Abstract: A method for removing an archwire from a slot of an orthodontic bracket having at least one retentive component involving creating a gap either between portions of a retentive component or between the retentive component and another component of the bracket and removing the archwire from the slot through the gap. The present invention is also directed to wire disengagement tools. Each tool includes a handle and a head portion which engages the retentive component. When the orthodontist applies a force, such as a rotational or plier-like motion, to the handle of the tool, the head portion exerts a force on the retentive portion to create a gap between portions of the retentive component or between the retentive component and another component of the orthodontic bracket. Each tool also includes a side arm, which lifts the archwire from the slot through the gap created by the head portion.

Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets with archwire retainers formed of materials exhibiting shape memory. Each bracket which includes a base from which extends two spaced and opposing pairs of tie wings each pair of which define an archwire guide slot therebetween. The retainers include at least one flange to retain an archwire within the archwire guide slot but which is yieldable to permit insertion and/or removal of the archwire relative to the archwire guide slots. Portions of the brackets and/or retainer may be coated to reduce friction between the archwire and the bracket and to promote aesthetics and overall bracket appearance.

Abstract: A wire disengagement tool for removing an archwire from an archwire slot of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket, including a handle, a center arm, and at least one side arm for grasping a portion of the archwire extending laterally from the bracket. The center arm includes a head portion having an engagement surface for contacting inner flanges of upper portions of at least one tie wing of the bracket. In use, the tool is placed on a bracket so that the side arm engages the archwire along side of the bracket and the head portion of the center arm contacts a retentive component of the bracket, such as a tie wing. An orthodontist then applies a downward force, and the head portion yields a lateral wedge-like force on the retentive component so that the retentive component flexes laterally and outwardly to provide access to the archwire. The archwire is grasped between the side arms and the head portion of the center arm and easily lifted from the archwire slot.

Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets which are at least partially formed of materials exhibiting shape memory each of which includes a base from which extends two spaced and opposing pairs of tie wings each pair of which define an archwire guide slot therebetween. Each of the opposing tie wings include portions which are normally spaced to retain an archwire within the archwire guide slot but at least a portion of one of each pair of opposing tie wings is yieldable relative to the other to permit insertion and/or removal of the archwire relative to the archwire guide slot. Portions of the brackets may be coated to reduce friction between the archwire guide slot and the archwire and to promote aesthetics and overall bracket appearance.

Abstract: A sensing device formed upon a substrate, including a method of forming the sensing device. A substrate can be provided, which is formed from a polymer. A sensor circuit can then be patterned and formed upon the substrate. One or more carbonized filaments can also be formed upon the substrate for use with the sensor circuit. The sensor circuit itself can comprise a capacitive type sensor circuit. A polymer can be coated over the sensor circuit and circuit components thereof to form an all polymer sensor for use in detecting chemical agents. Such a hygrosensitive polymer can comprise, for example, HMPTAC (2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride). The all polymer sensor formed thereof can also be utilized as a humidity sensor. The polymer can be laser carbonized by an argon ion laser to form the plurality of carbonized filaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides for access systems and methods for identifying an authentic key. An embodiment of the access system includes a key having at least one phosphorescent material, the at least one phosphorescent material being operable to emit at least one response photon; a photon receptor coupled with the key, the photon receptor being configured to sample the at least one response photon and generate a representative signal thereof; and a discrimination analyzer coupled with the photon receptor, the discrimination analyzer being operable to generate a control signal responsive to a comparison of the representative signal and a signature code.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a base with a front face and spaced tie wings, with a generally central recess provided between the tie wings. With non-metal brackets, a separate jig or insert may be positioned between the tie wings. The jig or insert includes a central recess. The orthodontic brackets are designed to be positioned on an individual's tooth with the aid of a conventional bracket positioning gauge having a guide which is received in the recess of a bracket or the recess of a jig or insert. In alternate embodiments, one or more grooves may be provided between the tie wings to both assist in bracket positioning and to reduce friction between a bracket and the archwire which extends between brackets.

Abstract: An oral therapeutic apparatus and a method of using the oral device for treating a patient undergoing a chemotherapy treatment are disclosed wherein the oral device is formed to be insertable within the patient's mouth and receive a circulated cooling medium to continuously and uniformly cool the patient's oral tissues including the gums, cheeks, tongue, roof and base of the mouth, to prevent the oral tissues from absorbing the chemotherapy agent to thereby prevent inflammation and oral sores.

Abstract: An oral therapeutic apparatus and a method of using the oral device for treating a patient undergoing a chemotherapy treatment are disclosed wherein the oral device is formed to be insertable within the patient's mouth and receive a circulated cooling medium to continuously and uniformly cool the patient's oral tissues including the gums, cheeks, tongue, roof and base of the mouth, to prevent the oral tissues from absorbing the chemotherapy agent to thereby prevent inflammation and oral sores.

Abstract: A solution or gel for use in etching the surfaces of teeth in preparation for the application of dental restoratives. This etchant contains phosphoric acid in an amount not to exceed approximately 5% by weight.

Abstract: A solution or gel for use in etching the surface of teeth in preparation for the bonding of ceramic orthodontic brackets and which contains phosphoric acid in an amount not be exceed approximately 5% by weight of the solution or gel compound.

Abstract: A method of direct or indirect bonding orthodontic brackets including those having imperforate metal or opaque bases to teeth utilizing light curable polymer bonding agent compounds which are sufficiently viscous in an uncured state to retain a bracket in an applied position on the tooth until the bonding agent is cured and which bonding agents are curable within approximately twenty (20) seconds, by directing a visible and/or ultraviolet light source between the base of the bracket and the tooth to thereby thoroughly and securely bond the bracket to the tooth in the desired position. The method subsequently permits the bracket to be removed simultaneously with most of the bonding agent attached thereto thereby facilitating tooth cleaning following bracket removal.

Abstract: A storable table attachment top comprising a generally rectangular planar top member preferably of decrative wall paneling material as its surface, with said top member attached by its base to the upper surface of a generally rectangular base frame with said top member extending beyond said base frame on three and a fourth side flush with a side of said base frame thereat, a recessed projection provided laterally at the said base frame adjacent to said fourth side to provide a finger grip with said projection forming a back wall to the base of said frame to its end with said end a part of said back wall thereat providing primary support for said attachable table top in its stored position.

Abstract: What is disclosed herein is a constructive set of methods that are ecologically tuned to use and provide, inexpensively, more extensive utilization of cabinets already installed in most living modes and accommodations. By utilizing a bracket supportive procedure and constructed from channel structured material in right angles or the like and using a plurality of translucent elongated and vertically spaced shelves in combination with a typically or such constructed stove hood, exhaust pipe, and previously installed cabinets far greater use of the kitchen area will be realized. Upon utilization of my invention and at a mere fraction of the cost of new cabinets, the kitchen decor will be substantially enhanced. The utility in the kitchen will be more practical and approximately nine square feet of counter space will be realized plus; approximately fifteen cubic feet of cabinet space at the working level.

Abstract: An interior door knob security cinch loop comprising, a rectangular shaped plate bent at appointed and spaced apart relationship to form a vertical back with a top and base horizontal extensions wherein, said top has a triangularly shaped eyelet extending upward from said top and open vertically of said horizontal top. The base extension extends beyond said top extension slightly and has its forward edge diagonally planed inward to form a chisel edge and the inner said base has a predetermined number of inwardly punched out, triangularly shaped, grip points facing the vertical back of said plate. A wire of high tensile strength is threaded through the aforesaid eyelet and the ends of said wire are secured together to form an extended loop. A metal plate formed in the shape of a vertical rectangle which is inwardly open and having a retainer shaft extending from said rectangular side horizontally to house an anchor hook and/or a combination anchor device which uses a circular elastic loop.

Abstract: Animal grooming device comprising, a hexagonally-shaped flat top with a downwardly extending skirt from said top and forward extensions with said skirt having disposed circular apertures, extended triangular slots in combination with alternately placed triangular notches, a center strip with the aforesaid apertures, slots and notches attached to said top to provide two horizontal open suction chambers, a rearward closed skirt casing comprising, an attachable cylindrical nozzle and a forward facing triangular plate having laterally-placed triangular notches.