Abstract: The invention comprises a tool. The tool comprises a hollow tool body having a light source disposed adjacent a first end thereof, the hollow tool body defining a first opening adjacent the first end, wherein the light source is disposed so that light from the light source is directed through the first opening. The tool also comprises a transparent member disposed in the first opening so that light from the light source passes through the transparent member, wherein the transparent member defines a second opening. The tool further comprises a third opening defined by the hollow tool body for introducing pressurized air into the hollow tool body so that pressurized air introduced through the third opening is exhausted from the hollow tool body through the second opening. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a dental tool. The dental tool comprises a hollow tool body having a light source disposed in one end thereof. The dental tool also comprises a hollow tube disposed within the hollow tool body, the hollow tube having a first end disposed adjacent the light source and an opposite second end connectable to a source of pressurized air. The dental tool further comprises at least one vent hole formed in the hollow tool body distal from the light source such that air emitted from the first end of the hollow tube absorbs heat from the light source and the heated air is discharged from the hollow tool body through the vent hole. A method of using the dental tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a capo for fretted stringed instruments. The capo comprises a string pressure plate sized and shaped to cover two adjacent frets and simultaneously press strings of the fretted stringed instrument into contact with the two adjacent frets of the fretted stringed instrument. The capo also comprises an attachment mechanism that attached the string pressure plate to a fretboard of the fretted stringed instrument. A method of using the capo is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes a dental tool for applying orthodontic attachments to teeth. The tool includes a body having a portion for holding the dental tool and a portion for selectively gripping an object to be bonded to a tooth. The tool also includes a nozzle for emitting pressurized air adjacent the portion for selectively gripping the object to be bonded to the tooth. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes a dental tool for applying orthodontic attachments to teeth. The tool includes a body having a portion for holding the dental tool and a portion for selectively gripping an object to be bonded to a tooth. The tool also includes a nozzle for emitting pressurized air adjacent the portion for selectively gripping the object to be bonded to the tooth. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved bib retaining device. The bib retaining device comprises an elongate resilient member having a central portion and opposite end portions, the central portion of the elongate resilient member being formed into a neck engaging portion, the end portions extending outwardly from the neck engaging portion, and a bib retaining member attached to each end portion of the elongate resilient member. A method of using a bib retaining device is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an orthodontic bracket comprising a body member having a gingival opening mesio-distally extending slot formed therein. The slot is sized and shaped to receive an archwire. The body member also comprising a vertical leg between the slot and a labial or facial surface of the body member. The vertical leg defines a portion of the slot. The body member also comprises a shoulder attached to the vertical leg adjacent the opening and extending into the slot. A method of using a orthodontic bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved breathing assistance device. The breathing assistance device comprises a nasal mask, an upper mouth piece and a frame attached to the upper mouth piece. The frame is coupled to the nasal mask such that orbital movement of the nasal mask is permitted while air under pressure is supplied to the nasal mask through the coupling. A method of using a breathing assistance device is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved breathing assistance device. The breathing assistance device comprises a nasal mask, an upper mouth piece and a frame attached to the upper mouth piece. The frame and nasal mask are arranged such that, when the device is worn by a user, the frame contacts the nasal mask and applies pressure to the nasal mask such that the nasal mask can be worn without straps. A method of using a breathing assistance device is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved breathing assistance device. The breathing assistance device comprises a nasal mask, an upper mouth piece and a frame attached to the upper mouth piece. The frame and nasal mask are arranged such that, when the device is worn by a user, the frame contacts the nasal mask and applies pressure to the nasal mask such that the nasal mask can be worn without straps. A method of using a breathing assistance device is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a set of orthodontic brackets for attachment to teeth of either the mandibular arch or the maxillary arch. The orthodontic brackets comprise a plurality body members each having a base surface, a top surface and two opposing side surfaces. Slots are formed in the top surface and in at least one of the side surfaces. The slots are positioned in the body members such that the top slot of one bracket of the set of brackets is provided with substantially the same in/out compensation as another bracket of the set and the side slot of one bracket of the set of brackets is provided with substantially the same in/out compensation as another bracket of the set.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved orthodontic bracket comprising a body member having a base surface, a top surface and two opposing side surfaces; slots formed in the top surface having a depth substantially equal to the position of the slot in the side surface so that when archwires are received in the slots and retained in the slots by a retaining member both archwires will be positioned the same distance from the base surface thereby providing both archwires with the same in/out compensation.

Abstract: An orthodontic arch wire having anterior and posterior segments of different elasticity or stiffness to enable early and simultaneous treatment of teeth in the entire dental arch. The wire is preferably made by uniting a central segment of relatively resilient wire with end or posterior segments of a different and more rigid wire. Different cross-sectional shapes may also be used in the several segments.