Abstract: Ceramic filler compositions of customized shapes (FIGS. 1-30) according to the present invention, includes ceramic and glass-ceramic particles having a customized shape which provides mechanical locking within a resin matrix giving significantly improved fracture toughness performance for a resin/glass or ceramic composite system. The material has particular application as a tooth filling material with significantly improved wear resistance. The wide range of unique-shaped filler particles are produced using wet chemistry methods according to the invention of preparing the ceramic particles for use in a resin matrix composite material. Such composite materials have a very wide application, especially as a dental composite filling material for restoring a tooth.

Abstract: A dental construct according to the present invention includes a glass-ceramic coping having a resin composite material in the form of a veneer bonded or otherwise affixed to at least a portion of the coping. A method according to the invention of preparing the dental construct includes the step of bonding or otherwise affixing a resin composite material in the form of a veneer to at least a portion of a glass-ceramic substrate coping.

Abstract: A dental construct according to the present invention includes a glass-ceramic coping having a resin composite material in the form of a veneer bonded or otherwise affixed to at least a portion of the coping. A method according to the invention of preparing the dental construct includes the step of bonding or otherwise affixing a resin composite material in the form of a veneer to at least a portion of a glass-ceramic substrate coping.

Abstract: Ceramic filler compositions of customized shapes (FIGS. 1-30) according to the present invention, includes ceramic and glass-ceramic particles having a customized shape which provides mechanical locking within a resin matrix giving significantly improved fracture toughness performance for a resin/glass or ceramic composite system. The material has particular application as a tooth filling material with significantly improved wear resistance. The wide range of unique-shaped filler particles are produced using wet chemistry methods according to the invention of preparing the ceramic particles for use in a resin matrix composite material. Such composite materials have a very wide application, especially as a dental composite filling material for restoring a tooth.

Abstract: Device for rapidly and automatically deploying and retracting a combiner attached to a visored helmet. A combination of opposing springs, one made from conventional materials and the other from shape memory alloy (SMA), effects a detent mechanism and the retracting and deploying mechanism. The conventional spring normally exerts a greater force than the SMA spring, but the latter exerts the greater force upon being heated, preferably by means of an electric current passing through the spring. Alternative deployment and retraction means include a solenoid-conventional spring combination or an electrical motor which used in conjunction with a locking and unlocking means incorporating a SMA spring.