Abstract: A gingival stimulator having optionally-angled bundled bristles anchored in at least one row in a brush head, and a narrow working footprint of collective bristle free tip ends having a maximum width dimension of approximately four millimeters. If splayed and/or flared, bristles have a preferred maximum free tip end density of approximately twelve bristles-per-square-millimeter. When moved into contact with teeth, the free tip ends easily navigate around them, promptly advancing to interproximal areas. The brush head is agitated with one or two hands and a quick vibratory motion when the free tip ends are in perpendicular contact with interdental papilla. Thus, gingival tissue becomes stimulated by the bristle free tip ends, dislodging food particles and bringing increased blood flow to it, keeping the gingival tissue in good health while avoiding the placement of adverse damaging forces against adjacent tooth structure during gingival stimulation, and preserving teeth from abrasion and notching.

Abstract: A toothbrush having multiple bundles of bristles preferably arranged in two rows spaced apart from one another, and each bundle independently anchored into the front surface of the brush head with bundles in the opposed rows directed inwardly toward one another and angled toward a common intersection, allowing the free tip ends of the bristles to terminate in a single, common row. Each bundle is free standing and the bundles in one row have alternating relation with the bundles in the other row or rows. Thus, the free tip ends of the bristles in each bundle terminate independently and unopposed, allowing the bristles in each bundle to have movement independent from those in adjacent bundles, apply less force against teeth, and provide less abrasion of the rounded outward tooth surfaces at or near the gingival level during the cleaning of interproximal areas of teeth.

Abstract: A system for impingement air treatment of a thin film conveyor generally includes a thin film conveyor having a width, a first surface, and a second surface, and a first impingement air device configured to blow impingement air on at least one of the first and second surfaces across at least a portion of the width of the thin film conveyor. Other systems and methods for impingement air treatment of conveyors are also provided.

Abstract: A dental/gingival stimulating article is disclosed that provides interdental stimulation and plaque removal to the interproximal areas. This toothbrush like design holds bristle tips that terminate in a vee shaped design. The instrument is held in one hand and directed with appropriate direction and force to guide fiber ends into the spaces between the gum and teeth interproximally. Its vee shape will allow non-restricted passage around the interdental papilla. The rotational direction used on the handle will dissipate to a massaging motion within the sulci. Therefore, the threat of interproximal caries is reduced and the occurrence of periodontal disease is minimized.

Abstract: A dental/gingival stimulating article is disclosed that provides interdental stimulation and plaque removal to several teeth at once. This design holds many stimulator tips that have broadened but narrow profile paddle ends. The instrument is held in one hand and directed with appropriate direction and force to guide fiber ends into the spaces between the gum and teeth. It will reach several papillary areas. The rotational direction used on the handle will dissipate to a massaging motion within the sulci. Therefore, the threat of interproximal caries is reduced and the occurrence of periodontal disease is minimized.

Abstract: A methods and apparatus is disclosed herein that confirms the accuracy of dental casts. The device has four adjustable arms terminating in rests. The rests are slightly concave to receive methylmethacrylate. The arms are adjustable to mate rests with selected points or cusp tips on the model. In use, the set screw is loosened to allow a friction fit adjustment of the four arms. Once the four arms are adjusted so that the rests are aligned over desired cusp tips a locking screw is tightened. The arms are held immobilized. Methylmethacrylate is now added to the concave portion of rests. While this acrylic is still soft it is returned in the same location on model to register the imprint of the preselected cusp tips. The verifier can now be utilized to verify accuracy of another clone model by placing in similar manner on second cast. The verifier should come to rest on the second model exactly as it did on the original.

Abstract: A new type of dental impression device is disclosed, which aides in producing more accurate impressions. The device is a spring loaded device which holds a panel flat against the teeth. This panel is custom fabricated to fit against the teeth just below the height of contour. It temporarily yields a flattened surface, masking all of the irregular surfaces beneath it. The dental impression material may then be removed without the distortion caused by the associated stretching over the curves of the teeth.

Abstract: A dental impression technique is disclosed which actually includes the presents of air pockets within the dental impression material. The technique describes including small sponges into the tray impression material while mixing base and catalyst. Air pockets are thus created evenly within the impression material. Air pockets may also exist by mixing air into material, small premanufactured spheres, or by chemical reaction.

Abstract: An improved dental impression tray fabricated with vertical rests that anchor onto predetermined areas of the mouth to allow stabilization of tray while impression material sets. This disclosure also provides for a venting of selected teeth to the outside air to eliminate damaging force of vacuum on freshly cured material when tray is lifted. More specifically, the practitioner fills the impression tray with moldable material and seats fully into the mouth. Venting pins are immediately fitted through impression tray and impression material and seated onto the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. After the impression material has set, venting pins are removed. The impression tray is then lifted vertically and removed.

Abstract: A system for measured tightening of an oil filter to an engine block mount includes an array of clocks placed circumferential around oil filter (20). Each clock has one dark hand (26) and one light hand (28). The light hand is advanced of the dark hand. The degree of tightening is determined by amount of separation between hands. As filter is rotated, next clock coming into view, has hands positioned one hour advanced (4-13). Panoramic movement of hands as filter is turned will indicate degree of rotation and tightening.