorder at least partially enclosed within the housing. The integrated device enables control of devices such as a television, an audio system, a video disc player, a video cassette recorder, a direct broadcast satellite receiver, a personal video recorder, a cable box, and a digital portable music and/or entertainment system. In addition, the device may be used as a sound recorder.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover cushions the impact of a rigid light emitting device when placed in contact with a patient's teeth or a dental appliance. The protective cover includes a base configured to attach to a rigid light emitting device, and a flexible translucent body. The body includes a first and second end. Light from the light emitting device enters the cover through the first end and exits through the second end. The flexible cover may be made of polyurethane, silicone, flexible polyethylene, or another elastomer.

Abstract: A light curing dental device is configured for curing light-curable compounds and includes a rechargeable power supply. The light curing device is configured to be received by and recharged by a recharging docking station that is connected with a dental hand piece holder tray. The recharging docking station may take the form of a dental hand piece holder. Some light curing devices can be recharged by electrical contact when they are placed within a recharging docking station. Some other light curing devices are water-tight and do not have exposed electrical contacts. These other light curing devices can be recharged by the recharging docking station through induction.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket packaging kit and system includes a base tray, a plurality of pedestals for supporting individual orthodontic brackets, and a protective lid. The kit may also include a blister cover fitting over the orthodontic brackets, helping to hold them in place on top of the individual pedestals. The base tray may have an undulating profile defining a lower level and an upper level, along with a tongue raised towards the lower level. The upper level may be used for placement of maxillary brackets, while the lower level may hold mandibular brackets. The pedestals may be arranged along the base tray in a staggered, radial arc arrangement to facilitate manual retrieval of the brackets. The protective cover may be substantially opaque to curing light wavelengths to protect light curable adhesive pre-applied to the individual brackets.

Abstract: A mixer enables a material to be transferred from a first syringe to a second syringe and enables another material to be transferred from the second syringe to the first syringe. The mixer includes a main body having a first surface, a second surface, first and second ends, first and second valve flaps, and is of a size and configuration adapted to be held at least partially within a tip of a syringe.

Abstract: An integrated remote control and massage device includes a housing having at least one massage surface, a remote control input interface for enabling a user to control at least one electronic entertainment device, and at least one motor that selectively provides vibrating motion to the massage surface(s). The integrated device enables control of devices such as a television, an audio system, a video disc player, a video cassette recorder, a direct broadcast satellite receiver, a personal video recorder, a cable box, and a digital portable music and/or entertainment system. In addition, the device may be used as a vibrating massage device. The device may optionally include a heating element, a sound recorder, a device locator, or a flashlight.

Abstract: A dental device configured for curing light-curable compounds includes an extension portion conforming along a first axis, and a handle portion conforming along an intersecting axis, the axes forming an obtuse angle. An LED light source is disposed on the extension portion, and faces away from the obtuse angle, though rotatable embodiments allow for other configurations. The LED light source may include transilluminating lenses for filtering out undesired radiant energy. The dental device may include finger controls for controlling the emission of light from the LED light source of the dental device. A remote power supply connected with the dental device provides power to the dental device without increasing the size or weight of the dental device.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket packaging kit and system includes a base tray, a plurality of pedestals for supporting individual orthodontic brackets, and a protective lid. The kit may also include a blister cover fitting over the orthodontic brackets, helping to hold them in place on top of the individual pedestals. The base tray may have an undulating profile defining a lower level and an upper level, along with a tongue raised towards the lower level. The upper level may be used for placement of maxillary brackets, while the lower level may hold mandibular brackets. The pedestals may be arranged along the base tray in a staggered, radial arc arrangement to facilitate manual retrieval of the brackets. The protective cover may be substantially opaque to curing light wavelengths to protect light curable adhesive pre-applied to the individual brackets.

Abstract: A baluster retaining member for connecting an end of a baluster to an opening in a rail of a railing system includes a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster. The rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the baluster is connected to the rail by the member and the rail is positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the baluster is oriented vertically.

Abstract: A baluster retaining member for connecting an end of a baluster to an opening in a rail of a railing system includes a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster. The rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the baluster is connected to the rail by the member and the rail is positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the baluster is oriented vertically.

Abstract: A circular shaped rotor to facilitate automated identification testing of microorganisms in a microbiology analyzer having two circular arrays of microwells downwardly projecting from the top of the rotor connected to a recessed central region by a plurality of microchannels formed in the upper surface and connecting the recessed central portion to the second plurality of microwells; the rotor is further adapted to be rotated by a source of rotational energy and moved throughout the analyzer using troughs formed near its outer diameter.

Abstract: A microbiological test array with a plurality of microwells connected by a microchannel to a solution reservoir. Subsequent to filling the microwells, the microchannels are sealed to protect the integrity of the solution in the test microwells.

Abstract: Performing antibiotic testing on samples contained in test arrays by orienting the arrays relative to the direction of gravity so that test solution within the microwells is drawn downwards and air within the microwells is forced to the uppermost portion of the test array. Antibiotic testing is conducted using an interrogating beam of radiation passing horizontally through the microwells at locations devoid of air bubbles.

Abstract: A random access microbiological analyzer for performing AST and ID tests on samples using on-board inventories of different AST test arrays and different ID test rotors within separate AST and ID incubation and analysis chambers.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for managing metadata in a database management system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of accepting a command in the database management system that implicates a metadata modification and providing that command to a metadata service, parsing the command to determine if the command requires a metadata modification, accessing a rule set defining rules for modifying the metadata when indicated by the parsed commands, and enforcing the rule defined in the rule set. The article of manufacture comprises a program storage device with a medium tangibly embodying processing instructions for performing the foregoing operations. The apparatus comprises a means for performing the foregoing steps. The article of manufacture comprises a means for performing these steps, including a computer implementing a database management system. The functions herein described can be performed by a special purpose processor, a single multipurpose computer.

Abstract: A random access microbiological analyzer for performing AST and ID tests on samples using on-board inventories of different AST test arrays and different ID test rotors within separate AST and ID incubation and analysis chambers.

Abstract: A microbiological test array with a plurality of microwells connected by a microchannel to a solution reservoir. Subsequent to filling the microwells, the microchannels are sealed to protect the integrity of the solution in the test microwells.

Abstract: A circular shaped rotor to facilitate automated identification testing of microorganisms in a microbiology analyzer having two circular arrays of microwells downwardly projecting from the top of the rotor connected to a recessed central region by a plurality of microchannels formed in the upper surface and connecting the recessed central portion to the second plurality of microwells; the rotor is further adapted to be rotated by a source of rotational energy and moved throughout the analyzer using troughs formed near its outer diameter.

Abstract: Performing antibiotic testing on samples contained in test arrays by orienting the arrays relative to the direction of gravity so that test solution within the microwells is drawn downwards and air within the microwells is forced to the uppermost portion of the test array. Antibiotic testing is conducted using an interrogating beam of radiation passing horizontally through the microwells at locations devoid of air bubbles.

Abstract: A dispenser for a coreless roll product having a pair of depressions defined in the ends of the coreless roll. The dispenser includes: a frame; mounting device for permitting the frame to be mounted to a stationary surface such as a wall; and a coreless roll securing device for securing a coreless roll product for rotation within the frame. The coreless roll securing device includes a pair of cooperating plungers. Each plunger includes: (1) a base, the base being fixed to the frame; (2) a distal end, the distal end having a radius of curvature; and (3) a central shaft, the central shaft connecting the base and the distal end and providing sufficient length so the plunger has a length at least as great as its widest dimension so the plunger is adapted to penetrate a depression defined at an end of a coreless roll product, so radial displacement of the coreless roll with respect to said frame is prevented during use. Also a method for installing a coreless roll of a product.