Abstract: A varied response teether with an outer surface created at least in part by a first elastomeric material and an inner portion including an elastomeric material that has at least one different property than the first elastomeric material.

Abstract: A system and method for fitting pacifiers and other implements to a particular child. One or more images of the child are used to determine anthropometric data that can be used to properly size a pacifier bulb and properly fit other implements.

Abstract: A biologic-response teether (150). The teether (150) has a shield (160) and one or two generally “T”-shaped bite portions (170, 180) projecting from the shield (160). The bite portions (170, 180) each define an elongated stem (171, 181) closest to the shield (160) and two arms (169, 168) that are coupled to and transverse to the stem (171, 181).

Abstract: A system and method for fitting pacifiers and other implements to a particular child. One or more images of the child are used to determine anthropometric data that can be used to properly size a pacifier bulb and properly fit other implements.

Abstract: A feeding teat (40) constructed and arranged to be used on a bottle (52) that holds and dispenses a liquid to be fed to an infant or child. The teat (40) has a nipple portion (70) with an orifice (71) at a terminal end, and defines an interior profile shaped by intersecting reverse curves (75, 76) that generally decrease the interior diameter of the nipple portion (70) toward the orifice (71), so as to channel fluid flow into the orifice (112). There is a flange portion (66) constructed and arranged to be releasably coupled to the bottle (52) such that the liquid can flow from the bottle (52) into the teat (40), and a convexly shaped intermediate portion (80) integrally connecting the nipple portion (70) to the flange portion (66). A pressure relief valve (60) built into the teat (40) is constructed and arranged to admit air into the interior of at least one of the teat (40) and the bottle (52).

Abstract: A varied response teether with an outer surface created at least in part by a first elastomeric material and an inner portion including an elastomeric material that has at least one different property than the first elastomeric material.

Abstract: A shield for a pacifier, teether, feeding device, sippy cup or the like. The shield carries a structure that is adapted to be inserted into the mouth of a young child. There is a body defining an opening at which the structure is carried and an inner surface surrounding this opening and encompassing the perioral areas surrounding the lips. The body defines a superior portion superior to the opening and an inferior portion inferior to the opening, and defines a lateral axis passing laterally through the opening. The superior portion is generally concave laterally on both sides of the vertical midline, to define an inner surface that closely conforms to the upper lip and perioral areas. At least the part of the inferior portion close to and on either side of the vertical midline is offset outward away from the face compared to the inner surface of the superior portion that is close to and on either side of the vertical midline, to allow the mandible to move anteriorly without being inhibited by the shield.

Abstract: A shield for a pacifier, teether, feeding device, sippy cup or the like. The shield carries a structure that is adapted to be inserted into the mouth of a young child. There is, a body defining an opening at which the structure is carried and an inner surface surrounding this opening and encompassing the perioral areas surrounding the lips. The body demes a superior portion superior to the opening and an inferior portion inferior to the opening, and defines a lateral axis passing laterally through the opening. The superior portion is generally concave laterally on both sides of the vertical midline, to define an inner surface that closely conforms to the upper lip and perioral areas. At least the part of the inferior portion close to and on either side of the vertical midline is offset outward away from the face compared to the inner surface of the superior portion that is close to and on either side of the vertical midline, to allow the mandible to move anteriorly without being inhibited by the shield.

Abstract: A feeding teat (40) constructed and arranged to be used on a bottle (52) that holds and dispenses a liquid to be fed to an infant or child. The teat (40) has a nipple portion (70) with an orifice (71) at a terminal end, and defines an interior profile shaped by intersecting reverse curves (75, 76) that generally decrease the interior diameter of the nipple portion (70) toward the orifice (71), so as to channel fluid flow into the orifice (112). There is a flange portion (66) constructed and arranged to be releasably coupled to the bottle (52) such that the liquid can flow from the bottle (52) into the teat (40), and a convexly shaped intermediate portion (80) integrally connecting the nipple portion (70) to the flange portion (66). A pressure relief valve (60) built into the teat (40) is constructed and arranged to admit air into the interior of at least one of the teat (40) and the bottle (52).

Abstract: A biometric identification device (100) for two-person (for example parent and child such as a newborn infant) identification and matching. The device is adapted to provide a system for obtaining unique biometric identifiers from a parent and a child, which will remain linked through the life of the device. For example, the device (700) may be an integral device that includes a first portion (104) adapted for collection of an oral swab comprising epithelial cells and saliva (typically collected from a newborn infant), a second portion (102) adapted for collection of a biometric sample from another person (typically the new mother, either just before or just after birth), and a portion (103) connecting the first portion (104) and second portion (102). Also provided are methods for use of the provided biometric device for obtaining identification samples as well as methods of use of the provided device for identification of a person and/or identification of a parent/child match.

Abstract: A varied response teether (10) with an outer surface (12) created at least in part by a first elastomeric material and an inner portion (22) including an elastomeric material that has at least one different property than the first elastomeric material.

Abstract: A biologic-response teether (150). The teether (150) has a shield (160) and one or two generally “T”-shaped bite portions (170, 180) projecting from the shield (160). The bite portions (170, 180) each define an elongated stem (171, 181) closest to the shield (160) and two arms (169, 168) that are coupled to and transverse to the stem (171, 181).

Abstract: Intraoral orthodontic pacifier/nipple appliances having integrated orthodontic functionality. The appliance has an integrated orthodontic mechanism. The bulb expands or moves upward and expands outward as a child sucks on it, to counteract inward pressure of the cheeks and the lateral portion of the lips caused by suction or sucking action. The invention also provides products including the orthodontic appliance, as well as methods of using the appliance and products including the appliance in the inhibition and treatment of certain malocclusions in the primary dentition of young children.

Abstract: A nipple appliance having a base portion, a bulb portion having an integrated internal mechanical device that expands as the child sucks on the bulb, and a neck portion connecting the base portion and bulb portion. A sucking force by a child activates the mechanical device by compression of a front of the nipple to redirect force outward and upward by expansion of lateral walls of the bulb, thereby conveying pressure against the palate, alveolar ridge, and/or the teeth.

Abstract: An orthopedic pacifier defining a shield adapted to remain outside of the mouth, a bulb adapted to be located in the mouth and on which the child sucks. The bulb is adapted to expand or move upward and outward as the child sucks on it, to counteract inward pressure of the cheeks and the lateral portion of the lips caused by the suction or sucking action.

Abstract: A dental bite impression wafer that also captures the user's saliva and cheek cells. The wafer is made from a thermoplastic material that softens when warmed and that defines opposed posterior edges. The wafer carries one or more structures such as posts that are adapted to capture and retain the user's saliva and cheek cells.

Abstract: A method and article for providing identification means, comprising taking an impression of teeth with a thermoplastic wafer of special configuration such that the wafer receives an impression which gives the size, shape and anatomy of each tooth from the occlusal surface to the gum line, and also provides information on tooth position and jaw relationship, to provide maximum information for identification. The wafer also acquires salivary components which, for an indeterminate amount of time, allows for DNA analysis testing or scent dog tracing. The wafer with the impression is then stored for use in case of need, preferably in a container which is sealed so that tampering with the contents can be detected.

Abstract: A method and article for providing identification means, comprising taking an impression of teeth with a thermoplastic wafer of special configuration such that the wafer receives an impression which gives the size, shape and anatomy of each tooth from the occlusal surface to the gum line, and also provides information on tooth position and jaw relationship, to provide maximum information for identification. The wafer also acquires salivary components which, for an indeterminate amount of time, allows for DNA analysis testing or scent dog tracing. The wafer with the impression is then stored for use in case of need, preferably in a container which is sealed so that tampering with the contents can be detected.

Abstract: A method and article for providing identification means, comprising taking an impression of teeth with a wax wafer of special configuration such that the wafer receives an impression which gives the size and shape of each tooth from the occusal surface to the gum line, and also provides information on tooth position and jaw relationship, to provide maximum information for identification. The wafer with the impression is then stored for use in case of need, preferably in a container which is sealed so that tampering with the contents can be detected.