Abstract: A stripping system that includes a securement device including a receiver platform and an engagement platform sized to receive at least a portion of a large diameter cable having an outer jacket defining a thickness of at least 0.5 mm. The engagement platform translates relative to the receiver platform to secure the cable to the securement device. The system includes a cutting device including a receiver platform that includes a first cutting apparatus and an engagement platform that includes a second cutting apparatus. The receiver platform is sized to receive at least a portion of the cable. The engagement platform translates relative to the receiver platform to move the second cutting apparatus toward the first cutting apparatus to define a cutting interface that is sized to partially sever the outer jacket such that at least a portion of the 0.5 mm thickness of the outer jacket remains partially intact.

Abstract: A combination, handheld device for holding and loading/unloading a sample cell with a fluid sample, while the device is in a vertical orientation, is provided. The handheld device has a sample cell holder for selectively, removably holding the sample cell when the sample cell is in need of being filled with a fluid for testing in the polarimeter or is in need of being emptied of a fluid already tested in the polarimeter, and a sample cell fluid loader/unloader connected to and extending from, or unitarily formed with, the holder, the loader/unloader in fluid communication with the sample cell when the sample cell is held in the holder. Methods of loading and unloading a sample cell with a fluid sample using a combination, handheld device, are also provided.

Abstract: Dental cement compositions (including two-part compositions), kits, and related methods are used for bonding a dental prosthetic appliance to a tooth. A first part includes an amine activator component and a zinc oxide reactive filler, while a second part includes a polymerization initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and a polymerizable component having a structure including at least one acrylate or methacrylate group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at another end. A temporary cement composition advantageously exhibits reduced compressive and/or bonding strength relative to permanent cement compositions, which provides sufficient strength to facilitate normal use of the teeth while the provisional appliance is in use, while also facilitating easy removal of the provisional appliance for replacement with a permanent appliance at a later time.

Abstract: A stripping system that includes a securement device including a receiver platform and an engagement platform sized to receive at least a portion of a large diameter cable having an outer jacket defining a thickness of at least 0.5 mm. The engagement platform translates relative to the receiver platform to secure the cable to the securement device. The system includes a cutting device including a receiver platform that includes a first cutting apparatus and an engagement platform that includes a second cutting apparatus. The receiver platform is sized to receive at least a portion of the cable. The engagement platform translates relative to the receiver platform to move the second cutting apparatus toward the first cutting apparatus to define a cutting interface that is sized to partially sever the outer jacket such that at least a portion of the 0.5 mm thickness of the outer jacket remains partially intact.

Abstract: A back scrubber for use with a variety of different washcloths includes an elongate shaft, a frame attached to a distal end of the shaft and a set of flexible teeth extending from the frame toward the center of the frame. The frame defines an inner area over which the washcloth wraps to define a back scrubbing surface. The tips of the teeth form an opening through which an excess portion of the washcloth that wraps over the inner area and the frame enters to be in contact with an under side of the back scrubbing surface of the washcloth.

Abstract: A liquid sample loader for an analytical instrument includes a sample holder with a sample well for holding a liquid sample and a sample passageway extending upwardly at an inclined angle from a bottom portion of the well, a pump positioned upstream from the sample holder and an upstream passageway coupled between the sample and the pump. A controller controls the pump to push the sample in the sample well downstream through the sample passageway toward the measuring instrument.

Abstract: Dental cement compositions (including two-part compositions), kits, and related methods are used for bonding a dental prosthetic appliance to a tooth. A first part includes an amine activator component and a zinc oxide reactive filler, while a second part includes a polymerization initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and a polymerizable component having a structure including at least one acrylate or methacrylate group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at another end. A temporary cement composition advantageously exhibits reduced compressive and/or bonding strength relative to permanent cement compositions, which provides sufficient strength to facilitate normal use of the teeth while the provisional appliance is in use, while also facilitating easy removal of the provisional appliance for replacement with a permanent appliance at a later time.

Abstract: Dental cement compositions (including two-part compositions), kits, and related methods are used for bonding a dental prosthetic appliance to a tooth. A first part includes an amine activator component and a zinc oxide reactive filler, while a second part includes a polymerization initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and a polymerizable component having a structure including at least one acrylate or methacrylate group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at another end. A temporary cement composition advantageously exhibits reduced compressive and/or bonding strength relative to permanent cement compositions, which provides sufficient strength to facilitate normal use of the teeth while the provisional appliance is in use, while also facilitating easy removal of the provisional appliance for replacement with a permanent appliance at a later time.

Abstract: A sample cell filling device for filling a sample cell to be used remotely from a polarimeter is provided. The filling device includes a liquid-sealed housing, light source and a diffuser viewing screen. The housing has a recess for receiving the sample cell, the sample cell having first and second optical windows at the respective ends. A light source transmits light from one optical window to the other optical window. A diffuser viewing screen receives light exiting from the sample cell such that light from the viewing screen can be observed by a user to determine the quality of the sample fill.

Abstract: A liquid sample loader for an analytical instrument includes a sample holder with a sample well for holding a liquid sample and a sample passageway extending upwardly at an inclined angle from a bottom portion of the well, a pump positioned upstream from the sample holder and an upstream passageway coupled between the sample and the pump. A controller controls the pump to push the sample in the sample well downstream through the sample passageway toward the measuring instrument.

Abstract: Dental cement compositions (including two-part compositions), kits, and related methods are used for bonding a dental prosthetic appliance to a tooth. A first part includes an amine activator component and a zinc oxide reactive filler, while a second part includes a polymerization initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and a polymerizable component having a structure including at least one acrylate or methacrylate group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at another end. A temporary cement composition advantageously exhibits reduced compressive and/or bonding strength relative to permanent cement compositions, which provides sufficient strength to facilitate normal use of the teeth while the provisional appliance is in use, while also facilitating easy removal of the provisional appliance for replacement with a permanent appliance at a later time.

Abstract: Dental cement compositions (including two-part compositions), kits, and related methods are used for bonding a dental prosthetic appliance to a tooth. A first part includes an amine activator component and a zinc oxide reactive filler, while a second part includes a polymerization initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and a polymerizable component having a structure including at least one acrylate or methacrylate group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at another end. A temporary cement composition advantageously exhibits reduced compressive and/or bonding strength relative to permanent cement compositions, which provides sufficient strength to facilitate normal use of the teeth while the provisional appliance is in use, while also facilitating easy removal of the provisional appliance for replacement with a permanent appliance at a later time.

Abstract: A liquid sample loader for an analytical instrument includes a sample holder with a sample well for holding a liquid sample and a sample passageway extending upwardly at an inclined angle from a bottom portion of the well, a pump positioned upstream from the sample holder and an upstream passageway coupled between the sample and the pump. A controller controls the pump to push the sample in the sample well downstream through the sample passageway toward the measuring instrument.

Abstract: A sample cell filling device for filling a sample cell to be used remotely from a polarimeter is provided. The filling device includes a liquid-sealed housing, light source and a diffuser viewing screen. The housing has a recess for receiving the sample cell, the sample cell having first and second optical windows at the respective ends. A light source transmits light from one optical window to the other optical window. A diffuser viewing screen receives light exiting from the sample cell such that light from the viewing screen can be observed by a user to determine the quality of the sample fill.

Abstract: Dental cement compositions (including two-part compositions), kits, and related methods are used for bonding a dental prosthetic appliance to a tooth. A first part includes an amine activator component and a zinc oxide reactive filler, while a second part includes a polymerization initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and a polymerizable component having a structure including at least one acrylate or methacrylate group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at another end. A temporary cement composition advantageously exhibits reduced compressive and/or bonding strength relative to permanent cement compositions, which provides sufficient strength to facilitate normal use of the teeth while the provisional appliance is in use, while also facilitating easy removal of the provisional appliance for replacement with a permanent appliance at a later time.

Abstract: Two-part resin-reinforced cement compositions, kits, and related methods are used for bonding a dental prosthetic appliance to a tooth. A first part includes an amine activator component and a zinc oxide reactive filler, while a second part includes a polymerization initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and a polymerizable component having a structure including at least one acrylate or methacrylate group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at another end. A temporary cement composition advantageously exhibits reduced compressive and/or bonding strength relative to permanent cement compositions, which provides sufficient strength to facilitate normal use of the teeth while the provisional appliance is in use, while also facilitating easy removal of the provisional appliance for replacement with a permanent appliance at a later time.

Abstract: A system and method for polarimetry are disclosed in which a polarimeter may include a light source for transmitting a light beam through a sample within a container; a wavelength selector configured to specify a target wavelength at which the polarization rotation of the light beam emerging from the sample will be evaluated; a polarization rotator configured to be selectively moved into and out of a path of the light beam from the light source; and a detector for obtaining a first measurement of the light beam polarization rotation with the polarization rotator outside the path of the light beam, and a second measurement of the light beam polarization rotation with the polarization rotator within the path of the light beam, with both measurements occurring at the wavelength resulting from the configuration of the wavelength selector.

Abstract: Fluoride varnish compositions for temporary application and adhesion to a person's teeth. The composition includes a carrier comprising a resin and an adhesion promoting agent comprising an alkyl phosphoric acid. A fluoride ion source (e.g., a fluoride salt such as sodium fluoride) is dispersed within the carrier so as to provide biologically available fluoride ions to the tooth tissue being treated. The composition adheres only temporarily to tooth tissue (e.g., for a period of at least about 4 minutes, but not more than about 1 year), after which the composition spontaneously wears away as a natural result of the action of the tongue, saliva and/or other factors.

Abstract: A critical-angle refractometer which utilizes an in image of light reflected from an optical interface with a vessel containing a sample under test to determine an optical property of the sample, sample properties are evaluated to prevent improper testing of the sample. This evaluation includes establishing reflectance information associating the amount of reflection with locations in the image; and utilizing a plurality of properties of the reflectance information to determine if the vessel contains a proper sample under test.

Abstract: Activating endodontic points and dental tools are sized and configured to be placed in the root canal of a tooth. The activating endodontic points or dental tools are coated or impregnated with a curing agent that initiates or accelerates polymerization of a sealer or filler composition when placed in contact with the sealer or filler material. Curing agents can include amines that can destabilize a peroxide in the sealer or filler material to initiate or accelerate polymerization, or they may comprise the peroxide. An implement can be dipped in a concentrated curing composition just prior to inserting the implement into a root canal to contact the filler or sealer composition. Kits may include a plurality of curing agent compositions having different concentrations and/or amounts of curing agent. Kits may also include a curable resin material that includes a first part of a multi-part curing system and a curing composition that includes, as curing agent a complementary part of the curing system.