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: 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: 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: A sealing arrangement for connecting a first pipe and a second pipe. The sealing arrangement includes a first flange and a second flange circumferentially disposed on the first pipe and the second pipe respectively. The sealing arrangement further includes a damping member. The damping member includes a first slanted side supported by the first flange. In the sealing arrangement, the second flange couples with the first flange. The damping member provides a compression seal between the first pipe and the second pipe. Further, the damping member is configured to reduce the vibrations in the sealing arrangement.

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: An oscillatory measurement system is disclosed that includes a visual recorder for detecting irregularities such as bubbles in a fluid to be measured. Techniques are provided for scanning the recorder across the oscillatory tube.

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: An oscillatory measurement system is disclosed that includes a visual recorder for detecting irregularities such as bubbles in a fluid to be measured. Techniques are provided for scanning the recorder across the oscillatory tube.

Abstract: A polarimeter and polarimetry method are disclosed of the type in which light polarization rotating properties of a sample are measured by interposing the sample in the path of a light beam having base plane polarization in a plane of known orientation; along the beam path, compensating or nulling the rotation introduced by the sample, and determining the optical rotational properties of the sample based on the amount of compensation introduced to the light beam. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the light beam is subjected to plural compensations along its path the compensations being of at least two different types. Preferably, one of the types of compensation is mechanical, introduced through a device in which polarization rotation is adjusted mechanically, and the second type of compensation is provided through a device in which polarization rotation is controlled electrically.

Abstract: An oscillatory measurement system is disclosed that includes a visual recorder for detecting irregularities such as bubbles in a fluid to be measured. Techniques are provided for scanning the recorder across the oscillatory tube.

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.

Abstract: Kits and methods facilitate chair-side coating of an endodontic cone for improved sealing between the hydrophilic root canal tissue, the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, and a hydrophilic sealing resin. The kit includes one or more endodontic cones (e.g., formed of gutta percha) and a micro-dose container containing an adhesive composition. The practitioner can dip the cones into the adhesive composition so as to coat the cones chair-side, just prior to use. The adhesive composition includes an adhesive resin compound comprising at least one hydrophobic region and at least one hydrophilic region. The hydrophobic region is compatible with the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, while the hydrophilic region is compatible with a hydrophilic endodontic sealing resin.

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 filling 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. Kits are also disclosed that include a plurality of endodontic points or dental tools that have different concentrations of curing agent coated on or impregnated within the endodontic points or dental tools such that the endodontic points or dental tools have different cure times. In another kit, a plurality of curing agent compositions are provided for dipping a substrate to coat or impregnate substrates having different concentrations of curing agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imparting oscillatory motion on a test sample is disclosed in which oscillators, preferably in tubular form, are surrounded by housings. An actuator causes deforming of the housings, and the deforming movement is linked to the oscillators.

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: Kits and methods facilitate chair-side coating of an endodontic cone for improved sealing between the hydrophilic root canal tissue, the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, and a hydrophilic sealing resin. The kit includes one or more endodontic cones (e.g., formed of gutta percha) and a micro-dose container containing an adhesive composition. The practitioner can dip the cones into the adhesive composition so as to coat the cones chair-side, just prior to use. The adhesive composition includes an adhesive resin compound comprising at least one hydrophobic region and at least one hydrophilic region. The hydrophobic region is compatible with the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, while the hydrophilic region is compatible with a hydrophilic endodontic sealing resin.

Abstract: An oscillatory measurement system is disclosed that includes a visual recorder for detecting irregularities such as bubbles in a fluid to be measured. Techniques are provided for scanning the recorder across the oscillatory tube.

Abstract: Kits and methods facilitate chair-side coating of an endodontic cone for improved sealing between the hydrophilic root canal tissue, the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, and a hydrophilic sealing resin. The kit includes one or more endodontic cones (e.g., formed of gutta percha) and a micro-dose container containing an adhesive composition. The practitioner can dip the cones into the adhesive composition so as to coat the cones chair-side, just prior to use. The adhesive composition includes an adhesive resin compound comprising at least one hydrophobic region and at least one hydrophilic region. The hydrophobic region is compatible with the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, while the hydrophilic region is compatible with a hydrophilic endodontic sealing resin.

Abstract: An oscillatory measurement system is disclosed that includes a visual recorder for detecting irregularities such as bubbles in a fluid to be measured. Techniques are provided for scanning the recorder across the oscillatory tube.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for use in facilitating detection and removal of dental adhesives while minimizing and/or eliminating removal of adjacent tooth tissue. A pH sensitive color changing component (i.e., an acid/base indicator) is included within a dental adhesive composition or an activating wash composition. The adhesive composition is used to bond a dental appliance (e.g., a provisional restorative appliance or an orthodontic bracket) to a tooth. When it becomes necessary to remove the dental appliance, selective removal of the dental adhesive while minimizing and/or eliminating removal of enamel or other adjacent tooth tissue are facilitated because of the inclusion of a pH sensitive color-changing component within the dental adhesive or activating wash composition. The adhesive changes from a first color having low contrast relative to adjacent tooth tissue to a second color having greater contrast relative to adjacent tooth tissue upon application of the activating wash.