Abstract: A force generating device is described which includes an elastomeric force generating member. Preferably the elastomeric member is a elastomeric polymer tube. Each end of the tube can be fitted over collars. Attached to one collar is a piston and formed within the other collar is an orifice for slidably receiving the piston. When compressed, the force generating device will attempt to return to its original undeformed shape thus exerting a force along a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the force generating device is employed in an orthodontic assembly. For example, the force generating device can be employed in an orthodontic assembly for developing a patient's arch.

Abstract: A force generating device is described which includes an elastomeric force generating member. Preferably the elastomeric member is a elastomeric polymer tube. Each end of the tube can be fitted over collars. Attached to one collar is a piston and formed within the other collar is an orifice for slidably receiving the piston. When compressed, the force generating device will attempt to return to its original undeformed shape thus exerting a force along a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the force generating device is employed in an orthodontic assembly. For example, the force generating device can be employed in an orthodontic assembly for developing a patient's arch.

Abstract: A convertible buccal tube which includes a base and a body extending from the base. The body includes an elongated first archwire slot and a cover plate extending across and enclosing a buccal side of the first archwire slot. The cover plate is integrally formed with the body. and includes perforated longitudinal connections which form two lines of weaknesses adjacent to the side walls of the archwire slot. The cover plate can be removed to convert the buccal tube to an edgewise bracket.

Abstract: A lingual orthodontic assembly for developing a patient's arch is disclosed, and component parts thereof which may have use in other treatment applications. One of the lingual arch developers disclosed uses magnets to have an effect on the mesial advancement of the lingual arch. The lingual arch of this developer may be interconnected with the patient by a connector which includes at least one and preferably two vertical posts which are insertable into corresponding vertical tubes fixed to a band on a patient's tooth. At least one generally horizontal tube is interconnected with these posts. In one embodiment this tube is gingivally disposed to, for instance, slidably interface with a lingual arch. This connector may be used as an interface between the patient and other orthodontic appliances as well. For instance, the noted tube on the connector may be generally gingivally disposed to, for instance, interface with a palatal expander.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly including an orthodontic appliance and a region composed of a matrix material having a plurality of reinforcement structures distributed throughout, with some of the reinforcement structures being exposed on an exterior surface of the assembly, as well as an associated method of fabrication. In one embodiment, the entire orthodontic appliance is composed of the noted reinforcement structures and matrix material. In another embodiment, the noted region is actually a layer which is attached to a separately formed appliance, such as a bracket. Nonetheless, the reinforcement structures may be exposed in a variety of locations, such as on the base and/or arch slot. Moreover, this region may be formed by forming the appliance from the reinforcement structures and matrix material in a manner which produces skin on its exterior surface, and removing the skin from the desired areas to expose reinforcement structures partially contained within the matrix material.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic assembly and method is disclosed. The orthodontic assembly includes opposing complementary bite blocks separately mountable utilizing separate mounting assemblies. Preferably, the mounting assembly for at least one of the upper or lower bite blocks of each upper/lower set allows for selective antero-posterior positioning. Each bite block preferably comprises a preformed portion and a formable layer that can be adapted to an occlusal surface for flush mounting thereupon.

Abstract: An extensometer readout circuit conditions a strain information signal, representing strain of a specimen being tested, in such a way that yield point measurements and final elongation measurements of such specimen may be concurrently obtained. The strain information signal is provided by subjecting the specimen to a tensile or compression test by any conventional means known in the prior art. The strain information signal is first applied to a preamplifier. The preamplified strain information signal is then concurrently applied to both a high gain amplifier and a low gain amplifier. The signal obtained from the high gain amplifier is used for performing modulus calculations and for obtaining yield point measurements. The signal obtained from the low gain amplifier is used to obtain the total elongation measurement.

Abstract: A swivel joint which has two mating part spherical reaction surfaces carried on two loading members. One of the surfaces is defined in part on a piston which is urged under pressure toward the mating part to take up backlash between the mating surfaces. A sealed area may be defined between the mating surfaces and which contains a quantity of fluid under pressure to carry the loads between the two surfaces on a hydrostatic bearing. The swivel joint permits high loads from hydraulic actuators to be supported without encountering high friction forces while permitting swiveling of the joint across a substantial range of angles.