Abstract: A wrist strap for weight lifting and exercising is provided. The present invention relates to a wrist strap with automatic coiling features. The wrist strap of the present invention can be used to increase a person's lifting capacity. The wrist strap allows the user to more safely lift heavy loads without losing one's grip.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress guard is provided. The present invention relates to a mattress guard having a sheet with side pockets on the top surface of the sheet wherein inflatable bladders can be inserted into the pockets and selectively inflated and deflated by the user of the mattress depending on the user's needs and preferences. The invention has application to bed safety devices for hospitals and nursing homes, as well as to general use for toddlers and young children in a home environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating both a true color and fast pseudo color video signals includes the combination of first and second commercially available RAMDACs. Parallel video data representing the red, blue, and green color components of one or more pixels is provided on a video bus to the inputs of the first and second RAMDACs. A first data portion of the parallel video data is presented to the input of the first RAMDAC, which can represent either a single pixel in the fast pseudo color mode or the most significant pixel data. A second data portion of the parallel video data is presented to the input of the second RAMDAC, which can represent either another single pixel in the fast pseudo color mode or the least significant pixel data. The outputs of the two RAMDACs are combined to provide true color video signals in a first RAM programming mode, and the respective outputs of the two RAMDACs are multiplexed to provide fast pseudo color video signals in a second RAM programing mode.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed which is formed from an elongated section of metal that enables it to be directly bonded to the buccal surfaces of a plurality of the teeth. The bracket is attached to the buccal surfaces of the teeth by direct bonding to a plurality of contoured surfaces which have been formed from the elongated section of metal. A bent section is formed between each adjacent pair of contoured surfaces whose length is an approximate function of the distance between the centers of the teeth to which the adjacent contoured surfaces are attached. An archwire attachment is formed in each of the bent sections. Buccal and head gear tubes are attached to one of the bent sections.

Abstract: An orthodontic head gear is disclosed for use in applying traction forces to produce posterior movement of the maxillary molars and arch. The head gear includes an arch bow which is adapted to conform to the contour of the dental arch of the patient undergoing orthodontic treatment and an associated face bow to which are applied the traction forces. A coupling is attached between the arch bow and face bow which is rotatable in orthogonal directions. The rotatable coupling comprises a ball and socket joint which is selectively positionable within and without of a plane bisecting the arch bow into symetric parts.

Abstract: The orthodontic appliance comprises a palatal appliance having upper and lower surfaces which is adapted to be inserted into the patient's mouth with the upper surface in surface contact with the palate. A plurality of wire members are attached to the lower surface of the palatal appliance. The wire members each have three sections which respectively project from the lower surface, across the dental arch and to the outside thereof when the palatal appliance is inserted into the mouth of the patient. An arch wire having first and second ends is attached to orthodontic brackets that have been bonded to the patient's teeth. The ends of the arch wire are activated by respectively coupling them to the third section of a pair of the wire members. The coupling of the ends of the arch wire to the wire members obviates the need for buccal tubes to activate the arch wire.